Step Outside Your Comfort Zone – Aaron Robertson-Majewski

Aaron Robertson-Majewski

COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal
TITLE: Team chief, United States Army Intelligence and Security Command Pricing Team
YEARS OF SERVICE IN AAW: 9
DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: Contracting Professional
EDUCATION: MBA, Wayne State University; B.A. in economics, University of Michigan – Dearborn
AWARDS: Civilian Service Achievement Medal (2024); Civilian Service Achievement Medal (2019)

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

by Cheryl Marino

Aaron Robertson-Majewski approaches each day as a gift, and each opportunity as a chance to grow, viewing challenges not with fear but as pathways to learning and progress.

“Over the course of my career, both professionally and personally, the most important lesson I’ve learned is the power of humility, positivity and gratitude,” he explained. “It’s about appreciating each day—and each opportunity—as it comes, even when it doesn’t seem positive at the moment.” Some of his most rewarding experiences have emerged from situations that initially appeared challenging or even unfavorable, and this mentality has taught him to approach every task with an open mind, a willingness to learn and a genuine appreciation for the chance to grow.

“I apply this lesson in my work by remaining grounded, focusing on solutions rather than obstacles, and fostering a positive environment for my team.” He said it’s easy to get caught up in the complexities of acquisition, but “remembering to appreciate the opportunities we have, and the people we work with, makes all the difference.”

As a pricing team chief at Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal, Robertson-Majewski said he “has the privilege of leading a team of incredibly dedicated contract price/cost analysts who play a vital role in supporting the Army Intelligence and Security Command [INSCOM].” He and his team are responsible for ensuring the Army gets the best possible value when acquiring the critical supplies and services INSCOM needs to succeed—everything from logistics and engineering support to information technology infrastructure, software development and even the specialized services that fuel intelligence operations.

“What I find most rewarding about this work is knowing that our rigorous analysis directly contributes to INSCOM’s ability to protect our nation. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about ensuring INSCOM maximizes its buying power to provide the warfighter and intelligence professionals with the resources they need to carry out their vital missions,” he said.

While the opportunity to support Soldiers is undoubtedly a core motivator, the greatest satisfaction he finds in being a part of the Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW) comes from fostering the growth and success of his team.

“I see my role not just as a team lead, but as a mentor and facilitator, creating an environment where each analyst can excel in their current position and develop into the professionals they aspire to be,” he said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their progress—seeing them confidently tackle complex pricing challenges, master new analytical techniques and, ultimately, take ownership of their careers. I prioritize providing them with opportunities for training, mentorship and challenging assignments that push them to expand their skillsets. Knowing that I’m contributing to their professional development and helping them build fulfilling careers within the Army Acquisition Workforce is deeply satisfying.”

Ultimately, he believes “a strong and capable team isn’t just good for INSCOM or ACC-Detroit Arsenal; it’s good for the Army as a whole.” Therefore, he said, investing in his team “is an investment in the future of our acquisition capabilities,” and that’s something he takes immense pride in.

Robertson-Majewski’s journey into the AAW began shortly after graduating from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree, through the Pathways program for recent college graduates. “I started as a contract price/cost analyst, eager to apply the foundational knowledge I gained through my economics studies,” he explained. “That coursework provided me with a solid understanding of how businesses operate—from accounting principles to financial analysis —which proved invaluable from day one.”

Looking back, he realizes even his experiences outside of academia played a significant role in preparing him for this career. “Throughout college, I held several positions in the customer service industry, and while it might seem unrelated, those roles taught me the importance of clear communication, building rapport and, ultimately, providing satisfaction to internal customers, whether that’s a manager needing data, a direct report seeking guidance or a business partner seeking clarification on our pricing strategy.” He said he’s been “incredibly fortunate” to have supervisors who recognized his potential and invested in his development. “Their mentorship has been instrumental in helping me hone my strengths and navigate the complexities of government contracting. It’s that commitment to growth, both my own and that of my team now, that truly makes being a part of the Army Acquisition Workforce so rewarding.”

Initially, as a contract price/cost analyst supporting the Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles and Medium Tactical Vehicles, Robertson-Majewski dissected cost breakdowns, identified potential risks and evaluated engineering change proposals and associated support services. Then, he had the opportunity to support the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program, gaining even more experience with engineering changes and sustainment services.

“That experience culminated in a particularly rewarding opportunity: participating in a follow-on source selection, where I was able to contribute to shaping the program’s pricing strategy for the future. It was incredibly satisfying to see my analysis directly influence such a critical acquisition decision,” he said.

The latest career development program he completed was Warfighting Acquisition University’s Leadership GPS, a ten-month program that provided a comprehensive overview of key leadership principles. Each month focused on a different topic, combining pre-course learning resources with engaging formal sessions featuring guest speakers and insightful small group discussions. He said, “it was a fantastic opportunity to explore leadership concepts and share experiences with peers.” And that he would wholeheartedly recommend this program, particularly to new supervisors since it’s a relatively low time commitment (just a few hours per month) but “packed with valuable information and practical insights.”

In addition to Leadership GPS, Robertson-Majewski consistently utilized the educational programs offered by the Director of Acquisition Career Management (DACM) Office— leveraging the Army Tuition Assistance Program to pursue his MBA, and he is a regular applicant to the Student Loan Repayment Program. He said these resources have been instrumental in supporting his professional development and financial well-being, and he’s incredibly grateful for the opportunities they provide.

In the future, Robertson-Majewski said he is considering programs like Leadership Excellence and Acquisition Development; Acquisition Leadership Challenge Program; Inspiring and Developing Excellence in Acquisition Leaders, and the master’s programs offered through the Naval Postgraduate School.

“I believe these programs would be invaluable in further developing my leadership skills and broadening my understanding of the broader Army acquisition enterprise. I anticipate that participating would allow me to refine my approach to team leadership, enhance my strategic thinking and, ultimately, contribute more effectively to the mission of ACC-Detroit Arsenal and INSCOM,” he said. “I’m committed to continuous professional development and look forward to leveraging the DACM Office’s resources to advance my career and better support my organization in the future.”

In addition to training, Robertson-Majewski said the advice he would share with junior acquisition personnel is to “actively recognize and embrace opportunities as they arise.” And that “there’s rarely a ‘perfect’ time for change or a new challenge; you often have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone and tackle things head-on.”

“Waiting for the ‘ideal’ moment can easily lead to missed opportunities. A willingness to adapt, learn and take calculated risks is crucial in this field. Some of the most rewarding experiences come from embracing unexpected assignments or volunteering for projects that stretch your capabilities,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to say ‘yes,’ you might just find yourself with a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity.”

Known outside of work as someone who enjoys a good challenge and a bit of friendly competition, Robertson-Majewski is an avid golfer and recently took up fly fishing—both of which require patience, strategy and a keen eye for detail. He also enjoys puzzles, a hobby that he said translates well to his work analyzing complex contractor proposals.

Beyond that, he spends time with his two sons, ages 12 and 8, and coaching youth sports like flag football, soccer and baseball. As a lifelong Detroit Lions fan, he said he has certainly learned the value of perseverance and staying optimistic even through challenging times.

“Ultimately, I think all of these activities—from puzzles to coaching to cheering on the Lions— share a common thread with my work: a commitment to problem-solving, strategic thinking and a dedication to achieving a positive outcome,” he said.

“Faces of the Force” highlights the success of the Army Acquisition Workforce through the power of individual stories. Profiles are produced by the Behind The Frontlines team, working closely with public affairs officers to feature Soldiers and civilians serving in various Army acquisition disciplines. For more information, or to nominate someone, go to https://asc.army.mil/web/army-btf/.

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