Zac "BS" Bridges
Carthage,NC
Summary
Critical thinker, planner, logistician, tactical expert, and problem solver with 20+ years’ experience in the military and private sector. Extremely adaptable with a demonstrated track record of learning complex systems in high-speed environments. Proven tactician in highly sensitive situations that require hyper-focus, multifaceted problem solving, and intricate attention to detail. Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills to manage and build client relationships. Experience spans the government intelligence agencies, Joint Special Operations Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, Air Force Special Operation Command, Department of Defense, and the private sector. Currently holds active Top-Secret SCI security clearance valid through 2027.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Product Service Engineer (TRAX) Embedded W/ GS
Sierra Nevada Corporation
12.2023 - Current
- Development and management of digital grid, new technology, and communications plans for top tier military units and other government agencies.
- Optimizes engineering processes by implementing innovative solutions and streamlining workflow.
- Reduced project completion time with efficient resource allocation and effective communication strategies.
- Collaborated on interdisciplinary teams to develop creative, cost-effective solutions for complex projects.
- Enhanced product performance by conducting thorough failure analysis and recommending improvements.
- Subject Matter Expert (SME) with hand held line of sight and tactical data radios to include; 152, 152A, 148, MPU-5, 117G, BATS-D AN/PRC-161, AN/PRC-163, Small Tactical Terminal (STT), Tactical Gateways, MIDS JTRS, Simple Key Loader (SKL) Etc.
- Proposed technical feasibility solutions for new system designs and suggested options for performance improvement of technical components.
- Provided day-to-day support to system users, educating clients on troubleshooting and problem-solving protocols.
- Participated in systems and software requirement reviews to collaboratively develop hardware and connectivity profiles.
- Provided system acceptance reviews for installed systems, verifying compliance with applicable performance metrics and compatibility expectations.
- Conducted research to test and analyze feasibility, design, operation and performance of equipment, components and systems.
- Streamlined troubleshooting processes to improve system support and enhance communication between support team and end-users.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Director of Development
Better Back Nine Foundation
09.2023 - Current
- Increased fundraising revenue by implementing innovative donor engagement strategies and targeted campaigns.
- Streamlined grant application processes for improved efficiency and higher success rates in securing funds.
- Enhanced donor relationships with personalized communication plans and regular updates on project progress.
- Expanded the organization''s network of supporters through targeted outreach, events, and partnership development.
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams to align programmatic objectives with funding priorities for maximum impact.
Integration and Digital Interoperability Engineer
Viasat
06.2022 - 12.2023
- Subject Matter Expert (SME) with hand held line of sight and tactical data radios to include; 152, 152A, 148, MPU-5, 117G, BATS-D AN/PRC-161, AN/PRC-163, Small Tactical Terminal (STT), Tactical Gateways, MIDS JTRS, Simple Key Loader (SKL) Etc.
- Proposed technical feasibility solutions for new system designs and suggested options for performance improvement of technical components.
- Provided day-to-day support to system users, educating clients on troubleshooting and problem-solving protocols.
- Participated in systems and software requirement reviews to collaboratively develop hardware and connectivity profiles.
- Provided system acceptance reviews for installed systems, verifying compliance with applicable performance metrics and compatibility expectations.
- Conducted research to test and analyze feasibility, design, operation and performance of equipment, components and systems.
- Streamlined troubleshooting processes to improve system support and enhance communication between support team and end-users.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Optimized engineering processes by implementing innovative solutions and streamlining workflow.
Flight Chief of Operations
21 Special Tactics Squadron
09.2021 - 12.2022
- Acts as senior enlisted leader of Operations section by advising Operations Officer and leading squadron operational taskings.
- Managed professional growth and development of 80+ enlisted personnel by planning/scheduling/supervising training schedules.
- Synchronizes Flights and Combat Mission Support Activities to ensure squadron operations are in line with Commanders intent.
- Manages requests, securing, and coordinates air for jump, mobility lift, and assault zone training (to include using SOCOM 111, Joint Airborne/Air Transportability Training (JA/ATT), and Non-Revenue Airlift (NRA).
- Attends air operations meetings to secure airlift and maintain relationships with key mobility airlift decision makers (i.e. 18ABN G3-Air, JA/ATT conferences, etc.).
- Provides tactical and operational level oversight and subject matter expertise for squadron operations and training.
- Ensure completion of Aircraft & Personnel Automated Clearance System (APACS), Transportation Control & Movement Documents (TCMDs), and Transportation Control Numbers (TCNs).
- Mentors Flight Chiefs and Company Grade Officers on operations, training, scheduling, and general leadership responsibilities.
- Provides senior enlisted advice to Operations and Plans Officers on all matters pertaining to squadron operations.
- In conjunction with Operations Superintendent and Director of Operations, reviews Phase Training Board proposals prior to Commander to ensure compliance with training guidance, depth of planning, and synchronization of squadron efforts.
- Reviews deployment manning documents and provides inputs as necessary.
- Maintains accountability at squadron functions.
- Supervises CUOPS and FUOPS personnel in planning, facilitating, and synchronizing training.
- Manages operations calendar and review all proposed training and supporting documentation prior to Ops Officer approval. Enforce timely execution of coordinating requirements.
- Directs mishap reporting for training incidents.
- Establishes and manages squadron Unit Control Center duties.
- Facilitates preparation and movement for deployment/redeployment.
- In the absence of Operations Superintendent, acts as the Ops Sup.
Flight Chief of Operations/Weapons and Tactics
321 Special Tactics Squadron
09.2017 - 09.2021
- Directed and maintained coordination with Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and Army/Navy special operations units for United States Air Force Europe (USAFE) and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) in support of coalition and European Command (EUCOM) Special Operations Forces (SOF).
- Deployed as Senior Air/Tactical Liaison to SOCEUR on four month rotation supporting NSW and 10th group.
- Managed 60 Air Force Special Warfare Airmen and Combat Mission Support (CMS) with a 1.5 million dollar budget. Supported SOF aviation and coalition ground elements in support of SOCEUR mission objectives.
- Supervised the planning and logistics for survey establishment and execution across the European area of responsibility, to include mission critical expeditionary airfields and drop zones for joint and combined operations and exercises. Subject Matter Expert (SME) for unit tactical airfield operations, close air support, personnel recovery, and tactical ground operations.
- Acts as senior enlisted leader of Operations section by advising Operations Officer and leading squadron operational taskings.
- Managed professional growth and development of 80+ enlisted personnel by planning/scheduling/supervising training schedules.
- Synchronizes Flights and Combat Mission Support Activities to ensure squadron operations are in line with Commanders intent.
- Provides tactical and operational level oversight and subject matter expertise for squadron operations and training.
- Mentors Flight Chiefs and Company Grade Officers on operations, training, scheduling, and general leadership responsibilities.
- Provides senior enlisted advice to Operations and Plans Officers on all matters pertaining to squadron operations.
- In conjunction with Operations Superintendent and Director of Operations, reviews Phase Training Board proposals prior to Commander to ensure compliance with training guidance, depth of planning, and synchronization of squadron efforts.
- Reviews deployment manning documents and provides inputs as necessary.
- Maintains accountability at squadron functions.
- Directs mishap reporting for training incidents.
- Establishes and manages squadron Unit Control Center duties.
- Facilitates preparation and movement for deployment/redeployment.
- In the absence of Operations Superintendent, acts as Ops Sup.
Education
MBA - Government Contracts And Aquisition
American Public University System
Charles Town, WV08.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Homeland Security
American Military University
Charles Town, WV2023
Associate of Science - Instructor in Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL05.2012
Associate of Science - CCAF Air Traffic Operations Management
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL04.2012
PMP - Program Management
Project Management Institute
Online10.2023
Certification - Six Sigma Black Belt
AIGPE
Online02.2023
Certification - Six Sigma Green Belt
AIGPE
Online02.2023
Certification - Six Sigma Yellow Belt
AIGPE
Online02.2023
Certification - Six Sigma White Belt
AIGPE
Online 02.2023
Certification - Plutonium Champion Accreditation
AIGPE
Online2023
Basic Instructor Course -
Joint Base San Antonio
San Antonio, TX2011
Fundamentals of Instructional Systems Development -
Joint Base San Antonio
San Antonio, TX07.2011
Enterprise Management Course - Information Warfare And Military Media Relations
Joint Special Operations University
Tampa, FL10.2021
SJPME2 - Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Education
Joint Knowledge Online Division
Online 01.2021
Joint Fundamentals - Military Science
Joint Special Operations University
Tampa, FL07.2019
Military Freefall Jumpmaster Course -
U.S Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center
Yuma, AZ08.2016
Survey And Assault Zones Assesment Course -
Combat Control School
Pope AAF, NC12.2014
Static Line Jumpmaster Course MC-1/MC-6 -
Combat Control School
Pope AAF, NC02.2012
SOTACC -
Special Operations Terminal Attack Controller Cour
Yuma, AZ2008
Military Freefall Course -
U.S Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School
Yuma, AZ11.2007
Combat Diver Qualification Course -
Combat Dive School
Panama City Beach, FL08.2007
Criminal Investigator Training Program -
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)
Glynco, GA07.2006
Combat Control Apprentice Course -
Combat Control School
Pope AAF, NC03.2004
Combat Control Operator Tower - Airspace Management
Air Traffic Control School
Biloxi, MS06.2003
Basic Static Line Course - Airborne Operations
Army Airborne School
Fort Benning, GA08.2003
SV80A -
Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE) School
Fairchild Air Force Base, WA09.2003
High School Diploma -
Franklin Community High School
Franklin, IN06.2001
Skills
- 20 years of project management experience in the extremely competitive and high paced arena of US Special Operations Command
- Technical Project Management
- SIGMA 6 Black Belt
- Certified military instructor with over 2000 hours of classroom experience with 1000 hours of field teaching
- Network Technology and Tactical Data Link Expert, subject matter expert (SME) on Link-16 and all hardware associated Expertise in network development and software troubleshooting
- Operational Efficiency
- Critical Thinking
- Development Management
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Brand Management
- Team Leadership
- Instructor of hand held line of sight and tactical data radios to include; 152, 152A, 148, MPU-5, 117G, BATS-D AN/PRC-161, AN/PRC-163, Small Tactical Terminal (STT), Tactical Gateways, MIDS JTRS, Simple Key Loader (SKL) Etc
- Qualified on all digital interoperability applications and networking tools
- FAA certified Air Traffic Controller and Airspace Manager
- Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Instructor in Austere Airfield/Helicopter Landing Zone establishment, surveys, tactical air drops, Joint Terminal Attack Control, tactical data link/communications, reconnaissance, long range shooting, CQC, demolitions, breaching, tactical driving and Personnel Recovery (PR)
- Static Line and Military Free-Fall Jump Master, Qualified in High Altitude Low Opening Operations (HALO) and High Altitude High Opening Operations (HAHO)
- Open and Closed Circuit Combat Diver and supervisor
- PADI/NAUI Master/Cave/Salvage/Search and Rescue Diver
- Certified Federal Criminal Investigator (1811 Cert)
- Project Estimation and Bidding
- Multi-Unit Operations Management
- Staff Training
Timeline
Sr. Product Service Engineer (TRAX) Embedded W/ GS
Sierra Nevada Corporation
12.2023 - Current
Director of Development
Better Back Nine Foundation
09.2023 - Current
Integration and Digital Interoperability Engineer
Viasat
06.2022 - 12.2023
Flight Chief of Operations
21 Special Tactics Squadron
09.2021 - 12.2022
Flight Chief of Operations/Weapons and Tactics
321 Special Tactics Squadron
09.2017 - 09.2021
MBA - Government Contracts And Aquisition
American Public University System
Bachelor of Arts - Homeland Security
American Military University
Associate of Science - Instructor in Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Associate of Science - CCAF Air Traffic Operations Management
Community College of The Air Force
PMP - Program Management
Project Management Institute
Certification - Six Sigma Black Belt
AIGPE
Certification - Six Sigma Green Belt
AIGPE
Certification - Six Sigma Yellow Belt
AIGPE
Certification - Six Sigma White Belt
AIGPE
Certification - Plutonium Champion Accreditation
AIGPE
Basic Instructor Course -
Joint Base San Antonio
Fundamentals of Instructional Systems Development -
Joint Base San Antonio
Enterprise Management Course - Information Warfare And Military Media Relations
Joint Special Operations University
SJPME2 - Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Education
Joint Knowledge Online Division
Joint Fundamentals - Military Science
Joint Special Operations University
Military Freefall Jumpmaster Course -
U.S Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center
Survey And Assault Zones Assesment Course -
Combat Control School
Static Line Jumpmaster Course MC-1/MC-6 -
Combat Control School
SOTACC -
Special Operations Terminal Attack Controller Cour
Military Freefall Course -
U.S Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School
Combat Diver Qualification Course -
Combat Dive School
Criminal Investigator Training Program -
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)
Combat Control Apprentice Course -
Combat Control School
Combat Control Operator Tower - Airspace Management
Air Traffic Control School
Basic Static Line Course - Airborne Operations
Army Airborne School
SV80A -
Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE) School
High School Diploma -
Franklin Community High School
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