Field Support Manager at BAE Systems
The Monday after he retired from the Army, Leo Bersterman woke up changed clothes and went to work as a civilian.
By Warren Duffie

Leo Bersterman’s body tensed with nervousness. After 20 years in the Army – the only job he had known since he was 18 years old – he was starting his first day as a civilian employee with BAE Systems, a defense contracting firm. How would he adapt to corporate life after so much time in the Armed Forces?

“That first day I knew I made the right choice coming to BAE Systems,” said Bersterman, 46. “I saw the company had a lot of military veterans and a similar mentality and structure. I liked that my co-workers could speak military lingo, which gives our customers a sense of comfort, since we work mainly with the military.” 

On the Job
Eight years after that nerve-wracking first day, Bersterman currently is a field support manager for the Support Solutions division of BAE Systems – working at the NAVAIR (U.S. Naval Air Systems Command) field technical unit at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan. The Army veteran oversees and participates in the repair and maintenance of various types of communication equipment for the military and other government agencies.

“The best part of my job is being able to still work with the military and support its mission,” said the former sergeant first class.

Bersterman will complete his Afghanistan assignment this year and return to his main base of operations at the BAE Systems location in Spring Lake, N.C. 

In Uniform
Bersterman enlisted in 1983, right after high school graduation. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and attended electronics school at Fort Gordon, Ga. Bersterman served in Korea, Maryland, Italy, Germany, Afghanistan and North Carolina.

The Transition
Bersterman’s final duty station was with a Special Operations communications unit at Fort Bragg, N.C. In 2002, he decided to retire the following year. He started thinking about the type of job he wanted. Location was important, since he and his wife had bought a home in nearby Fayetteville. Although he knew he would have to start at the bottom, Bersterman still wanted to find a job that paid comparably to his salary as an E-7.

Besides taking ACAP classes, Bersterman created a résumé highlighting his technical skills, leadership and management experience, and his work within the Special Operations community. Then fate seemed to step in. His communications unit worked closely with BAE Systems employees. One day, a co-worker told him about a job opening at the Spring Lake office. Bersterman applied.

“I was one of the lucky ones when it came to my transition,” he said. “I had one job interview and was hired. The Monday after I got out of the Army, I woke up, changed clothes, and went to work. My only challenge was learning to pick out clothes after 20 years of wearing a uniform.”  

Bersterman’s Advice
Do your research. “Have a clear picture of what kind of job you want. Learn about the companies to which you’re applying. Make sure their missions and values align with yours.” 

Plan and be persistent. “In today’s economy, finding a job can be a challenge. Keep a positive mindset and remember that the military taught you a variety of valuable skills. Anything is possible, if you have the right attitude.”

How’d You Get That Job?
Besides taking ACAP classes, Bersterman created a résumé highlighting his technical skills, leadership and management experience, and his work within the Special Operations community. Then fate seemed to step in. His communications unit worked closely with BAE Systems employees. One day, a co-worker told him about a job opening at the Spring Lake office. Bersterman applied.

“I was one of the lucky ones when it came to my transition,” he said. “I had one job interview and was hired. The Monday after I got out of the Army, I woke up, changed clothes, and went to work. My only challenge was learning to pick out clothes after 20 years of wearing a uniform.”

What Bersterman Likes About His Job
Working with the military.

BAE Systems is committed to taking care of military personnel.