Courtesy Photo | 1st Lt. Leandra Ramos, project manager, Fort Worth District's Programs and Project...... read more read more
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Picture the sun rising over a bustling café, two military members settled into a corner table, engaged in a conversation that reflects a pressing concern for many service members: life after military service. While one service member expresses concern over whether his 15 years of uniformed experience will translate into civilian job opportunities, the other service member is concerned with finding resources to expand her knowledge and technical skills desired before heading to the Captain’s Career Course.
Hearing the conversation, the barista, a former military member, interjects, “Have you heard about the DOD SkillBridge program or Technical Engineer Competency Development Program?”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, has seen first-hand how the program works and how it is impactful for service members and civil servants alike. Each program is aimed at helping service members build upon the expertise, skills, and foundational leadership instilled by the Army, but where they largely differ is the end goal.
A Gateway to Opportunities
Through the SkillBridge and TEC-DP programs, the Programs and Project Management Division within the district utilizes both programs as a crucial link between service members, civil servants, and the mission of providing vital engineering solutions. Each program provides a unique experience to gain skills and explore new avenues while remaining on active duty.
1st Lt. Leandra Ramos, project manager in the military construction branch within the district’s Programs and Project Management Division, experienced TEC-DP firsthand.
“Participating in the technical engineer competency development program has given me invaluable insight into the civilian side of engineering, allowing me to bridge my military experience with real-world project management,” Ramos said. “While my role here may differ from what I'll do in a traditional Army unit, this experience has expanded my understanding of engineering and highlighted the importance of effective budgeting and scheduling in successful project execution.”
Understanding SkillBridge
SkillBridge, according to the Department of Defense, is akin to a GPS for service members preparing for post-military life. It allows them to gain real-world experience through training, apprenticeships, and internships during the last 180 days of their service. Service members interested in the Fort Worth District have an opportunity to work in various fields where a need has been established.
Jessica Napier, military programs branch chief, PPMD, provided insight into how the SkillBridge program has helped the district.
“We’ve received extremely intelligent service members who learn very quickly—a testament, in part, to their Army training,” said Napier. “Their presence allows for real-time feedback as they are directly tied to the facilities that we provide military members.”
Bob Wooley, chief of the military branch’s eastern section and first-line supervisor to Ramos, spoke to her work ethic and how the program was value-added to the district.
“From day one, Lt. Ramos displayed a strong drive to learn and quickly earned the knowledge and trust required to lead complex projects," Wooley said. "Her ability to build trust not only enhanced collaboration within our team, but also strengthened relationships with our customers, fostering improved teamwork and seamless project execution.”
Understanding The Technical Engineer Competency Development Program
The Army’s TEC-DP is designed to enhance the skills and competencies of technical engineers within the military or engineering organizations. This program typically focuses on several key areas: training and education, competency framework, career advancement, assessment and feedback, and collaboration and networking. Each key area provides an added layer of leadership development that can only be attained by working with agencies outside of a regular Army unit.
Lt. Col. Joshua Haynes, deputy commander of the Fort Worth District, echoes this sentiment, explaining the broader mission of USACE and the district.
“The TEC-DP program is about providing our lieutenants with a well-rounded experience within the Army Corps of Engineers, allowing them to understand the diverse resources at their disposal before they advance in their Army careers,” said Haynes.
Essayons
The SkillBridge and TEC-DP programs are two of many invaluable resources available for soldiers who are navigating the complexities of an Army career.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, has prioritized partnering with highly qualified service members to build crucial, yet necessary, links between service members and civil servants. No matter the chosen path, each selected service member is encouraged to embody the spirit of the USACE motto, Essayons; a French phrase that translates to, “let us try.”
Haynes emphasized the potential for growth within these programs.
“If an individual enters the SkillBridge or TEC-DP program with motivation and an open mind, the opportunities for growth and learning are limitless,” Haynes said.
Service members are encouraged to “try” by using one’s skills and talents to effectively tackle the challenges of modern engineering projects with the Army Corps of Engineers and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. While the future is unknown, utilizing all available Army resources will challenge them to Be All You Can Be!
Editor’s Note: For more information on SkillBridge, go to the DOD site: https://skillbridge.osd.mil/.
| Date Taken: | 11.18.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.20.2024 16:19 |
| Story ID: | 488134 |
| Location: | FORT WORTH, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Navigating Army Resources: From Military Service to Civilian Careers, by Brittany Scruggs, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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