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Panel discusses efforts to renew Robins work force

  • Published
  • By Amanda Creel
  • 78th ABW/PA
Robins Air Force Base, Ga. --  When it comes to developing a workforce capable of supporting the warfighter for generations to come, the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center is breaking the mold.

In October members of the WR-ALC joined the Aero-space Industry Committee, Defense Acquisition Univer-sity and Macon State College to announce a new initiative in educating future and present acquisition personnel. The new initiative is three classes available at Macon State as part of a contracting curriculum. The classes replace 11 DAU training classes needed by Department of Defense employees.

One March 18, the group gathered at Horizons for a panel discussion about the partnership and what it will mean to the Center in the future.

"This is an exciting event. We are combining the resources and the wisdom from Macon State, AIC, DAU and the base. The goal is to recruit, train and interest students into acquisition careers in the DOD and prepare the next generation to service our nation," said Patsy Reeves, WR-ALC Contracting director.

The program is so innovative, DAU staff members are working to migrate and share the concept with other acquisition organizations throughout the DOD, said Garry Shafovaloff, special assistant to the president of DAU.

Maj. Gen. Tom Owen, commander of the WR-ALC, said the outside interest is one of the most exciting things about the classes being offered at Macon State.

John Cole, interim dean of the school of business at Macon State College, said it is important to continue to keep the program in the spotlight.

"It's not just news in October when we signed the agreement or in January when we started the first class. It's news to us every time we start a class," Mr. Cole said. "And, it will still be news in two years."

Though the first class began in January, measuring the true impact of the program will not be possible until the base work force begins to benefit from the students they train, he added.

Paul McConnell, a business major at Macon State planning to take the classes, said it's good to know the base and the school has found a way to help students gain the knowledge needed in the federal acquisition community.

"It feels like they are helping us and nurturing us. It's good to know they are willing to guide you along," he said.

"Its exciting because we have Macon State, the AIC as well as a lot of young people who will benefit from the workforce development project at the very beginning of their Air Force career," General Owen said.

One of the first students to take the principles of contracting course, Valerie Kirchhefer, said she decided to take the courses to add to her existing business degree.

"I thought it would be a good opportunity to get the education needed to secure a job on the base," she said, adding the class has provided her with the skills necessary to understand the contracting career field.

She said one of the most beneficial things about the curriculum is that it shows students how the course material will be implemented on the job.

Tim Callahan, AIC chairman, said not only does the partnership help provide the base with well-educated acquisition employees it also helps the aviation industries benefit from the knowledge the courses are providing to the students.