Brig. Gen. Scott Spellmon, OTC commander, applauded Graham’s program.

“Since taking command here, I’ve discovered that many of our civilian employees have not had the benefit of active-duty military experience,” Spellmon said. “All military are required to participate in professional development opportunities, which enhance our abilities and make us better soldiers.

“This exposure to the Army culture is something most of our civilian employees do not encounter during their daily duties,” he said. “I want our DA civilians to have that same opportunity, and this gunnery exercise is just the first of similar opportunities being planned,” he said.

Comprising, but not limited to, engineers, human resource specialists, research analysts, administrative assistants, financial management specialists and audio visual technicians, OTC’s finest were enthusiastic about the experience.

“It was an awesome opportunity,” said Dan Welsh, electronics engineer, Test Technology Directorate. “This is the first (professional development opportunity) of which I’m aware in the 11 years I’ve been at OTC.

“I hope our leadership continues to find and support these developmental opportunities for us because we don’t often see the equipment in action with live rounds going downrange,” he said.

Although Amy Hammonds, program manager, has been an Army civilian for 30 years, she has never been in or near a Bradley.

“The opportunity to climb in and on the tank was fun and educational,” she said. “I was amazed at how small the quarters were and the conditions that soldiers have to endure while in the Bradley.

“Talking to soldiers and having them show us how everything worked was interesting and fascinating,” she said. “I am looking forward to more of these professional development events.”