ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Army civilians support the nation, the Army and its Soldiers in times of war and peace by improving the readiness of the force. During the month of August, the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command and Aberdeen Proving Ground are highlighting Department of the Army civilians who are committed to selfless service in support of the protection and preservation of the United States.

Devon Rock, U.S. Army Garrison Aberdeen Proving Ground

What's your current duty station and where are you from originally?

Rock: "My title is Installation Energy Manager which covers the entirety of Aberdeen Proving Ground and also Adelphi Lab Center which is located in Prince George's County, Maryland. I am from Maryland and have lived here my whole life."

How long have you been with IMCOM? Do you have experience with other commands or as a service member?

Rock: "My career here with the Army started in January 2009 when I was brought on as a contractor to support the APG Energy Program. I became a DOD civilian in January 2011. This was my first "real" job following graduate school. My academic background is geography."

What are your main responsibilities? What does a typical workday consist of?

Rock: "The main components of being an energy manager involves tracking the garrison utility consumption and costs. Major utilities include electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, water, wastewater and propane. After tracking, the next most important task is to develop projects that make the numbers smaller. Reducing consumption, reducing costs, reducing carbon emissions, etc. The Army is interested in being a better steward of taxpayer dollars and a better steward of the environment. In general, I look for projects that will make the facilities more energy efficient and try to incorporate new technology to improve energy security or increase the use of renewable fuels. A typical workday involves reviewing and approving utility bills for payment, collecting meter data for customer/tenant billing, developing projects to reduce energy consumption, looking for funding to improve APG utility resilience, and buying utilities in bulk contracts so that the Army pays a lower price."

What do you enjoy about your work?

Rock: "My favorite part of the job is the variety. Energy touches everyone and every Army mission so you never know what kind of issue will come up. For example, the Army is trying to work through issues that currently keep us from constructing Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. APG has volunteered to be a pilot location for installing and being reimbursed by employees for personal EV charging."

What advice would you give a civilian who is considering employment with the Army?

Rock: "My advice would be to keep moving and finding new challenges so that you don't lose passion and drive."