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Any Project Managers Here?

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The KSB said:
I'm retiring from the Army in about 2 years. For about the last 7 years I've been an Acquisition officer. In plain language I've led teams that design, test, and buy systems for the military. Specifically, I've done software testing, prototyping, concept demonstration, organizational design, and IPT implementation. Currently I manage requirements for a computing environment. Additionally, I’m smarter than the average bear when it comes to CMMI. As I wrote earlier, I'm retiring in two years. Currently I hold a level III DAWIA certification in project management, a level I certification in Test and Evaluation, and am ½ a class away from a level 1 certification in software acquisition. Additionally, I Have a BS in Technology Management (can’t read, can’t write, Kent State), and an MS in Project Management (Boston U). The basic areas I’ve conducted project management are engineering and software development. The usual route for people in my position is to take a civilian/contractor job in an Army Program Management office. I’ve been thinking the last few years that I’m ready to put an end to my government service. To quote Forrest Gump “I’m pretty tired, I think I’ll go home now”. I’d like to find a job in a medium sized company doing project management. I’ve sort of dabbled in several areas of project management, namely engineering (3 years), testing (3 years), and software development (depending on how you look at it anywhere between 3-6 years). When it comes to these areas, I know enough to speak the language but would not call myself a technical expert. I’ve always seen myself more as a facilitator. Sort of like BAS, I don’t build the software, I make the team work together and keep within a schedule and budget.
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I'm a project manager, and I don't understand most of what you're talking about. Don't steal my job away from me.
 
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Yeah, you'd be well qualified going up against any PMs that I've dealt with.

My ask from you, as one who is PM'd from time to time, don't make your involvement in any project more complicated than the projects themselves. There's some really good PMs out there. Most of them are not. The different between the two is the good ones recognizing when the level of their involvement has the potential to make a project go sideways... and then backing off. If people are spending more time with you reporting and recording their accomplishments than they are doing actual work, it's time to simplify.
 
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Things to consider to be a civilian PM on DOD program (ie General Dynamics):
- Do you have a cell phone with good reception and unlimited minutes?
- How do you feel about babysitting Engineering and Field Support?
- Can you write 10 emails in the middle of a conference call meeting?
- When your DOD counterpart berates you about something, how do you react?
a. Bend over and do everything they want. The customer is always right.
b. Forward the email to Contracts to find out if it's already agreed upon - if not, come with a napkin estimate for what the new requirements will cost, add at least one 0, and tell the DOD PM you will be happy to oblige for more money
c. All of the above. (Correct answer is c)

Things to consider to be a DOD PM (ie TACOM):
- Are you capable of inventing 'issues' that the end user (ie Pvt Schmuckatelli) will never care about in order to justify your existence?
 
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I was a project manager for many years prior to retirement. I found that expert skills in reporting/tracking tools like Excel, Access, Visio, Project (and whatever reporting tool your company's software might use) were very useful. Best wishes - the skills you already list should do the trick.
 
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