Transition Story: How I went from Staff Sergeant in the Army to a member of the executive leadership team at ManTech

SSG Chris Hassett — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 15:55:15 -0400

I planned to go into law enforcement. After an early detour in rocket launching, I became a data guy instead. I followed my passion, and it paid off. I hope my story transitioning from a military to a civilian career inspires you to follow your passion.

After high school, I pursued a degree criminal justice. But in that post-9/11 period, I knew I also wanted to serve the nation. I put higher education on hold and in March 2002, joined the U.S. Army as a 13M, a Multiple Launch Rocket System crewmember.

I completed basic combat and advanced individual training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, learning how to operate and maintain rocket systems. At Fort Sill, I was permanently assigned to Charlie Battery, 1st and the 14th Field Artillery Battalion. Our team's main task was successful fire missions. I liked troubleshooting, resolving technical issues and collaborating with my peers. I developed a knack for leading complex, data-intensive projects.

I returned in 2003 from a deployment to Iraq and spent two more years on active duty in increasingly information technology-centric roles. In 2005, I left active duty, switched my military occupational specialty, and joined the Florida Army National Guard as a 25B, Information Systems Operations Analyst.

I served for six years with the National Guard, including four years on Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) duty at the National Guard Bureau with the Army National Guard G6. I worked in a variety of roles, all related in one way or another to information technology. I had discovered what excited me.

When I transitioned out of military service in 2011, I began my civilian career in IT at CSRA, a Virginia-based consulting company, and later spent three years at Hewlett Packard. While there, I led a 30-person team helping the government modernize and transform its technology services. (This is much harder than handling rockets!)

I arrived at ManTech in 2016, first as a program and project manager and now as an executive director of operations in our Innovation and Capabilities office, where I lead over 50 direct and indirect staff in collaboration with more than 100 cross matrixed members. If you’re interested in careers at ManTech, you can search openings here: https://rly.pt/3Noeebk

By 2017, I was well into my career, but I still wanted to finish college. Even though the military provided me with critical IT training and experience, a higher education would help to advance my professional development.

American Military University was the perfect place to earn my degree, which is in information technology management: https://rly.pt/3gWXsUk
AMU understood me — a military Veteran working full time while raising two young children with Theresa, my amazing wife. AMU allowed me to take courses online, which gave me the flexibility to learn while balancing a busy schedule. I could take classes after work, and still have time to take Kayla, age 7, and Jackson, age 3, to school and to playdates.

And despite my years of real-world experience, AMU’s program of study reinforced the founding principles of IT and computer science. I developed a better understanding of the “why” behind certain principles and how they work. The military instilled in me a desire and drive to finish my degree. My education at AMU sharpened my overall knowledge of IT and prepared me to reach new heights in my career.

Everyone’s military and post-military experiences are unique. But we all face degrees of risk. As you think about your educational plans and your transition to civilian life, it is OK to accept a measure uncertainty. And it is OK to change plans. Only you know what’s best for you and your family and what’s going to motivate you long term.

Dig deep, discover what excites you, and I’m confident that success after service will find you.

Learn more
• Search ManTech job openings at https://rly.pt/3Noeebk
• Find GI Bill information: https://benefits.va.gov/gibill
• View my educational pathway: https://rly.pt/3gWXsUk

The views and opinions expressed here are solely from the author and do not reflect the opinions of any organization in this piece.

ManTech | RallyPoint

ManTech

Response by CPT Richard Trione made Nov 3 at 2022 4:04 PM

CPT Richard Trione — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:04:37 -0400

Thank you so much for sharing this great information!

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Nov 3 at 2022 4:17 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:17:19 -0400

This is good story, that does not happen often!

Response by CPT David Gowel made Nov 3 at 2022 4:31 PM

CPT David Gowel — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:31:04 -0400

SSG Chris Hassett Thanks for sharing your story. So many of us struggle during transition because we don't have enough mentors to learn from and pathways to consider that fit for us. Thanks for providing both of these assets to the RallyPoint community here.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2022 4:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:38:49 -0400

When I got out of the army, I got into the police department here in 77. I sure had a good time as a police officer, when in a SWAT team for 7 years, my army experience was a plus.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Nov 3 at 2022 4:44 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:44:04 -0400

As a fellow 'rocket guy', I'm impressed with how you leveraged your Army career and worked your way up the chain of command at ManTech. It's rare to find someone with such a wide range of military experiences - the 13M to 25B swap had to be a big learning curve. Congrats to you!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2022 4:58 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:58:37 -0400

That is an awesome story, SSG Chris Hassett!!! I did something just like that, only after High School, I went on to college, and did not like it as I was enrolled in a liberal arts college and my desire was to go into electronics, so I ceased college and Joined the USAF to become an Airborne Navigation System Repairman, and it was all electronics after that... I have worked on the Minuteman Missile Launch Control facility, and Enroute Air Traffic Control System for the FAA and lots more... My career was quite a ride, I will tell you that... I love to hear stories like yours!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2022 5:03 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 17:03:19 -0400

Thanks for the Share.

Response by SSG Chris Hassett made Nov 8 at 2022 7:25 AM

SSG Chris Hassett — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 07:25:54 -0500

Thank you all for the kind words. Transition is truly one of the hardest tasks we face as service members. It's important to share the success stories and let others know that you can achieve and exceed your goals.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Nov 15 at 2022 3:13 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:13:38 -0500

thanks for sharing

Response by CMDCM Rodney Bell made Nov 15 at 2022 4:59 PM

CMDCM Rodney Bell — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:59:40 -0500

Well done. You had persistence.
Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and Determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “Press On” has solved and will always solve the problems of the human race.”
Calvin Coolidge 30TH US PRESIDENT

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 18 at 2022 8:34 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 08:34:36 -0500

Congrats on your success! Thanks for sharing your story to inspire others.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Nov 19 at 2022 6:14 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 18:14:03 -0500

Kind of how I went from flying and operations to the aquarium industry. Nature has always been my passion, the military just gave me the skills I needed.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 19 at 2022 10:35 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 22:35:36 -0500

I went from being a MAJ to an overworked cabana boi.

Response by Col Sharon Olbeter made Nov 22 at 2022 12:22 PM

Col Sharon Olbeter — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 12:22:32 -0500

Thank you for sharing your story, Chris. I like how you mention that uncertainty is part of the journey. We aren’t born knowing exactly what we’re going to do; instead it’s a matter of taking steps toward what we think is good for us. A key aspect is periodically reflecting on what we want and then looking for opportunities to act upon. It's about experimenting and adjusting course as needed.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 23 at 2022 1:02 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 13:02:30 -0500

I am going to message you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2022 1:30 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 13:30:22 -0500

Former MOS's: 19E, 26H, 24T and 92L.
SQI's: H and R

I went from tweaking radars and IFF's for max performance, Teaching and R&D to Tweaking politicans, getting Ordinance's passed and serving my community on boards and commissions.

It was so easy for me to head out to some site alone and fix all of the issues myself. Piece of cake. Working with people (politicians and department heads) to get what you want done is diffcult. It's like trying to raise a child. Diffcult. Trying. Maddening. Its great when you get what you want done and a crushing defeat when it doesn't happen.

Response by GySgt Lloyd Beckford made Dec 4 at 2022 12:18 PM

GySgt Lloyd Beckford — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 12:18:24 -0500

Inspiring story, similar to my experience, proud of you brother. Way to go.

Response by 1SG Paul Ayotte made Dec 4 at 2022 8:49 PM

1SG Paul Ayotte — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 20:49:01 -0500

Great post. Patriotism, Drive, a solid work ethic, and hard work.

Response by LtCol Bruce Janis made Dec 5 at 2022 9:34 AM

LtCol Bruce Janis — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 09:34:57 -0500

Another success story, kind of the opposite of what the news always says about vets. After retirement I worked for ManTech doing TS level background checks for potential hires to the alphabet agencies. Met some amazing candidates, and a few duds. Was inspiring to see other vets wanting to work for the government in those positions.

Response by Cpl Richard Leonard made Dec 6 at 2022 12:55 PM

Cpl Richard Leonard — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 12:55:54 -0500

I left the Marines and went into Law Enforcement , I loved every adventure and Adenain action. The thrill of the hunt catching evil and protecting others. It was Para-Military all the way. When it was time to move into the corporate world of Sysco, Wow what a different mode, fast paced and your Brain was in full use daily. I learned and taught my self what is my Forte? I was Leader, I had command Presence, I was a good communicator, I could investigate, I knew how to read people. I decided to use each and every skill base I had learned and applied it into the real world of business. The first Supervisor role I took it. I watch Managers and learned what they do and Became one, I became sought after, Other Sysco companies, requested my help, and I went. I became the only Director In Sysco with My title. So if you take what you know and are good at it, fine tune it, and grow it make your Own Forte. IF ITS TO BE ITS UP TO ME.
Semper Fi
Live the Dream and the Money my brothers it is there for those that want it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2022 2:36 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 14:36:47 -0500

Your story is proof that a successful post Army career can be had with a little determination and willingness to use available resources to gain an opportunity. Nice job! I retire in 2024 and I am already opening connections to ensure a smooth transition into civilian life. Thanks for the share, brother. See you on the other side soon.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 6 at 2022 9:20 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 21:20:23 -0500

I have a story of how I transitioned from being an army officer to becoming a cheap gigolo.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2022 2:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Dec 2022 14:43:57 -0500

Mikes lead the way!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 11 at 2023 8:21 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 20:21:23 -0500

I went from being a field grade to an unemployed writer.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Jan 12 at 2023 5:55 PM

SPC Robert Bobo — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 17:55:20 -0500

Good stuff, congratulations on your success story , there are some good organizations that have comprehensive executive development programs for internal employees identified as highly talented with strong leadership skills. My story is similar and it was refreshing to be in a position to develop and promote other highly talented veterans.
Wishing you continued success!

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jan 17 at 2023 12:10 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 12:10:00 -0500

I had some dealings with Mantech in Iraq. Good folks. I got offered a job but I didn't want to go back to Iraq after what I had already been thru.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2023 9:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:46:42 -0500

duplicate

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2023 9:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:52:31 -0500

Congrats, but my experience with Mantech was very different. I was a Special Forces Team SGT when I was in. I got a Master's in management and went into a highly technical field. I checked every box, got every relevant cert and was working on my PhD. I worked for several companies that were bought out by bigger and bigger companies and eventually landed at Mantech. During my several years there (over 12 years working for he same customer with various companies) I was a PM and managed a large DoD program. I grew that program by more than $300M, starting with myself and one other contractor. When an executive position opened up at the company I applied. Leadership gave me the most condescending, insulting, ridiculous speech I've ever heard during the interview. They informed me that Mantech's decades of experience have shown them that "worker bees seldom if ever make good corporate bees" - an ACTUAL QUOTE from a C-level exec with several other executives present and none of them disagreed. I pointed out all of my successes and they basically insinuated those had to be a fluke. Instead, they brought in an outside ivy-leaguer with zero real world experience. I watched that scenario play out time and time again, where Sr. NCOs and Jr-Mid level officers build programs and they took them away and handed them to their blue-blood buddies once they started to make real money. I left and made a very nice career for myself elsewhere as an executive and couldn't be happier with that choice. The guy they brought in failed and they lost the entire program I had built to a much smaller competitor. I guess there is some fairness in the world! Congrats on you Mantech success, but you are by far the exception there. My advice to anyone who has real aspirations is to either find a small company that shares your values or start your own.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2023 7:44 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 19:44:13 -0500

let the steel rain fall!