BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Casch Kunkel is a current member of Pathways to Career Excellence Group 48, which began in 2024. For his second year in PACE, he will be placed at the DLA Disposition Services site at Letterkenny Army Depot in Pennsylvania.
Why did you first apply to PACE? Was it your first position with DLA? (How long have you been with DLA?)
I have been with DLA for just over 2 years. I came aboard with DLA Distribution as a material examiner & identifier in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, in 2022. I moved laterally in 2023 to DLA Disposition Services as an MEI looking to advance my career. The PACE program was introduced to me originally by some visitors from headquarters (Battle Creek). I learned more about the opportunities of being in the PACE program, so I applied and got the position.
What has been your favorite parts of PACE?
My favorite parts of the PACE program would be TDYs, because I love traveling. Also, overviews of the different directorates because I find it fascinating how they operate at a corporate level.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
A favorite memory so far from my time in the program would be our Christmas party. We had a white elephant gift exchange; it was a fun experience and there was a lot of camaraderie with my PACER colleagues.
If there was one thing that could’ve been different for you in PACE, what would it be?
One thing that could have been different for me while in the PACE program is the weather in Battle Creek. The weather isn’t the greatest. I don’t like cold and snowy weather.
What would you say is the most important quality to succeed in PACE?
The most important quality to succeed in the PACE program, I believe, is flexibility. On any given day you have overviews, shadows, briefings, training, emails, assignments, projects, presentations, and last-minute situations that occasionally pop up. So, learning to adapt and overcome is the best way to handle the program.
In your own words, how would you describe PACE, and what can you gain from it?
What I think you can gain from the PACE program are skills to help you think outside the box, learn and grow professionally while in a corporate setting, and start learning from senior leadership. PACE is an excellent program to help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed at DLA while learning how DLA Disposition Services operates from the corporate perspective.
What background do you have? Do you have a lot of DLA experience, or are you a recent graduate, or did you come from another field?
My background consists of 23 years working for a trucking company where I worked various jobs. In 2022, I started my DLA career with DLA Distribution. In 2023, I moved laterally to DLA Disposition Services. After 10 months at DLA Disposition Services, I applied for the PACE program and onboarded September 2024.
Where are you assigned to next year? Where was it on your list?
My assigned location for next year is Letterkenny Army Depot. I had Letterkenny listed as my number one choice in locations.
What are your plans for your future in the agency? Do you hope to have a specific pathway/career field? Or a certain GS level?
For my future in the agency, I am leaning towards the Operations directorate or a career in Resource Management. My goal is to be in a GS-14 position.
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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. 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.