the lingo, as well as the roles of people and agencies within the Army acquisition community.”
Transitioning from private industry to the public sector also gave him a perspective on how both components operate in the acquisition process. “When I was working in private industry, the challenge was to work within the cost, schedule and perfor- mance constraints that were set by the client. Now I’m on the other side of that equation, as part of the team that establishes those parameters.”
For Little, one of the most important points in his career was the first time he oversaw a project from inception to delivery— in this case, an upgrade for a virtual gunnery training system. Te U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command updated train- ing standards, which necessitated changes to the system. “Being responsible for coordinating meetings with stakeholders, conduct- ing negotiations with the contractor, holding working groups to develop the product, leading test events and delivering the product to the site was an exciting experience that gave me oppor- tunities to learn at every point along the way,” he said. “Te lead engineer on the program was always there to guide me if I had any questions and supported my ability to manage the project.”
TEST FIRE
Little tests the Stryker Mobile Gun System (MGS) Advanced Gunnery Training System, which provides precision virtual gunnery simulation training for MGS crews and platoons. The system repli- cates the gunner and commander positions within the turret of the Stryker MGS vehicle. (Photos by Andrew Richards, PM VTS)
His biggest takeaway from the project was confidence. “For me, acquisition was far removed from anything I learned in college, so there was a lot to learn. But I worked through the entire process and was able to go to the lead engineer when I had questions. And when it was all done, I realized I had learned a great deal and was confident more in my abilities as a result.”
No matter the project, he added, “communication and teamwork are key. In any acquisition program, there is too much for one person to do it all and you have to be able to engage the resources around you. You won’t know everything, so ask for help. You can’t do everything, so learn how to prioritize tasks and dele- gate what you can.”
For Little, the biggest payoff in being part of the Army Acquisi- tion Workforce is “being a part of the Army family, where career development and personal development are equally important. Te amount of consideration and care that is exemplified through the recognition of career milestones, personal life milestones and camaraderie throughout the organization is unmatched. I’m grateful for the support that VTS provides to its workforce.”
SEEING IT THROUGH
One of Little’s most valuable experiences as a product manager, and a first in his career, was to shepherd the Stryker MGS Advanced Gunnery Training System, a major upgrade, from inception to delivery.
For those looking to advance their careers, he added, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but be prepared to learn the information given. Tere are many Army acquisition professionals who came before you who have a lot of knowledge to offer. Te more you can learn from them, the better an acquisition professional you will become.”
—SUSAN L. FOLLETT
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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