Tom Mayes
Hinesville,GA
Summary
Seasoned IT Field Support Engineer and Logistics Manager with over 21 years of experience in the Army. Adept at leading diverse teams across vast geographical regions amidst resource constraints, resulting in numerous mission accomplishments.
Recognized as a go-to technical expert by customers and colleagues, consistently troubleshooting and resolving complex issues while earning accolades from leadership. Dedicated career NCO for 23 years, excelling in Information Technology at the grassroots level within various Air Force telecommunications environments.
Holds CompTIA Security+ certification and three prior craftsman-level AFSCs. Authored technical solutions for multiple Air Force computer and telecommunications systems, implementing many personally.
Background includes key roles such as European Branch Chief, Field Support Engineer, Network Administrator, and Software Training NCO. Contributed significantly to critical projects like the Air Surveillance System replacement post-9/11 and Y2K certification testing for Life Support work centers Air Force-wide.
Commitment to professional development evident through certifications in Software Lifecycle Management, Applied Software Development, and completion of various Cisco, VMWare, Certified Ethical Hacker courses.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
IT Specialist/Senior System Administrator (40+ Hours/week)
Tobyhanna Army Depot, Defense Cyber Operations Armory, Ft. Eisenhower, GA
07.2020 - 03.2025
- Maintained, configured and tested the Deployable Defensive Cyberspace System–Modular (DDS-M) portable cloud kit hardware, hypervisors, virtual machines, storage, software and networking used by Army Cyber-Protection Teams (CPTs) engaged in the discovery, vulnerability analysis, continuous monitoring, intel support, mitigation/remediation, event correlation, penetration testing, threat emulation, and malware analysis of cyber actors in a variety of virtual environments.
- Developed working automation code in Bash and Ansible to apply firmware updates, and check the completeness of the storage and memory hardware of returning kits, without having to open every server.
- Contributed to the planning and implementation of cyclical security and software updates to operating environments, virtual machines, software and networking—as well as the analysis of vulnerabilities and their reporting to meet Risk Management Framework (RMF) guidelines.
- Trained soldiers and other CPT members to deal with platform changes and deployment procedures, as new equipment and additional software was added focusing on troubleshooting and the correct configuration and best practices of kit design and use.
- Volunteered to work as part of several teams, on a wide variety of special projects and demo or development events, that tested or documented capabilities, as the needs and requirements of CPTs evolved.
- Continually identified and leaned forward to act on opportunities to streamline, digitally integrate, transform or automate repetitive processes and data collection requirements and track customer requests by developing M365 Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI and Share Point solutions integrated into MS Teams.
- Coordinated closely with OEM contract and hardware vendors to ensure the Army gets maximum value from equipment warranties, as the equipment moved thru its lifecycle.
IT Specialist/Network and Software Support (40+ Hours/week)
Tobyhanna Army Depot, Tech Support Branch, Ft. Stewart, GA
09.2015 - 06.2020
- Deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan to support Mobile Data Archival and Retrieval-Tactical (MDAR-T) which consists of a virtualized server stack, and processes video feeds and other real-time warfighter-needed telemetry down-linked from Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) for storage and retrieval. Configured networking and virtual machines, apply updates and patches, and train soldiers on how to effectively maximize the capabilities of this system. Provided on-site and telephonic technical support to the warfighter. Wrote PowerShell scripts to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks.
- Provided on-site technical and maintenance assistance for Warfighter Information Network - Tactical (WIN-T) – secure classified/unclassified internet and IP phone communications for soldiers in the field, as well as the ability to interconnect a variety of battlefield systems for Warfighter Command and Control via satellite, line-of-sight, and other terrestrial transmission media. Supported deployment exercises with field software engineering, over-the shoulder user and management training, and providing on-site diagnostic and corrective actions. Configured Storage Area Networks (SANs) and Virtual Machines (VMs) hosting Linux and Microsoft operating systems, and Enterprise-wide database systems. Managed networks and associated IP space, including routers, switches, firewalls, and security appliances, ensuring secure and optimal functionality. Configured web servers, and networking appliances such as intrusion protection, configuration management, syslog correlation/detection servers and IP telephony systems. Configured Network Operations and Performance Monitoring software that allows soldiers to manage and troubleshoot the system in the field. Provided software security patching and Information Assurance Vulnerability Alert (IAVA) updates to ensure a highly secure operating environment.
- Provided end user desktop network connectivity and services, including software application customer support and training. Performed depot-level Tier II network, system and application troubleshooting and coordinate with soldiers and users to resolve complex issues. Evaluate, monitor, and enforce adherence of IT tasks as required on all IT equipment on the network. Advised on the implementation of standard operating procedures, software and controls to ensure appropriate levels of security.
- Provided in-theater liaison management and technical support to Software Engineering Center (SEC) and Program Manager fielding teams. Review, coordinate, and provide written and/or verbal feedback to specific Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) software fielding plans as required. Provided training and application of information security / information assurance policies, principles, and practices in the delivery of customer support services. Developed, researched, evaluated and provided feedback on problematic trends and patterns in customer service support requirements.
- Prepared policies and procedures, and contribute to project development and long-range plans. Establish priorities for planning, programming, and budgeting recommendations, guidelines and processes. Provided authoritative program related advice, information, and guidance. Coordinate, present, defend and negotiate programs, projects, policies and controversial issues of significant impact. Monitor contracts, and work closely with contractors in support of staff activities.
European Branch Chief (40+ Hours/week)
Tobyhanna Army Depot, Miesau Ammo Depot, Germany
11.2003 - 09.2015
- Europe Branch Chief, Regional Support Center Manager and Lead Technician. Exercised direct supervisory responsibility and technical accountability over the maintenance operations at as many as five European Forward Repair Activity (FRA) sites, and of 25 technical personnel at locations throughout Europe. Provided maintenance support to all USAREUR units, and directed daily technical support to all downrange FRAs in the deployed theater of operations.
- Maintained continuous liaison with other command elements, to ensure timely and appropriate on-site assistance, while continuing to market our own capabilities and lobby for new workload, and new ways to save the Army money. Planned and supervised the work performed by a mixed group of Equipment Specialists, Electronic Digital Computer Mechanics and DoD IA Level II Certified Customer Support Technicians.
- Supported on-site maintenance and technical support and assistance to users at installations located throughout USAREUR. Regularly assemble teams to tackle new and unique missions. Identify, balance and distribute workload and training required among employees, according to workflow requirements and skill level of employees. Represented CECOM & Tobyhanna interests at all meetings with customers and distinguished visitors throughout USAREUR. Continually briefed command staff and senior officials of our own, and all associated and supported agencies.
- Upon the mandated closure and return to host-nation of the Friedrichsfeld maintenance facility, coordinated the Permanent Change of Station moves of 14 employees and their families, the relocation of three work centers, and all the associated repair parts, tools, furniture, and warehouse equipment from Mannheim, to Miesau Ammo Depot. Ensured seamless support for all customers while relocating.
- Lead Technician and Work Center Foreman for Tobyhanna FRA Friedrichsfeld and Miesau. Managed customer support and maintenance workload for four Bench Technicians and a Material Expediter. Repaired a wide variety of computer, telecommunications, and other electronic equipment. Developed warranty repair initiatives and maintenance processes that were subsequently adopted by other FRAs worldwide.
- Deployed Bench Tech for Tobyhanna FRA, Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo. Repaired computers and printers and provided technical support and solutions for new video teleconferencing, and projection display installations.
AEWS Software Engineer (40+ Hours/week)
702 Computer Systems Sq/NORAD Sys Support Facility, Tyndall AFB, FL
08.1998 - 11.2003
- Created, maintained, and designed Airborne Early Warning System, and other airspace and command and control software. Used a combination of object-oriented, spiral, and waterfall methodologies to design systems. Gathered and interpreted customer requirements into use-cases. Prototyped and pseudo-coded solutions. Traveled extensively to integrate software with existing and working Air Surveillance regional systems.
- Created software solutions using C, Java and Motif for Solaris and Linux on SPARC-based platforms, and Visual Basic and Microsoft Access for x86-based platforms. Developed, compiled, tested JOVIAL code for active Air Surveillance systems and Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) on both Motif/UNIX and Visual Basic/Microsoft platforms.
- Developed, normalized, debugged, and updated relational databases. Researched and implemented technical solutions to automate network software management.
- Maintained a wide variety of computer and telecommunications equipment.
Assistant NCOIC-Data Systems Maintenance (40+ Hours/week)
721 Mobile Command and Control Squadron, Peterson AFB, CO
09.1995 - 08.1998
- Managed work center of seven military employees. Assistant system administrator, maintainer and primary trainer for four Solaris based broadband RF networks and three mobile Mitel telephone-switching systems. Developed and implemented technical solutions for video teleconferencing secure mobile ISDN connectivity, and secure data/voice systems upgrade. Maintained all interconnected hardware and mainframe computer systems.
- Additionally tasked and trained as a 20-ton tractor-trailer operator, with hundreds of hours and thousands of miles logged accident-free.
Assistant NCOIC-LAN Systems Maintenance (40+ Hours/week)
21 Communications Squadron, Peterson AFB, CO
08.1992 - 09.1995
- Managed work center of thirteen military and five civilian employees. System administrator, maintainer and primary trainer for two Novell networks, which interfaced with Microsoft LAN Manager, DECNet, and Solaris, based platforms. Developed and implemented technical solutions for mail, remote access, fiber optic connectivity, security segregation, and systems upgrade.
NCOIC-AFDW Small Computer Tech Center (40+ Hours/week)
1100 Communications Squadron, Bolling AFB, D.C.
09.1990 - 08.1992
- Managed a work center of six military employees. Responsible for the installation, maintenance and upgrade of all Air Force District of Washington computer systems. Trained small computer customers on Windows, DOS and all PC software applications. Managed the AFDW software library. Managed a Xenix-based network of 200+ users, and several smaller Token Ring installations.
Technical Advisor and Technician, Special Projects
Verona Forward Depot (LANDSOUTH-NATO), Verona, Italy
04.1986 - 08.1990
- NATO maintenance technical advisor in a multinational environment. Upgraded and maintained secure telecommunications. Provided depot-level maintenance support for Digital LOS, RF, microwave, satellite and landline voice/data systems.
- Tech Controller at NATO LANDSOUTH patch and test facility (WEST STAR), establishing and maintaining secure multinational telecommunications circuits.
Unit Plans & Scheduling NCO
6920 Electronics Security Group, Misawa AB, Japan
03.1983 - 03.1986
- Managed training, personnel, and equipment inventory databases, and managed equipment maintenance, inspection, and modification databases for the then-largest Comm-Electronics maintenance organization in the AF. Regularly evaluated and reported training program task coverage, trends, and maintenance capabilities. Automated office processes by scripting glossaries for the Wang word processor, and developing batch processes for Sperry 1100 mainframe on keypunch cards.
Engineering and Installation Team Member
485 Engineering & Installation Group, Griffiss AFB, NY
07.1981 - 03.1983
- Provided customers various secure telecommunications turnkey installations along the DEW line, at Thule AB and in the Pentagon. On-the-spot technical solutions to engineering oversights, and quality control for crypto and teletype installations.
Education
Associate of Electronics and Telecommunications Technology -
Community College of the Air Force
Maxwell AFB, AL01.2003
Certification
- CompTIA Security+ Certified
- DoD 8570 IA Level II Certified
- Air Force Institute of Technology Certification in Software Lifecycle Management
- Air Force Institute of Technology Certification in Applied Software Development
Language Skills
Light conversational German and Italian
Awards and Recognition
- Five-time recipient of the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service,
- A recipient of the 21st Space Wing Team Quality Award1st Quarter 1997,
- Selected as NSSF/702CSS Senior NCO of the Year 1999,
- Selected as HQ CONUS NORAD Region Senior NCO of the Quarter, Fourth Quarter 1999,
- Honor Graduate-Keesler Technical Training Center,
- Consistently outstanding performance reports (available upon request),
- Security clearance - SSBI dated March 2021 and easily renewable
Timeline
IT Specialist/Senior System Administrator (40+ Hours/week)
Tobyhanna Army Depot, Defense Cyber Operations Armory, Ft. Eisenhower, GA
07.2020 - 03.2025
IT Specialist/Network and Software Support (40+ Hours/week)
Tobyhanna Army Depot, Tech Support Branch, Ft. Stewart, GA
09.2015 - 06.2020
European Branch Chief (40+ Hours/week)
Tobyhanna Army Depot, Miesau Ammo Depot, Germany
11.2003 - 09.2015
AEWS Software Engineer (40+ Hours/week)
702 Computer Systems Sq/NORAD Sys Support Facility, Tyndall AFB, FL
08.1998 - 11.2003
Assistant NCOIC-Data Systems Maintenance (40+ Hours/week)
721 Mobile Command and Control Squadron, Peterson AFB, CO
09.1995 - 08.1998
Assistant NCOIC-LAN Systems Maintenance (40+ Hours/week)
21 Communications Squadron, Peterson AFB, CO
08.1992 - 09.1995
NCOIC-AFDW Small Computer Tech Center (40+ Hours/week)
1100 Communications Squadron, Bolling AFB, D.C.
09.1990 - 08.1992
Technical Advisor and Technician, Special Projects
Verona Forward Depot (LANDSOUTH-NATO), Verona, Italy
04.1986 - 08.1990
Unit Plans & Scheduling NCO
6920 Electronics Security Group, Misawa AB, Japan
03.1983 - 03.1986
Engineering and Installation Team Member
485 Engineering & Installation Group, Griffiss AFB, NY
07.1981 - 03.1983
Associate of Electronics and Telecommunications Technology -
Community College of the Air Force
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