ASME Foundation Sponsors Local High School in 2014 FIRST Robotics Competition Update

ASME Foundation Sponsors Local High School in 2014 FIRST Robotics Competition Update ASME Foundation Sponsors Local High School in 2014 FIRST Robotics Competition - Update ASME Foundation Sponsors Local High School in 2014 FIRST Robotics Competition - Update Gretchen Crutchfield (third from left), development and special projects specialist for the ASME Foundation, presents a $5,000 check to faculty members and students from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. The ASME Foundation is sponsoring the schools robotics team during the 2014 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition season. Before the holiday season and New Years celebrations began, representatives from the ASME Foundation paid a visit to Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C., to present a check in betreuung of the schools robotics team, the Crimson Tide Engineers. The Foundation is sponsoring the team during the2014 FIRST (For Inspiration an d Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, which begins its regional tournaments in March. Twenty students from the Dr. Charles Drew STEM Academy - a nationally recognized Pre-Engineering program housed as a small learning community within the larger high school - gathered in their schools newly built auditorium to listen to Gretchen Crutchfield of the ASME Foundation speak directly to the students and staff about the Foundations commitment to supporting K-12 students and their involvement in engineering-based activities. During her comments, Crutchfield also encouraged more students to consider engineering as a career option. After the event, the Foundation learned that their STEM Academy enrollment numbers had recently declined. For this reason, the Foundation views their support of the Dunbar team as even more crucial to send a strong message about the value of engineering.The Crimson Tide Engineers will be competing in the 2014 robotics competition alongsid e 2,720 teams comprised of an estimated 68,000 high school students. At 98 regional events nationwide, they will all compete in a game called Aerial Assist (www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/2014-game), in which alliances of three teams work together in directing their robots to score as many goals as possible during a two-minute and 30-second match. All robots will be assembled within the next 6 weeks from a common kit of parts sent by FIRST. The kit typically weighs about 150 lbs. The Dunbar team plans on using the VEX design system to build their robot, and RobotC and National Instruments Lab View to program it.The costs to compete in the 2014 FIRST Robotics competition include a fee of up to $6,000 to compete in one regional event, a $4,000 fee for each additional regional event, and a $5,000 fee to take part in the Championship event in St. Louis, Mo. In addition to the entry fees, teams are expected to pay for their lodging and transportation costs shop, tools, additional p arts and construction materials practice field components and computers and software. Teams often also need to find their own mentors. Dunbars entry fee for the D.C. regional event (www.dc-first.org/dc-regional) was graciously paid for by the Washington D.C. Public School system. The ASME Foundations support will go toward making sure that the Crimson Tide Engineers have everything they need to make it to the Championships in St. Louis, which will take place April 23-26. While Dunbar has three of their most dedicated teachers leading the team, they have expressed a strong interest in finding a real-world engineer to help further instruct the students and serve as a mentor. If you are located in the local D.C. area and would be interested in volunteering your engineering expertise to the Crimson Tide Engineers, please contact D?ra Nagy, ASME Foundation, at nagydasme.org. - D?ra Nagy, ASME Foundation

All About the Army Additional Skill Identifiers

All About the Army Additional Skill IdentifiersAll About the Army Additional Skill IdentifiersIn the Army, ASI stands for Additional Skill Identifier. ASIs show additional skills, training, and qualification a soldier may possess, in addition to his/her Military Occupation Specialty (MOS). Some ASIs are awarded only to a soldier in a specified MOS. An example would be ASI C5 (Court Reporter), which is issued only to soldiers in MOS 27D (Legal Specialist). Other ASIs can be awarded to soldiers in any MOS. An example of this would be ASI P5, Master Fitness Trainer. Below is a listing on Army ASIs and SQIs (Special Qualification Identifiers) and what they mean Additional Skill Identifiers (ASIs) (Official Link with Descriptions) Code 1A JSTARS E8-A Systems Operator Code 1B Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Prevention (SHARP) Level I Code 1C Satellite Systems/Network Coordinator Code 1D Digital Media Collector (DMC) Code 1E Knowledge Management Professional Code 1G Joint Terminal At tack Controller Code 1H Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Prevention (SHARP) Level II Code 1J Operational Electronic Warfare Operations Code 1K Company CREW Specialist Code 1M Emergency Medical Ministry (EMM) Code 1Y Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Code 1Z Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Code 2A Non-Lethal Capabilities Planner Code 2B Air Assault Code 2C Javelin Gunnery Code 2S Battle Staff Operations Code 3C Operational Contract untersttzung (OCS) Code 3Y Space Enabler Code 4A Reclassification Training (Personnel Only) Code 4B Reclassification Training (Personnel Only) Code 4N Health Care Recruiter Code 4R Transition NCO Code 5A Joint Air Tactical Operations Code 5C Mission Command Digital Master Gunner (MCDMG) Code 5U Tactical Air Operations Code 5W Jumpmaster Code 6B Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leaders Course Code 6C Battalion Level Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Experience Code 6N THAAD Launching Control Station (LCS) Operator Code 6Q Additional Duty Safety NCO Code 6S Initial Level Sergeant Major (SGM) Experience Code 6T Military Auditor Code 6X Post Battalion Level Sergeant Major (SGM) Broadening Experience Code 6Z Strategic Studies Graduate Code 7A THAAD Fire Control Communications (TFCC)/Radar Operator/Maintainer Code 7C Brigade Level Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Experience Code 7D Assignment Oriented Training (AOT) Code 7E Assignment Oriented Training (AOT) Code 7F Chaplain Resources Manager Code 7G Red Team Leader Code 7J Red Team Member Code 7S Primary Level Sergeant Major (SGM) Experience Code 7X Post Brigade Level Sergeant Major (SGM) Broadening Experience Code 7Y Capabilities Development Code 8C General Officer Level 1 Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Experience Code 8D General Officer Level 2 Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Experience Code 8E General Officer Level 3 Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Experience Code 8F General Officer Level 4 Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Experience Code 8J Master Resilience Trainer-Facilitator Code 8K Master Resilience Trainer-Assistant Primary Instructor Code 8L Master Resilience Trainer-Primary Instructor Code 8P Competitive Parachutist Code 8R Master Resilience Trainer (MRT) Code 8S Senior Level 1 Sergeant Major (SGM) Experience Code 8T Senior Level 2 Sergeant Major (SGM) Experience Code 8U Senior Level 3 Sergeant Major (SGM) Experience Code 8V Senior Level 4 Sergeant Major (SGM) Experience Code 9B Cornet or Trumpet Player Code 9C Euphonium Player Code 9D French Horn Player Code 9E Trombone Player Code 9F Tuba Player Code 9G Flute Player Code 9H Oboe Player Code 9J Clarinet Player Code 9K Bassoon Player Code 9L Saxophone Player Code 9M Percussion Player Code 9N Keyboard Player Code 9T Guitar Player Code 9U Electric Bass Player Code 9V Vocalist Code 9X Music erleichterung Technician Code A1 M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)/High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Code A2 Aviation Safety Code A7 Title Field Artillery Master Gunner (FAMG) Code A7 Field Artillery Master Gunner ( FAMG) Code A8 Master Gunnery M1/M1A1 Tank Code A9 UH-60M Helicopter Qualification Code B1 Infantry Mortar NCO Leader Code B2 Light Leaders Course Code B3 LUH-72 Helicopter Repairer Code B4 Sniper Code B6 Combat Engineer Heavy Track Code B7 Bradley Transition Course Code B8 Heavy Weapons Leader Course Code B9 Bradley M2A3/M3A3 Operator/System Maintainer Code B9 Bradley M2A3/M3A3 Operator/System Maintainer Code C1 General Support Band Qualified Code C2 Dragon Gunnery Code C3 Well Drilling Code C4 Crane Operator Code C5 Court Reporter Code C6 Cavalry Leader Code C7 Unit Level Logistics System-Aviation (Enhanced) ULLS-A(E) Tech Supply Code C8 Air Defense Airspace Management (ADAM) / Brigade Aviation Element (BAE) Code C9 Mast and Electric Power Plant Maintenance Code D2 Military Horseman Code D3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Code D7 Protective Services Specialist Code D8 Joint Assault Bridge (JAB)/Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV) Code E3 Executive Administrative Assi stant Code E4 Cyber Mission Force Service Code E5 Instrument Maintenance (Power Station) Code E6 Interactive On-Net Operator Code E8 Explosive Ordnance Clearance Agent (EOCA) Code E9 M901 (ITV) Gunner/Crew Training Code F1 Biological Integrated Detection System (BIDS)/Joint Biological Point Code F2 Nationally Registered Flight Paramedic Code F3 Aero-Medical Evacuation (Rotary Wing) Code F4 Postal teamberaterin Code F5 Postal Operations Code F6 Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBC-RV) Sensor Suite Repairer Code F7 Pathfinder Code G2 Standard Army Retail Supply System-2AC/2B (SARSS-2AC/2B) Materiel Manager Code G7 C-23 Load Master/Flight Engineer Code G9 Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) Code H3 Physical Security Operations Code H8 Recovery Operations Code I1 Reserve Component Combat Arms Specialized Training Code I2 Reserve Component Combat Support Specialized Training Code I3 Reserve Component Combat Service Support Specialized Training Code J2 Commu nications Cable and Antenna Systems Maintainer Code J3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (BIFV) System Master Gunner Code J7 WHCA Console Control Operations Code K1 Special Operations Aviation Non-rated Crewmember Code K2 Advanced Communications Signals Analysis Code K4 M1A2 Tank Operations and Maintenance Code K7 Avenger Master Gunner Code K8 Master Gunnery M1A2 Tank Code K9 Combat Engineer Mine Detection Dog Handler Code L1 Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Reconnaissance and Surveillance (RS) Code L3 Technical Escorting Code L4 Biological Integrated Detection System (BIDS) Code L5 M93 Series Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Reconnaissance System Fox Code L6 Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Reconnaissance for Brigade Combat Teams Code L7 Joint Fires Observer Code L8 Joint Operational Fires and Effects (JOFE) Code M1 Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan Code M2 Cytotechnology Code M3 Dialysis Code M5 Nuclear Medicine Cod e M7 Intermediate (Inter) Analysis Code M8 Drug and Alcohol Counseling Code M9 Master Driver Trainer Code N1 Nonrated Crewmember Flight Instructor/Standardization Flight Instructor Code N4 Health Physics Code N5 Dental Laboratory Code N7 Strategic Debriefer Code N8 Sustainment Automation Management Support Office (SASMO) Code P4 Tactical Information Operations Planner Code P5 Master Fitness Trainer Code P7 Digital Forensic Examiner (DFE) Code P8 Basic Special Victims Investigator (BSVI) Code Q7 Information Collection Planner Code Q8 Senior Special Victims Investigator (SSVI) Code P9 Biological Science Research Code Q2 Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) Code Q4 Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) Operator Code Q5 Special Forces Combat Diving, Medical Code Q7 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Synchronization Manager Code Q9 besucherzahlen Management and Collision Investigator Code R1 Rough Terrain Cargo Handler (RTCH) Code R3 Digital Network Exploitation Analy st (DNEA) Code R4 Stryker Armored Vehicle Operations/Maintenance Code R6 Special Reaction Team (SRT) Member Code R7 Army Reconnaissance Code R8 STRYKER Master Gunner Code S1 Source Handler Code S2 Mechanical Equipment Maintenance (Power Station) Code S3 Electrical Equipment Maintenance (Power Station) Code S4 Sapper Leader Code S5 Community Imagery Analysis Course (CIAC) Code S6 Special Forces Combat Diving, Supervision Code S7 Foreign Counterintelligence Agent Code S9 Joint Spectrum Manager Code T1 Counter Threat Finance Analyst Code T2 Enhanced Position Location and Reporting System (EPLRS) Network Code T3 Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) System Code T4 Patriot Master Gunner Code T5 Target Digital Network Analyst Code T7 Ground Reconnaissance Specialist Code T8 Civil Operations Specialist Code T9 Criminal Analyst Specialist Code U2 Shadow Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Code U3 Hunter Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Code U4 Power Line Distribution Code U5 Extended Range Multi-Pu rpose (ERMP) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Code U5 Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Code U6 Field Artillery Weapons Maintenance Code U7 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Instructor Operator (I/O) Code U8 Asymmetric Warfare Operational Support Code U9 Asymmetric Warfare Operational Specialist Code V3 Aerial Precision Geo-Location (APG) Code V4 Advanced Source Handler Code V5 Military Police Investigation Code V7 Guidance Counselor Code V8 Special Technical Operations (STO) Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Planner (Personnel Only) Code V9 Special Technical Operations (STO) Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Code W1 Special Operations Combat Medic (SOCM) Code W2 Civil Affairs Medical SGT Code W3 Special Forces Sniper Code W4 Civil Affairs Trauma Medical SGT Code W5 Special Operations Foreign and Non-Standard Armorer Code W6 Weapons Intelligence Specialist Code W7 Special Forces Underwater Operations Code W8 Special Forces Military Free Fall Operations Code W9 Special Operations Forces P eculiar Weapons Repairer Code X2 Preventive Dentistry successfully complete the Preventive Dentistry Course, AMEDD Center School, Ft Sam Houston, TX. c. Restrictions. For use with MOS 68E (SGT and below) only. Code X3 Operations Support Specialist Code X8 THAAD Launcher Operator/Maintainer Code Y1 Transition (Position and Personnel) Code Y2 Transition (Personnel only) Code Y3 Transition (Personnel only) Code Y7 Sensor Manager Operations Code Y8 Immunization/Allergy Code Y9 Warrior Transition Unit/Community Based Warrior Transition Unit (WTU/CBWTU) Squad Leader/Platoon Sergeant (SL/PSG) Code Z5 Enlisted Aide Code Z7 Specialized Search Dog (SSD) Handler Code Z8 Technical ELINT Collection and Analysis SQIs (Special Qualification Identifiers) A - Technical IntelligenceC - NBCD - Civil AffairsE - Military Mountaineering InstructorF - Flying StatusG - RangerH - InstructorI - Installer (Electronic)K - Logistics NCOL - LinguistM - First SergeantN - Joint PlannerO - No Special Qualificat ionsP - ParachutistQ - Equal Opportunity AdvisorR - Research, Development, Test, And EvaluationV - Ranger ParachutistX - Drill SergeantZ - Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Program2 - Training Development4 - Non-Career Recruiter7 - Special Operations Aviation

5 Ways to Kick Start a New Career After Quitting

5 Ways to Kick Start a New Career After Quitting5 Ways to Kick Start a New Career After QuittingYouve just quit your job- with bedrngnishing on the horizon.Yikes.There are plenty of good reasons to leave a job that isnt furthering your career The situation is toxic, your mobility is stalled, youre ready to forge a new career path, just to name a few. But not having a clear idea of what youre doing next can make the process of leaving feel equal parts liberating, exciting, and, yes, also terrifying.If youre feeling overwhelmed by your next steps, take heart You are already braver and bolder than you realize. Lean on the gift of time now on your side, and on the lessons learned from those whove explored time off before you. Yours will be your own path, but fear not There are some well-trodden steps to lead you along the way. Here are five key starting points that helped me in my own transition to a new adventure- may they help you thrive every step of the way, too. 1. Take Stock and Re flectThis is easy to forget while youre hustling for your next gig, but its an important step of the journey. Before you get too deep into your next play, take a beat and reflect. What have you accomplished so far, and what do you want to accomplish next? What goals did you have in your last gig, and which are still left to hit? When you look at those goals you achieved and those you did not, try to figure out what was missing, be it time, interest, a skill set, or just a change in priorities. Do the same quick audit for those you did accomplish- there will likely be some patterns as to why you focused on certain areas and how much progress you were able to make. If your interests have changed, honor that in your next gig. Think about which projects made you happiest, in and outside of work. Take advantage of this new gift of free time while it lasts, and think. Remember that the goal is not to overwhelm (careful not to go down the rabbit hole of Who am I and what am I doing with my life?), but to stop to pat yourself on the back for everything youve accomplished and stopp to think about everything you want to do later down the line. Looking back, I realized that the whole of my career path has been one of chasing learning curves and building skill sets, and it was comforting to see this charted out on paper and know that for me, leaving my job was part of a greater cycle of growth. I realized that Id done this sort of thing before, and it had always worked itself out. That was encouraging as I ventured into the great unknown. 2. Stop Taking StockYes, it may seem contradictory, but hear me out. If youve just quit, it should come as no surprise that you will have a lot on your mind. You will be tempted to keep thinking about whats next (I just quit my job I have bills to pay I dont want to move back home), but do yourself a favor and take a breath, or a vacation. Visit a new place in town. Shake up your routine. Try to stop thinking about the fact that you just did this enormous, career-changing thing. Heres why Think about how many a-ha moments come to us in the shower, while walking the dog, or some other time when we are not at work- a lot Our brain is always working on things even when we arent, so try to calm your inner voice and trust that your brain is still doing some valuable thinking for you. I cant tell you what your a-ha moment will be or when it will come, but I can say that its a crucial step in getting you outside of your head. I knew I was overdue for a break when I started having dreams about paperwork- how dull and entirely unproductive Be comfortable taking a mental vacation.3. ReconnectIts also worth spending some of your post-quitting free time going back to your roots and seeing the people who matter most in your life. Reconnect with both the people who know you best (family, friends, significant others) and the people who you share similar values with or aspire to be (mentors, role models, old colleagues).Share your struggles, dreams, frustrations, and ambitions with them- and these may or may not be work-related This is about understanding more about who you are at the core, and about what makes your heart beat faster in good times and bad. Ask trusted confidantes for feedback on how youve handled transitions in the past, and when theyve seen you happiest, personally or professionally. binnensee if they can pinpoint when and why youve thrived. Keep in mind that everyone will offer different advice for how to approach finding your next gig, depending on his or her own personal history, which is why gleaning specific advice on what to do next may be less useful than getting feedback on how you as a person have handled previous life transitions and adapted to change in the past. This is useful, because outside perspectives can often provide valuable nuggets of information that are obvious to others but that you never would have seen. In my case, the friend who has known me longest told me she ha d seen me happiest when things moved fast and were constantly new, and when I had autonomy to make things happen. And it was true. I thrive where there is less structure I see opportunity in chaos learning on the job is a major priority for me. So I looked for companies in the midst of great change, transition, and accelerated growth where I would have the opportunity to make an impact.4. FreelanceThinking about running a business? Curious as to whether anyone besides mom will pay for your graphic design skills? Self-taught and not sure if youre ready for a full-time gig? Worried about filling that unemployed gap on your resume? Freelancing can help answer all of these questions and concerns and more. For me, freelancing was a way of expanding my portfolio and taking on small projects that allowed me to explore an area Id always been interested in UX design. Id been offering product and UX advice to startup friends gratis during my last job, and at a certain point realized I could b e even more helpful to them if I dedicated more than just a coffee catch ups worth of thinking time to their questions. In a sense, I was already acting as a consultant- I just hadnt formalized it yet. Freelancing is also a great perspektive to learn more about yourself. When you freelance, you learn how to manage the full project life cycle, from sourcing clients to producing final deliverables, and it becomes clear which part of that cycle you enjoy most (and which you would rather do without). In my case, I learned that I disliked sourcing projects- it felt like I was spending more time talking about potential projects than actually executing on them, and that was frustrating to me. That confirmed what I already suspected a role that centered around business development would not be the right fit for me. (Other people, of course, love that part of the process, and they would be great in BD.) As you take on side gigs, pay close attention to where you hit your stride- and where you stumble- which can provide important insight into what you should be looking to do next.5. Wrap Up That Side ProjectYou know which project Im talking about. The half-finished website you started coding on your own six months ago. The speaker series youve been meaning to organize since forever. The novel you promised yourself youd write before you turned 30. Time is a luxury that few of us have- and you now have enough time to turn that side project into a full-time project. Honor it. schliff it. Learn the skills you need to get it done, and get after it. If youre worried that your side project is taking up too much time from applying for jobs or networking, just remember that you never know where that side project might take you. In fact, it may very well become the most valuable part of your resume, or could even surprise you by turning into a full-time job itself. My side project? Learning enough front-end to throw up a portfolio page, then taking the time to write about all the things I was learning in my free time. They showed I had been thinking in earnest about the types of challenges and changes my industry is undergoing, and they became just as valuable on my resume as the freelance projects I was delivering. So there you have it some first steps for navigating the great, great unknown. Be patient if it doesnt happen overnight- landing softly is a process. But with a little bit of luck, a lot of hard work, and a healthy dose of introspection, youll find your place. Trust in yourself and in the process. Find what works for you. When the time is right, you will land exactly where you need to be. Photo of balls courtesy of Shutterstock.