POSITION AND UNIT: Operations officer, Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems, Program Executive Office for Ammunition
YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 5
DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: Level II, program management; Level I, business and financial management
EDUCATION: B.A. in business administration, Centenary College
AWARDS: Commander’s Award for Civilian Service
Never enough time
By Susan L. Follett
Brad Costello is good at juggling. “I usually have 10 or 15 taskers open at one time, in addition to my usual work. There’s never enough time in my day.”
As operations officer for Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS) in the Program Executive Office (PEO) for Ammunition, Costello and his team answer “about 400 to 500 suspense requests a year from higher headquarters, most of them with short lead times,” he said. “Completing them on time is our biggest challenge.”
What do you do in your position, and why is it important to the Army or the warfighter?
I am responsible for maintaining and sustaining effective and efficient daily internal operation of PM CAS. I act as a liaison to ensure that the project manager and deputy project manager are in sync with organizations across DOD, such as the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, the Fires Center of Excellence, the Maneuver Center of Excellence and PEO Ammunition.
In addition, I recently picked up duties as operational security and antiterrorism officer for PM CAS. I provide PM CAS staff with information on how to prevent critical information from falling into our adversaries’ hands and how to protect personnel, information, property and facilities against terrorist activities.
Unscheduled Tasker
Costello, Maj. Kenneth Fowler and Col. Willie Coleman review documentation during a July 15, 2015, rehearsal for the change of charter ceremony for Product Manager Guided Precision Munitions and Mortar Systems. (Photo by Lisa Tobin, PEO Ammunition)
How did you become part of the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?
I got the opportunity to join the Army Acquisition Workforce after being “insourced” from a contractor position five years ago. I wanted to join the Army acquisition workforce to gain additional responsibility that would make me better able to serve the warfighter, and being able to work for one of the best organizations attracted me to working for PEO Ammunition.
What do you see as the most important points in your career with the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?
From a nuts and bolts perspective, two classes have helped my career as they have helped teach me the acquisition process: Acquisition 201B and Program Management Tools 257. But the most important career development point for me is when I am recognized by leadership for an award. That lets me know I am having a positive impact on the organization and taking pressure off management so they can focus on the most critical issues that arise at the project management office.
Keeping Busy
Costello relaxes during a staff event for PEO Ammunition. (Photo by Lisa Tobin, PEO Ammunition)
Can you name a particular mentor or mentors who helped you in your career? How did they help you? Have you been a mentor?
I have been helped by several people over my career, including Rene Kiebler, the former deputy project manager for PM CAS, and Maryellen Lukac, current business manager for PM CAS. When I first started as the operations officer, I did not have much experience and they gave me the opportunity to prove myself. When I didn’t know how to answer a suspense request or how to structure a briefing, they were more than happy to help. They passed their expertise on to me, and as a result I can function at a high level and have learned enough information that will enable me to take on new jobs in the future.
What’s the greatest satisfaction you have in being a part of the Army Acquisition Workforce?
The greatest satisfaction I have in being a part of the workforce is knowing I played a small part in fielding ammunition or a weapon system to the warfighter.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get where you are today?
Work hard and good things will happen!
“Faces of the Force” is an online series highlighting members of the Army Acquisition Workforce through the power of individual stories. Profiles are produced by the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center Communication and Support Branch, working closely with public affairs officers to feature Soldiers and Civilians currently serving in a variety of AL&T disciplines. For more information, or to nominate someone, please contact 703-805-1006.
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