Zane Clark Zwayer is in his second year of the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Pathways to Career Excellence program. He began his PaCE journey in February of 2024 and is a contract specialist.
Why did you first apply to the PaCE Program?
After joining the Ohio Naval Militia, part of the State Defense Forces for the state of Ohio, I became acquainted with Ensign Joseph “JR” Heitzenrater who is also in the ONM and works at DLA Land and Maritime as the material planner supervisor for the Tires and Batteries team. Noting that I was interested in a career in federal service, Ensign Heitzenrater encouraged me to research the DLA PaCE program. After reading more about the program and the career field of government contracting, I decided to apply and was accepted into the program.
What is your professional background?
Prior to joining the DLA Land and Maritime PaCE Program, I worked as an adjunct professor at Columbus State Community College and Ohio Christian University teaching political science and international relations. Prior to teaching, I had spent some time working in politics.
What has been your favorite part of the PaCE Program?
My favorite part of the PaCE program has been working with some of the smartest and hardest working people that this country has to offer. Although learning the intricacies of government contracting has certainly been intriguing, what has made the PaCE program such a great program, and what makes DLA such a fantastic place to work, is the people. From the trainers to my team, and the supervisors. It is truly an honor to be able to work with a group of individuals who dedicate so much of their time and energy supporting the warfighter.
Can you share an example of how you’re helping (or learning to help) the warfighter?
As a contract specialist, we assist the warfighter by purchasing much needed supplies for various weapon systems. Without these parts, the weapon systems used in the field could potentially be rendered ineffective and useless, putting lives and the mission in jeopardy. I currently work on the Small Arms team, working with a variety of stock classes, and have also been able to assist the Tires and Batteries team as well. I also like to say that as a contract specialist, we not only assist the warfighter, but we are also stewards for the taxpayer, as we always try to secure the best overall value for the government.
What would you say is the most important quality to succeed in the PaCE Program?
I am unsure that there is a single most important quality needed to be able to succeed in the PaCE program, but rather a combination of several. One must be absorptive to be able to obtain a vast amount of information in a rather quick amount of time. One must be adaptive to ever-changing goals, needs and situations. And one must be able to persevere as the program will certainly test you, though for the best.
In your own words, how would you describe the PaCE Program, and what can one gain from it?
The PaCE program is an accelerated pathway for potential interns with the federal government that takes you from a GS-7 to GS-11 in just 2 years. This is a great opportunity for those seeking employment in federal service who wish to fast track their way to higher level employment. This is such a unique opportunity that very few private sector employers, if any, offer. The program allows you to train on the job while also being paid a competitive salary.
What are your plans for the future in the agency?
My immediate focus with the agency is to successfully graduate from the DLA Land and Maritime Pace Program and become a tenured employee as a 1102 contract specialist. Where that takes me, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Editorial Note: DLA Land and Maritime’s Pathways to Career Excellence Program is a two-year program based in Columbus, Ohio, that provides a structured career path with formal training, on-the-job assignments, cross-training and rotational assignments. PaCERs begin as general schedule 7s and can advance to GS-11or GS-12 upon completion. There are multiple pathways to becoming a PaCER, including being hired internally, as a recent graduate or from military service. For more information, visit www.dla.mil/Careers/PaCE/