FOTF Editor's Note: With a long legacy of service in his family, Tachias may bleed Army green, but what fuels this leader's motivation is knowing that the "great group of professionals" he works with are there to accomplish the mission with professionalism and excellence. When I interviewed Col. Tachias, one thing was evident: his sincere passion and appreciation for his team of professionals and the work they do every day to support the warfighter. With more than 24 years of active-duty service to the nation, Tachias hasn't had a bad day. He views any challenge he's faced with as an opportunity to succeed, keeping in mind that what he does is in support of the Soldier in the middle of a war zone who relies on superior aviation support to do his or her job.
As the project manager for the U.S. Army's fixed-wing aircraft fleet, Tachias is responsible for managing a 20-25 year lifecycle process that includes a litany of responsibilities and support for hundreds of aircraft. To some, that level of responsibility may be daunting, but to Tachias, it's an opportunity to excel.
FOTF: What do you do in the Army? Why is it important?
TACHIAS: As the project manager for the Army's fixed wing fleet, I supervise a team of outstanding individuals who provide centralized management of all Army manned fixed-wing aircraft worldwide. The fixed wing team provides life-cycle planning of the fleet, including design, development, qualification, testing, production, sustainment, distribution and logistical support. We've been able to grow tremendously from about 70 to 191 people in two years, but there's a lot of mission that goes along with that--it's well needed.
The Fixed Wing Project Office was stood up in October of 2011. The revelation I had working with the team the past year and a half is how significant an impact that decision was to Army aviation. Our office has gone from managing 256 aircraft at the establishment of the office, to currently supporting more than 382 aircraft comprising 11 missions, 40 different designs, and 73 series. It's our responsibility to manage the life cycle of this entire fleet and, on average; we look at it over about a 20- to 25-year life span, depending on the aircraft and policy. Maintenance is a priority. We currently have inventory that's 40 years old and we have a number of aircraft that are aging. At about the 15- to 17-year mark, we start to look at the [procurement] process because it takes time…often years to work through the requirements and funding issues.
FOTF: What has your experience been like so far? What has surprised you the most?
TACHIAS: I have the best job in the Army! I have great job satisfaction because my team is able to positively influence a process, and I get to see the results make a difference in the lives of our warfighters. In January, members of my team and I traveled to Afghanistan to interact with the Soldiers in the field. We received a lot of positive feedback from the commanders on how my office's support has improved their readiness and safety. From their perspective, what's really improved is our responsiveness in meeting the warfighter's needs now and in the future, and to have aircraft ready for any type of mission--including airworthiness, maintenance, etc.
From a surprise standpoint, it's better said that there are a lot of significant challenges we've uncovered within the fleet--from an airworthiness and maintenance standpoint. We've issued over 200 airworthiness releases in the last year and there's a lot of work that goes on to make that happen. But, everyday I go into work knowing that we will overcome any challenges because I have America's most professional and dedicated government employees and contractors on my team.
FOTF Editor's Note: 'airworthiness' is defined as an aircraft's suitability for safe flight.
FOTF: Is there any particular event or instance that really stands out to you that demonstrates the positive impact you've had on the warfighter?
TACHIAS: It really boils down to our mission to support our Soldiers. One particular [aircraft] system has discovered more than 160 IEDs [improvised explosive devices] in just over a year, which means that once we find one, we're able to have it removed which in turn means that our Soldiers are in a safer environment--essentially, it saves Soldiers' lives. And it takes a lot of teamwork to do that.
FOTF: From your perspective, how have things changed in Iraq and Afghanistan in the last decade?
TACHIAS: I think our [aviation] mission really hasn't changed--we're there to support our Soldiers. When I deployed to Iraq in 2004, I served as the Theater Aviation Support Manager primarily to support our Soldiers. I think that we're trying to lean a little more forward to anticipate the needs our Soldiers may have, and we've seen a larger need for Army aviation to ensure we support those Soldiers on the ground.
Tachias speaks with more than 130 industry partners representing 77 aviation-related companies at Industry Day held on June 12, 2012. Industry day provides an opportunity for government and defense members alike to interact in an open forum and discuss the goals and objectives of the project office. Photo by Tracey Ayers.
FOTF: What was your worst day as the PM?
TACHIAS: I can't say I've had a worst day--but I look at things a little bit differently. We're here to solve problems and I see those problems as an opportunity to succeed. With all of the issues that have come before this office, I can't say I've had a bad day because I have a dedicated, professional team of experts behind me who are capable of working through any issue.
FOTF: What do you do in any spare time you have?
TACHIAS: [Chuckles at the word 'spare']. I spend it with my family. When I'm not here or on a deployment, spending time with my wife and two athletic teenage sons is a priority. In fact, we're running a triathlon together in August.
FOTF: Why did you join the Army? What is your greatest satisfaction in being part of the Army?
TACHIAS: I am a third generation Soldier. My grandfather served in World War I. My father, a career Soldier, fought in the Korean War and served two tours in Vietnam. He retired after 22 years of service. As a young boy growing up on Army posts and running behind PT [physical training] formations just for fun, I knew being a Soldier was my destiny. I volunteered to serve because my parents instilled in me a great sense of patriotism and the philosophy of service to our nation. My older brother, Michael, who is stationed at Fort Bliss right now, inspired me as well by paving the path to become an Army officer.
My greatest satisfaction as a Soldier has been to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my brothers and sisters in arms, and with the greatest civilian patriots, as we work together to accomplish the Army's mission while impacting democracy and freedom worldwide
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