At ASEC, our team is powered by individuals whose dedication, expertise, and unique perspectives drive our mission forward. This month, we’re excited to spotlight Micah Wood, a Training Systems Expert and Naval Flight Officer (NFO) whose career spans over two decades in the Navy. Dive into Micah’s story as he shares insights on his career, his alignment with ASEC’s core values, and the impact of teamwork on delivering excellence.

Start by introducing yourself and letting us know what your role is at ASEC.

My name is Micah Wood, and my role at ASEC is a Training Systems Expert / Naval Flight Officer (NFO). After serving more than 24 years in the Navy, I retired following my department head tour and transitioned into my role here. I am a qualified Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) and have flown operationally in the P-3C Orion and P-8A Poseidon. My focus is developing and delivering P-8A training products and hands-on classroom and simulator instruction. Outside of work, I love spending time with my wife Laura, and two kids pontoon boating on the St. Johns River. Being on the water with my family helps me recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance, which allows me to bring focus and energy to my professional endeavors. Being on the water and enjoying the outdoors with family is a great way to recharge and find balance.

What other roles and projects have you been involved with at ASEC?

Since joining ASEC, I have been involved in several key initiatives, including creating training products for the future capabilities of Increment 3 Block 2 P-8A aircraft. I have also worked on Advanced Readiness Program (ARP) training products developing scenarios for Weapon System Trainers (WST) and refreshing Instructor-Led Training (ILT) presentations. Additionally, I have assisted with Foreign Military Sales (FMS) training in the classroom and simulator for students from Germany, Norway, Canada, and New Zealand. Instructing aircrew in both classroom and simulator settings has been rewarding and one of my favorite parts of my job.

What made you feel that ASEC aligned with your work ethic?

I particularly enjoy the company’s team approach to projects which align with my work ethic. For example, during an ARP instructor lead training project, co-workers stepped up to assist and contribute to developing a high-quality product and met a tight deadline while the original creating was out of office.  

“When the original creator of an ARP training project was out of office, multiple co-workers stepped in to provide revisions after review from our fantastic ISD formatting team showcased the collaborative spirit at ASEC. Their efforts made the project not just complete, but exceptional.”

When you think about where you’d like to go in your career, how does ASEC match up with your aspirations?

When I think about my career trajectory, I aspire to continue growing and becoming an expert in training systems and instructional design. Additionally, I’d like to continue assisting the Warfighters in the fleet and supporting my coworkers to the best of my ability.

Given your military background, how does your position at ASEC allow you to continue using the skills you’ve developed in a civilian career?

My position at ASEC allows me to use my experience in the Navy and apply those skills directly to the projects I work on. For example, my experience as a NFO and WTI assist decisions to  more easily design effective training systems for the P-8A aircraft based on my operational experience. Additionally, my familiarity with P-8A aircraft and simulators, operational procedures, and needs of Navy ensures that the training products we develop are relevant and useful.

If you came across someone at a similar point in their career, or at a similar point to the one you were at, why would you recommend coming to work for ASEC?

ASEC offers a combination of a supportive culture, opportunity to capitalize on your military experience and for continued professional growth. The company’s focus on innovation and quality allows employees to contribute meaningfully. For anyone transitioning from the military or looking to advance in their career, ASEC provides a platform where your skills are valued, and your work matters.

How do ASEC’s core values resonate with your personal values and work approach?

ASEC’s core values of honesty, respectfulness, loyalty, taking care of your customer, become the expert, and doing what you say you are going to do, resonate with my personal values. These values guide my daily actions and decisions, ensuring I approach every task with dedication and purpose.

Can you share an experience where ‘Being the expert’ was particularly crucial in your role?

An instance where ‘Being the expert’ was crucial involved developing training scenarios for the I3B2 capability. My in-depth knowledge of the aircraft systems and operational procedures was essential in creating comprehensive instructional content. This expertise ensured aircrew received the training they needed to operate the system effectively, enhancing mission readiness and safety.

‘Be Loyal’ is a key value at ASEC. How do you interpret this, and how has it influenced your decisions or actions at work?

To me, ‘Be Loyal’ means being committed to the mission, the team, and the Warfighter. It involves prioritizing the needs of those we serve and ensuring that every decision reflects integrity and dedication. This value influences my work by motivating me to deliver high-quality products and foster trust and collaboration among my team.

Can you provide an example where you demonstrated the value of ‘Do what you are saying you are going to do’?

A recent example occurred during a tight project deadline for an advanced training device integration. I committed to delivering the necessary instructional materials within the given timeframe and worked diligently to meet that commitment. By staying focused, communicating transparently, and collaborating effectively with my team, we successfully delivered the project on time and to the highest standards.

What advice would you give to someone new to the company on how to succeed at ASEC?

My advice would be to embrace the company’s core values and focus on building strong relationships with your team. Be proactive in seeking opportunities to learn and contribute, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or offer suggestions. Success at ASEC comes from a combination of dedication and a willingness to go above and beyond.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about working at ASEC?

Working at ASEC has been an incredible experience. I’m grateful to be part of ASEC and especially my team.