HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Members of the Cyber and Networks Directorate’s Enterprise IT and Cyber Infrastructure Division participated in a training stand-down here, Aug. 19.
Jeremy Thiele, acting portfolio acquisition executive for Cyber and Networks, said the training represents an intentional investment in the workforce.
“Today’s a tactical pause day,” Thiele said. “Not all organizations do this, where you take the day and just focus on what matters, which is people. It’s making you stronger, making you more informed and working on your professional growth so that we’re a better organization.”
Known as “Brain Day,” the semiannual event provides military, civilian and contracting personnel an opportunity to step away from normal work to focus on developing skills that support both individual growth and the directorate’s mission.
The event featured 26 instructor-led courses covering topics ranging from artificial intelligence and Microsoft tools to federal benefits, ergonomics, nutrition and other professional development subjects.
Training was offered in person at Hanscom AFB, with virtual participation available for geographically separated units.
Col. Fred Garcia, upper senior materiel leader for the Enterprise IT and Cyber Infrastructure Division, said the training day reflects the organization’s commitment to the workforce.
“To remain truly agile, you must be willing to invest in your greatest asset - your people,” Garcia said.
The colonel added that Brain Day has evolved into a key component of the division’s approach to workforce development, bringing subject-matter experts from across the country to provide training tailored to the workforce.
“Today, ‘Brain Day’ is our shining star,” Garcia said. “Twice a year, our training manager, Mary, brings in SMEs from across the country to teach our HNI members exactly what they need to succeed, from AI to nutrition and ergonomics, to all things Microsoft. It is our core values in action.”
Mary Pongratz, HNI unit training manager, coordinated the event and worked with internal facilitators, Air Force organizations and industry partners to develop the training schedule for more than 500 participants.
She said the training program is driven in large part by feedback from the workforce, allowing employees to identify areas where they want additional development.
“You ask for it, I try to deliver for you,” Pongratz said. “That feedback goes in so we can get you more classes and continue to provide the training you need.”
For the Cyber and Networks workforce, the event represents more than a break from the normal workday. It is part of an ongoing effort to build a more capable, adaptable and mission-ready workforce.
“Take advantage of the opportunity, because it is unique,” Thiele said during the event kickoff. “Be focused on improving yourself.”
The Cyber and Networks Directorate, headquartered at Hanscom AFB, leads the acquisition execution of a $20 billion portfolio and supports more than 2,400 personnel across its mission.