can trace a bunch of choices throughout my career that have led me to where I am today. I’m glad I made the choices I did along the way to get me here.”
What do you do in your position, and why is it important to the Army or the warfighter?
I oversee and facilitate the transition and insertion of enabling technologies across a $3 billion-plus munitions and arma- ments portfolio. A large part of my job focuses on identifying difficult or sys- temic technology transfer inhibitors and system-of-systems issues, developing corresponding innovative solution paths within the programmatic constraints and realities faced by the Army and DOD, and expediting the delivery of new or improved combat capabilities to the joint warfighter while also reducing long-term life-cycle costs borne by the U.S. taxpayer.
How did you become part of the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?
As an electrical engineer with strong inter- est in semiconductors, I started working for the Army in the Electronics Technology and Devices Laboratory (ETDL) under the auspices of LABCOM [the predeces- sor to the U.S. Army Research Laboratory] back in 1984. I was an original member of the Army Acquisition Corps.
What do you see as the most important points in your career with the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?
Tere are several points in my AL&T career that represent significant parts of what I am and motivate what I do today. First was working as a hands-on engineer in the labs during the early part of my career, since it gave me a good techni- cal foundation—and one that I still use today—as well as firsthand appreciation
of our knowledgeable government sci- ence and technology workforce. Second was working on ETDL’s headquarters staff, where I was exposed to the program, planning and budget execution processes, gained a strong understanding of portfolio management (and its relationship to peo- ple,
resources, facilities and intellectual
property) and greatly refined my oral and written communication skills. Tird was working in the Army Systems Engineering Office during the inception of the Army enterprise architectures and subsequently as Deputy Project Manager for Field Artil- lery Tactical Data Systems.
Tose positions opened my eyes to the complex system-of-systems challenges facing the Army and the correspond- ing rigorous system-engineering efforts required to solve these complex problems. Additionally, I worked with then-COL Harry Greene as his technical director in support of six ACAT I and II programs. Trough word and deed, Harry instilled an ever-present core value in me that you’ll see on my email signature: “We have two primary customers: the war- fighter and the U.S. taxpayer.” Harry is sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
Finally, in my current job as chief scien- tist for PEO Ammo, I’m deeply engaged in several major Army and DOD efforts to solve critical problems that have signifi- cant operational impact.
Can you name a particular mentor or mentors who helped you in your career? How did they help you? Have you been a mentor?
While [I was] working as a hands-on engi- neer earlier in my career, Tom AuCoin (then deputy director of the Research Division within ETDL) pulled me out of the labs and onto the division staff via a
develop mental assignment. When Tom was promoted to operations director for the entire laboratory, he made me a part of his new permanent core headquarters staff. He included me in multiple senior- level engagements with the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology and the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, and empow- ered me to manage and oversee numerous high-visibility programs. Since becoming a supervisor almost 18 years ago, I have tried to emulate the mentorship best practices that I observed from him and truly enjoy providing career-enhancing learning experiences to new members of our AL&T Workforce.
What’s the greatest satisfaction you have in being a part of the Army Acquisition Workforce?
I get a tremendous amount of personal satisfaction working with a diverse, highly knowledgeable, professional AL&T cadre committed to doing good things each and every day for our joint warfighters and the U.S. taxpayer. I definitely enjoy my job.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get where you are today?
Don’t just stay in one job. Always learn. If you stop learning in your current assign- ment, it might be time to look for a new job. Don’t be afraid of change. Tere are numerous career
opportunities across
the AL&T Workforce. Take advantage of them to expose yourself to a broader scope of functional, organizational and topical subject matter. Find yourself a good mentor and learn from him or her. Be proactive with your career in positive ways, since the best person to take care of your career is you.
—MS. SUSAN L. FOLLETT
ASC.ARMY.MIL 75
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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