On Veterans Day, and every day, the ARM Institute celebrates our consortium members and our internal team members who have served or continue to serve in the US military! Our team is honored to support our nation’s warfighters, from working with our member consortium on funded projects to secure the Organic Industrial Base (OIB) and ensure our military has the supplies they need to helping military members connect to their next step after service through our national workforce resource RoboticsCareer.org.
In celebration of Veterans Day, meet a few of our staff members who have served below! Learn how our team members still leverage the skills they learned through the military today in their roles ensuring the ARM Institute’s financial viability and operational excellence, testing and developing robotics systems to secure US manufacturing competitiveness, driving the ARM Institute’s strategy for getting robotics and AI innovations into the hands of manufacturers of sizes, and ensuring successful projects that harness the strength and expertise of our member consortium.
JT Elensky
ARM Institute Controller
Broadly, can you tell our readers about your military background?
I’ve served in the United States Air Force Reserve for 14 years, with a career focused on aircraft maintenance and inspection. During that time, I’ve worked on the C-130H and C-17A airframes as an Isochronal and Home Station Check Inspector, Flight Line Crew Chief, Section Chief, and Maintenance Operations Center Controller.
What made you feel compelled to serve in the military? How did you select your branch?
At first, it was the college benefits and the love of aviation, which is the reason I chose the Air Force. I remain in now for the purpose and the adventure.
How did your time in the military prepare you for life outside of service, specifically your position at the ARM Institute?
It really instilled the need to perform service before self. I noticed that I make sure that others are taken care of before I worry about what I would like to do, which is something that is drilled in during your time.
What advice do you have for others who are considering joining the military?
Really research the open positions and don’t be afraid to look at multiple branches. The most important thing is to pick a job that interests you.
What advice do you have for those transitioning out of the military?
Use Military One Source as often as possible. They can answer almost anything, service-related or not.
Anything you’d like to add?
I can genuinely thank the military for bringing me to where I am today.
Eric Heisler
ARM Institute Robot Test Technician
Broadly, can you tell our readers about your military background?
I was honorably discharged as a Sergeant after serving five years in the Marine Corps as a communications technician with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
What made you feel compelled to serve in the military? How did you select your branch?
My Grandpa was in the Navy/Air Force Reserves for a combined 25+ years. After hearing all his experiences, it sounded like a unique adventure that could set me up with a career as an alternative to continuing education after high school. I chose the Marine Corps because of the pride they take in themselves and their branch. Being a Marine wasn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle.
How did your time in the military prepare you for life outside of service, specifically your position at the ARM Institute?
“Improvise, Adapt and Overcome” was a common phrase we used in the Marine Corps. If you didn’t know something, you had to learn what you needed to whether it’s professionally or personally. Being a communications technician taught me troubleshooting skills that I learned to implement across platforms I had never worked on before which I was eventually able to exercise on automation once I got out of the Marine Corps.
What advice do you have for others who are considering joining the military?
Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
What advice do you have for those transitioning out of the military?
Civilian life can be less structured, create your own routines that are going to set you up for success. “Idle hands are the devils workshop.”
Tasha Miller
ARM Institute Director of Technology Programs
Broadly, can you tell our readers about your military background?
I joined the Air Force right out of college having no idea what I was getting into, went to Officer Training School one week after getting married. In the Air Force, I worked as a developmental engineer leading efforts for new Air Force systems including as an electronic warfare flight test engineer for the F-35.
What made you feel compelled to serve in the military? How did you select your branch?
I was looking for adventure, challenge, and growth at the time. The Air Force offered all three.
How did your time in the military prepare you for life outside of service, specifically your position at the ARM Institute?
The Air Force delivered abundantly on the challenge and growth goals by giving me strong mentors, vast opportunities, and a purpose greater than myself. I left Active Duty a much better version of myself.
What advice do you have for those transitioning out of the military?
It is going to feel weird not wearing a uniform everyday, for a long time. You will miss the camaraderie and culture, but just know wherever you land – you have the opportunity to help create a culture that has some of the same fundamentals of camaraderie, trust, passion, and integrity.
Russell Wanke
ARM Institute Program Manager
Broadly, can you tell our readers about your military background?
I graduated West Point with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. After graduation, I commissioned as an active-duty Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army, serving in the 82nd Airborne Division (Fort Bragg, NC) and as a basic training Company Commander in Fort Benning, GA. After 6.5 years in active duty, I transitioned to the U.S. Army Reserves where I currently observe and evaluate the training of mobilizing units. In total, I have been an Army Officer for over 8 years.
What made you feel compelled to serve in the military? How did you select your branch?
I have always had a great sense of duty and patriotism, but I also wanted to study engineering, so attending West Point was a natural first step. I also had family serve in the Army.
How did your time in the military prepare you for life outside of service, specifically your position at the ARM Institute?
My time in the military honed my ability to be diligent, prepared, and well-organized. Also, you are often faced with dynamic or uncertain situations, so I learned to think through solutions to complex problems. As a program manager, these learned qualities help in my management of projects, and in understanding the underlying defense manufacturing needs.
What advice do you have for others who are considering joining the military?
Research the skills and opportunities found in each of the military branches, and specifically the occupations found within each branch. Consider what you want to do long-term after the military because your experience may not be directly transferable.
What advice do you have for those transitioning out of the military?
Research Skillbridge internships to bridge the transition from military to civilian life. Prior to making the decision to leave the military, understand VA GI Bill service requirements and available credentialing opportunities (e.g., Army COOL program). These can help you become more marketable for civilian jobs.
ABOUT THE ARM INSTITUTE
The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute is a Manufacturing Innovation Institute (MII) funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense under Agreement Number W911NF-17-3-0004 and is part of the Manufacturing USA® network. The ARM Institute leverages a unique and robust consortium of 450+ members and partners across industry, academia, and government to make robotics, autonomy, and artificial intelligence more accessible to U.S. manufacturers large and small, train and empower the manufacturing workforce, strengthen our economy and global competitiveness, and elevate national security and resilience. Based in Pittsburgh, PA since 2017, the ARM Institute is leading the way to a future where people & robots work together to respond to our nation’s greatest challenges and to produce the world’s most desired products. For more information, visit www.arminstitute.org and follow the ARM Institute on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).