COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Project Manager for Combat Ammunition Systems, Program Executive Office for Ammunition
TITLE: Senior program analysis officer
DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: Level III, business, cost estimating and financial management; Level III, program management
YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 9
EDUCATION: MBA, Florida Institute of Technology; B.S. in finance, Pennsylvania State University
AWARDS: Commander’s Award for Civilian Service; Achievement Medal for Civilian Service
Sometimes it’s tough to be the new guy
By Susan L. Follett
Like a lot of married people, Kevin Vo has his spouse to thank for his success in the working world, but not in the way you might think. “My wife has worked at Picatinny Arsenal for a long time, and since she started I was interested in what she did. I wanted to learn more about the work that Picatinny does to develop capabilities to support the warfighter, so I ended up leaving the private sector and following her into the public sector, taking a job as a support contractor.”
He’s now a senior program analysis officer for the Project Manager for Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS) in the Program Executive Office (PEO) for Ammunition. Before coming to Picatinny in 2006, Vo worked for Accenture, managing the financial side of technology projects, and Deloitte, where he handled corporate finance in support of regional directors.
“It was a culture shock moving from private industry,” he said. “I had a strong analytical background and experience in advanced computer applications, but when I came from the private sector, I occasionally encountered people who were reluctant to learn from a new guy.” Focusing on the mission helped him overcome that challenge, he said, “and I am happy to serve alongside so many dedicated professionals in an organization that provides a considerable amount of warfighting capability for our nation.”
He added, “I have learned a great deal about the DOD acquisition process in the last five years, including the importance of understanding requirements, establishing program baselines, aligning financing with program schedules and delivering capabilities on time. Those things need to be established up front so a program can be successful.”
What do you do in your position, and why is it important to the Army or the warfighter?
I lead seven professionals with responsibility for planning, managing and executing the resources to meet program requirements related to weapon and ammunition systems in support of the Army, the Marine Corps, coalition partners and allies. It is essential to be a great steward of taxpayer money, especially as our nation faces increased fiscal scrutiny while seeking to allocate resources efficiently to support strategic Army efforts. In doing so, my effort helps ensure Army priorities are appropriately resourced and enable the best leap-ahead capabilities to be successfully developed, equipped and sustained for the warfighter.
How did you become part of the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?
I began my government career with the Project Manager for Close Combat Systems in 2006, where I became a member of the Army Acquisition Corps (AAC). I joined AAC because I wanted to be part of a world-class organization and I believe in the mission of equipping the warfighters who fight to defend our nation with the finest products available.
What do you see as the most important points in your career with the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?
The most important point in my career with the Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW) was when I accepted my current position with PM CAS in 2010. The greater responsibility was exactly what I was looking for in my career, and I knew I could contribute more to the PEO Ammunition organization. I was thrilled when I was offered the job: to manage the resources of a portfolio valued at more than $300 million annually, including Army artillery precision munitions in Acquisition Category I and II programs and a first-of-its-kind, GPS-guided, 120 mm mortar munition.
Can you name a particular mentor or mentors who helped you in your career? How did they help you? Have you been a mentor?
Peter Vauter, then PEO Ammunition’s business manager, was a great mentor who has helped me focus on my career development by providing direct and constructive feedback and helping me develop self-awareness. He encouraged professional growth in education as well as going above and beyond my current duties. The best advice he gave me was to take control of my own career destiny, and following his advice has been very rewarding: I have earned my MBA and two DAWIA certifications.
Inspired by Mr. Vauter, I am trying to mentor new members of the AAW in a similar way. It’s important to guide new members on the right path early in their career so that they can reap the benefits of being an AAW member. New members need good guidance for their career development: they need to be encouraged to master their field of study and to master their DOD career field. Finally, they need to be empowered to go beyond their perceived limitations and combine their experience and their skills to provide the best for their organization.
What’s the greatest satisfaction you have in being a part of the Army Acquisition Workforce?
The greatest satisfaction is hearing direct feedback from the warfighter on how our weapon or ammunition systems have helped their mission. That feeling of pride resonates through the accomplishment of being part of the Army Acquisition Workforce.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get where you are today?
Work hard and practice professional ethics. Be humble and learn from everyone on the team, while sharing knowledge that will make the team stronger and smarter. Focusing on the mission when you encounter conflicts will bring success for the entire organization.
“Faces of the Force” is an online series highlighting members of the Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW) 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 AAW disciplines. For more information, or to nominate someone, please call 703-805-1006.
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