An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | Sept. 9, 2024

PACE Spotlight: Ryan McMahon

By Cory Harter DLA Disposition Services Pathways to Career Excellence

Ryan McMahon is a current member of Pathways to Career Excellence Program Group 46, which began in 2023. For his second year in the PACE Program, he will be placed at the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services site at Norfolk, VA.

Portrait of man in suit with flag
Ryan McMahon
Portrait of man in suit with flag
PACER Ryan McMahon
Ryan McMahon
Photo By: DLA Disposition Services
VIRIN: 240905-D-OS362-0001
Why did you first apply to the PACE Program?

I applied for the PACE Program because I wanted to advance within DLA Disposition Services.

What was your position in DLA before coming to the PACE Program?

I started with DLA as a Wage Grade-6 expeditionary civilian at the Camp Pendleton site. From there, I was promoted to Wage Grade-7 local stock number verifier. I spent a total of three years at that site before starting this program.

What have been your favorite parts of the PACE Program?

My favorite part of the program is networking. Getting to meet people throughout headquarters, also all the people we met at the site visits. Shout out to Tucson and San Antonio!

Do you have favorite moments from your time in the program so far?

My favorite moments are when we are hanging out as a group outside of work. For me, these guys have become a family away from home.

If there was one thing that could’ve been different for you in the PACE program, what would it be?

If I were to change anything it would be leaving my family behind while I complete the year-long program. I thought it would be easier to leave the family in San Diego and come out here by myself, I was wrong.

What would you say is the most important quality to succeed in the PACE program?

Picture of a couple on the beach
PACER Ryan McMahon
Photo By: DLA Disposition Services
VIRIN: 240905-D-D0441-0002

Patience and attentiveness. Understand that the PACE program is based off other people’s availability and schedules. So, it could feel like it’s dragging sometimes. But, when there is information being passed, pay attention because everything you are told or given are tools for the future.

In your own words, what can you gain from the PACE program?

The program is extremely beneficial, especially for me coming from the field. You get a better understanding of how things are done and why. It also gives you the knowledge on how to further your career and lead.  

What background do you have? Do you have a lot of DLA experience, or were a recent grad, or did you come from another field?

Prior to DLA, I was a Navy Corpsman. I didn’t have any experience with DLA before I was hired. The field moves so fast, and you must learn quick. So, that is helping me out so far.

Where are you assigned to next year? Where was it on your list (was it your top choice)?

I am headed to the Richmond site in Virginia. My pick was Virigina. After learning more about the site and people working there, I’m excited to be joining the team.

What your plans for your future in the agency? Do you hope to have a specific pathway/career field? Or a certain GS level?

The only experience I have so far is being in the warehouse. I’m not sure where my career is going to take me, but I’m looking forward to seeing what opportunities come up next.


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.