Our employee spotlight shines a light on one employee at a time. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome diverse thinking. It takes a village — through collaboration, living safely and driving innovation we realize our goals and help our clients achieve mission success. Our mantra is people first, mission always. Today’s Q&A is with David Whalen, Project Manager (PM) Tactical Networks (TN) Fielder – Global Broadcast System (GBS) Team Lead.
How did you come to join Amentum?
I came to Amentum as a part of the Project Manager Tactical Network (PM TN) Integrated Logistics Support Contract in February of 2020.
What is your professional and personal background?
I started my civilian career as a trainer for Battlefield Video Tele-Conferencing (BVTC) / High Capacity Line of Sight (HCLOS). I then went on to be a trainer for Radio over Internet Protocol Routed Network (RIPRNET) supporting the warfighter in Iraq. Upon my return from Iraq, I worked as part of the reset team for both Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) and the Tactical Operation Centers (TOCs). Once reset was completed, I returned as a trainer for PM Tactical Radios. In December of 2016, I moved over to PM Tactical Network as a fielder and then eventually became the Global Broadcast System (GBS) Fielding Team Lead. In my personal time, I am an avid guitar player and I am a collector. I’ve always been a fan of G.I. Joe as a kid; and my brother and I, in our adult years, have started a nice collection of the vintage 1980’s figures. I also collect vintage video games and comic books.
How did your military service prepare you for a successful career at Amentum?
My military service taught me to expect the unexpected. As a Radio Operator/Information Technology Specialist, learning to communicate properly was a key for success both on and off the battlefield. As an Amentum employee, I used that ability to communicate to bring success to the GBS fielding team as the team lead. Getting information out to the fielders has set them up for mission completion in a timely manner.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.
As a fielder in general and as the GBS fielding team lead, I try my hardest to make sure that pertinent information is passed on to the fielding team. Doing this sets the whole team for success in what we do to support the warfighter.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?
My proudest career moment was helping in the development and testing of the OnPoint Travel module for Amentum. Seeing it move from test phase to launch was amazing. Being able to train my peers and prepare them for this module was a great overall experience.
What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?
The opportunities that have been given to me not only as a fielder but also in support of others.
What are you passionate about?
My passion is seeing things through to completion.
What’s your career advice?
Stay focused and stay passionate about what you choose to do.
What does safety mean to you, or do you have a favorite safety tip?
Reduce workplace stress.
What’s the best invention in the world and why?
As a musician, I think that the PAF (patent applied for) guitar pickup which was invented in 1955 by Seth Lover is the best invention in the world today. If it was not for this invention, music would not be as impactful as it is today. This pickup was used for the recording and live performances of country music, blues, R&B, and rock and roll.
Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?
Personal perspective: Surround yourself with good people, people you can trust and people who believe in you.
Professional perspective: Strive to be the best you can at what is you do. Do not accept failure as an option.
