Kevin Schmiegel’s Post

🌟 Honor Military Appreciation Month with Construction Career Collaborative (C3) 🌟   🇺🇸 May is Military Appreciation Month, a dedicated time to honor and recognize the valiant contributions, sacrifices, and service of our armed forces members, both past and present. Introduced in 1999 by Sen. John McCain, this month encourages us all to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by our military personnel, from the historic moments of VE Day to the solemn remembrance of Memorial Day.   🏗️ At C3, we deeply value the unparalleled skills, discipline, and leadership that veterans bring to the construction industry. Their contributions are vital to our success and innovation.   🎖️ Highlighting a Special Session at the C3 Workforce Development Conference: Join us on May 15, 2024, as we feature a significant session by U.S. Vets - Houston. Sharhonda Williams and Danielle Richardson will lead "Empowering Heroes: Recruiting Veterans for Success." This session is dedicated to unlocking the potential of veterans in the workforce, providing insights into tailored recruitment strategies, and creating a supportive work environment that leverages the unique skills and experiences of veterans.   🛠️ Why Attend? Learn Effective Strategies: Discover how to seamlessly integrate veterans into your organization. Leverage Unique Skills: Understand how to utilize the exceptional skills and experiences of veterans for mutual success. Supportive Workplace Culture: Foster an environment that honors and supports our heroes in their new roles in civilian life.   🌐 Join Us in Making a Difference: Let’s come together this Military Appreciation Month to not only honor our military members but also to empower them in their transition to impactful careers in construction.   🔗 Register Now and Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gqMqr392   🔗 Spread the Word: Know someone passionate about supporting veterans or involved in HR in the construction industry? Tag them or share this post. Let’s honor and empower our heroes together!   #MilitaryAppreciationMonth #Veterans #ConstructionIndustry #C3Conference #WorkforceDevelopment #EmpoweringHeroes

“Hey Mom, I’m wearing your business to school today.” Well, in a sense, yes, but I’m going to give BlueForge Alliance a fist bump for this one. BFA is a partner who runs the Submarine Industrial Base’s external facing site and talent repository. This site is crucial in connecting our supplier base, utilizing it by posting open positions, and connecting with #jobseekers looking for work in the trades. This is a key tool that supports my efforts in #workforcedevelopment in New England. And I’ll admit, they have as nice of hats as they do innovators, mentors, visionaries, problem solvers, and leaders that work hard on issues such as #supplychain, #technology, #workforceexcellence, #marketing #contractmanagement, and other important components supporting the #navy 1+2 mission. Check out www.buildsubmarines.com today and let me connect you with the team that keeps killing it through teamwork to get the job done. (FYI- that child doesn’t even get paid to represent — in preferred chocolate— just really loves submarines and stolen Mom gear) #webuildgiants #newengland #navsea #submarines #teamworkmatters #teamsib #manufacturingexcellence #tradespeople

Stop Waiting for Permission Transitioning out of the military feels a bit like being dropped into a new mission without a briefing. Nobody hands you a roadmap, and suddenly you’re expected to translate “mission readiness” into “proficient in Excel.” Last week, I saw someone hesitate to apply for a tech role because they didn’t check every box. Meanwhile, someone else confidently walked in and nailed it with half the qualifications. Lesson learned: It’s not about being ready enough—it’s about showing up. For those hiring veterans, what do you actually value most about us? Be honest: Is it the leadership, adaptability, or just knowing we can survive chaos without caffeine? #MilitaryTransition #VeteransInTech #CareerGrowth #HireVeterans

🚨 Thanks for making Thunderstorm 24-4 such a success! 🚨 You packed the house and connected 34 innovative companies with over 225 Government stakeholders, all focused on advancing and transitioning novel rapid deployment and sustainment capabilities for challenging, contested environments. 🙏 #BravoZulu to the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) for working alongside us to scope and plan the event. 🙏 And thanks to all the acquisition program offices and S&T experts from every Service, multiple Combatant Commands, Joint Staff, DARPA, DTRA, NRO, NGA, xTech, NavalX, AFWERX, 75th U.S. Army Reserve Innovation Command, #APFIT, NSIN - National Security Innovation Network, and so many others from across DoD, the interagency, and international partners. By turning out in force, you delivered tremendous value to all these companies. We couldn’t have done it without you! 👩🏫 An additional thank you to those who made time to brief the community on the current challenges and future opportunities, which included MCWL Science and Technology Division, Army Futures Command Contested Logistics Cross Functional Team, along with our OUSD(R&E) colleagues Dr. Mantz and Dr. Jahn for discussing DoD critical technology areas and priorities. Your talks gave industry the rich insights they need to proactively anticipate, and create the things we in DoD don’t even know to ask for. We continue trying out new ways to engage and support innovators. This includes a new initiative to invite private investors and business advisors, to help facilitate engagements. We appreciate you supporting the businesses driving the innovation the US needs. 🎺 A special shout out to The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University (ARL/PSU) and Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) for executing Thunderstorm 24-4. For years your hard work has enabled I&M to conduct such impactful tech showcases. Even with this Thunderstorm’s all-time high attendance, you made everything #butterysmooth. ✉ Our team is proud to have played a role in fostering purposeful connections between industry and defense, and creating meaningful pathways for advancing new technologies. Interested in future I&M events? Shoot me a message and we’ll add you to our email distro list. #DefenseInnovation #DoD #Innovation #SBIR #STTR #AUKUS

To take point, DoD requires an experienced workforce (people) who can deliver the necessary tools (technology) to the warfighter to meet the future. These three categories—People, Technology and Future—are interwoven into each other. They cannot stand alone, and the speakers at the DAU Flagship Event of the Summer reinforced the importance of approaching problems and opportunities wholistically. “Taking point” is “not just driving change in your day-to-day positions, but also in your professional development,” Cara Abercrombie, Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy said. “Be inspired. The speakers’ passion, motivation and devotion to mission is moving. Drive change in how we approach acquisition.” The most important way to embrace the ideas and values of taking point is to pursue acquisition excellence through mastering one’s career and continuing education. Read more at https://lnkd.in/ekFy5vxV #DAUFlagshipEvent #ExperienceDAU

For those getting ready for Hiring Our Heroes COHORT 3-2024. Are you researching companies to find your fit? Well, let me help put Verizon to the front of your mind. When I began my transition, the #Vteam was not on my radar. Fortunately I had some previous comrades from my military service who had retired ahead of me and brought this wonderful employer into view. Here is our publicly shared fast facts one pager. If you are a #veteran, #transitioning #servicemember, or #milspouse…you can attend one of our Information sessions to learn about our hiring process and how to compete for our Military Fellowships, #dodskillbridge, and Direct Hire positions.

Its easy to tow the line and to go with the flow of the status quo.... Exquisite weapon systems....#AI....Acquisition woes... Every person in this photo is at the helm of critical lines of effort that are materially disrupting lethargic inefficiencies today. They are working within or in close alignment with the system to not only radically shift how we think about things but to bring fourth actionable solutions today. It was mind blowing and refreshing to learn from them. Time as a weapon system, Alexis B., a system that is getting better at owning wrong doings to make those who have a right to feel skeptical about service more at ease, Robert Hogue, A platform to unlock the unfathomable talent within our Reserves and Guard units beyond MOS and skills designators through GigEagle, Mike McGinley, #energeticmaterial innovation is alive and well! William Durant, information pollution is just like environmental pollution - only invasive species survive Michael campbell, There are in fact things happening at exponential speed in the acquisitions arena and we will see the systemic change required to maintain relevance at speed in this decade, Justin Fanelli, The battle plan for extreme collaboration required to collectively succeed, Philip Freidhoff.... These are the types of people that despite all of the noise, divisiveness and instability give me hope and that keep a smile on my face. These are the types of people that remain healthily oblivious to the ease of succumbing to the status quo in favor of #TakingPoint Special thanks to coach Alex McLeod, MBA and co-coach Jay Long, PJ Jackson Frank Kelley Jim Woolsey Caren Hergenroeder Evita Salles, Ed.D., SPHR Chris stephen and the rest of the Defense Acquisition University team. #community #TakingPoint #DEF Defense Entrepreneurs Forum

Only 86 days until the Department of Cyberspace Studies -- (AFIT/EXC)'s next generation of Cyberspace 200 curriculum and a brand-new integrated cyberspace planning exercise rollouts out for the students of Cyberspace 200 class FY24D... Next week we are sequestered on the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology's campus doing a faculty deep dive review of all supporting documentation and details for the multi-phase cyberspace exercise that has a distinct focus on operational design, mission analysis, and the joint planning process. Like the Cyberspace 200 curriculum, the new exercise will address all United States Air Force Cyberspace Warfare Operations (17X) career field functional areas and specialty shred-outs: → 17D -- Warfighter Communications ↠17DXA -- Network Operations ↠ 17DXB -- Expeditionary Communications Operations → 17S -- Cyberspace Effects Operations ↠ 17SXA -- Offensive Cyberspace Operations ↠ 17SXD -- Defensive Cyberspace Operations The Department of Cyberspace Studies -- (AFIT/EXC) is firmly part of the United States Air Force's desire to develop “Mission Ready Airmen” with a mix of skills needed for wartime operational mission readiness. We are convinced our new curriculum and exercise will help better posture our students to deter and, if necessary, prevail in an era of Great Power Competition. Pictured are just a few of the many documents that help create a realistic world for our students, and our evaluators, to learn, plan, and dominate cyberspace in. It is a small sneak peek of what our students will experience in July. We can't wait to see how they will succeed! Learn more about Cyberspace 200: https://lnkd.in/ga3BAc9F #airforce #cyberspace #education

With over 20 years of #military experience and extensive work in facilitating military-to-civilian transitions by leading global veteran programs in major tech companies (#Fortinet and #Alteryx) and forming worldwide partnerships with over 20 #nonprofits (TechVets, Soldier On Australia, Hire Heroes USA, Blue Star Families, Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF, Coding for Veterans, Women In Data™️, Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), and many more), I can confidently affirm that #career and transition planning is crucial for success! Just as occupational training is essential for military service, ongoing career development is crucial for post-service achievements. The DoD-SkillBridge program is a remarkable opportunity to translate your military expertise into civilian careers. #SkillBridge connects your military training and experience with valuable civilian job opportunities as you prepare to transition out of service. If you have 180 or fewer days remaining before separation and at least 180 continuous days of active service, you may be eligible for SkillBridge. Plan ahead and maximize this benefit for a smoother transition into civilian life! 🚀 #MilitaryTransition #CareerPlanning #VeteranSuccess

🇺🇸 At the forefront of American innovation and commitment, the TMG, Inc Talent Pipeline Program embodies a powerful initiative aimed at driving excellence and growth across the nation. As we embark on another year of impactful work, our achievements across regions like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Hampton Roads, VA, stand testament to our mission. Having successfully supported over 124 employers and facilitated the employment of more than 800 individuals, the program's expansion into New England and Long Island marks a significant milestone. 🙌🏻 This year, we are excited to announce our expansion into Southern California, aiming to engage 250-270 employers across all five regions. Launched in May 2021 by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and the US Navy this initiative seeks to energize the Submarine Industrial Base / Defense Industrial Base by establishing maritime-focused manufacturing pipelines. ➡️ These efforts are not just about filling positions; they're about revitalizing the defense workforce and addressing crucial trade gaps within the maritime and defense ecosystems. Our partners benefit from access to networks for sharing best practices, customized talent acquisition and retention tools, and dedicated coaching—all at NO COST 💯🚫💰, thanks to full funding by the Navy. With the Demand Signal Round Table on April 26, featuring Rear Admiral Todd Weeks we're not just planning an event; we're laying down a marker for our future. This program is a testament to the shared American values of progress, collaboration, and national security. Join us in this noble mission to bolster America's defense industrial base and champion technological and industrial innovation. Let's unite under this cause, celebrating the spirit of American ingenuity and dedication! ❓Want to join the Talent Pipeline Program- Let me know! 🙋🏼♀️ #TalentPipelineProgram #USNavy #California #BuildSubmarines #DefenseInnovation #VirginiaClass #ColumbiaClass #MilitaryManufacturing #AmericanDefense #PatrioticPursuits #NavalExcellence #ShipbuildingUSA #DefenseCareers #NationalSecurity #MaritimeDefense #IndustrialBase #DefenseCollaboration