Greg Smallwood, MHSA

Ladies and Gentlemen, Those of you who attended United States Army Human Resources Command's Conversation With Industry Event (#CWI2024) a few weeks ago got the opportunity to hear Major General Tom Drew describe his "Moonshots". What are the big, audacious goals that he wants to solve over the coming years. These don't represent concrete requirements but are more "themes" that we want help thinking about. There are better ways for us to: ☑ See the Army - We have to find a better way to model inventory against requirements and better assess those joining the Army. ☑ See the Solider - Today we equate Skill and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). A Soldier is more than their rank and job title. How do we differenctiate the skills and map strengths to Army needs and Soldier preferences. ☑ See the Future - How do we forecast needs 5 years from now and provide a new level of predictability. How do we model that forecast and assess the impact on future readiness. If you weren't able to attend or you lost your notes from the event and you want to know what is keeping senior leaders awake, take a look at the graphic Maria Rice McClure from the HRC Public Affairs Team made to summarize the goals. Patricia Bourgeois Houchin | Christopher Ruga | Kris Saling | Greg Johnson | The Adjutant General Directorate | Karl Anderson | Guy Timberlake | Dolores Kuchina-Musina, Ph.D. | Raj Sharma | Becky Weirick |

89

7 Comments

BREAKING: USMC Lateral Entry?!! The Marine Corps is revolutionizing talent acquisition with the Fiscal Year 2024 Talent Acquisition Pilot! For the first time ever, we're exploring lateral entry—yes, you heard that right. This groundbreaking pilot program aims to bring in top-tier talent directly into the Corps at advanced ranks. Imagine cybersecurity experts, AI specialists, and other high-demand professionals stepping into leadership roles, armed with cutting-edge civilian experience. Why now? As technology accelerates, our warfighting capabilities must keep pace. We’re not just filling ranks; we’re transforming the force with unmatched expertise and innovative skills. This pilot isn't about bypassing tradition; it's about augmenting our elite ranks with unparalleled talent to ensure we stay ahead of emerging threats. This is a monumental shift in our approach to building a future-ready Corps. Well done MGySgt Sage Goyda and the Marines at Manpower and Reserve Affairs, HQMC for getting this done. Let's embrace this change and support the mission to create the most versatile and capable force in Marine Corps history. Semper Fi! 💥🦅🌍⚓️ #MarineCorps #TalentAcquisition #LateralEntry #Innovation #FutureForce https://lnkd.in/eMyJR2Ta

312

175 Comments

Resilience Building Leadership Professional (RBLP) Fundamentals course. Are you New to the workforce? Are you Interested in supervisor positions, but unsure about how. Learn the core competencies of leading a resilient team with this self-paced course. Initial pursuit of leadership positions in the workplace can be intimidating,. The flexibility of this self-study program allows you to continue being an effective front-line worker while you build the confidence to accept that first supervisor position!

7

2 Comments

"If you don't model it, it has no authenticity." SMA Weimer, H2F Symposium. I'm really exited to be a part of the H2F program and help leaders achieve their full protentional. We don't always make the best choices across the five domains throughout our lives, but prior to taking command is a great opportunity to become more mindful of our habits. The H2F day at the pre-command course is a first step to encourage positive life change in ourselves for the betterment of those we lead and love. As leaders take time to conduct self assessments, identify areas for growth, pursue elective content, and interaction with human performance professionals, we have an opportunity to develop meaningful and lasting change.

36

1 Comment

Why Army Chaplain Mentorship Matters Army chaplain mentorship plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of army leaders by providing them with a unique avenue for personal and spiritual growth. Beyond their traditional role as spiritual advisors, chaplains serve as trusted mentors, offering guidance and support to soldiers navigating the complexities of military life. Through regular interaction and counseling sessions, chaplains can help leaders develop a deeper understanding of their values, beliefs, and purpose, fostering a sense of resilience and moral courage. One significant way chaplain mentorship benefits army leaders is by offering a confidential and non-judgmental space for them to discuss their challenges and dilemmas. In the high-stress environment of the military, leaders often face difficult decisions that can weigh heavily on their conscience. Having a chaplain as a mentor provides them with a safe outlet to explore these issues, seek advice, and gain perspective without fear of repercussion or stigma. Moreover, army chaplain mentorship goes beyond professional development, addressing the holistic well-being of leaders. By incorporating principles of faith and spirituality, chaplains help leaders cultivate inner strength, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Through reflection, prayer, and discussions on moral and ethical principles, army leaders can develop a deeper sense of purpose and a stronger moral compass to guide their actions on and off the battlefield. As General George S. Patton once said, "A good plan executed violently now is better than a perfect plan executed next week." This quote underscores the importance of decisiveness and moral courage in leadership, values that are often nurtured through mentorship with army chaplains. By encouraging leaders to align their actions with their values and convictions, chaplains empower them to make principled decisions, even in the face of adversity. In essence, army chaplain mentorship offers a unique blend of spiritual guidance, moral support, and professional development that can profoundly enhance the lives of army leaders. Through their compassionate listening, wise counsel, and unwavering support, chaplains play a crucial role in helping leaders navigate the challenges of military service while staying true to their core values and beliefs. As General Colin Powell once remarked, "Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them." Chaplains, with their mentorship and support, ensure that army leaders never face their challenges alone. Together our future is great! #army #armychaplain #ArmyChaplains #ArmyChaplainCorps

7

1 Comment

In October 2023, The Army Chief of Staff (CSA) directed the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) to “present options to eliminate and/or significantly reduce online training requirements prior to (resident) PME”. Question? How does this affect the initiative to eventually confer graduate degrees at the SMC and allow for MLC to confer under graduate degrees? Or am I off on this future objective? Discussion. It makes since to eliminate DLC but I hope it doesn’t affect NCOs achieving degrees that are conferred through USASMA. https://lnkd.in/e8rQ7qXF Mike Weimer Michael Grinston Jason Schmidt

2

We are gearing up for the highly anticipated release of the solicitation for the Defense Air Force Strategic Transformation Support II (DAFSTS II), a follow-on to the previous Air Force Strategic Transformation Support (AFSTS) contract. This represents a substantial opportunity for firms specializing in Administrative, Logistics, and Management Consulting Services, with a focus on transformative initiatives across the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies. DAFSTS II At a Glance: - Agency: United States Air Force - Solicitation Date: Estimated June 2024 - Ceiling Value: $5 Billion - Type of Award: Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Multiple Awards - Competition Type: Full & Open / Unrestricted - Primary Requirement: Administrative, Logistics & Management - NAICS: 541611, Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services Strategic Importance of DAFSTS II: DAFSTS II aims to provide Advisory and Assistance Services ( #airforce #bd #businessdevelopment #coaching #contractproposal #DAFSTSII #govcon #ostglobal #ostglobalsoutions #procurement #usaf #winmorebd

4

Today is launch day for Army 250. This is a citizen-led project I started to encourage communities, institutions, and individual Americans to engage with the story of the U.S. Army as we approach its 250th birthday in 2025. Every week we'll be sharing a newsletter that lifts up different dimensions in how the Army has influenced American life and society. This will include military campaigns and stories of American soldiers throughout our history, but it will also look at the connections between the Army and facets of American life seemingly far removed from the battlefield: food, fashion, music, literature, religion, business, civil society, and so many other domains have Army stories. This makes the Army's story relevant and personal for all Americans, irrespective of one's direct connection to the service. You can access the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/eTG56_xG This effort is intended to complement and support the incredible initiatives underway led by the US Army, the National Museum of the US Army, the Association of the United States Army - AUSA, and the US Army Center of Military History, among other institutions. Please share with anyone you think would be interested in this, and if you'd like to contribute to this project, please send me a message! #army250 #us250 #army #veterans #

41

2 Comments

We are gearing up for the highly anticipated release of the solicitation for the Defense Air Force Strategic Transformation Support II (DAFSTS II), a follow-on to the previous Air Force Strategic Transformation Support (AFSTS) contract. This represents a substantial opportunity for firms specializing in Administrative, Logistics, and Management Consulting Services, with a focus on transformative initiatives across the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies. DAFSTS II At a Glance: - Agency: United States Air Force - Solicitation Date: Estimated June 2024 - Ceiling Value: $5 Billion - Type of Award: Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Multiple Awards - Competition Type: Full & Open / Unrestricted - Primary Requirement: Administrative, Logistics & Management - NAICS: 541611, Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services Strategic Importance of DAFSTS II: DAFSTS II aims to provide Advisory and Assistance Services ( #airforce #bd #businessdevelopment #coaching #contractproposal #DAFSTSII #govcon #ostglobal #ostglobalsoutions #procurement #usaf #winmorebd

1

If you're new to government contracting or even a seasoned vendor with the Federal Government, I highly recommend you follow Steven Koprince for easy-to-understand analysis of current legislation and other changes. This one discusses the possibility of more sole source opportunities for SDVOSB and VOSBs.

10

2 Comments

Home Base Red Sox Foundation. An incredibly profound experience. I recently went through ComBHat and the Intensive Clinical Program (ICP). I can't recommend this organization enough for active duty on their twilight or for any veterans out there looking for diagnostics/help post-GWOT. Went through with some amazing people including a Vietnam Veteran. I can say this experience bolstered a trio of guiding principles that I aim to live by from here on out: Challenges | Capabilities | Connections. Home Base provided an immense amount of enlightenment and healing: Challenges in the sense of Physical, Emotional, and Moral compass. Physical ailments need further analysis, and Emotions left unchecked ultimately become physical. Ethical dilemmas that require sorting out. Capabilities; Resources, (Home Base, WWP, Veteran Community) Priorities (Family, Friends, Mental Health), and Processes (Methods and Mechanisms to improve for personal growth). We exited the program with more tools and less baggage. Connections--Matter, Belonging, and Enduring. The most integral piece. Connections that matter--you matter. Creating a sense of belonging (Tribe) with the intent to Endure. To continue forward, shaping and inspiring people who intend to make a difference in the manner befitting of these powerful words: Pursue a life task and purpose, Love Selflessly, and Suffer Bravely. ~Viktor Frankl

23

3 Comments

I'm incredibly proud to share a milestone that means the world to us at BufferSprings. Our recent case study highlights the transformative impact of our DoD SkillBridge program, reflecting our deep commitment to supporting veterans as they transition to civilian life. As a 100% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (& Operated) Small Business (SDVOSB), we're driven by the progress and well-being of our people, not profit. Phase 1 of our SkillBridge program has shown some encouraging results: 92% of participants secured employment within three months. 88% reported high job satisfaction. 85% reported improved overall well-being. 75% experienced career growth, with 60% receiving promotions within the first year. These numbers are promising, but they are just the beginning. We will not rest on our laurels. What we’ve learned from Phase 1 will fuel our efforts as we move into Phase 2. Our goal is to create the greatest SkillBridge program in the country. To Companies: Let's bridge the gap together. Partner with us to recognize and leverage the unique skills veterans bring. We can build compliant and competitive military talent programs that create meaningful opportunities for veterans together. To Transitioning Veterans: Our SkillBridge program is here for you. Empower your future with BufferSprings. We provide comprehensive support to translate your military experience, assist with credentialing, and offer cultural training to ensure a successful transition to civilian life. To the Military Support Ecosystem: Join us in strengthening our community. Together, we can enhance program effectiveness, secure funding, and provide holistic support to our veterans and their families. Stand with us, support our veterans, and help us build the greatest SkillBridge program in the country. We won't stop until every veteran is thriving. March with us! Check out the Phase 1 Case Study: https://hubs.ly/Q02y67ZR0

82

34 Comments

Great dialogue right now and kudos to Milford Beagle, Jr ("Beags") and team. Tech is radically changing how we operate but it also makes warfighting more complex, complicated and dynamic. Much more is changing politically, socially, economically but tech is the greatest change. We therefore need to continue to develop leaders who can solve problems and adapt to the changing situations, tech and complications that are posed to us. This is how we win on the battlefield but also within the enterprise. ‘Winning the first fight is not about devising the perfect plan and executing it flawlessly. It is about learning and adapting to the environment and the situation, action–reaction–counteraction.’ Problem solving, adaptability and openness to change are more important now than they have ever been. United States Army Human Resources Command The Adjutant General Directorate United States Army Soldier Support Institute United States Army Adjutant General School U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command Commander's Innovation Cell - US Army Human Resources Command

22

4 Comments

🚨 🚨 🚨 I want to share a recent report for FY23 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs expenditures. 🚨 🚨 🚨   The National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics (NCVAS) publishes the annual Geographic Distribution of VA Expenditures (GDX) Report. The GDX report provides a breakdown of VA expenditures for each major VA program at the state, county, and Congressional District levels. Of note:   #Texas is the #1StateInTheUS for total Veteran population with 1,534,356 (CA is #2 with 1,487,167).   Bexar County moved ahead of Cook County Government (@Chicago) to #5CountyInTheUS for total Veteran population with 156,023 Veterans (behind #1 Maricopa, AZ; #2 Los Angeles, CA; #3 San Diego, CA; and #4 Harris, TX; I believe we will surpass Harris County in the next 5yrs).   #BexarCounty was the #1CountyInTheUS for total VA expenditure to residents with a total of $2,400,929,000 (that's #BILLIONS; that's across all organizations that process claims for Bexar County residents, so includes us, VA, Texas Veterans Commission, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), etc.)   Bexar County brought in #MoreCompensationAndPension** (see below) money than 33 states / territories in the US!!!   Needless to say, I'm proud of the work this team at Bexar County Department of Military and Veterans Services does for the great people we support in the great community where we live.    Much thanks to the County leadership for the support you provide to us on a recurring basis, and kudos to the great community partners we get to work with on a daily basis! None of this happens without y'all!! #GetBexar #StayBexar #BexarVets #HaveFunMakingADifference #LetsGetToWork **NOTE: The Compensation and Pension (C&P) category includes expenditures for the following categories: compensation payments, pension payments, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, and burial allowances. Most expenditures reported in this category reflect monthly payments made to individuals. Retroactive payments and one-time payments are also included. U.S. Army Soldier For Life | Marine For Life Network | Texas Workforce Commission | Texas Veterans Land Board | Texas Veterans Network Powered by Combined Arms | City of San Antonio | City of San Antonio Military and Veteran Affairs Department | Thomas | Shawn | Charles | Mike | Steven | Calvin | Lloyd | Nancy | Eymi

40

2 Comments

Hill AFB Transitioning Service Members! I will be at the MFRC June 26th, 27th, and 28th. Please stop by if there is anything I can do to help with your career preparation. I stay at the MFRC for breaks and lunch each day and after our sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Would love to check in on some of the topics we have discussed: - Tell me about your “tell me about yourself” (no pun intended 😁) preparation. You have to be captivating, relevant, and unique within the first seconds. - Tell me about your “Ss” (Situations) in your STARs. Only 6% of the US population has served in the armed forces so your “Ss” are very unique especially when you tie them to the job description. - Tell me about your resume preparation. - Tell me about your LinkedIn profiles. Wow! Very impressed with some of the profiles you have created especially with how easy and welcoming you have made it for recruiters to find you. - Tell me about your networking. The statistics show that 60% to 80% of the jobs are not posted for public view. Your dream career is out there and your networking will take you there. - Tell me about how you are "thinking like a hiring manager" and using that way of thinking to prepare. - Tell me about your interviewing experiences. I know some of you had interviews last week and some next week. Happy to help! #giveback

6

2 Comments

If you want to know the FY 25 small business goals of federal agencies, check out this SBA guide. If you want to stay on top of the changing regulatory world of federal contracting, follow Steven Koprince for timely insights.

18

1 Comment

Saw this #govcon 💎on the Facebook CMCoE group about the U.S. Small Business Administration 8(a) program. I wanted to share here as I've talked with too many companies that expect the opportunities to 🪄manifest themselves once they get their next cert. Still gotta put in the work 👊🏼 Our experts at Strategic Growth Advisors are here for you if your company needs any help navigating 🧭this market. Consider us your force multiplier 📈to augment your team to provide successful #pricing for your #proposals to maximize your #profits in the 8a program and beyond!

12

4 Comments