by Sarah Aubouin
Meet Christa Radford, a contract specialist with the Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions Division of Program Executive Office Missiles and Space at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. Radford is a vital part of enabling U.S. warfighters and our allies and partners in defeating the threats of today and tomorrow through a modern culture of rapid acquisition that provides integrated, multidomain solutions. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from Strayer University and has worked for the Army as a contract specialist for over seven years. Radford recently participated in the Army Director, Acquisition Career Management Office (DACM)-sponsored Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) and shared her experience:
How do you think being in the SLRP helped your career?
College education helped my career by providing the skills, techniques, training and knowledge that can be applied to my career development.
Did SLRP impact your personal circumstances in a positive way, and can you share how?
SLRP provides relief to my student loan financial debt. It lowers my debt-to-income ratio resulting in lower interest payments and my student loans being paid off faster.
Did SLRP have an influence whether you felt valued and invested in as an Army acquisition workforce employee? If yes, would you willing to elaborate?
The SLRP program supports my education and acquisition training. The incentive/funds encourage me to continue to strive to be the best version of myself and shows that my hard work to continue my education is valued, appreciated and didn’t go unseen.
Would you recommend SLRP to other acquisition employees?
Yes. The SLRP provides funds directly to your federal leading institution to help pay off your unsubsidized student loans. The program offers up to $10,000 maximum per calendar year and doesn’t exceed the maximum amount of $60,000 per employee.
Any words of wisdom or advice to people who are newly hired into the Army acquisition workforce?
- Don’t limit yourself because of unknown outcomes.
- Never be afraid to ask questions.
- Treat every day like a new day.
- Always remember to have fun and take pride in your work.
The SLRP is an annually funded program sponsored by the Army DACM. The purpose of SLRP is to repay federally insured student loans as a retention incentive for civilian acquisition employees with critical acquisition skills. For more information on the SLRP, go to https://asc.army.mil/web/career-development/programs/student-loan-repayment-program.
