AMRDEC encourages developmental opportunity for employees

By Nikki Montgomery, AMRDEC Public AffairsSeptember 14, 2015

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REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (Sept. 14, 2015) -- As the end of fiscal year approaches, management at the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, Engineering Center is in pursuit of filling an important role in the front office.

AMRDEC's Executive Officer, commonly referred to as the XO, is the aide and administrative "right hand" to the director and military deputy within the front office. AMRDEC's current XO, Paul Anderson has arranged three informational briefings to supplement the canvass and provide a personal testimony of his experience.

"It's fun; it's exciting. If you thrive off a challenge, this is the position you want," said Anderson in the first briefing held Sept. 9.

The XO assists with daily organizational management and activities that support long-term organizational success. This position performs special projects and studies associated with the missions and functions of the center. The XO provides technical support and acts as the action officer for all tasking or reporting requirements placed on the AMRDEC director.

"This is an excellent opportunity," Anderson encouraged. "It's one that will give you a chance to see the entire AMRDEC S&T portfolio. As a Quality Management person, believe me, it was a steep learning curve. But I have a better appreciation for what we do, not only for the Warfighter and higher commands RDECOM and AMC, but for the nation. There are programs that we do here that the nation depends on. You will be immersed in all of those. You will walk away with knowledge about all of those."

The XO assignment is a noncompetitive position meaning the selecting official has executive authority in the hiring process. Most government civilian positions are classified as competitive and must adhere to Office of Personnel Management standards. Management will select two applicants to fill two consecutive rotations, each spanning six months. The order of duty will be based on the selectees' current and future assignments in their programs.

The briefing include an overview from the director of Aviation Development, Dr. Bill Lewis. He provided attendees a practical understanding of the position's responsibilities and expectations from the perspective of senior leadership.

"This provides you an opportunity to take a look at how a $3 billion a year organization functions at an executive level," said Lewis. "The kinds of decisions that happen, the kind of day-to-day activities that happen, the breadth of the organization, and in some cases the depth of the organization. The biggest thing you will learn is judgment and critical thinking through the eyes of organizational leadership."

AMRDEC DB-03, DE-03, or DE-04 employees who have achieved DAU certification in their permanent position qualify for the XO detail. If your current position requires acquisition certification then you must be certified in order to apply.

To provide equal consideration for all interested employees, applicants will need to submit a written resume containing their most recent performance appraisal rating as well as acquisition certifications attained. Please include a recommendation letter from your first level supervisor and an applicant statement expressing why you want the developmental opportunity to Terri Fowlkes, RDMR-CSH, terry.d.fowlkes.civ@us.army.mil, 256-876-2671, Building 5400, Room E-321, NLT Sept. 18.

The final XO informational briefing will be conducted on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m.

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The Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to ensure decisive overmatch for unified land operations to empower the Army, the joint warfighter and our nation. RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command.

Related Links:

U.S. Army Material Command

Army.mil: Science and Technology News

U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command