PACE Spotlight: Ryan McMahon

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -

Ryan McMahon is a current member of Pathways to Career Excellence Program Group 46, which began in 2023. For his second year in the PACE Program, he will be placed at the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services site at Norfolk, VA.

Why did you first apply to the PACE Program?

I applied for the PACE Program because I wanted to advance within DLA Disposition Services.

What was your position in DLA before coming to the PACE Program?

I started with DLA as a Wage Grade-6 expeditionary civilian at the Camp Pendleton site. From there, I was promoted to Wage Grade-7 local stock number verifier. I spent a total of three years at that site before starting this program.

What have been your favorite parts of the PACE Program?

My favorite part of the program is networking. Getting to meet people throughout headquarters, also all the people we met at the site visits. Shout out to Tucson and San Antonio!

Do you have favorite moments from your time in the program so far?

My favorite moments are when we are hanging out as a group outside of work. For me, these guys have become a family away from home.

If there was one thing that could've been different for you in the PACE program, what would it be?

If I were to change anything it would be leaving my family behind while I complete the year-long program. I thought it would be easier to leave the family in San Diego and come out here by myself, I was wrong.

What would you say is the most important quality to succeed in the PACE program?

Patience and attentiveness. Understand that the PACE program is based off other people's availability and schedules. So, it could feel like it's dragging sometimes. But, when there is information being passed, pay attention because everything you are told or given are tools for the future.

In your own words, what can you gain from the PACE program?

The program is extremely beneficial, especially for me coming from the field. You get a better understanding of how things are done and why. It also gives you the knowledge on how to further your career and lead.

Editorial Note: The Pathways to Career Excellence Program for DLA Disposition Services is a two-year program that takes PACERs through all of Disposition Services and its processes to learn as much as possible about the directorate. The first year takes place at DLA Disposition Services Headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan, and the second year either takes place in Battle Creek for Contracting PACERs or at an assigned field site for Property Disposal PACERs. PACERs begin as general schedule 7s, move to GS-9s at the end of their first year, and graduate the program as GS-11s. There are multiple pathways to becoming a PACER, including being hired internally, as a recent graduate, or from military service.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.