REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (May 22, 2024) – There was a time when the DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center’s Clinton Wann dreamed of becoming a professional motocross racer.
After years of pursuing this dream, Wann decided to pivot to the next best thing and entered an ESPN2 essay contest and won a scholarship to attend a technical school in Orlando, Florida, known for training the industry’s top race team mechanics. After training, and now a newlywed, Wann sidelined the road life of a race team mechanic and quickly took a position working for a premier dealership in Knoxville, Tennessee.
After years of working as a motorcycle, ATV and watercraft technician, Wann said he was eager for a new challenge. Coming from years of technical experience, mechanical engineering seemed a natural progression. Living 15 miles from downtown Knoxville, and much to the chagrin of the Scottsboro, Alabama, native’s Crimson Tide-loving family and friends, Wann enrolled at the University of Tennessee.
“I jumped in with both feet and here I am today,” he said.
Wann now serves as the executive officer for Dr. Stephanie Reitmeier, director of the Software, Simulation, Systems Engineering and Integration Directorate. After finishing his schooling at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Wann joined the Center in 2009 and worked in various roles across directorates, the last 11 in the Systems Readiness Directorate.
“At SRD Airworthiness, we oversee any aspect of aviation systems that influence safety of flight. I enjoyed working with a wide range of functional experts, from industry to pilots to Soldiers and maintainers in the field – keeping aircraft flying directly impacts readiness which is a priority for our Army leaders and critical for our nation’s security,” he said.
Although he was happy in airworthiness, Wann was ready for another new challenge when he saw the notice for the XO position.
“As the XO I perform special projects and studies, provide technical support, and act as the action officer for tasking requirements placed on the Director. Since the Director carries massive amounts of responsibility and can be pulled in many directions, being able to provide support in these areas results in aiding the progression of important projects and initiatives. It’s exciting and very fulfilling.”
It is a position that has also provided Wann a new perspective.
“Not only do I sit in on many meetings with the director, but I also have the opportunity to engage with the principal, technical and associate deputies, which has been an absolute bonus. S3I’s leadership team is passionate, caring and has a real desire to do the best for the workforce,” Wann shared.
Although Wann hung up his motorcross helmet long ago, his current role is fulfilling his need for speed.
“It is a fast-paced environment, but I like a fast pace,” Wann said with a smile.
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The DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center, headquartered at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the Army’s research and development focal point for advanced technology in aviation and missile systems. It is part of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Futures Command. AvMC is responsible for delivering collaborative and innovative aviation and missile capabilities for responsive and cost-effective research, development and life cycle engineering solutions, as required by the Army’s strategic priorities and support to its Cross-Functional Teams.
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