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ROCK SOLID WARRIOR

  • Published
  • 386th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Senior Airman Jarvis Wilson

Job: Contingency Contracting Officer

Home unit: 3rd Contracting Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Aka.

How do you support the mission here?
As a contingency contracting officer I provide support to the 386th Security Forces and Logistics Readiness Squadrons here through multiple procurements from both the local community and back in the states. I buy anything my customers require, ranging from surveillance spotting scopes for perimeter security to fuel equipment for C-17s and C-130s. In addition to these commodities, I also manage 13 blanket purchase agreements that provide immediate and reliable supplies/services to the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron and 386th Expeditionary Force Support that enable the mission to continue here.

How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique?
This is my first deployment, which alone makes it unique. Although I have only been here for two months, I have had an opportunity to experience how my job plays its role in supporting the mission of the Air Force in a contingency environment. It is a satisfying experience to meet and work with individual from other career fields, who all have one goal in mind which is to accomplish the mission successfully. Fortunately for me, I get to experience the local culture first hand. As a CCO, I travel often to meet with and solicit local businesses. The most rewarding part of this deployment for me is having the opportunity to truly make an impact and seeing the fruits of my labor.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base?
One major difference in contracting in a deployed environment versus contracting at my home station is that here I am a warranted contracting officer which gives me that authority to obligate funds on behalf of the government. This is a huge responsibility, one that I take seriously because I become a steward who is watching over the U.S. tax payers' money by ensuring that I provide my customers with what they need while getting the best value for the customer and for the government.