Nov. 19, 2024
By Carrie Ann Berry
Discussions about career paths and post-graduation goals typically kick into high gear around the “mid years” of high school. Such was the case for Elbit America intern Emma Pape who was tasked with doing a research paper on future aspirations in her 11th grade English class.
“I was still undecided on what I wanted to do after I graduated from high school,” Emma said. Around that same time, her brother Evan, who attended the United States Military Academy West Point, began talking with Emma about the many opportunities the U.S. military has to offer.
This conversation steered her to enroll at Texas Tech University and join the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) collegiate program. Through government-funded financial aid, ROTC cadets complete traditional undergraduate courses and specialized military training which prepare them to serve as military officers upon graduation.
“I chose the AFROTC route because I liked having my path set for me. I would have a guaranteed job and stable salary, an entry-level leadership role as a second lieutenant, and increased opportunities for training and promotions,” Emma said.
She graduated from Texas Tech on May 15, 2020, and, on the same day, entered the Air Force as an intelligence officer. Emma chose the specialized technical field for its countless opportunities and because she wanted to make a significant impact in her military career without becoming a pilot.
“While I never had the desire to pursue the path of a pilot, I still wanted to be on the tip of the spear,” she said.
Stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base near Knob Noster, Missouri, Emma worked directly with pilots and specific airframes, including the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, and provided intelligence analysis and assessments to assist military commanders in their decisions. She enjoyed the responsibility that came with the job, as well as the satisfaction of knowing her team’s analysis directly impacted operations and was promoted twice for her contributions.
Equally satisfying were the relationships and friendships Emma forged.
“Shared experiences, particularly those involving challenges, training and close proximity under pressure, create a strong sense of camaraderie. And, you have that strong network when you eventually separate from the service,” she said.
Emma’s plans to serve a decade in the Air Force changed due to shifting priorities in her personal life and, after four years, she began the separation process. To help bridge from military service to a civilian career, she connected with the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge Program.
Bridging the gap: military service to civilian workforce
According to data from the DoD, approximately 200,000 U.S. service members transition from active military service to civilian life each year. The DoD SkillBridge Program jump starts the transition, connecting service members to industry partners who provide valuable civilian work experience during the last six months of military service.
Elbit America is one of those industry partners.
“Partnering with the DoD SkillBridge Program allows Elbit America to continue our commitment to supporting our warfighters. As an industry partner we provide exiting military with opportunities to gain real-world training in high-demand fields, making the transition to the civilian workforce a little less stressful,” said Jason Greer, Talent Acquisition Manager at Elbit America. “Additionally, the SkillBridge Program is a win-win. While service members gain great civilian experience, Elbit America is able to tap into the diverse skill sets and unmatched strong work ethic they bring to the workforce.”
Seeking an opportunity in the defense contracting sector in the Fort Worth-area, Emma applied for a SkillBridge internship in Elbit America’s Assurance, Compliance and Ethics organization. She received approval from her unit commander to start the internship which began in August 2024.
“I love taking my years of military experience and translating that into the trade compliance work I’m doing at Elbit America. I got a feeling right out of the gate that I wasn’t doing this alone and the company has been supportive and made it easy and stress-free,” Emma said.
Asked what advice she’d give other transitioning service members who are contemplating their futures but don’t know where to start: “The SkillBridge Program helped me find that path. Don’t be afraid to take that leap and don’t worry about making the perfect decision. If the job opportunity sounds interesting go for it,” Emma said.
Aiming to get as much valuable knowledge and practical skills as she can during the internship, Emma will complete the SkillBridge Program on Jan. 17, 2025, and officially separate from the Air Force two weeks later.
While what comes next is still up-in-the-air, she is filled with hope adding, “I really enjoy being at Elbit America and hope to continue my future here.”
Are you interested in a career at Elbit America? View our open positions at https://www.elbitamerica.com/careers.
