City of Abilene announces partnership with U.S. Army's Partnership for Your Success program

The City of Abilene is proud to announce its partnership with the U.S. Army's Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program. The partnership will be cemented with a formal reception at Abilene City Hall Wednesday afternoon.

PaYS is designed to help soldiers serve their country while preparing for their future, according to the Army's website, connecting them with the business community to provide opportunities to transition into civilian careers.

Through PaYS, active-duty soldiers, reservists, and others can apply for positions within the City of Abilene for which they are qualified.

It creates a valuable recruiting pipeline, while opening up opportunities for soldiers to find employment, said Patti Watson, the City's Assistant Director of Human Resources.

The Army maintains a global database of employment opportunities, Watson said.

Launched in 2000 as an enlistment incentive for Regular Army soldiers, the PaYS program has since expanded to include Army Reserve soldiers, ROTC cadets, Officer Candidate School participants, Warrant Officer Flight Training candidates, and Army National Guard members.

As of 2024, PaYS includes more than 1,000 private, corporate, and public sector partners, with a database of over 2 million job opportunities.

"Once they've completed their training program, this is an opportunity for those soldiers to work with the City," she said.

As an example, the program could allow individuals with ties to Abilene to return here after leaving the Army, she said. But it also creates the potential for those without prior connections to the community to explore careers here in various fields.

Applicants must have the necessary skill set for the position they apply for and compete with other qualified candidates for open roles.

Watson said the program presents numerous win-win scenarios for the City.

"The benefit of hiring someone who's been in the Army for several years is the maturity and real-world experience they bring," Watson said.

The program's applicant pool often includes individuals seeking stability who also are dedicated to excelling in their careers, she said.

Examples of job openings for candidates through the program include positions with the Abilene Police and Fire Departments, as well as roles requiring Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs).

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