Plant Manager at Oshkosh Defense
Impressed by rugged trucks in Iraq, officer pursues a civilian career with the company that builds them.
By Warren Duffie

Job seekers often seek out a company for its financial strength, benefits or advancement opportunities. But Tony Wheel chose his civilian path because of a durable truck.

While deployed to Iraq, the Army Reservist rode in a seemingly endless number of convoys. Amid the dangerous atmosphere, bumpy roads and rumbling din, Wheel was consistently impressed with the vehicles manufactured by Oshkosh Defense.

“The Oshkosh vehicles were rugged, fast, didn’t break down often, and carried an ungodly amount of supplies,” said the major. “They were tough trucks. I decided that I wanted to work for a company that built such a high-quality product. I started thinking about applying for a job with Oshkosh.”

On the Job
Thanks to this moment of clarity, he now manages two paint plants for Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Defense – a division of Oshkosh Corporation. One plant paints the raw materials and parts used to construct military trucks, in either tan or green shades. Once a vehicle is built, it’s sent to Wheel’s second plant, where it’s painted in a matching camouflage color. Wheel is in charge of 350 employees who paint 45 completed trucks and the parts and materials for 30 trucks every day.

Wheel, 38, works from 0600 until 1700. Like a doctor making his rounds, he starts his day with a patrol of his plants – talking with managers about outstanding issues, ensuring work spaces are clean and organized, and seeing that shifts are properly staffed. The rest of his day is filled with meetings about production quotas and budgets.

“The most important aspect of my job is safety,” he said. “We also have to make sure parts and trucks are painted correctly, comply with government standards, and be conscious of our budget. We have to be efficient while still meeting demand and volume.”

“The biggest challenge of my work is synchronizing all the materials, machines and people,” Wheel continued. “Building trucks is a complex process. However, the Army taught me how to lead in any situation and complete a mission in a timely fashion.”

In Uniform
Growing up in a military family, Wheel always wanted to serve his country. He earned an ROTC scholarship to Mercer University. After graduating in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, he received his commission and completed ordnance training at Maryland’s Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Wheel served in Texas, Kuwait, Wisconsin and Iraq.

The Transition
Wheel left active duty to try his hand at civilian employment. In 1999, he secured a position with General Electric as a manufacturing supervisor. From 2005 to 2006, he was deployed to Iraq, where he decided to apply for work at Oshkosh. Wheel applied to several company positions while in Iraq and underwent several interviews when he returned stateside. He was hired in 2007.

“When I applied to both GE and Oshkosh, I highlighted on my résumé how many personnel I had commanded, missions completed and their results, and my ability to plan and think a mission through,” Wheel said.

“My transition was very smooth,” he continued. “The military and a company are communities. You have to be able to work with people from different backgrounds. The great thing about Oshkosh is that many military veterans work there and do an excellent job.”

Find something that sparks your passion. “All the money in the world won’t make you happy if you’re in a job you hate.” Take a good look at your military skill set. “See how valuable it is in the civilian world. It might be worthwhile to get a degree or certification in your skills set.”

How’d You Get That Job?
Wheel left active duty to try his hand at civilian employment. In 1999, he secured a position with General Electric as a manufacturing supervisor. From 2005 to 2006, he was deployed to Iraq, where he decided to apply for work at Oshkosh. Wheel applied to several company positions while in Iraq and underwent several interviews when he returned stateside. He was hired in 2007.

“When I applied to both GE and Oshkosh, I highlighted on my résumé how many personnel I had commanded, missions completed and their results, and my ability to plan and think a mission through,” Wheel said.

• My job is never boring. I’m always on the move.
• I help build a great product. I know this from combat experience.
• Lots of opportunity for growth and advancement.
  

Did You Know?
Since its founding in 1917, Oshkosh Corporation has produced more than 85,000 military-class vehicles and trailers at its facilities.

Oshkosh Corporation has a long-standing history of charitable giving and support for programs that assist members of the Armed Forces and their families, both in the field and when they return home. The company partners with organizations such as Fisher House, USO, Wounded Warrior, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Armed Forces Foundation (AFF), Our Military Kids, and many more.