If you’ve ever wanted to walk in the shoes of AFCS employees to experience first-hand what life is like working shoulder to shoulder with the Airmen and Guardians of the Department of the Air Force, then above all else, this episode is for you.
In this installment of the always popular “Living the Life” series, host Bob Hall introduces you to Steve Rogers, Range Technical Director at United States Space Force, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California; and Matt Shively, Supervisory Central Circuit Court Reporter, United States Air Force, San Antonio, Texas; who share an insider’s look at their careers and what it took to get there, and offer personal advice on what you can do to follow in their footsteps.
You’ll want to watch every captivating minute, but if you’re pressed for time, above all else, you’ll want to catch the exchanges below:
7:40 Steve shares how his career path saw him going into the military directly out of high school, earning a college degree as part of the GI Bill, and then returning to the Department of Air Force as a civilian employee.
14:04 Matt, also a military veteran, describes what led him to choose Air Force Civilian Service following his separation from the military.
15:26 Matt describes the fascinating role civilian court reporters play in providing verbatim transcription of legal proceedings, such as court-martial trials, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings involving military personnel.
17:52 If you want to see the world, being a civilian court reporter for the U.S. Air Force is your ticket. Matt explains why.
19:34 Steve and Matt field a question from the audience asking where they find their motivation and inspiration.
24:26 A person from the audience asks if the Air Force provides specific training for court reporters. Matt answers that and describes the certifications and pre-requisites required to become a civilian court reporter for the Air Force.
27:20 Steve and Matt share how their careers compare to similar roles in the private sector.
32:51 The two panelists make the pitch to recent college graduates about why starting their careers with Air Force Civilian Service makes so much sense.
40:36 Steve and Matt share the opportunities for personal and professional development the Air Force has provided them that is also available to all its civilian employees.
42:48 Host Bob Hall piggybacks on Steve and Matt’s sentiments that if you express your career goals to your mentors, the Air Force works hard to see you achieve them.
45:50 A member of the audience asks how long it took our panelists from the beginning of their career to arrive at where they are now.
51:06 Steve and Matt share the important roles mentors have played in their lives and careers and the prominence they place on being good mentors themselves.
55:28 The two panelists offer their advice on what makes a person the ideal candidate to work as a civilian for the world’s most powerful air force.
57:10 Steve shares a shocking moment of his career that helped energize him in his current role.
59:02 Matt discloses the details of a moment in his career that stands out as being particularly memorable.
Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. citizenship is required. Must be of legal working age. Some positions may require a security clearance.