LtCol Warfle here, I'll be by on 3/7 to talk about how military leadership translates to the civilian workplace. What questions do you have?

LtCol Dayton Warfle — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 12:53:06 -0500

*RallyPoint Staff is monitoring this discussion*

From RP Staff: We're absolutely honored to host an incredible leader and USMC veteran LtCol Dayton Warfle on 3/7 at 4:00pm EST for a live Q&A. LtCol Warfle went from flying for the Marine Corps, to running the Navy's Tomahawk test program on the west coast, to leading one of the largest veteran programs in the USA. We welcome you to ask about his experience in the military, business, and how to make the most out of your experience after transition.

LtCol Warfle's Bio:

Military Career (23 years)
Dayton started his military career at the US Naval Academy in 1971. In 1972 he operated off Vietnam on the USS Dubuque during his summer PAC Cruise. He played defensive end and outside linebacker at USNA until a debilitating knee injury cut his football career short for his senior season. He graduated and was commissioned in the Marine Corps in June 1975. Dayton completed The Basic School in 1976 and NFO flight school in 1977. He deployed to Iwakuni Japan in the A-6E aircraft supporting operations in Korea, the Philippines and Japan. After 13 months deployed, he returned to the states starting Weapons and Tactics (WTI) Instructor training in Yuma AZ.

In 1981 Dayton was transferred back to flight training this time for pilot training. In 1982 after receiving his pilot wings, Dayton returned to Cherry Point to be part of the first A-6 Marine squadron to deploy with a Carrier Air Wing since Vietnam. After 6 months of workup and preparation, VMA AW 533 deployed to the Mediterranean Sea on the USS Saratoga for 7 months. The deployment included operations against Libya and training with the French, Egyptian and Israeli air forces. Returning from the Med, he received orders to Quantico as Executive Officer for the Officer Candidate School (OCS) Charlie Company and a middle level Amphibious Warfare School.

After Quantico he returned to carrier operations in the Mediterranean Sea on the USS John F. Kennedy. Operations in Spain, France, Italy, North Africa and the Middle East rounded out another 12 months of deployed operations. In 1990 Dayton transferred to the Pacific Missile Test Center (PMTC) in California, and acted as Program Manager for multiple weapon systems like the Stand Off Land Attack Missile, the Harpoon, and lead the west coast Tomahawk flight test program. The work was critical for the execution of what was to become the first gulf war. The team supported the training of crews deploying with the new weapons to carrier operations in the gulf.

Dayton flew the A-6, A-7 and transitioned to FA-18 at PMTC. Returning to Cherry Point NC he became the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wings, G-3 Future Operations Officer and then the Commanding Officer of MWHS-2. With almost 6000 tactical jet hours in 7 different types of aircraft, he retired after 23 years of dedicated military service.

Transition (19 years Corporate)
Dayton joined GE Transportations Systems in 1998 as a Black Belt and then Master Black Belt working to increase productivity and reduce waste in locative operations. In 2000 Dayton and the family moved to Melbourne Florida to take over the Quality Six Sigma Operation lead for GE Harris. This work included process design, software process re-engineering and ISO 2001 management and control.

When GE broke up the partnership with Harris Corporation in Melbourne Dayton took a new role with Bank of America in 2001. Dayton worked as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt in Quality and Change supporting call center operations, credit card production operations, cash vault processing, service and fulfillment operations, and Global Delivery operations. He is a process design and improvement expert in Lean Six Sigma and has supported bank operations around the globe. He has lead teams nationally and internationally.

In 2010 he joined the Corporate Operational Risk team working as part of the Process Adherence team managing the Basel II implementation and accountability for the Bank. Dayton joined Bank of America’s Military Affairs team in 2014, supporting military efforts across the company. Core goals focus on veteran jobs, education, housing and wellness. Working with staffing, communications, lines-of-business, Corporate Social Responsibly and external nonprofits, he and the team have assisted thousands of veterans with a successful transition and more than 6000 getting hired at the bank.

Dayton lead the Military Support and Assistance Group (MSAG) Employee Network for almost 6 years growing the network from 3 chapters and a few hundred members to 30 chapters across the country. The network is made up of more than 8,200 members including veterans, military spouses and family members and because of the work over the last 6 years is still growing as fast as any Bank of America Employee network group.

The network is an important resource in helping with Bank of America’s military efforts, assisting at hiring fairs, résumé workshops, with transition counseling and financial education. Additionally Dayton is the Board Treasurer, acting CFO and Development Officer for the Five Star Veteran Center helping veterans with no place to go get shelter, food and counseling.

Dayton continues to serve as Adjutant and Paymaster for the Marine Corps League and volunteers regularly helping veterans, mentoring students at UNF and JU, counseling veterans, working on the 5 Star Veterans Center Board and helping veterans get jobs. For his effort in 2014, he received the NE Florida Veteran of Influence Award and an Individual Meritorious Commendation from the Department of Florida Marine Corps League. Dayton is now a Senior Partner at CPI Group supporting business transformation globally.

Response by CPL Crystal Pettway, MBA made Mar 1 at 2017 12:53 PM

CPL Crystal Pettway, MBA — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 12:53:54 -0500

None at the moment, but looking forward to this thread.............

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 1:19 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 13:19:22 -0500

Sir - thank you for taking the time to answer questions from the RP community. My question is other than ensuring we (the veterans) have our resume's done correctly, utilizing the appropriate civilian lingo vs military lingo - what else would you recommend for a veteran retiring/separating from the service and entering the civilian work place, prepare for?

Response by MGySgt Stephen Shearman made Mar 1 at 2017 1:30 PM

MGySgt Stephen Shearman — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 13:30:59 -0500

Dayton, Thank you for offering to share your experiences and provide insight on the Q&A. Applying for and interviewing with a Defense contractor might be different than an employer far from the defense industry and the translation of and value of military leadership might not be immediately recognized. Any suggestions on how to ensure the veteran communicates his/her leadership ability and confirms it is understood by the interviewer/hiring team? I do believe one of the top needs in corporate America is leadership; colleges don't teach leadership. How to translate that highly needed skill to a non-veteran hiring manager is key and vital as a military applicant. Thank you.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Mar 1 at 2017 2:07 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:07:44 -0500

Really enjoyed reading your bio, LtCol Dayton Warfle.
When you were growing B of A's military support and assistance group, what were some of the most important reasons you grew so quickly to 8,200 members and 30 chapters?
Would a technology like RallyPoint have been effective in connecting this group of veterans & spouses?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 1 at 2017 2:56 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:56:47 -0500

LtCol Dayton Warfle - For those service members getting ready to transition into the civilian sector, what is the one leadership concept they should carry with them in order to help make their transition a little smoother?

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Mar 1 at 2017 2:58 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:58:25 -0500

Thank you for your long service to our country LtCol.
I have surrounded myself with an excellent team. All ladies too. It just worked out that way.
I volunteered my ultrasound Medicare IDTF within a physician association to generate revenue for a Community Health Clinic.
I read once, work hard for free and you will eventually get paid. Do you agree with that approach?
The Radiologist, Cardiologist and the ladies will be paid their fee. All other monies will go to something larger than myself.
My plan has two angles. To cause a few doctors offices to not want me to leave. Because, they are making a lot of money. Second, if I generate more funding to the Clinic than expected, I could end up being paid by them to increase the number of doctors offices I service.
I have had enough of sitting around. I'm attacking and could care less about the money for me. However, I have not given up my full time 1630hrs to 0000hrs employment.
Thank for reading my plan.
Mark A. Morris BS, RDMS (AB-OB), RVT
ARDMS #42771

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 3:31 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 15:31:57 -0500

What is the best way to translate, to a civilian recruiter who has no military experience, your military leadership experience and how it will benefit and improve the company that is looking to possibly hire you?

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Mar 1 at 2017 5:14 PM

LCpl Cody Collins — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 17:14:19 -0500

That's a picture of my Aircraft A-6 Intruder! Danny Glover and Wilhelm Defoe flew those in what Vietnam War Movie ?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 1 at 2017 5:32 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 17:32:28 -0500

What would be the greatest asset you can have, that would put up out in the front of other applicants?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 6:26 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 18:26:22 -0500

Any tips on walking the line between being the "go-getter, take charge" type, vs the "overly aggressive mil" type of employee, and small business leader?

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Mar 2 at 2017 6:41 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 06:41:37 -0500

CALLING ON RP MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS ONCE AGAIN! - PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO REVIEW THIS RALLYPOINT Q&A POST WITH -

LT COL DAYTON WARFLE.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ASK HOW MILITARY LEADERSHIP TRANSLATES TO THE CIVILIAN WORKPLACE.

THE RALLYPOINT FORUM CONTINUES TO PROIVDE THESE OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, RETIREES, CIVILIAN RECRUITERS, CIVILIAN SUPPORTERS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO REACH OUT & ASK QUESTIONS TO FORMER LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY. PARTICIPATION IS NEEDED TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF FORUM MOVING FORWARD.

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Mar 2 at 2017 7:07 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 07:07:59 -0500

LtCol Dayton Warfle Thanks for being here on RallyPoint to take questions and providing answers. My main question for you is: "Do you think the Military Services (all branches) need to outsource the entire transition program to an outside organization in order to provide better and more robust programs for all transitioning service members on a national basis?

Here is an example of a program that I'm talking about - what do you think of a program like the National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. (aka REBOOT)?

http://www.nvtsi.org

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2017 7:36 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 07:36:57 -0500

Hello sir. What do you think would be the hardest challenge you may have face transitioning from Soldier to Civilian while also still influencing young troopers today and enjoying your personal time?

Response by SPC Paul C. made Mar 2 at 2017 7:41 AM

SPC Paul C. — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 07:41:07 -0500

Thank you Dayton for your great service to our country. What is the single most significant adjustment you had to make in order to succeed in your civilian career?

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Mar 2 at 2017 11:08 AM

SPC Douglas Bolton — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 11:08:41 -0500

When we put our boots on the ground in the civilian world, what is the first thing we should do?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2017 8:02 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 08:02:52 -0500

What skills, thoughts, facts, and changes should transitioning IT and tactical communications guys keep in mind during and post transition?

What are the best ways to handle toxic leadership?

Best ways to handle a workplace where the stigma against Veterans is strong, in and outside of a leadership position?

Which military leadership traits need to be pushed aside or further developed in the civilian world?

Thanks in advance for your time with the RP family.

Response by LTC Chad Storlie made Mar 5 at 2017 9:01 AM

LTC Chad Storlie — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 09:01:09 -0500

What are some military skills that translate and apply to supporting corporate quality initiatives such as Lean or Six Sigma.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Mar 5 at 2017 11:05 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 11:05:37 -0500

LtCol Dayton Warfle:
It is indeed, a high, high honor to have you with us; here on Rally Point.
Sir, I am a freelance photographer and a Facebook coach.
http://www.facebook.com/groupforsuicidalactivedutyandforsuicidalveterans
is the link to one of my groups.
How do I go about, Sir, selling more photographs (for instance- obtaining a publisher and an editor for a possible book of my photographs...at not too high a cost); and Sir, how do I go about reaching more suicidal Active Duty troops and suicidal Veterans; and thus saving more of their lives?
I remain much, much obliged for your response; in advance, Sir.
-With All of My High Respect and Honor,
Margaret C Higgins US Army (Ret), Coach

Facebook

Response by CSM Scott White made Mar 5 at 2017 3:16 PM

CSM Scott White — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 15:16:35 -0500

Interesting that I find this on my final day of my final class for a bachelors degree in leadership from Trident University. I've plugged away for the last 18 months or so, one class at a time to get this completed.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 6 at 2017 11:44 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 11:44:10 -0500

LtCol Dayton Warfle, I have no questions, but I thank you for your service and your willingness to answer questions on leadership.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Mar 6 at 2017 3:13 PM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 15:13:17 -0500

Sir,
I started my Lean/Six Sigma journey at MCB Hawaii with MAG 24 back in 06-08. We had a very successful "Airspeed" initiative that was pretty far out on the cutting edge. I finished my Green Belt certification while there before retiring.
Since then I have completed LSS Master Black Belt certification through Villanova and have worked as a Continuous Improvement Champion. The combination of the leadership skills learned in the Marine Corps combined with the power of Lean/Six Sigma worked very well for me for several years.
In the last several years it seems that many companies are starting to abandon the Lean/Six Sigma approach after having squeezed as much out of it as possible over the last few years. The Continuous Improvement position was low hanging fruit during times of budget (staff) cuts.
My questions:
1. Is the migration away from LSS a trend in areas other than manufacturing?
2. What advice would you give to a LSS practitioner in today's workplace for long term employment?

S/F
Gunny

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Mar 6 at 2017 11:05 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 23:05:45 -0500

LtCol Dayton Warfle, thanks for joining us and answering questions. There are many great habits and leadership traits veterans bring to their civilian work. What are the traits and habits we bring that are most counterproductive or harmful to our new work and colleagues? What we must endeavor not to do ?

Response by CPT Scott Sharon made Mar 7 at 2017 9:00 AM

CPT Scott Sharon — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 09:00:04 -0500

Very impressive Bio sir, I appreciate what you have and are doing for our veterans.
I know from experience how valuable the military leadership training is in civilian management positions. How do you think it would help in starting a new business and operating it? How can we get more veterans to start their own businesses?

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Mar 7 at 2017 1:49 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 13:49:06 -0500

Are there any cultural, negative traits transitioning service members should be aware of that could be off putting to civilian leaders/employers?