SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Since the Army is relying on more infor- mation for planning and tactical decisions, we must have a network and sensors to provide the data to make better decisions. Te technologies that we develop are very important for ensuring that the network is robust and that the targeting and intel- ligence data are reliable and accurate.
How did you become part of the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?
I worked in the summer hire program for an Army research and development laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, while in college and saw the technology that could help our Soldiers perform better. One of my college class- mates served in the military and then came to work at CERDEC NVESD. He recom- mended that this would be a great place to work and help Soldiers. I have been with the CERDEC NVESD for more than 31 years, and I have seen organizations become PEOs from the inception.
What do you see as the most important points in your career with the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?
I have had many opportunities within the Army Acquisition Workforce, but one in particular stands out. While taking the six-month program manager course at Defense Systems Management Col- lege (now part of Defense Acquisition University), I was exposed to training opportunities that included congressio- nal fellowships. Te instructor provided me with additional information on one in particular: the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Commerce Science and Technology (ComSci) fellow- ship. Tis is a congressionally approved fellowship focused on the S&T aspects of the military industrial complex. I was assigned to Rep. J.C. Watts of Okla- homa and was part of his congressional
staff for the 105th Congress. Tis fellow- ship helped me to understand the entire authorization and appropriations process of budgeting for DOD, and it has been very important and useful for my career in support of the workforce, specifically the PEOs.
Can you name a particular mentor or mentors who helped you in your career? How did they help you?
I would like to identify Col. Marty Mich- lik and Martin Weaver. Col. Michlik was the project manager for the Night Vision Electro-Optics Program, which evolved into the project manager for night vision, reconnaissance,
surveillance and target
acquisition (PM NV/RSTA); that was during my first assignment as an engineer working in a program management office on a program of record. He supported me in my activities and encouraged me to pur- sue acquisition workforce training. Martin Weaver served as my first-line supervisor on the NVESD Soldier Sensors Branch, and approved my Level III training in multiple career fields and the ComSci fel- lowship program. He also paved my way to get my first supervisory position as the Soldier Sensors Branch chief.
What’s the greatest satisfaction you have in being a part of the Army Acquisition Workforce?
As I look back over my career, I see two particular contributions to mission suc- cess that bring me great satisfaction. Early on, I worked on the first eyesafe laser rangefinder to be fielded in the Army. Before this system, there were only one or two places in the world where Sol- diers could train with a laser rangefinder. After we developed and fielded the Mini- Eyesafe Laser Infrared Observation Set, Soldiers could train at any Army train- ing installation worldwide with the same
equipment they would deploy with. Tis improved the readiness level considerably for the Army. It was so significant that Col. Michlik received the first PM of the Year Award in 1991.
Te second contribution was when I was a branch chief and managed the program to upgrade the sensor technology for the Termal Weapon Sight (TWS) through PM Soldier Sensors and Lasers under PEO Soldier. Te original TWS was a cooled, scanned, forward-looking infra- red (FLIR) sensor using a linear infrared detector that scanned in one direction to create an image. We introduced a new sensor design for an uncooled, staring FLIR that uses a two-dimensional infra- red detector, eliminating the need to scan and allowing us to remove some mov- ing parts. Te revised design increased reliability and lowered the cost while maintaining performance. We reduced the size and power requirements by 50 percent.
What advice would you give to someone who aspires to a career or position like yours?
Seize every opportunity that is presented for training and certification in multiple career fields. Sometimes we get wrapped up in the job we are doing, and we’re not always aware of the openings or positions that would be available with additional training. Knowledge of multiple career fields allows you to understand how the Army works from a life cycle management perspective. Te Army is responsible for so many different aspects of the acqui- sition system that to fully understand it, you need to have many different per- spectives, and you can only obtain these perspectives by living them. So seize the opportunity!
—MS. SUSAN L. FOLLETT
ASC.ARMY.MIL 55
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180 |
Page 181 |
Page 182 |
Page 183 |
Page 184
