Senior Contracting NCO benefits from unique USACE experience

Transatlantic Middle East District
Published May 17, 2022
MSG Shantae Allen is presented with a Meritorious Service Medal by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Middle East District Commander, COL Philip Secrist, for her work as a contracting officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District.

MSG Shantae Allen is presented with a Meritorious Service Medal by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Middle East District Commander, COL Philip Secrist, for her work as a contracting officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District.

MSG Shantae Allen give a tour of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Middle East District Women’s History Month Display in March, 2020.

MSG Shantae Allen give a tour of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Middle East District Women’s History Month Display in March, 2020.

When MSG Shantae Allen was asked to describe her recent assignment with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Middle East District (TAM), the first word that came to mind was “unique.”

TAM, which provides engineering and construction services throughout the U.S. Central Command theater to both U.S. military and allied nation partners, has a somewhat specialized mission within USACE where most districts are focused on civil works infrastructure. Allen said this provided a great opportunity to expand her skillset.

“Throughout my tenure, there were so many unique opportunities that I was blessed with. USACE is an assignment that many, if not all, (contracting officers) across the Army strive to attain an assignment with. This is the only organization that we can obtain construction, A&E, and civil works experience.”

However, it wasn’t just the different types of work that Allen, who will soon be promoted to Sergeant Major, praised. She said working with USACE also helped her develop into a stronger leader.

“I’ve worked with civilians before which is typical in the contracting career field.  However, the impact of the civilians in this organization is what made the difference. I was meticulously coached, mentored, and developed into a better leader today than where I was when I walked through TAM’s door in 2019. This experience has taught me how to work closely with my civilian colleagues,” said Allen.

She also cited the people she worked with rather than her own accomplishments as what she would take away from the assignment.

“There were so many achievements that stood out for me, but I’d rather highlight the achievements of my team members that successfully accomplished their goals. Some were promoted. Some obtained their certification levels. Some obtained their contracting warrants. Some received recognition and awards. Some achieved graduate-level college degrees. And some have moved on to jobs that better fit their skillset. When I am asked about ‘my’ achievements, the greatest one that I think of is what I have an impact on, and what runs the organization.”

Lisa Billman, TAM’s director of contracting said that kind of selflessness is typical of Allen and praised her efforts to improve the organization both within the contracting realm and as a whole.

“Master Sergeant Allen is fierce and like a bulldog. She won’t let go of something until she has conquered it with no job being too big or too small. She would always work extra hours and give everything her absolute best impacting our team and processes. I cannot thank her enough for all she’s done for us in Contracting; we will miss her and welcome her back anytime.”