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ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command’s Junior Advisory Council gives GS-5 through GS-11 employees the opportunity to learn from others and grow in their careers.
JAC Chair Joseph Geagea, a G8/ Resource Management directorate budget analyst and an equal employment opportunity counselor, said participation in JAC is an excellent opportunity for those who wish to learn more about CECOM or perhaps move into a leadership role one day.
The JAC has about 25 members from CECOM Headquarters and Tobyhanna Army Depot.
“We are trying to see if there is interest at other [CECOM subordinate commands], but that is still in the works,” Geagea said.
Geagea credits CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Conaty for supporting and guiding the JAC. He saw the importance of growing and rebuilding the JAC, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic limited in-person networking opportunities for a few years.
“He has been incredibly influential and supportive of our initiatives,” Geagea said.
Unique career experiences
Some meetings feature guest speakers, such as the local chapter president of Toastmasters International, who spoke to JAC members about how to communicate more effectively and how to retain an audience during a presentation.
In addition to virtual meetings, JAC also meets in person. For instance, members have received permission to observe “leadership behind the scenes” during some meetings at CECOM Headquarters.
Additionally, last fall, JAC members had the unique opportunity to interact and provide feedback to Marion Whicker, the executive deputy to the commanding general of the Army Materiel Command, as part of a brown bag lunch meeting during an APG visit.
“JAC acts as an intermediary [between senior leadership and junior employees],” Geagea said. “We allow their voice to be heard,” he said.
Last spring, a few members of the JAC flew in a Blackhawk helicopter to TYAD so they could accompany CECOM Commanding General Maj. Gen. Robert L. Edmonson II, CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Conaty and CECOM Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Linc McCoy during a visit.
Geagea said the JAC is also in the process of developing a job shadow program.
“We are hoping to roll that out this year, to at least have a test pilot of it,” he said.
Providing valuable feedback
Geagea said the JAC is currently working with the G1/ Human Resources directorate to provide a deeper insight into the new employee experience. Since the JAC is primarily composed of new employees, Geagea said, they can provide the G1 and senior leadership with valuable information about improving the new employee experience and sharing successes.
This spring, members of the JAC plan to assist during a mock interview session with students in the Pathways in Technology Early College High School program at Joppatowne High School. This will give the students a chance to prepare a resume and practice their interview skills.
Members of the JAC have also expressed interest in mentoring students, Geagea added.
Membership is voluntary and participation in meetings and events is dependent on permission of the junior employee’s supervisor. Participation and involvement varies for each employee.
“We know that everyone is at a different point in their career or life,” Geagea said.
For more information about participating in JAC, contact Geagea joseph.geagea.civ@army.mil, or call 443-861-7073.
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