PaCE Spotlight: Kaveh Amirsolaimani

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -

Currently, Kaveh Amirsolaimani, better known as Kevin Amir among his colleagues, is a Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Property Disposal Specialist within the Operations Receipt Branch in Battle Creek, Michigan. He began the Pathways to Career Excellence Program in 2018 and completed it in 2019.

In your own words, how would you describe the PaCE program, and what can you gain from it?

Compared to the other DLA agencies, it's the best internship program out there because of its small size and know that you are very lucky to have been selected. Many apply, but few get selected. It's like winning the lottery.

Why did you first apply to the PaCE Program?

I've been with DLA for about five years. I began work at DLA Disposition Services Camp Pendleton site as a receiver (Wage Grade 6) in the warehouse. I always wanted to be a Disposal Service Representative because I like the variety of the job and don't like sitting in an office. I applied to the PaCE Program to become a DSR.

What have been your favorite parts of the PaCE Program?

The best part of the program is that it gave me an overview of DLA's business model and how all the parts fit together. I also liked the week I spent shadowing DLA Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon - interesting to see what he does.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?

It was all good. I enjoyed my on-the-job training at the San Juaquin site, where I spent a month being exposed to the different work areas.

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

Due to network operations, my group of PaCErs did not have the opportunity to move locations and were absorbed at Disposition Services headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan. We are the only group that this has happened to. If you're interested in trading with me, let me know.

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

Be on time. There is a saying, "If you're on time, then you're 15 minutes late." Show up to work every day and be prepared.

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.

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