Recent ESC Trainees extol programs’ virtues

  • Published
  • By Maj. Renee Little.
  • Electronic Systems Center Acquisition Center of Excellence
Some things cannot be learned in the classroom. Just ask Sam Kimbrel, Lena Thomas, and Samuel Reyes, the most recent graduates of the Palace Acquire and Hanscom Trainee Programs.

These programs provide full time employment in a structured two- to three-year rotational training program. Through these opportunities, trainees combine continuous on-the-job experiences with formal classroom training to become the future acquisition talent at Electronic Systems Center, according to Sue Angell, director of the ESC's Acquisition Center of Excellence.

Although the trainee programs can vary in length and assigned duties, the trainees seem to agree that the programs have several things in common - they provide challenging jobs, full immersion into an acquisition program, and an almost instantaneous understanding of the customer, the warfighter.

"The trainee program gave me an opportunity to continue to have a positive impact on the beloved Air Force, which I had previously served for 26 years," said Mr. Kimbrel. "I'm learning the acquisition side of the Air Force, while utilizing my many years of logistics experience."

When the graduating trainees were asked about recommending the program to others, all three answered with a resounding "yes."

"For those considering the program, go for it," said Mr. Reyes. "How else can one develop the skills needed to function in a dynamic programmatic and technically challenging environment in such a short time?"

Trainees are rotated to different wings and or squadrons after one year, to expose them to different aspects of an acquisition program.

According to Ms. Thomas, this was a huge benefit.

"Working at the different program offices allows you to get a better understanding of the various processes, requirements, and the weapon system itself before being permanently assigned to an acquisition program," she said. "I had opportunities to pull different efforts together with the help and support of my co-workers."

The three recent graduates also agreed that they were successful because of the many great teams of people they got to work with in their various assignments.

"Armed with some excellent training and great mentoring, ESC will continue to benefit from these dedicated and hard-working graduates," Ms. Angell said.