The Army is launching a new program to evaluate colonels for various command positions following the success of a similar initiative for prospective battalion commanders.

Beginning in September, the Colonels Command Assessment Program involving 400 senior officers will take place at Fort Knox, Kentucky, as one of several new talent management initiatives the Army is rolling out as part of a sweeping effort to better manage soldiers’ careers and take advantage of their skills, abilities and interests.

Known as CCAP, the new program will include a five-day series of physical, cognitive and non-cognitive assessments aimed at determining and ranking each colonel’s fitness for command and potential, according to information from the Army.

Participants will be tested on written and verbal communication, interview with behavioral psychologists and participate in panel interviews with senior Army officers. About 180 Army leaders and cadre will support and program and administer evaluations.

CCAP is similar to the Battalion Commander Assessment Program, which took place for the first time in January and February at Fort Knox. About 800 lieutenant colonels and majors were evaluated on their readiness to lead at the battalion level. In March, the Army announced it had selected 660 of them as principals and alternates for battalion command and key billets.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville earlier this year described BCAP as “transformational.” He added that battalion commanders are “the most consequential leaders in the Army” as they will become the service’s future strategic leaders. “We want to make sure we have the right people in these positions,” he said.

For more on BCAP, click here.