Dr. Robert Garcia

I was just having this conversation with a few people the other day. The Marine Corps is just implementing a written policy for what the other services have been doing quietly--Limiting SkillBridge. But when your organizations are at 76% strength or less (more) and you have a mission to perform (the one the American taxpayers are paying for) something has to give....SkillBridge will be the first. And before you go there I am a huge fan of SkillBridge...but I am also a realist--->What we are witnessing is the slow decline and ultimate phasing out of the DoD SkillBridge program as we know it. I have been saying this for a few years now and you can argue all day but the program as is, is not sustainable nor will it survive as is. I am also not a fan of using rank to determine who gets SkillBridge (I know it is done quietly as well.) The assumption being made is that senior enlisted and officers do not need to use it to make the transition. Nonsense. They need it as much as the junior enlisted need it. There is no rank in the transition. True, some (junior enlisted and officer) will have it easier but that goes for anything in life. The transition is the transition and it does not know rank. https://lnkd.in/enWXy676

20

8 Comments

The Pentagon wants to shift ~$3.3B of budgeted funds to support a handful of new-start projects, including: (1) Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which has already seen ~40% cost growth. The Pentagon wants to shift $150M in FY24 funds, which increases the CCA program request to $542M. Unsurprisingly, this request came with a news statement that the Air Force will evaluate the NGAD platform design concept to determine if there are cost reductions or capability trade-offs. (2) Army wants to shift $39M to purchase 8 SM-6 Block1A missiles for its Mid-Range Capability ground launch system. Army and Navy would coordinate procurement on the SM-6 contract, which was awarded to Raytheon. (3) Additionally, Army wants to shift $33M in advanced component development and prototypes to fund its tank and medium caliber ammunition procurement #Army #AirForce #defensespending #defensebudget #CCA #NGAD Craig Belanger, Joe Giandomenico, Anirudh Suneel, Ben Osterholtz, Robyn Pirie, Scott Bethel, Mark Kipphut, Kristin Robertson, Jerry Spruill, Richard Mascolo, James Hvizd, Jim Walker, Doug Reep, Aaron Prupas, Martin J. Bowling, Dennis Carroll, Jeff Snyder https://lnkd.in/e8Qma_9G

9

Last month, Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks released a MEMO to Pentagon Senior Leadership regarding the Defense Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Due Diligence Program: Due Diligence Program: Establishes policy to assess and mitigate security risks from small business concerns (SBCs) with foreign ties seeking SBIR or STTR awards. Implementation Guidance: Outlines responsibilities for the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) and DoD Components in applying common standards. Risk Assessment Elements: Details the process for SBCs, including disclosure forms, business reviews, security risk assessments, and counterintelligence reviews. Risk Mitigation: Describes the establishment of Risk Mitigation Review Boards to evaluate and recommend actions for SBCs assessed as high risk2. The MEMO emphasizes the importance of protecting innovations and technologies from foreign adversaries and competitors. FUN FACT: I always to told folks when they weren't sure to READ the MEMO. U.S. Department of State DoD Chief Information Officer Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment Office of the Secretary of Defense Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs

5

Helpful hint: I was reviewing a company’s PowerPoint presentation who said they submitted a supplier profile. I went to review said profile, but I could not find it. They referenced their company’s name in the presentation in three different types of abbreviations. Nowhere did they state their full company’s name that was on the profile. Remember, I don’t know your company. If you want to do business with me, make sure your profile and your presentations and your Sam registration all coordinate. There is nothing small about small business!!

27

4 Comments

Over the last several months, our team has been diligently working through our requirements, with cybersecurity consistently at the forefront of discussions. ⭐️ One critical aspect that has come up repeatedly is the level of risk we’re willing to accept. A key conversation within industry has been SOCOM’s move towards achieving a NIST score of 110—a very attainable goal that is also becoming a crucial requirement. ⭐️ I wouldn’t be surprised if SOCOM eventually communicates that a NIST score of 110 will become mandatory. Given this, I strongly encourage industry leaders to assess where they currently stand, determine their position on the cybersecurity spectrum, and make the necessary investments to improve their score while mitigating risks. 👀 In the near future, I anticipate that having a NIST score of 110 will be a firm requirement to do business with the tip of the spear. For reference, FAR 52.204-21 and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.204-7012 highlight the need for cybersecurity measures aligned with NIST 800-171, pushing contractors toward the 110 score to ensure compliance with federal cybersecurity standards. #investinsecurity #investinus #tipofthespear

33

2 Comments

1. #California's plan to increase the minimum wage for #healthcare workers to $25/hour has been delayed. 2. The wage increase was originally set to begin on June 1, 2024, but may be postponed to October 15 or January 1, 2025, depending on state revenue. 3. The delay is part of efforts to address California's $46.8 billion budget deficit. 4. The wage increase would affect about 426,000 healthcare workers and could cost the state around $2-4 billion annually. 5. Some healthcare providers have already started implementing wage increases to remain competitive. 6. California is expanding Medi-Cal (the state's Medicaid program) to cover over 700,000 low-income immigrants living in the state illegally, starting January 1, 2024. 7. This Medi-Cal expansion is expected to cost the state about $3.1 billion per year. 8. The expansion faces challenges, including the state's current $68 billion budget deficit and concerns about straining the healthcare system. 9. Advocates argue that providing preventive care will save money in the long run by reducing expensive emergency room visits. 10. There are ongoing efforts to achieve universal healthcare coverage in California, with some additional legislation pending. Of note is the fact that California is expanding its #MediCal program (the state's #Medicaid program) to cover over 700,000 immigrants living in the state without legal status. This expansion is expected to cost the state about $3.1 billion per year which is just about the same as the amount being denied to the health care workers

1

1 Comment

😎 Episode 21 of the Military to Civilian Career Transition Power Hour Podcast is now live. 😲 NOW WITH LINKS TO AUDIO AND VIDEO SEGMENTS! (UPDATED) Join us to hear four ⭐ veterans talk about career transitions. Macey Nelson is in the SOUP segment. As a transitioning Air Force service member, Macey has used her last 8 years to obtain her masters degree in data science and is completing her Skillbridge program with AllegiantVets. She is poised and ready to take on her next career, and has a few pointers for those who are facing the tricky transition. One is music and a 'transition playlist'. Her audio only segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gQd2MZq3. Macey's YouTube segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gZvZvwSn We call him "Hendo" in the recruiting world, our episode Expert segment features Justin Henderson, a Marine veteran, recruiting expert, and now CEO of Veteran Hiring Solutions. Having been in the industry for 20+ years, Hendo shares excellent transition advice. Find out more at Veteran Hiring Solutions. Justin's audio only segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gDJQVnQe and his YouTube segment is here: https://lnkd.in/g6htp_Bh Our 1-4 year veteran segment features Riccoh Player, Emmy Award Winner and Retired Colonel from the US Marine Corps who jumped head-first into his transition to create Parade Deck, a space for military influencers and podcasters who are making a difference. Riccoh uses his 20+ years of military leadership, public affairs, training, and desire to connect people in impactful ways. Riccoh's audio only segment is here: https://lnkd.in/g2jxJsuz. Riccoh's YouTube segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gTN_Tv3E Army Reservist and combat veteran Ryan Smithson. wraps up the show in the 5+ year veteran segment. Having written a best-selling book about his experience in Iraq, he has watched his story evolve from page to stage. Now an artist and leading district sales pro, Ryan is offering insights about art, writing, and creativity. This is his art: https://lnkd.in/gwecmBU6 Ryan's audio only segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gGFE-6EQ. Ryan's YouTube segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gkSYCmvQ Each transition story is unique, and we are dedicated to raising the voices of 100 veterans who are navigating careers post-military. #repost, #tag, #comment to help us gain more listeners. Thanks for supporting the podcast!! Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/XChangePodcast YouTube (Videos): https://lnkd.in/g9-cFGYP Audio Only Podcast: https://lnkd.in/gSfgGb6Z Book: CIVILIAN MISSION #1 New Release on Amazon 5 Days After Launch: https://lnkd.in/dz2FNw5z Available at other major retailers, including Barnes & Noble: https://lnkd.in/grWAqh6b Website: www.xchangepodcast.com #Mil2Civ #militarycareertransition #veteranhiring #skills #stories

38

14 Comments

Here's the second post to share information and insights to answer one of most frequently asked questions: how does my military experience translate to jobs in a commercial market? This month, I would like to share what I learned about the RMA (Return Merchandize Authorization) process and how your experiences can help companies mitigate risks and add value to the chain. RMA Program Administrator (PA)/Program Manager (PM) works to fulfil customer requirements of repairing and returning critical items. Daily responsibilities include: 1) Review warranty and/or non-warranty repair requests and assign RMA tracking numbers 2) Review RMA purchase orders for returned items and work with contracts department for the acceptability/feasibility 3) Once the order is processed, track and reconcile fixed/shipped items against requirements 4) Work with finance for invoice/payment process and follow ups 5) Assist with inventory and audit Sounds familiar? It should be, especially for those Marines with MOS 3043/3051/3047(*new merged MOS for those salty pre-Houthi fighting era Leathernecks) and 3010 CWOs If you ever worked at one of the Repairable Issue Points (RIP), you are uniquely qualified to work in the RMA business segment at various companies in electronic, semiconductor, automative, medical device, aerospace, or defense manufacturing industry. You have demonstrated that you possess skills, knowledge, abilities and attitude to contribute greatly because: - You were that 3051 Cpl who was responsible for reconciling due-in vs inventory/capacity - 3043 Sgt who was very good at daily and weekly reconciliation and processing of thousands of Oracle ERP Service Requests - SNCO who was excellent in communicating with demanding customers to problem solve missing information, late deliveries and etc. - CWO who worked out throughput analysis with engineers (commodities) and supply chain challenges with LOGCOM/DLA for strategic shaping a year out Embrace unfamiliar job titles, take chances, and strive for excellence. hashtag #payforward

18

As I reflect on the recent insights shared at the 56th Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium, one key message stands out loud and clear: the future fight demands readiness, adaptability, and resilience. We are reoptimizing the Great Power Competition (GPC) with a clear focus on the challenges posed by evolving threats. The strength of our Air Force and the Air National Guard isn't just in the machines we fly or the systems we operate but in the indomitable spirit and unity of our Airmen. Embracing a shared cultural identity goes beyond our functional roles, sharpening our focus on the combat mission and reinforcing the bonds that make us fearsome to any adversary. The battlefield is all around us, and it will take every Airman to understand, train, and employ direct combat airpower to defend each other and locate, close with, and destroy the enemy. Our senior leaders have painted a vision where each of us plays a critical role—where empowered Airmen operate with agility, driving our mission forward even in the most contested environments. This is not just about adapting our tactics; it's about stepping into a role of empowered leadership, where each Airman is equipped to make decisions and take action in real time, often in challenging situations. Do we need to be reminded that our strength lies not only in our technical capabilities but also in our resilience, our trust in each other, and our relentless pursuit of mission success? We must embody the traits of the empowered, well-trained Airmen who are ready to carry the weight of decisions that impact our nation's security. To my fellow Airmen—the future is calling on us to be agile, resilient, and always mission-ready. Let us answer that call, continue the legacy of those before us, and write the next chapter together. The pen is in our hands, and the next chapter starts now. #AirMobility #AirNationalGuard #MissionReady #Resilience #Airmen #EmpoweredLeadership #CombatAirpower #Agility #LegacyOfExcellence #FutureFight #AirForce

1

Omni Federal is pleased to announce a recent award to lead the development of SOCOM’s Enterprise Training Marketplace within Digital University. SOCOM recognized a need for a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly marketplace where SOCOM units can easily explore, select, purchase, and manage approved training from reputable vendors. Speed, convenience, and flexibility are the three core principles of this simplified procurement process. SOCOM requires an Amazon-like platform with automated procurement features that can be easily changed and adapted to meet evolving mission requirements. This single mission-enabled platform will allow users to acquire the necessary training needs of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs), Special Missions Units (SMUs), and SOCOM service components. We leveraged a deep understanding of SOCOM’s distinct enterprise training requirements to conceptualize a unique SOCOM Training Marketplace design within Digital University. Our initial focus is to create a streamlined user interface and enhance the user experience for effortless navigation through the extensive pool of 100+ SOCOM-specific vendors. To capture SOCOM stakeholder needs, Omni is applying our commercially proven Human-Centered Design process adapted to meet the mission and security needs of DoD agencies. Our scope of work includes integrating an easy-to-use and streamlined procurement process, initially developed, and validated by the Digital University Program Team to expedite the acquisition of training resources. The specific and unique SOCOM Training Marketplace procurement process seamlessly aligns with the well-defined and strategically crafted set of Digital University acquisition stages, enabling integration of the two to meet specific training requirements established by the SOCOM enterprise. We are thrilled at the opportunity to continue our development and expansion of Digital University to support the SOCOM Enterprise and Warfighter readiness across the DoD. #digitaltransformation #weareomnifederal #digital #learning #specialoperations #SOCOM #JSOC Digital University BESPIN USSOCOM

78

6 Comments

At BirchTree Solutions, we know how important operational effectiveness can be. This is why we are committed to enhancing and updating important curriculums with attention and care. Congrats to everyone who worked on the upcoming JT-201 Planners course! #OperationalExcellence #BirchTreeSolutions #JIDContract

1

The lack of "consumability" of some information coming out of critial parts of the bureacracy is a critical issue for novice innovators. CSPAN and the white house media pages, DVIDS are your best friends when it comes to on the ground evidence. If it doesn't get picked up in War on the Rocks, your favorite 'podcast' - maybe people don't see or hear it!? Dr. Marina Theodotou, Michael Mullen, Alexis B., Michael Kanaan, James Appathurai, Colin kane, Mike Bloomberg Does our need/ effort to communicate end when the message gets posted? Raw: https://lnkd.in/gMFj-NF9 Key Quotes: Admiral Mullen, "The building (Pentagon) is very risk averse and the requirement is to move very rapidly, which is going to require a significant increase in the appetite for risk." "We’ve got to stop rewarding mediocrity. We need to accelerate speed, really put ourselves on the clock. Almost as if we were at war." "We need to align our mission to drive innovation very specifically and learn from the best, especially in addressing the lack of flexibility in funding." Alexis Bonnell "The number one thing our adversary wants is for us to be scared of our own technology. So coming back in was really a commitment to the idea of how do we reduce the fear and make it easier for people to innovate?" "Toil eats purpose faster than mission can replace it... without taking away all of the extra, it becomes very difficult to do something new or novel." "Time is a weapons platform. It's our most important weapons platform. But if we don't treat a minute as important as a missile, then we waste them and invest them in the wrong places." Michael Kanaan "Technology, no matter the type, is a human endeavor, and people are at the core of what we do." "The DoD doesn't have the luxury of looking at bonuses or corporate profit margins on a 10-K statement. The shareholders are capital currency often boils down to the narrative words and a mission well done." "As I often like to say, you can't hack the bureaucracy unless you understand the bureaucracy, and an educated workforce must be the ones to build an environment that supports the adoption of technology." "The most profound AI impacts will inevitably be...in the back office functions, at least in the short term...an area overlooked for its lack of glamor compared to warfighting applications." "The question is not whether we are risk averse. But rather, is that a euphemism for risk blind...what is lost because we haven't made the trade off."

27

11 Comments

Recently, I have been reflecting on my time in the Air Force and the opportunities flying with the Thunderbirds has given me. It was an opportunity I almost passed on because my inner critic told me I'd never make it. But then I remember thinking about the alternatives… what if I never "went for it?" The regret of that "what if" would have haunted me far more than any failure. Playing small doesn't protect you from pain. It protects you from growth. And what's worse? It will cost you the one thing we can never get back - time. Think about it: • Every day you don't chase your dreams is a day lost. • Every opportunity you pass up out of fear is a potential memory never made. • Every time you say "I can't" instead of "I'll try," you're writing the story of your regrets. Over my career I've learned that: 1. Your future self is begging you to be brave today. 2. "What if I fail?" hurts far less than "What if I had tried?" 3. The pain of discipline weighs ounces. The pain of regret weighs tons. I was nervous when I left the Air Force to become an entrepreneur and speaker. But looking back at my life and wondering, "What if?" scared me more. So here's my challenge to you: Imagine yourself 20 years from now. What decision would that version of you be proud you made today? It might not be easy, but I promise you, it's worth it. ✌️ ------------------------ Hi, I'm Michelle. I'm a former fighter pilot turned speaker, author, and coach. If you found this helpful, consider reposting ♻️ and follow me for more content like this.

323

25 Comments

Exciting developments in the Air Force's Sentinel program as leadership changes have been announced. A significant review highlights the critical importance of adhering to organizational procedures in defense projects. This change reflects the USAF's commitment to maintaining the highest standards in its operations. The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center Commander removed Col. Charles Clegg from the role as Sentinel Systems Director “due to a loss of confidence in his ability to lead the directorate. He was removed because he did not follow organizational procedures.” For those interested in defense and aerospace, understanding these shifts is key to grasping how strategic decisions impact program success and national security. https://lnkd.in/gPPSA73s #USAF #DefenseIndustry #Leadership #AerospaceEngineering #NationalSecurity

19

Ahh the dreaded question➡, "Tell me about a time....." That question strikes fear in every transitioning veterans soul. For us Aviators it is like your checkride type of fear... 👉But it does not need to be. It is all about the prep work that goes into it, just like preparing for your checkride. 😎 Here's the thing --> you have all the information (➡your experiences⬅) you need to knock that question out of the park. You just need to package it the right way. How do we do that? 💯Too easy--Challenge, Action, Result (CAR) Statement, or for us TAP veterans, Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) Statement. Let me help you package those answers (example provided based on a real world experience): CAR Statements 1. Challenge: A succinct statement of the challenge or opportunity you were presented with. 2. Action: What did YOU do to resolve, overcome, or meet the challenge (how did you address it?) 3. Results: What were the outcomes of the action you took. The action should be specific (to the challenge), simple (easily able to understand), quantitative (percentage changes, dollars, numbers, eliminate, balance etc). Example for all you transitioning veterans: Question: Tell me about a time you improved a process in your organization. 👉(Holy Cow--I am shaking in my shoes now 🥶😂, not really but when I first started transitioning from the service if i got that question I was all over the map, UNTIL I understood the value of a CAR statement--keep reading). ➡Here is the response: ✔1. Challenge--Organization's UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters were experiencing increased downtime due to reset (from being in Iraq), inconsistent maintenance schedules and a lack of available parts, delaying mission support for operations and future deployment. ✔2. Action: Developed and implemented a predictive maintenance schedule using historical data, aircraft specific data, reset data, coordinated with supply chain managers to prioritize high demand parts, and streamlined communication between maintenance crews, reset leads and operations staff. ✔3. Result: Reduced maintenance downtime by 30%, increased mission readiness by 25%, and ensured the organization met all operational requirements (training, Vice President support, etc) in preparation for deployment. Now I can spout that answer off in about 2 minutes but not when I started--takes practice. I can also apply that scenario to a multitude of "tell me about a time" type of questions: ➡Tell me about a time when you identified and solved a problem. ➡Tell me about a time when you implemented a solution that improved performance. I hope this helps reduce your stress level #veterans. Happy to help anyone develop these statements.

11

1 Comment