Active Duty working in a Civilian world.

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:22:46 -0400

I'm currently assigned to TACOM LCMC and I'm part of a Directorate that has over 300 DA civilians and I am the only green suitor. Has anyone else worked in a similar situation like this before? What was your approach to developing a positive working experience? Looking for advice. Thanks.

Response by SSG Derek Scheller made Jun 8 at 2015 1:54 PM

SSG Derek Scheller — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:54:03 -0400

I do that now, as I work for Army Television. My Chief Engineer is a Civilian and his boss is a civilian, and well yeah it goes up from there. 3 others that are my counterparts are civilian as well. Though we have more military in the shop now than when I first got here. I find that the civilians are more willing to help out and be accommodating to certain situations as long as you do your job. They are also more willing to let you go early some times if all the work is done for they day.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jun 8 at 2015 3:11 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 15:11:20 -0400

If you are the boss, can't help Chief. If you are the worker among them, do you don't have to be in uniform, then don't and be one of them. Hell far as that goes even if you have to wear the uniform just be one of them. Most DA Civilian's were Military at one time, they should know the deal! Good luck Chief!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jun 8 at 2015 8:23 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 20:23:22 -0400

Someone get this man a medal.

Response by SSG Kenneth Lanning made Jun 8 at 2015 9:24 PM

SSG Kenneth Lanning — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 21:24:07 -0400

I was the SATCOM Operations Chief at Aberdeen Proving Ground for a year and before that was at Ft. Monmouth, NJ during two of the last three years it was open - I wasn't the only Soldier, but one of VERY few in comparison to civilians...my MOS also works with civilians quite a bit as well. The best way to go about it from what I have experienced is learn what you can, teach what you can, and keep an open mind and positive outlook-be known as someone that anyone can approach with anything without having to worry about anything.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 9:39 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 09:39:27 -0400

TACOM LCMC is an interesting world I worked for contracting there for a few years. Aside from the mid girth, clothing and PT habits I didn't see much difference. The only Soldier's I saw that had a difficult time were the bossy control types, civilians just don't care and will resent you if you try to take over the office or change things quickly. Be amicable and work together as a team, give praise liberally, and enjoy your time (except your winter's Michigan in the winter is just plain horrible). :)

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 10:39 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 10:39:58 -0400

I've worked twice in this situation. First bit of advice, patience. You cannot tell a civilian to do anything outside of their "scope of work". I forgot what the form is called, but every civilian has a write up on what they can and cannot do and they are very detailed. If you get to a sticking point with getting something done because somebody says "not my job", look it up. Try to do face to face contact instead of just email contact. It makes you more personable and you are more likely to get what you need done when you are asking them for it in person. They tend to be very territorial when it comes to their specific job, be sure you find out who does what. The biggest thing, even if they are former military, use a softer approach than you would a service member and try to learn the "civilian culture".

Response by MAJ Bill Maynard made Jun 10 at 2015 11:17 AM

MAJ Bill Maynard — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 11:17:05 -0400

Try to find some that are veterans and bond with them ;)