ARMY AL&T
“Handling work challenges while taking care of family has been a constant learning experience.”
“My time at the 409th CSB was trans- formative as I served as a warranted contracting officer, working across vari- ous offices in Europe, including Kosovo, Romania and Poland. Tis experience allowed me to support Soldiers in garri- sons and field exercises across 18 countries, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of how contracting opera- tions can positively impact commander’s missions across the warfighting func- tions,” he said. “Te exposure to diverse environments and operational scenarios broadened my perspective and equipped me with valuable insights into the dynamic nature of contracting support.”
Following his assignment with the 409th CSB, Redfearn played a crucial role in the team responsible for creating the MICC Master Gunner Program. A program, which he said has proven invaluable for contracting leaders as it trains noncom- missioned officers and Department of the Army civilians to evaluate individual members of contracting organizations from a technical perspective.
“Te Master Gunners, working in collab- oration with their sergeant major and commander, develop training strategies to ensure each contracting professional is prepared to provide support across the spectrum of operations,” he said. “Tis initiative not only enhances the technical proficiency of our contracting workforce, but also reinforces our commitment to delivering effective support in various operational contexts.”
Redfearn said he consistently offers three key pieces of advice to junior acquisi- tion professionals. First find a mentor. “Mentorship is integral to development in this career field. A seasoned mentor brings valuable experience, helping mentees make informed career decisions, navi- gate challenging situations and provide a sounding board for ideas,” he said. A good mentor is instrumental in fostering profes- sional growth.
Next on the list, he said, is seek challeng- ing assignments. “In the diverse landscape of the Army contracting community, it’s easy to become confined to a specific type of contracting. Whether it’s handling simplified acquisitions for base life support or engaging in systems contracting for program offices, the acquisition field offers a multitude of experiences. I encourage junior professionals to actively seek out diverse assignments to broaden their skill set and knowledge base.”
Last: Question the status quo. “Embrac- ing the principle that doing the same thing yields the same results, I advocate for always questioning ‘why’,” he said. “New contracting professionals should consistently ask why certain processes or procedures are in place. Tis not only deepens their understanding but may also lead to improvements in existing processes. Troughout my career, I’ve experienced instances where challenging the status quo led to the discovery of more efficient approaches, showcasing the importance of asking why.”
Outside of the professional sphere, Redfearn said he is recognized for various aspects of his life that define his “identity beyond the workplace.”
“Family holds a central place in my prior- ities, evident in the time spent supporting my three daughters in their music lessons, dance classes and coaching my youngest daughter’s soccer team,” he said. “Tis commitment to family and active partici- pation in their interests mirrors a parallel theme between my personal and profes- sional life—a desire to support the lives of those around me.”
Furthermore, he said, the unique intersec- tion of his personal and professional life is exemplified by his spouse, Alaina, who also serves as an acquisition professional at Army Contracting Command Redstone Arsenal.
“Our shared experiences and insights from our respective roles create a dynamic understanding of the intricacies within the acquisition field,” he said. “Fostering a collaborative and mutually supportive environment both at home and in our professional endeavors.”
“In simple terms, work-life balance isn’t just an idea for me; it’s a rule I live by in my career. It’s about knowing how personal and work life mix and realizing that a happy personal life makes me better at my job,” he said. “Tis important lesson has not only changed how I do things but has set up a strong base for long-lasting success, thanks to the solid support and teamwork with my wife.”
—CHERYL MARINO
https://asc.ar my.mil
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