A Self-Development Plan (SDP) is a means used by US Army personnel to record personal and professional development goals and engage in continuous learning. The Self-Development Plan contains the personal and career goals of an individual. Individuals at all levels continually study Army and joint doctrine and observations, insights, lessons, and best practices, as well as continue to learn from military history and other disciplines. Soldiers start their self-development plans during initial military training. Civilians begin their self-development plans when they are hired.