BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
James “Jamey” Walker is the demilitarization coordinator for Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Central DEMIL Depot (CDD) in Anniston, Alabama. He participated in the Pathways to Career Excellence Program from 2019-2021 in Group 38.
In your own words, how would you describe the PaCE program, and what can you gain from it?
The program is a great opportunity for new and entry-level personnel to learn about the full scope of our agency as well as building a meaningful and successful career.
Why did you first apply to the PaCE Program?
Simply put, promotional opportunity. I started out as a wage grade Material Examiner and Identifier in the warehouse. While it was a great learning experience, I knew that it wasn’t where I wanted to stay. I had a great area manager who pushed me to succeed and told me about the PaCE program so I thought I would try it out.
What was your position before coming to the PaCE Program?
As mentioned earlier I started DLA as an MEI and spent about 18 months in that position. Before that I worked in the automotive industry for just over 16 years in roles ranging from materials handling equipment operator to equipment and facilities maintenance.
What have been your favorite parts of the PaCE Program?
All of it. I enjoyed traveling to the different sites, learning from great people from various branches, and the friendships that I made. We had a great group, with great leadership, that made for an awesome experience all around.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
In February of 2020, I had the opportunity to shadow DLA Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon. Part of this entailed traveling with him to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Washington, to look at the barge transport method used for shipping large pieces off site to DEMIL. While there, U.S. Navy Capt. Mark Harris presented the DLA representatives - Cannon and DLA Disposition Services West Regional Director Chris “Buck” Buchannan - with an unusual gift. Harris explained that instead of giving coins, he would present them with pieces of actual submarines and ships that had been certified as safe. After presenting Cannon and Buchannan with their pieces, he then called my name and presented me with a piece as well. My piece was from the USS Boston Nuclear Attack Submarine. For Harris to include a then GS-7 intern in this presentation has been one of the biggest highlights of my time with DLA.
If there was one thing that could’ve been different for you in the PaCE program, what would it be?
Does “Covid never existing” count? While the first few months of our time in the program was filled with trips to classrooms, the Training and Operations Simulation Center, and various sites around the country, the last half of the program was spent in my tiny studio apartment staring at my computer screen.
I say this jokingly, as I know this was a very difficult time for our nation and my hat is off to everyone who was able to quickly adapt to this method of training and keep the program on track. It speaks volumes to the flexibility and professionalism of the folks who make up DLA.
What would you say is the most important quality to succeed in the PaCE program?
Being fluid. In the words of DLA Disposition Services Compliance Branch Chief Jim Wezell, “In our agency being flexible is too rigid. You must be fluid.” DLA faces lots of different challenges and being ready to meet those challenges will make success much more likely. The program can help with this, but you must be open to adapting and facing whatever comes your way.
Where did you see yourself going when you first started, and how does that compare to where you are now?
I honestly thought I would follow the pattern of working up through the ranks of lead, supervisor, etc. To be sitting in a GS-11 DEMIL Coordinator seat is a bit surreal when I think about how short my time with the agency has been.
Do you have any advice for current or prospective PaCERs?
Don’t be flexible, be fluid.
Editorial Note: The Pathways to Career Excellence Program for DLA Disposition Services is a two-year program that takes PaCERs 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 PaCERs or at an assigned field site for Property Disposal PaCERs. PaCERs 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.