REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (July 30, 2024) – After 25 years in uniform, Joe McClure knew it was time to serve his country in a different way.
That led him to the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center where in January, he joined the team in a security specialist representative contractor position. It is a position that is essential to the Center -- protecting the assets and the people who bring science and technology to the Soldier. It is important work, but for the former drill sergeant, a hard-won perspective keeps him grounded on stressful days.
The Fayetteville, Arkansas native continued a family tradition when he enlisted in the Army, following the path of his father and grandfather.
“It is something that I wanted to do since I was a little boy, so I joined right after high school – I had found my niche,” he said.
During his military career as both an active-duty Soldier and then later in the Army Reserve, he deployed to Iraq and Kosovo, as well as multiple stateside assignments. While still an Army organization, his position at the Center has been a new experience for the infantryman. The transition from Soldier to civilian can be a difficult one, but McClure said that what he has appreciated at DEVCOM AvMC is the support he received getting him up to speed in his new role.
“Everyone here is very helpful in making sure you learn the things you need to learn to do your job successfully,” McClure said. “And you don’t find that everywhere. It’s been outstanding.”
As McClure looks back on his time in uniform, he did have advice for the recruit just starting out: “Take full advantage of every education opportunity you are given,” he said. “You will never meet someone who says, ‘I wish I didn’t learn so much.’”
As for his own professional path, McClure said that closing the chapter on his military service has been bittersweet.
“I love it and I hate it,” McClure said with a smile. “Because it has been a big part of my life for a majority of my life. You develop bonds that will never go away, that will never be broken.”
While the relationships he formed over the years with his battle buddies will continue as a civilian, the dad of six said that he is looking forward to having more time to spend with his family. He is not sad to leave his battle buddies since they will continue to be part of his life as a civilian.
“But it is time for me to step away and focus on a new adventure,” he 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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