PACE Spotlight: Eric Allen

Eric S. Allen is part of Pathways to Career Excellence Group 50.

Why did you want to take part in PACE?

This was the best opportunity to allow me to move up with DLA, gain more skills to become a better leader, and give me a chance to provide a better life for my family.

Tell us about your career before your PACE selection. For example, any military service or previous DLA roles?

Goodness, it all started with me moving to the U.S from the Republic of Panama and joining the Air Force, serving six years with one deployment to Afghanistan. While in the Air Force, I was a security forces member and my squadron focused on base security instead of law enforcement. After separating from the Air Force, I spent some time as a corrections officer, which is not a job that I would recommend. Then I became an armed guard at Letterkenny Army Depot and did that for four years before joining DLA as a material examiner and identifier. I did that for two years before joining the PACE program.

What do you appreciate about PACE so far?

First, getting to see the behind-the-scenes process of how and why decisions are made. Second, helping me get out of my comfort zone by having to do presentations and interact with everyone in all the different branches and departments. That second one was hard, mainly because I can be more of an introvert.

What is your most memorable moment in the program and why does it stand out for you?

How leadership was so understanding and willing to help in my moments of need, and the friendships that I have developed through the year.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning their PACE journey?

Resilience, communication and determination. Resilience - everyone has something going on in their lives, be it at home, work or within. Don't let the hardships bring you down, stand up and face them head on and remember that you are not alone. Communication - keep leadership in the loop with issues and achievements. This extends to people outside of work as well; having someone to vent or share with can be a tremendous help. Determination - everyone joined the program for different reasons, but I'm sure there is one underlining factor: you were determined to do better than where you were. Don't lose that determination. Whatever success is for you, it's out there; you just have to reach out and grab it.

Can you think of any ways PACE could be even better for future participants?

The main thing would be better living situations.

How can a participant succeed and thrive in PACE?

Keep your nose clean, have fun, learn as much as you can, and take advantage of all the different opportunities you will encounter through the year.

In a nutshell, how would you describe the benefit of PACE to a potential applicant?

The perfect opportunity to learn how DLA Disposition Services works at a higher level. It's a great networking opportunity and it is a terrific way to progress through the organization. Also, it gives you an opportunity to see lots of different leadership styles in one place and help you develop your own.

Where will you be assigned for your second year of PACE and what are you looking forward to in that phase of the program?

I will be assigned to Susquehanna, and the thing I'm looking forward to the most is just being back out in the field, learning as much as I can, and becoming the best property disposal specialist that I can be.

Looking beyond PACE, what are your future DLA and lifetime career goals?

Work hard, learn as much as I can, and become a good leader.

Anything you'd like to share about your life outside of work? (Hobbies, interests, family, etc.)

Outside of work I like spending time with my family, fishing, hunting, flying drones, sharpening my gunsmithing skills, and SCUBA diving when visiting the Republic of Panama.

The Pathways to Career Excellence Program for DLA Disposition Services is a two-year program educating PACERS on the full scope of organizational business processes and the various directorates. The first year takes place at major subordinate command headquarters in Michigan, with a second year either in Battle Creek for Contracting trainees or at field sites for property disposal personnel. PACERS begin training as General Schedule 7 employees, promote to GS-9 at the end of their first year, and graduate the program as GS-11s. There are multiple pathways to becoming a PACER, including through DLA internal selection, recent graduates, or candidates coming directly from active military service.