An Interview with ManTech Employee, Phillip
Job title/Description: Tactical SIGINT Systems Team (TSST) Lead
Time at ManTech: More than 2 years
What drew you to ManTech?
An opportunity to start up a new Tactical SIGINT mission area in support of the National Security Agency’s Foreign Engagement’s regional and program managers. The ability to directly assist partners in the acquisition and deployment of sophisticated signals intelligence capabilities is very exciting to me. The coolest thing I’m working on now is helping government with program management over the acquisition, integration and delivery of sophisticated intelligence payloads on very small unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
What is or has been the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I am a veteran, having served with the U.S. Air Force for 22 years as a Signals analyst. An interesting mission was supporting Combined Joint Task Force-76 (CJTF-76) in Afghanistan as the senior enlisted military leader responsible for overseeing the intelligence operations of more than 100 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coalition partners. Providing intelligence packages on known or suspected terrorists to the joint intelligence and operations commanders for analysis and evaluation as part of the overall “targeting decision cycle” was extremely important work.
What advice do you have for prospective ManTech candidates?
Live on your toes and not your heels … lean forward and learn as much and as fast as you can. Remember to ask a ton of questions until you’re satisfied with your understanding and become the expert in whatever you are assigned to do.
What are you passionate about?
My job and getting to come to work every day. My work environment has the most incredible collection of individuals that I’ve ever been associated with. My co-workers literally make coming into work a joy. And, of course, I’m passionate about my family.
How do you get your caffeine in the mornings?
Mandatory Dunkin Donuts run every morning on the way into work. Medium hot, extra cream, with four Splendas … yes … four!
What is on your wish list for the next 10 years with the company?
Creating a ManTech position with U.S. European Command or Africa Command, whereby I can help those commands as a forward liaison between foreign engagement and the intelligence and operations shops and help coalition partners acquire SIGINT capabilities used in a coalition environment.
What is your favorite family tradition?
Christmas Eve family time! A house full of kids, Christmas music and the smell of cookies baking. Family games. Ending the night gathered around the oldest family member present as he or she reads the Lord’s story from the Bible, ensuring each person understands the true meaning of Christmas.