PACER Spotlight: Piotr “Cedric” A. Omar

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. - Cedric Omar is a current member of Pathways to Career Excellence (PACE) Group 50, which began in 2025. For his second year in the PaCE Program, he will be assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, as a Property Disposal Specialist with environmental duties.

Why did you first apply to the PACE Program?

I thought it was a great opportunity for growth and advancement within the organization.

What was your career path before joining the PACE Program?

I had spent nearly a decade after my military service in the logistics field within the private sector. I saw an opening for a Material Examiner & Identifier at Ft. Hood and applied because I felt I met the requirements and missed the camaraderie of the Army.

What is your favorite part of PACE?

Getting to see how the field sites affect decision making at HQ and how higher-level directives are received, interpreted to fit our mission, then disseminated. Also, getting to build relationships with people at HQ, especially within my cohort.

What has been your most memorable moment in the PACE Program, and why does it stand out to you?

Going to Anniston Centralized Demil Division (CDD). Seeing firsthand how property that field sites ship for DEMIL is received and ultimately destroyed reinforced the importance of the Kind, Count, and Condition (KCC) process, also the value of packing an organized tri-wall.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey in the PACE Program?

Meet the people in the building where they work. Don't wait for the overviews to get to know what the various branches do. Be your own advocate.

What suggestions do you have for the PACE Program itself that could enhance the experience for future participants?

The housing situation could use some focus. It's not much of a concern for participants who get assigned to Battle Creek, but for those of us only here for the first year, it can be a bit stressful. Especially if we must leave a family behind and pay for both a mortgage and rent. They do the best they can by providing us with resources prior to arriving; however, there may be other avenues which could be explored to alleviate some concerns.

What are the key qualities that help a person succeed and thrive in the PACE Program?

Be willing to learn, be personable, and be curious.

How would you explain the program, and its benefit to a colleague?

It is an excellent program which prepares you for growth as a future leader with Disposition Services, maybe even higher. Everything worth doing will always have challenges. Believe in yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help. The program will give you the tools and resources to accomplish your mission.

Looking beyond the PACE Program, what are your long-term career goals within the agency?

To be a field site Area Manager. That is where we can most effectively support the warfighter. I want to instill confidence in our ability and willingness to support the Armed Forces and the government as a whole.

What's something you'd like to share about your life outside of work?

I was born and raised in the Micronesian region of the Pacific and am proud of my heritage. I am a fan of Pacific Northwest sports (Seahawks, Mariners, Seawolves, etc.) and have passed on my fanaticism to my 2 kids.

Editorial Note: The Pathways to Career Excellence Program for DLA Disposition Services is a two-year program that takes PACER's through all of Disposition Services and its processes to learn as much as possible about the directorate. The first year takes place at DLA Disposition Services Headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan, and the second year either takes place in Battle Creek for Contracting PACER's or at an assigned field site for Property Disposal PACER's. PACER's begin as general schedule 7s, move to GS-9s at the end of their first year, and graduate the program as GS-11s. There are multiple pathways to becoming a PACER, including being hired internally, as a recent graduate, or from military service.

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