Tactical Transition

Join us as we speak with COL(R) George Lewis, who compares “landing your next career” to a PLF landing learned through Airborne School.  

George Lewis enlisted in the Army in 1985 as a signals intercept (SIGINT), electronic warfare (EW) and cryptology specialist.  He graduated from the Defense Language Institute basic French and Electronic Warfare Operators Courses before being assigned to Ft. Bragg, NC’s XVIII airborne Corps’ 525th Combat Electronic Warfare & Intelligence (CEWI) brigade.  George served in numerous roles before being assigned as a team sergeant in 3/5th Special Forces Group Airborne.  Upon receiving a Green to Gold Scholarship, George completed his enlisted career in August of 1990 as a staff sergeant (SSG) in 1st battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (SFG(A)) as the Special Operations Team – Alpha (SOT-A) detachment sergeant.  

      George was then commissioned into the US Army Military Intelligence Corps in May of 1993 through ROTC from Methodist University, North Carolina. Relevant assignments included Infantry Battalion and Brigade S2 (Intelligence Officer), the intelligence and surveillance (I&S) platoon leader and company executive officer (XO) for the 82nd Airborne Division’s 313th CEWI battalion.  Later he served in command and staff positions in battalion, brigade, division, theater, and joint assignments. George led and conducted EW, SIGINT, and other special missions globally during the initial years of the Global War on Terrorism while assigned to Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).  He led intelligence planning, operations, analysis, and strategy in Korea for three years, and later served as a battalion commander in Anbar, Iraq, commanding route clearance, explosive ordinance disposal (EOD), military police (MP), unmanned aerial systems (UAS), signal and intelligence forces and was his Brigade Task Force’s commander charged with the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) fight.

In George’s final tour in the Pentagon, he served as the G-8 Force Development Director for all ISR, EW and cyber capabilities, and as the requirements director in the Army G-3’s newly established Cyber directorate (DAMO-CY, now known as DAMO-SO).  

     Since retiring from the US Army as a Colonel (COL), George has served as a senior advisor to the Army Staff’s Cyber, IO and Electronic Warfare Director and currently is a Vice President with CACI International where he teams to accelerate solutions development in the EW, cyber and ISR mission areas.

George Lewis is a resident of Edenton and Chowan County.   George loves serving the Edenton, Chowan, and Eastern NC communities, as well as the veterans and first responders of our great nation.  George serves on the local Steamer’s Baseball board, is the Vice President of Calling on Faith Outdoors, and is a guide for Valor and Honor Outdoors.  George co-operates the Kristopher Fielding Lewis Foundation in honor of his son, who was a Corolla Ocean Rescuer.  The KFL Foundation is a 501c(3) that perpetuates the service and character of his son by recognizing and promoting the same values in local youth and young adults.  

George shares his thoughts and analogies on networking, transferring your military skills, evaluating the type of job you want and career balance.  Join us as we meet George and learn from his experience.

Connect with George on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgelewisiii/

Don’t Wait To Plan Your Transition.

Join us this week as we have a conversation with Walter Herd, the Director of the Transition Assistance Program Human Resource Command located in Ft. Knox, Kentucky.

Walter comes with a wealth of advice as he leads the Army’s TAP (Transition Assistance Program). He shares the importance of advance planning, networking, and promoting your “assets” regarding transitioning careers from the military to the next chapter.

In August 2010, Walter Herd accepted the position and immediately faced the challenge of re-engineering the Army’s Transition Assistance Program. Under Herd’s leadership, the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) was transformed into a robust, fully comprehensive transition program offering counseling, education, and employment assistance to Soldiers, DA Civilians, and retirees. Now mandated, TAP has transitioned over 1,000,000 Soldiers, with an additional average of 100,000 eligible Soldiers to transition annually over the next five years.

Walter Herd was commissioned into the Regular Army in June 1983, becoming the sixth generation of his family to serve in America’s military. He has served in over 25 countries and spent most of his career in Special Operations. He served in the 1st Ranger Battalion and later commanded a Special Forces A-Team, three Special Forces Companies, a Special Forces Battalion of some 350 “Green Berets,” and ultimately, a Special Forces Group in combat. That group was Colonel Herd’s first brigade-level command. The third Special Forces Group (forward) was the 4,000-man, 7-nation Combined Joint Special Forces Task Force in Afghanistan. He later commanded another brigade at Ft. Knox, KY, from the summer of 2005 until his retirement in the summer of 2007.

He has a BA in History from Centre College of Kentucky and three master’s degrees, one from Marymount University in Human Resource Development and the other two from Staff College and War College in Strategy and Military Science. Colonel Herd's professional education includes the USMC Command and Staff College, its second-year School of Advanced Warfighting program, and the Joint Professional Military Education Program, Armed Forces Staff College at Norfolk Naval Base. He graduated from the Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, PA in 2002.

Colonel Herd is a published author with his book, “Unconventional Warrior,” published in 2013 by McFarland Press.

Treat Your Transition Like It Is a Job You Want To Keep! Join us as we enjoy a conversation with Brady Wendlandt, a Senior leader who transitioned from the Marine Corps about two years ago.

Brady has several “Tips of Transition Advice,” ranging from researching compensations to utilizing LinkedIn, which he would like to share that applied to his transition, and advice he has shared with numerous service members as they enter their career transition.

Brady transitioned from the United States Marine Corps with more than 28 years of DoD logistics and Supply Chain experience. He is a seasoned manager and strategic planner. Brady has extensive experience in ERP implementation, DoD Audit, Program Management, and logistics data analysis. Brady has a history of leading geographically dispersed teams in austere environments and creating resource-saving opportunities.

Since retiring from the Marine Corps, Brady has been supporting business development at Trillion Technology Solutions, Inc. Trillion is an 8(a) applications development, systems integration, and custom solution IT company.

Brady, his wife Shawna, and their three children have a passion for endurance running.

Be sure to connect with Brady on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-wentlandt/

Guest: Curtis Holloway, Owner, Suitability, McLean, VA Well-known clothier through the US and military communities

Does the way you dress matter? Dressing for Success was a common term, but has our business model changed? Do your clothes set the stage when you are in transitioning careers? Join us this week as we explore the value of “Dressing for Success” with Curtis Holloway, a well-known Clothier throughout the United States, military community, and abroad.

As the owner of Suitability of McLean, Curtis has touched many lives with his love and passion for the clothing industry. That love and passion began when he was a very young child, standing in front of the mirror with his father, while he got dressed. From fine clothing to personal grooming, he was one of the sharpest men Curtis had ever known. He learned at an early age the importance of presentation but had no idea at the time he was being groomed to do what he loved 40 years later. Around 2011, he got involved in the clothing industry, and a mutual friend advised him to connect with a gentleman known as Sofio Baron. This friend said Sofio would be the perfect source of guidance and mentorship for someone like himself getting started in this business. Curtis did just that, and his friends were not the least bit mistaken. But little did he know that mentorship would become a partnership, and he acquired the business after Sofio retired. Curtis learned most from both great mentors that “Fashion comes and goes, but Style lasts a lifetime!” everyone has something to contribute to this world; it’s just a matter of being given the opportunity to do so and being ready for that opportunity when it comes.

You can find more information about Suitability of McLean at:

Website: https://www.suitabilityofmclean.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-holloway-95a17162/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 571-405-6612

Address: 6719 Curran St., 3rd Floor, McLean, VA 22101

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Join us this week to talk with Matt Quick, PM Champion.  We will discuss which certifications you should consider as you transition out of the military…and what certifications you may not need.

Matt is a Partner Success Specialist with Project Management Institute (PMI)--the leading professional association for project management--focusing on the U.S. Public Sector and leads its Military and Veteran Program.

Before joining PMI in 2022, he was a Career Coach and Certified Digital Networking Professional--connecting people with resources and opportunities.

Matt served 25 years in the U.S. military (Army and Marine Corps), rising to the rank of Sergeant Major and leading the Army's largest Retention Program--U.S. Army Forces Command.

One of his greatest professional accomplishments is creating ArmyReenlistment.com, where he's been consolidating Army career resources and delivering them at scale to users for over 20 years.

Matt's been happily married for 26 years and enjoys traveling around the U.S. with his bride. Someday soon, they'll take their travels internationally!

You can find Matt on Linkedin at:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-quick/

Also, check out Matt online at www.pmi.org/military

Email Matt at:  [email protected]

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This is a continuation of last week's episode with LTC (R) Dave Maurer.

Our guest this week is LTC (R) Dave Maurer. Dave Maurer offers a wealth of experience as a career military officer and a senior leader within the private sector. His corporate leadership includes serving as a corporate officer for several Washington, D.C. firms. He led a global career transition training program spanning all 50 states and 17 countries and territories in support of the Labor Department and the U.S. military. His military service included tours within the intelligence community and the Joint Staff in the Pentagon. It culminated as the 72nd Adjutant General for the United States Military Academy at West Point. Dave is a certified Project Management Professional and a sought-after trainer. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the USO of New York City and the boards of several D.C. and Virginia chapters of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Military Officers Association of America. He currently serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of G.I. Jobs Magazine and is a member of the Leadership Council of the Seton Hall University Center for Leadership Development. Dave’s audiences and clients have included the World Bank, the CIA, FBI, Marshals Service, DHS, all military branches, several PMI chapters, and enterprises in the private sector. He has presented at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, and West Point. Dave is a member of the National Speakers Association and the co-author of several books covering leadership, career transition, and project management.

Our guest this week is LTC (R) Dave Maurer. Dave Maurer offers a wealth of experience as a career military officer and a senior leader within the private sector. His corporate leadership includes serving as a corporate officer for several Washington, D.C. firms. He led a global career transition training program spanning all 50 states and 17 countries and territories in support of the Labor Department and the U.S. military. His military service included tours within the intelligence community and the Joint Staff in the Pentagon. It culminated as the 72nd Adjutant General for the United States Military Academy at West Point. Dave is a certified Project Management Professional and a sought-after trainer. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the USO of New York City and the boards of several D.C. and Virginia chapters of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Military Officers Association of America. He currently serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of G.I. Jobs Magazine and is a member of the Leadership Council of the Seton Hall University Center for Leadership Development. Dave’s audiences and clients have included the World Bank, the CIA, FBI, Marshals Service, DHS, all military branches, several PMI chapters, and enterprises in the private sector. He has presented at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, and West Point. Dave is a member of the National Speakers Association and the co-author of several books covering leadership, career transition, and project management.

Col (R) Wade Dennis’ service to the MP Regiment was exemplary. He enlisted in the Army in January 1978. He went on to serve in a myriad of positions, from basic MP patrolman to Commanding the 82d MP Company, the only Airborne MP Company in the history of the US Army to execute a combat parachute assault, during the invasion of Panama (Operation Just Cause). He commanded the 503rd MP Battalion (Airborne) while it secured the Pentagon for 8 months after the tragedy of September 2011 (9-11) and commanded the Battalion during the initial envision if Iraq (OIF). He commanded the Joint Detention Group at JTF-Guantanamo (OEF) and served as both the Assistant Commandant and Commandant of the United States Military Police School. COL Dennis was also the first MP Officer to serve as the Chief of Staff Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE) and Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. He culminated his career as the Senior Advisor to the Afghanistan Minister of Interior and the J-34 at USNORTHCOM, Peterson AFB, Colorado. COL Dennis retired in June 2014 after more than 36 years of service. He received The Order of the Marechaussee in Gold and was inducted into the U.S. Army Military Police Regimental Hall of Fame in 2019. Mr. Dennis currently serves as the Senior Director of Operations for Chenega Global Protection, LLC., which is a Chenega Corporation-owned subsidiary company focused on providing a broad spectrum of security services to the federal and private sectors within the U.S. and abroad. We will discuss life after almost 40 years of service in the military, the importance of networking, ensuring veterans get the most disability rating possible, and other topics. Resources from the podcast: VA Legal Support: www.JanDils.com | www.Fight4Vets.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeptVetAffairs

Joe Posusney grew up in Philadelphia, PA, and earned his Eagle Scout award at age 17. He is a West Point graduate and Army veteran who served in the 82nd Airborne MP Company, earning his senior parachute badge with bronze service star. During Operation Just Cause, he participated in the only combat parachute assault by an MP Company in history and served during both Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He has extensive experience in engineering, technology, operations, R&D, manufacturing, and sales and marketing in his corporate career. He is a founding member in the advancement of women’s health at Organon and currently serves as Associate Director, Market Access Customer Management. He earned his Master's in Engineering, Management of Technology from the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Wharton School of Business and is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a PMP. He describes himself as a life-long learner who enjoys reading and anything that gets him outdoors. He is a coffee enthusiast and enjoys extensive travel. We will discuss the importance of learning the language of industries and companies you may want to join as well as networking as your sharpest tool in the job search toolbox.

Having Shawna Wentlandt as our guest on this week's podcast is a great honor. Like Michele and Cyndi, Shawna wears the badge of military spouse and gives some great insight into the transition process from the spouse's perspective.

Shawna is originally from Julian, California, a small town in the mountains north of San Diego. Since marrying Brady in 1999, they moved worldwide and raised their three kids. In 2010, she earned a Ph.D. in leadership and organizational change. She works as an online college professor. In her free time, she is a long-distance runner and enjoys traveling.