The MOS 51 Career Field was established in December 2006 to help the Army meet an increasing need for contracting officers in areas where contingency operations were taking place. In October of 2007, the Department of the Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel approved the creation of both collar and regimental insignia for Career Management Field 51; the designs were approved and authorized on January 8, 2008. Collar insignia may be worn only by enlisted personnel, while the regimental insignia is authorized for wear only by Soldiers who have been awarded the MOS 51C, Acquisition, Logistics & Technology (AL&T) Contracting NCO. This MOS is also referred to as the Acquisition Corps NCO.
Today, Acquisition Corps NCOs are in charge of contracting teams, battalions, or brigades serving in both contingent and non-contingent areas of operation. They develop contract support plans, conduct assessments of contracting operations, and serve as a resource for supported units and organizations seeking business advice.
Unlike other enlisted specialties, candidates selected for MOS 51C must have already reached an NCO grade, and they typically have either a college degree or at least a substantial number of college credit hours. Soldiers chosen for this career field who have not yet earned a college degree are given 24 months to do so. Tuition assistance (up to $7750 annually) is available to Soldiers seeking to complete their four-year degree program.
At the time it was established, the Army was seeking NCOs with less than 10 years of service, but in 2017 the requirements were modified to allows Soldiers with 10 to 13 years of service to be considered by a selection board.
In addition to meeting time-of-service and other performance requirements, Soldiers wishing to enter MOS 51C must be able to be deployed worldwide and operate in a deployed environment wearing the full array of personal protective equipment. They must undergo credit checks to ensure they have no financial hardships or are in danger of financial insolvency; background checks are performed to ensure their integrity, honor, and character.