WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Airman 1st Class Reid Richardson, a contracting specialist, assigned to the 509th Contracting Squadron, has been assigned to join Project Arc, a selective Air Force program focused on solving operational challenges through creative, cross-disciplinary solutions.
Not only was Richardson selected for Project Arc, but he was also assigned to Task Force 99, the most competitive division of the initiative.
“I always wanted to do something meaningful,” he said. “Project Arc was exactly what I was looking for. It allows me to apply my full potential to something that directly contributes to the mission.”
Project Arc brings together members of the Air Force and Space Force who demonstrate both a passion for innovation and the ability to deliver results. The program tasks its members with identifying and addressing complex issues across the force by leveraging cutting-edge technology and out-of-the-box thinking.
Project Arc is a competitive program, and Richardson’s path to selection was atypical, coming from a contracting background instead of a STEM discipline.
“You are competing with officers, enlisted [members], and people with master’s and doctoral degrees across the Air Force and Space Force,” Richardson said. “I had to stand out in other ways, my innovation mindset, my experience in financial tech and my determination.”
One thing Richardson brought to the table was his life experience prior to his enlistment, which included some college education in computer science and physics, as well as work experience in financial management.
“They want people that are creative and think outside the box,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. David Bartilson, Richardson’s supervisor. “Coming from a non-STEM field provides a unique experience, which I think helped him in the selection process.”
Richardson’s motivation also helped set him apart. He completed his Contracting Officer Test within two months of arriving at Whiteman AFB.
“That test is one of the most significant steps in our career field,” Bartilson said. “To pass it so early sets him apart entirely. It’s usually a one-and-done moment for most in their entire career.”
Richardson further credits his leadership for supporting his ambitions, highlighting the encouragement he received from his supervisor and the 509th CONS commander, Air Force Maj. Zachary Kauth.
“Without them, I would not be where I am,” he said. “They backed me up when I needed approval to apply for Project Arc.”
Richardson is now on a six-month deployment with Task Force 99 where he will work on unmanned systems and drone innovation.
When he returns, he plans to continue his progression toward obtaining his warrant as a contracting officer, which allows Airmen to obligate millions of dollars in government funds and is a responsibility held by few across the Department of Defense.
“He is one of the smartest, most focused Airmen we have,” Bartilson said. “When someone like that walks through the door, you do whatever you can to support them.”
Richardson’s achievements show that any Airman, no matter their career field, can help shape the future of the Air Force. As a multi-capable Airman, the skills and experience he gains will be critical to helping build a more lethal force.