COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO-STRI)
TITLE: Lead logistician
YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 45
YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE: 25
DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: Advanced life cycle logistics
EDUCATION: MBA in acquisition and contract management, American Graduate University; M.A. in counseling and human resources, University of Oklahoma; B.A. in criminology, Saint Leo University; A.A. in general studies, Georgia Military College
AWARDS: Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal (4); Army Achievement Medal (5); Meritorious Civilian Service Medal; Civilian Service Commendation Medal; Civilian Service Achievement Medal

Tommy L. Williams

by Cheryl Marino

Tommy Williams has served the Army as both a Soldier and civilian, so he knows that working independently is important, but teamwork is most beneficial when you need to accomplish a task. “It takes the entire team for a successful program to be developed and provide the warfighters with a capability that will enhance their Soldier skills,” he said. “This is important work we do and must be taken seriously as taxpayers expect us to use funds properly and provide the warfighter with the tools and resources needed in order to take the battle to our foes.”

Williams, who began his career with the Army in 1985 as an active-duty Soldier and logistics officer, is currently the lead logistician for the Virtual Training Systems Portfolio—the basic electronic maintenance trainer and family of maintenance trainers for armored multi-purpose vehicles (designed as part task trainer (PTT) and diagnostic task trainer (DTT))—at Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO-STRI). According to Williams, these simulations are located at various Army installations (active, Reserve and National Guard facilities) whereby the Soldier can train and troubleshoot defaults without having to use a live vehicle.

“In my job we develop simulators for warfighters to train on in a simulated environment, from weapons to vehicles and aircrafts,” he said. “Simulation reduces accidents and it’s the most cost effective way to achieve the best end result.”

Being active-duty in logistics, he said, there is some involvement in acquisition, but he became more involved after he retired from the military and joined the civilian workforce. “I came to PEO-STRI from Saudi Arabia via Priority Placement Program. This was my first coded acquisition position and an eye opener,” Williams said. Coded meaning an employee should be certified through training, education and experience standards, based on the duties of the position. “There is so much to learn and put into action that always benefits the warfighter and Department of the Army.”

The Priority Placement Program provides career placement assistance to eligible DOD employees who have been adversely affected by events at their work location through no fault of their own. What appealed to Williams the most about Army acquisition was what went on behind the scenes in fielding equipment that everyday Soldiers and civilians do not typically get to see.

“One of the most important points in my career is that you are at the ‘tip of the spear,’” he said. “Meaning that we are involved in the survivability of the warfighter and increasing Soldier readiness. Soldiers’ skills and training is what helps to win wars and being in acquisition as a logistician I play a critical role in successful training of the warfighter.”

Although being assigned to an acquisition position earlier in his career would have been of great benefit, Williams said he’s had the opportunity to take advantage of many valuable programs, courses and training to make up for that.

He enrolled in the Air Force War College in 2008 and completed the program in 2009. “My focus was first to see how I could improve my strategic thinking utilizing the assets that this course could provide,” he said. “There is so much to grasp and understand thinking outside of the box. It places you in scenarios that will require critical thinking to gain the confidence as a strategic leader from subordinates and allies, as well as being able to place into practice learned skills.” Williams said having an Army background and being selected for the Air Force War College was a challenge in itself. “My expectations were that this will broaden my understanding and thought process on how the DOD “fight to win” strategically. This fight is not for one particular service alone, but jointly [joint forces] and may include other foreign countries.”

Williams said the course requires dedication and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone in order to gain and appreciate the learning that is available. “There is so much to absorb and put into everyday practice,” he said. “In everyday life and decision making, I try to look at what I want the outcome to be and make sure the proper resources are available.”

He believes because of the Air Force War College, he has been placed in positions of greater responsibility. “I have been assigned overseas in various positions to fully appreciate the knowledge gained through this course that can and is being used consistently.” I would recommend that this course be a requirement for all those that are in senior leadership positions and assigned to multiple programs that assist the warfighters in their capabilities,” he said. “This is how programs are not only tied to each other, but across other services in DOD.”

The most recent development program Williams attended was the Product Support Manager Course in 2019. “It brings you up more on the strategic level and provides a broader view of not individual programs, but the PEO [Program Executive Office] as a whole, and the support a logistician can provide,” he said. “I would recommend this course to all logisticians that are looking to enhance their knowledge base and support programs versus products.”

With a broadened range of experience and training under his belt, Williams offers advice to junior acquisition personnel. “Don’t be afraid if you do not understand something from the beginning, this career field covers a large scale, but absorb all you can and try to practice as much as possible—if you want to learn how to swim, get out of the boat.”

Outside of work, Williams has a small farm which includes chickens and vegetables. “This keeps me busy and helps me develop strategies to keep it going,” he said. “The commonality with work is that you must think strategically, logically and constantly. Know that the adversary is always watching. In the case of my farm, my adversaries are the foxes, bobcats, hawks and racoons that are trying to either steal, kill or eat the chickens. Remember, the lion is out there, and you must not be fearful of it.”