IT’S ALL ABOUT BALANCE

COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Army Contracting Command
TITLE: G-3/5 Strategic Concepts noncommissioned officer in charge
YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 10
YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE: 21
DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: DOD contracting professional
EDUCATION: MBA in finance; B.S. in business administration, both from Post University
AWARDS: Meritorious Service Medal (3 oak leaf cluster)

Master Sgt. Payten E. Redfearn

by Cheryl Marino

In the contracting world, where things can get tough, and deployments happen—making sure family comes first isn’t always easy. But after 20 plus years of lessons learned throughout his Army career, solid support from mentors, his wife and a great deal of teamwork, Master Sgt. Payten Redfearn can honestly say he’s achieved a pretty great work-life balance.

“Handling work challenges while taking care of family, has been a constant learning experience,” he said. “Putting these lessons into action means more than just knowing it; it means actively trying to find the right balance. Figuring out when work or personal life needs more attention has been key to keeping things in check.”

This is paramount for his position as the G-35 Strategic Concepts Division noncommissioned officer in charge for the Army Contracting Command, where Redfearn plays a crucial role in shaping the future contract force. By providing mission support to various commands and organizations, he contributes to the readiness and effectiveness of the Army’s contracting capabilities.

One of the most recent projects his section has worked on is the Army Contracting Command Supplement to Army Techniques Publication 4-71, which is still in staffing, but once approved it will detail how contracting support brigades deploy in support of Army operations (including large scale combat operations). “This will be a huge step forward in how we support operations worldwide and will ensure that we’re better prepared to deploy in all environments,” he said. “I joke all of the time that our section is focused on ‘good ideas’. Taking the lessons we’ve learned from being in the field and creating policies and updating regulations to better support our contracting professionals that are still out there.”

Redfearn said one aspect of his role that often intrigues others is his involvement in refining the deployment policy for the Command. “People are surprised at the level of detail and strategic planning involved in optimizing the readiness and effectiveness of our contracting force,” he said. But these strategic details and thorough planning are essential for ensuring Soldier readiness and mission success. “The greatest satisfaction I derive from being part of the Army Acquisition Workforce is the opportunity to directly impact and enhance the capabilities of our Soldiers, ensuring they have the necessary support for multidomain, large scale combat operations.”

When Redfearn joined the Army Acquisition Workforce in 2014, it was with a strong commitment to addressing critical logistical gaps for Soldiers in the field.

“My journey began as a contract specialist at Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG). In this role, I had the invaluable opportunity to learn the intricacies of contracting, while benefiting from the mentorship of my civilian counterparts at ACC-APG. Their guidance and willingness to coach me through the nuances of contracting were instrumental in my professional development,” he said. “Additionally, during my time at ACC-APG, I deployed to Iraq to contribute to the Contract Administration Services (CAS) mission, further deepening my understanding of the vital role contracting plays in supporting our military operations. This hands-on experience solidified my dedication to shaping the future of the contracting force and ensuring the best possible support for our Soldiers.”

He said the two most pivotal moments in his career within the Army Acquisition Workforce were his assignment in the 409th Contracting Support Brigade (CSB) from 2017-2020 and his role in designing the Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) Master Gunner Program in 2022.

“My time at the 409th CSB was transformative as I served as a warranted contracting officer, working across various offices in Europe, including Kosovo, Romania and Poland. This experience allowed me to support Soldiers in garrisons and field exercises across 18 countries, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of how contracting operations can positively impact commander’s missions across the warfighting functions,” he said. “The exposure to diverse environments and operational scenarios broadened my perspective and equipped me with valuable insights into the dynamic nature of contracting support.”

Following his assignment with the 409th CSB, Redfearn played a crucial role in the team responsible for creating the MICC Master Gunner Program . A program, which he said has proven invaluable for contracting leaders as it trains noncommissioned officers and Department of the Army civilians to evaluate individual members of contracting organizations from a technical perspective.

“The Master Gunners, working in collaboration with their sergeant major and commander, develop training strategies to ensure each contracting professional is prepared to provide support across the spectrum of operations,” he said. “This initiative not only enhances the technical proficiency of our contracting workforce, but also reinforces our commitment to delivering effective support in various operational contexts.”

Redfearn said he consistently offers three key pieces of advice to junior acquisition professionals. First find a mentor. “Mentorship is integral to development in this career field. A seasoned mentor brings valuable experience, helping mentees make informed career decisions, navigate challenging situations and provide a sounding board for ideas,” he said. A good mentor is instrumental in fostering professional growth.

Next on the list, he said, is seek challenging assignments. “In the diverse landscape of the Army contracting community, it’s easy to become confined to a specific type of contracting. Whether it’s handling simplified acquisitions for base life support or engaging in systems contracting for program offices, the acquisition field offers a multitude of experiences. I encourage junior professionals to actively seek out diverse assignments to broaden their skill set and knowledge base.”

Last: Question the status quo. “Embracing the principle that doing the same thing yields the same results, I advocate for always questioning ‘why’,” he said. “New contracting professionals should consistently ask why certain processes or procedures are in place. This not only deepens their understanding but may also lead to improvements in existing processes. Throughout my career, I’ve experienced instances where challenging the status quo led to the discovery of more efficient approaches, showcasing the importance of asking why.”

Outside of the professional sphere, Redfearn said he is recognized for various aspects of his life that define his “identity beyond the workplace.”

“Family holds a central place in my priorities, evident in the time spent supporting my three daughters in their music lessons, dance classes and coaching my youngest daughter’s soccer team,” he said. “This commitment to family and active participation in their interests mirrors a parallel theme between my personal and professional life—a desire to support the lives of those around me.”

Furthermore, he said, the unique intersection of his personal and professional life is exemplified by his spouse, Alaina, who also serves as an acquisition professional at Army Contracting Command Redstone Arsenal.

“Our shared experiences and insights from our respective roles create a dynamic understanding of the intricacies within the acquisition field,” he said. “Fostering a collaborative and mutually supportive environment both at home and in our professional endeavors.”

According to Redfearn, a lot of the success he’s had comes from the strong support of his wife and their team dynamic. “She’s been there for me during deployments and throughout my entire career.” Which has made the work-life balancing act better, and easier. “This way of thinking not only makes me a better leader at work but also makes the work environment healthier. It helps me understand the team better, knowing that personal and work requirements are always linked.”

“In simple terms, work-life balance isn’t just an idea for me; it’s a rule I live by in my career. It’s about knowing how personal and work life mix and realizing that a happy personal life makes me better at my job,” he said. “This important lesson has not only changed how I do things but has set up a strong base for long-lasting success, thanks to the solid support and teamwork with my wife.”