ACQUISITION
act as a liaison between the program office and the ACC, which executes the requirement. By providing contracting expertise within the program office, I’m able to contribute to the acquisi- tion streamlining efforts of the Army, which ultimately impacts our warfighters by getting them the supplies and services they need in a timely manner.
How did you become part of the Army Acquisition Work- force, and why?
I started my career in an administrative position and was quickly promoted into the contracting intern program upon completion of my bachelor’s degree. I gained a great deal of knowledge in the contracting field while serving in the administrative position, often performing the duties of a contract specialist. It was a natu- ral transition to move into the professional field of government contracting, where I was able to apply the knowledge and skills I gained acquiring my bachelor’s degree. After serving as a contract specialist and receiving a good foundation in my chosen career field executing contracts, I was then promoted to a procurement specialist in the program management offices, working on tactical wheeled vehicles, bridging equipment and watercraft vessels.
What do you see as the most important points in your career with the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?
Like many long-term employees, I had the distinct honor and pleasure of working directly for our Soldiers during three differ- ent global conflicts: Desert Shield, Desert Storm and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where I was responsible for procuring urgently needed fuel tankers and armored kits, just to name a few. I’m honored to have contributed my acquisition expertise during humanitarian efforts such as Hurricane Katrina. I also worked with TACOM’s Quick Response Cell to procure urgently needed armored vehicles for heads of state and to support Headquarters
Stabilization Force, Sarajevo. More recently, I have been privi- leged to work on the JLTV program, where I was able to gain Acquisition Category ID experience and see a program through Milestone B to Milestone C, in addition to working on a vehicle system that will ultimately save lives in the years to come.
I completed the Naval Postgraduate School’s Advanced Acqui- sition Program in September 2003, where I gained valuable knowledge of the acquisition life cycle. Tis advanced program enabled me to see the bigger picture of a requirement from con- cept to fielding to disposal.
What’s the greatest satisfaction you have in being a part of the Army Acquisition Workforce?
Having the opportunity to be a contributing member of the JLTV program. In 2012, the JLTV program was on the edge of being canceled, with [lawmakers on Capitol Hill] pulling the program funding. I worked tirelessly with a dedicated group of profession- als to make sure that the legislative staffs and decision-makers in the Pentagon saw the value of the JLTV program. Now that the program has progressed through the life cycle milestones, know- ing that the JLTV will provide added protection to Soldiers makes me proud of my contribution.
What advice would you give to someone who aspires to a career or position like yours?
Seek out developmental assignments outside your career path to gain a perspective from another part of the acquisition process. Also, work in a variety of different organizations to broaden your experience, which in turn will make you more multifunctional with much to offer an organization. Working in different organi- zations and going on developmental assignments will give you an idea of what area or programs you’re most passionate about. Gain- ing a solid understanding of the principles in your career field will make you a valued and respected manager who others will seek for advice and mentoring. Make sure you have the founda- tional knowledge your job requires, and don’t be afraid to accept instruction or recommendations from those above or below you. One day you might be supervising people, and if you don’t know the foundation of that job, you’ll be of no benefit to your employ- ees or senior managers. After five years of being in the same job or office, it might be time to experience a different program, so don’t be afraid to move out of your comfort zone—that’s how we grow in our knowledge and expertise.
—MS. MARY KATE AYLWARD
ASC.ARMY.MIL 11
ACQUISITION
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