Watch this space! As evidenced by the record-setting turnout for April’s Aim Hire webinar dedicated to civilian careers in the U.S. Space Force, space will play an ever-increasing role in America’s defense posture as the nation moves to protect key U.S. and allied interests in space.
During this month’s Aim Hire, we were joined by Kameke Mitchell, Chief of Contracts for Space Systems Command for the Commercial Services Office for the National Capital Region, and Lin Beckham, Mission Support Director of the 13th Space Warning Squadron, Clear Space Force Station, Alaska. Our two guests shared their reflections on what the creation of the Space Force has meant for the Department of the Air Force and the tremendous opportunities it has opened for civilian employees eager to play critical roles in defense of the nation and our allies.
They shared what the transition from civilian Airmen of the Air Force to Guardians of the Space Force has been like and offered valuable advice on what you can do to land a job with the Space Force.
You’ll definitely want to watch every minute, but if you’re pressed for time, the clips below are can’t-miss.
7:31 Lin describes the 13th Swiss mission.
11:40 Kameke shares what it’s been like standing up an entirely new command for the nation’s newest stand-alone military branch.
14:31 Host Bob Hall answers perhaps the most important question on everybody’s mind, where can you learn about openings in the Space Force?
15:32 Lin and Kameke detail some of the openings in their respective offices as well as some of the positions you’re likely to encounter across the Space Force.
19:32 Kameke explains how, as the new Space Force is growing, so, too, are the opportunities for civilians. The transition from Air Force to Space Force means more than just changing the stencil on the door but creating something entirely new. Hiring at the Space Force will move much quicker than most similar opportunities.
20:51 Lin fills in the details behind the acronym, “LRDR.”
26:30 The panelists talk about professional development and growth opportunities within their commands and the priority the Space Force places on it overall.
30:50 Kameke elaborates on the difference between “training” and “professional growth.”
33:16 Bob fields a question from the audience as to whether there are entry-level positions in the Space Force.
35:51 Lin and Kameke discuss work-life balance in the Space Force and compare it to expectations in the private sector.
39:06 Kameke explains the difference between “telework” and “remote” work.
43:41 Like many AFCS employees, Lin spent many years in active duty before transitioning to the civilian side of the equation. Here, he describes what motivated him to make that switch.
45:29 Host Bob Hall answers questions from the audience about whether there are age limits to work as an employee for the Department of the Air Force.
47:11 The panelists describe what it is like being civilians working alongside active-duty Airmen and Guardians.
50:59 Lin explains why a civilian workforce is so essential to the Space Force’s success.
56:39 Bob answers a question we get quite often, “Do you have to have a security clearance prior to working as a civilian for the Space Force?”