The recruiter said, “I have the perfect job for you – the infantry.”

Twenty-seven years later, Steve Ziarno recalled this conversation with boisterous laughter: “My dad was in the service and he told me if I enlisted, get a job that was transferable to civilian life.”

Ziarno was assigned to a personnel unit and mastered the art of administration. His infantry and administrative experience transferred into a great position at DynCorp.

On the Job
Ziarno, 43, currently works for DynCorp International as a human resources supervisor for the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team – part of the International Civilian Police Program (CIVPOL) funded by the U.S. Department of State. It is engaged in providing the Iraqi police force with the education and resources it needs to be a trained, professional law enforcement force.

Located in Baghdad, Ziarno, a former sergeant first class, oversees a team of five that takes care of 1,200 DynCorp employees throughout Iraq. His responsibilities are legion: provide training related to discipline, performance appraisals, sexual harassment, counseling, succession planning, and new hire orientation; maintain personnel records and oversee employee benefits; make sure employee issues are resolved in accordance with approved policies and procedures; and provide human resource guidance to senior management to mitigate litigation.

“Most of my time is spent helping employees with questions and problems,” said Ziarno, “from pay and benefits to travel and leave. It’s so rewarding to help people, and a great feeling when they thank me and my staff.”

Ziarno starts work at 0730 and devotes a couple of hours to returning messages and prioritizing the day’s workload. Most of the day is spent advising employees and managers of policies and best practices related to coaching, counseling, and improving employee morale and effectiveness. Ziarno also answers questions regarding contracts, employment verifications, ID cards, and evaluations and promotions.

“I usually get out of work around 1930 or 2000,” he said. “I don’t mind since there isn’t a whole lot to do for recreation in the area. I usually run or hit the gym afterwards. Then I’ll read or watch TV.”

A Strong Military Partner
DynCorp International is a services company that provides specialized mission-critical technical services, mostly to military institutions and civilian government agencies. The company operates major programs in aviation services and operations, law enforcement training and support, security services, facility operations, and logistics and contingency support. Headquartered in Falls Church, Va., DynCorp has approximately 15,000 employees worldwide.

“The company takes really good care of its employees,” said Ziarno. “You sign on for a year-long contract. During that year, you get 53 days off and two round-trip tickets to the States. In addition to your base salary, you receive 35 percent hazard pay and 35 percent post differential pay. DynCorp really works to make sure we’re happy.

“There are also a lot of veterans here, and many of the upper and senior management have military backgrounds,” he continued. “You’ll find the same values, respect, and professionalism you experienced in the military.”

In Uniform
Ziarno enlisted in the Army in 1982, on his 17th birthday. As the son of a Navy man, the Miami native was spellbound by his father’s tales of serving as a ship’s dual gunner during World War II.

“I really wanted to serve my country, but I couldn’t see myself on a ship for months on end,” said Ziarno. “I was always into the outdoors, so the Army looked like a great choice.”

After boot camp and infantry training, Ziarno joined the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., and was assigned the additional duty of working as an evaluations clerk in the Personnel Administration Center.

Upon reaching the 20-year mark in 2003, Ziarno decided to retire. He had already earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Ziarno regularly interacted with DynCorp civilian contractors and spoke with a company recruiter during his transition classes.

“I really enjoy the upward mobility with DynCorp,” he continued. “There’s no minimal time in grade or service. If you perform and are willing to relocate, your promotion potential is unlimited.”