PACE graduates recognized at HDFIC

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -

Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services held a graduation ceremony for six interns from the Pathways to Career Excellence Program at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, Dec. 4.

The PACE Program is a two-year training design that prepares entry-level personnel for subsequent advancement to the journey level in professional, administrative and technological career fields. They learn from on-the-job assignments, cross-training, and formal instruction.

The ceremony began with opening remarks from DLA Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon.

"You had a chance to spend time with outstanding leaders across our organization," Cannon said. "I hope you learned from them, picked up their good habits - the things they have learned and done and accomplished that allowed them to progress in their careers - and that you remember those things and apply them as you advance in yours."

During their training, participants receive permanent, full-time employment, competitive salaries, benefits, and career advancement. They enter PACE at the GS-7 pay level and are targeted to the GS-11 or GS-12 level upon successful completion of the requirements.

"I am the first PACER in the sales contracting position, and this has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said graduate Sara Vaughn, who will go on to serve as an administrative sales contracting officer. "It also allows other PACERs like me to gain a full perspective of the duties of a property disposal specialist, giving me extra opportunities to go into the contracting environment," added Vaughn.

PACERs receive unique experiences, such as shadowing Cannon for an entire week. Many PACERs also move to a field site for their second year in the program, which becomes their permanent assignment site when they graduate.

"It helps me, as a supervisor, because through their shadowing they learn the communication and products that they will present to senior leaders, to include current leadership here at Disposition Services," said Public Sales Division Chief Brian Smith "Now, going forward to future projects, they have a better understanding of building presentations and delivering decision briefings or informational briefs, and those foundations for other leadership traits has already been built within them."

To learn more about the opportunities and the program visit the PACE Program web page.