ANAD’s Upward Mobility Program provides advancement opportunity

By Cody Spoon, ANAD Public Affairs OfficeJune 25, 2021

ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala --Upon his arrival at Anniston Army Depot, Col. Marvin Walker, Anniston Army Depot commander, had an idea: provide the opportunity for experienced and/or educated individuals within the workforce to convert from a wage grade system position to a general schedule system position. Walker went through the appropriate processes and developed what is now known as the Upward Mobility Program. Last week, all of the current selectees were introduced during the commander’s town hall.

Sharica English, a material requirements planner/buyer, was recently hired through the Upward Mobility Program at Anniston Army Depot.
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sharica English, a material requirements planner/buyer, was recently hired through the Upward Mobility Program at Anniston Army Depot. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army Photo by Mark Cleghorn) VIEW ORIGINAL
Joshua Gann, who began his career at Anniston Army Depot in the Co-Op program, now serves as a production controller through the Upward Mobility Program.
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Joshua Gann, who began his career at Anniston Army Depot in the Co-Op program, now serves as a production controller through the Upward Mobility Program. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army Photo by Mark Cleghorn) VIEW ORIGINAL

In 2001, Joshua Gann, production controller, began his career at Anniston Army Depot. His journey began as a student in the Co-Op Program, which is now referred to as the Pathways Program. Upon graduation, Gann was converted into a full-time, wage grade diesel mechanic in disassembly.

Over the years, Gann has held various positions around the depot and believes this experience was taken into account, “Work experience should hold more value than some might think it should,” he said.

In reference to the application and interview process, Gann said, “I think a panel interview is great to gauge what you know, and not just what a piece of paper says you know.”

Sharica English, a material requirements planner/buyer, began as a contract material handler in 2007, but was furloughed in 2013. In 2014, English was re-hired as a term material expediter and remained a term employee until she was selected for her current position.

English spoke about continuing to work in the same shop she has worked in since 2014, “I was so excited to find out the position would be in the shop I’ve always worked in. It’s an area I am familiar with; the people, the processes and what they need.”

English is grateful for the opportunity, ‘’Thank you to Col. Walker, the command staff and all involved for the opportunity to be a part of the Upward Mobility Program. I think the program is great and I look forward to learning, training and being able to be promoted to the next grade.”

Both employees had advice to give to anyone in the workforce who is considering applying for Upward Mobility positions, “Apply for the jobs! Rejection isn’t a bad thing. You can’t get a job or get rejected if you never apply,” said Gann.

English commented, “My advice for employees who are considering applying to the Upward Mobility Program, is apply, especially if you are looking to advance in your career.”

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