SSG Carl Starr8089963<div class="images-v2-count-1"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-749259"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image">
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<a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0AHow I went from company clerk in the Army to serving the Space Force%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-i-went-from-company-clerk-in-the-army-to-serving-the-space-force"
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<a class="js-track-native-ad" target="_blank" data-native-ad-id="2032" href="https://www.amu.apus.edu/military/veterans.html?utm_source=rallypoint&utm_medium=link&utm_content=Student%20Stories%20&utm_campaign=Public%20Relations%20-%20LT%20-%20AMU"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/749/259/large_v3/cbbf0c27.jpg" alt="Cbbf0c27" /></a></div></div>From satellites to space telescopes to the Space Force — my story began with a love of my country, an awe of the cosmos and a dream to do things that are literally out of this world. My wish is that my experiences help you live your dreams after your military service.<br /><br />If you’re in the military, your family is probably very patriotic. Mine is too. So in 1986, I joined the U.S. Army.<br /><br />Right from the start, I wanted to work in satellite communications. But I had to wait until the hardware arrived at Fort Hood — my first duty station. I took odd jobs in the interim and served as the company clerk for about a year. I got to see the inner workings of a unit. That was a blast.<br /><br />Shortly after, I was deployed to the first Gulf War, then Korea and later to Fort Gordon. In time, my opportunity came: I was selected for a Colorado Springs assignment with the Army Space Command. That was my springboard into the space industry.<br /><br />I enjoyed my 12 years on active duty. I got to be part of a team and do exciting things. But adjusting to the civilian workforce? That was a different story. The pace was slower, and I didn’t feel challenged. <br /><br />Fortunately, I had built a network of exceptional ex-military individuals who already made the transition from the military to a civilian career. They were a great sounding board for my thoughts and opinions. One of the people I worked for was also former military. He mentored me, and my attitude gradually shifted. With his guidance, I began to see how the ways I excelled in the military could empower me to be an effective leader in the civilian world. <br /><br />I took his wisdom to heart, and I’m really proud of where it led me — a dream opportunity at NASA as the Mission Operations Manager for the James Webb Space Telescope.<br /><br />That was amazing, yet I found myself wanting even more of a challenge. The thought of going back to school kept calling me, but I worried that would mean making some big changes in my day-to-day life.<br /><br />American Military University (AMU) solved that problem, and I wish I had thought of it sooner. <br /><br />Thanks to AMU’s flexible class schedule, I could earn my degrees — in Space Studies <a target="_blank" href="https://rly.pt/SpaceStudies">https://rly.pt/SpaceStudies</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://rly.pt/MasterSpaceStudies">https://rly.pt/MasterSpaceStudies</a><br />— while maintaining a job and a household. And because I kept my job, I could pay the tuition on my own dime. I didn’t need the GI Bill, so I didn’t use it. I figured my benefit could go to someone else in need.<br /><br />To say AMU’s classes and professors were excellent would be an understatement. I learned a ton. In what felt like no time, I was graduating with honors for both my bachelor’s and master's degrees. Also, my career — which I didn’t think could get any better — exploded.<br /><br />In 2020, I was awarded the Goddard Space Flight Center Outstanding Public Leadership Medal. That led to a new opportunity: I moved from a position at NASA to Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing company, where I am now the Systems Engineering Integration and Test Program Manager. <br /><br />What does that mean? I get paid more than ever to work for the Space Force. Every day I build amazing things, fly them and put them into space. How cool is that?<br /><br />Millennium Space Systems is hiring, by the way. You can search their job openings at <a target="_blank" href="https://rly.pt/MillenniumSpace">https://rly.pt/MillenniumSpace</a><br /><br />I really hope that sharing my experiences helps you in your education and post-military career. <br /><br />Don’t forget: Network, network, network. Reach out to people you know, and stay in touch. <br /><br />And if you apply at my company, message me on the RallyPoint site. I’m always happy to help fellow Veterans in any way I can. <br /><br />Until then, remember: The sky is absolutely not the limit. I’m living proof.<br /><br />Learn more<br /><br />• Search Millennium Space Systems job openings: <a target="_blank" href="https://rly.pt/MillenniumSpace">https://rly.pt/MillenniumSpace</a><br /><br />• Find GI Bill information: <a target="_blank" href="https://rly.pt/VAgibill">https://rly.pt/VAgibill</a> <br /><br />• My bachelor’s program: <a target="_blank" href="https://rly.pt/SpaceStudies">https://rly.pt/SpaceStudies</a><br /><br />• My master’s program: <a target="_blank" href="https://rly.pt/MasterSpaceStudies">https://rly.pt/MasterSpaceStudies</a><br />The views and opinions expressed here are solely from the author and do not reflect the opinions of any organization in this piece. <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default">
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<a target="blank" href="https://rly.pt/SpaceStudies">Space Studies Degree | Bachelors | AMU</a>
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<p class="pta-link-card-description">With a space studies degree, learn more about the challenges associated with human exploration in space at American Military University.</p>
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How I went from company clerk in the Army to serving the Space Force2023-01-18T21:05:25-05:00SSG Carl Starr8089963<div class="images-v2-count-1"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-749259"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image">
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<a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0AHow I went from company clerk in the Army to serving the Space Force%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-i-went-from-company-clerk-in-the-army-to-serving-the-space-force"
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<a class="js-track-native-ad" target="_blank" data-native-ad-id="2032" href="https://www.amu.apus.edu/military/veterans.html?utm_source=rallypoint&utm_medium=link&utm_content=Student%20Stories%20&utm_campaign=Public%20Relations%20-%20LT%20-%20AMU"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/749/259/large_v3/cbbf0c27.jpg" alt="Cbbf0c27" /></a></div></div>From satellites to space telescopes to the Space Force — my story began with a love of my country, an awe of the cosmos and a dream to do things that are literally out of this world. My wish is that my experiences help you live your dreams after your military service.<br /><br />If you’re in the military, your family is probably very patriotic. Mine is too. So in 1986, I joined the U.S. Army.<br /><br />Right from the start, I wanted to work in satellite communications. But I had to wait until the hardware arrived at Fort Hood — my first duty station. I took odd jobs in the interim and served as the company clerk for about a year. I got to see the inner workings of a unit. That was a blast.<br /><br />Shortly after, I was deployed to the first Gulf War, then Korea and later to Fort Gordon. In time, my opportunity came: I was selected for a Colorado Springs assignment with the Army Space Command. That was my springboard into the space industry.<br /><br />I enjoyed my 12 years on active duty. I got to be part of a team and do exciting things. But adjusting to the civilian workforce? That was a different story. The pace was slower, and I didn’t feel challenged. <br /><br />Fortunately, I had built a network of exceptional ex-military individuals who already made the transition from the military to a civilian career. They were a great sounding board for my thoughts and opinions. One of the people I worked for was also former military. He mentored me, and my attitude gradually shifted. With his guidance, I began to see how the ways I excelled in the military could empower me to be an effective leader in the civilian world. <br /><br />I took his wisdom to heart, and I’m really proud of where it led me — a dream opportunity at NASA as the Mission Operations Manager for the James Webb Space Telescope.<br /><br />That was amazing, yet I found myself wanting even more of a challenge. The thought of going back to school kept calling me, but I worried that would mean making some big changes in my day-to-day life.<br /><br />American Military University (AMU) solved that problem, and I wish I had thought of it sooner. <br /><br />Thanks to AMU’s flexible class schedule, I could earn my degrees — in Space Studies <a target="_blank" href="https://rly.pt/SpaceStudies">https://rly.pt/SpaceStudies</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://rly.pt/MasterSpaceStudies">https://rly.pt/MasterSpaceStudies</a><br />— while maintaining a job and a household. And because I kept my job, I could pay the tuition on my own dime. I didn’t need the GI Bill, so I didn’t use it. I figured my benefit could go to someone else in need.<br /><br />To say AMU’s classes and professors were excellent would be an understatement. I learned a ton. In what felt like no time, I was graduating with honors for both my bachelor’s and master's degrees. Also, my career — which I didn’t think could get any better — exploded.<br /><br />In 2020, I was awarded the Goddard Space Flight Center Outstanding Public Leadership Medal. That led to a new opportunity: I moved from a position at NASA to Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing company, where I am now the Systems Engineering Integration and Test Program Manager. <br /><br />What does that mean? I get paid more than ever to work for the Space Force. Every day I build amazing things, fly them and put them into space. How cool is that?<br /><br />Millennium Space Systems is hiring, by the way. You can search their job openings at <a target="_blank" href="https://rly.pt/MillenniumSpace">https://rly.pt/MillenniumSpace</a><br /><br />I really hope that sharing my experiences helps you in your education and post-military career. <br /><br />Don’t forget: Network, network, network. Reach out to people you know, and stay in touch. <br /><br />And if you apply at my company, message me on the RallyPoint site. I’m always happy to help fellow Veterans in any way I can. <br /><br />Until then, remember: The sky is absolutely not the limit. I’m living proof.<br /><br />Learn more<br /><br />• Search Millennium Space Systems job openings: <a target="_blank" href="https://rly.pt/MillenniumSpace">https://rly.pt/MillenniumSpace</a><br /><br />• Find GI Bill information: <a target="_blank" href="https://rly.pt/VAgibill">https://rly.pt/VAgibill</a> <br /><br />• My bachelor’s program: <a target="_blank" href="https://rly.pt/SpaceStudies">https://rly.pt/SpaceStudies</a><br /><br />• My master’s program: <a target="_blank" href="https://rly.pt/MasterSpaceStudies">https://rly.pt/MasterSpaceStudies</a><br />The views and opinions expressed here are solely from the author and do not reflect the opinions of any organization in this piece. <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default">
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<a target="blank" href="https://rly.pt/SpaceStudies">Space Studies Degree | Bachelors | AMU</a>
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<p class="pta-link-card-description">With a space studies degree, learn more about the challenges associated with human exploration in space at American Military University.</p>
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How I went from company clerk in the Army to serving the Space Force2023-01-18T21:05:25-05:002023-01-18T21:05:25-05:00Sgt Private RallyPoint Member8089969<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>That is absolutely awesome!!!Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2023 9:10 PM2023-01-18T21:10:48-05:002023-01-18T21:10:48-05:00CPT Aaron Kletzing8089977<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Thanks for sharing your story!Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 18 at 2023 9:14 PM2023-01-18T21:14:23-05:002023-01-18T21:14:23-05:00PFC Andrew "Tommy" M.8090290<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm just curious as to how you were a SP6 when they discontinued it the year before you enlisted? <br /><a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=when+did+they+stop+specialist+6+army&oq=&aqs=chrome.0.35i39i362l7j69i59i">https://www.google.com/search?q=when+did+they+stop+specialist+6+army&oq=&aqs=chrome.0.35i39i362l7j69i59i</a> [login to see] 27j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default">
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<a target="blank" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=when+did+they+stop+specialist+6+army&oq=&aqs=chrome.0.35i39i362l7j69i59i450.544808227j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8">when did they stop specialist 6 army - Google Search</a>
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Response by PFC Andrew "Tommy" M. made Jan 19 at 2023 2:34 AM2023-01-19T02:34:13-05:002023-01-19T02:34:13-05:00CPT Richard Trione8121386<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Awesome share!Response by CPT Richard Trione made Feb 6 at 2023 3:25 PM2023-02-06T15:25:27-05:002023-02-06T15:25:27-05:00SGT Ruben Lozada8121484<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this.Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Feb 6 at 2023 4:18 PM2023-02-06T16:18:37-05:002023-02-06T16:18:37-05:00CPT Larry Hudson8121919<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Congratulations for seeking a goal beyone infinity.Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Feb 6 at 2023 10:36 PM2023-02-06T22:36:53-05:002023-02-06T22:36:53-05:00PFC Edgar Mosier8127274<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It's almost as good as a Paul French, aka Isaac Asimov, "Lucky Starr" story.<br /><br />Oh, "Lucky Starr"? Some Pre-Hogwarts Possible Reality Literature, youngsters...<br /><br />Real Libraries: Check 'Em Out.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucky_Starr_and_the_Rings_of_Saturn">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucky_Starr_and_the_Rings_of_Saturn</a> <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default">
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<a target="blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucky_Starr_and_the_Rings_of_Saturn">Lucky Starr and the Rings of Saturn - Wikipedia</a>
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Response by PFC Edgar Mosier made Feb 10 at 2023 7:32 AM2023-02-10T07:32:23-05:002023-02-10T07:32:23-05:00PO3 Charles Lewis8128893<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You are blessed to have had voices that guided you along the transition into civilian work life.Response by PO3 Charles Lewis made Feb 11 at 2023 10:20 AM2023-02-11T10:20:26-05:002023-02-11T10:20:26-05:002023-01-18T21:05:25-05:00