May Enlisted Corps Spotlight

Staff Sgt. Craig Wilkinson, noncommissioned officer in charge of Army Reserve Element training and operations with the Reserve Directorate, hails from Omaha, Nebraska, and has 20 years of military service.

Q: How does your job support USSTRATCOM and our missions?

A: I am a member of the Army Reserve Element here at USSTRATCOM. Our reservists are assigned to various directorates throughout the command providing real world support to USSTRATCOM mission sets. Our team is responsible for ensuring our reservists’ logistical, personnel readiness and training requirements are addressed, which allows our soldiers to focus on their USSTRATCOM duties.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about your work at USSTRATCOM?

A: I value the unique experience of working in a joint environment, which is a rare opportunity for most U.S. Army reservist. Working at USSTRATCOM has put me in a position to witness and in some cases be part of some of the other services ceremonies and traditions.

Q: What has been a challenge for you regarding your work at USSTRATCOM and how have you overcome that challenge?

A: I was originally very nervous working in an environment comprised of mostly officers and senior enlisted. I was able to overcome this by remaining confident in myself and my abilities.

Q: What has been your most memorable experience in the military?

A: I was an airborne soldier for seven years and nothing has stayed with me more than the feeling of jumping out of an aircraft.

Q: What is the one piece of information or advice about working at USSTRATCOM that you'd pass on to new members of the USSTRATCOM team?

A: I would encourage new personnel to take advantage of the many training opportunities that are offered at USSTRATCOM. There are so many in-house workshops, conferences and briefings that are relatively easy to attend.