Photo By Tech. Sgt. Paolo Felicitas | U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Foster Grant, an electrical systems technician with the...... read more read more
The flickering fluorescent lights of the Air Force warehouse were no match for the challenge laid out before Tech. Sgt. Foster Grant. As an electrical systems technician, his task seemed straightforward: rewire a training room for the Security Forces Squadron at Moron Air Base, Spain. But the reality was far more complex. He stood before a tangle of incompatible electrical circuits, a silent puzzle of European and American wiring codes. For Grant, this was not a setback, but a welcome opportunity to use his diverse experience to bring a solution to light.
A problem-solver at heart, Grant embodies the unique power of a dual-career path, bringing a unique blend of skills and experiences from his civilian work to his military role as a Reservist.
As the non-commissioned officer in charge of the electrical shop for the 446th Civil Engineering Squadron, Grant and his team were charged with making the new training room a "dark room" by separating its circuits from the rest of the warehouse.
"Originally, it was supposed to be easy. That was not the case," said Grant.
He explained the complex issue in simple terms: a new system needed to be implemented while navigating two different sets of electrical codes. But after more than a decade in the field, troubleshooting has become second nature.
"That is the name of the game," Grant said. "If there is electrical work to be done, there is constant troubleshooting. You get used to it. It becomes a fun thing."
With six years on active duty and a civilian career as a federal civilian employee for the Army, Grant's skills are sharpened by a "fresh dose" of different standards and working environments. His civilian supervisor, Stephen Davis, interior electric supervisor at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, noted that Grant is a "force multiplier" who understands the military's unique requirements.
"He understands what the military requirements are versus a civilian that has no concept of that," said Davis.
This consistent, real-world troubleshooting provides invaluable lessons he can pass on to his team. Davis recalled an instance where Grant's prior military experience with safety protocols and operational processes proved pivotal.
"He integrated seamlessly into an additional duty as both a safety manager and procurement officer, implementing key changes that have enhanced our safety program and procurement processes," said Davis.
Grant's commander, Lt. Col. Kyle Slick, 446th CES commander, was impressed with his ability to handle the project in Spain from the start.
"When Grant started this project, the scope of the electrical work was undefined," said Slick. “His professional eye, developed on the outside, allowed him to visualize the necessary steps. He then took charge of his team, and as a result, security forces will have a much better dark room."
As a leader, Grant is a hands-on mentor, guiding his airmen by teaching them to think through problems rather than simply giving them the answer.
"The benefit of being out here teaching my troops how to do the job," Grant said, “Is seeing their thought process and being able to point out whether it is a solid technique or whether they should start at a different point."
Davis observed that Grant's military training reinforces his innate leadership skills.
“The Air Force Reserve significantly enhances inherent leadership capabilities,” said Davis, “They offer training to refine and direct these natural aptitudes towards professional leadership within governmental and military contexts.”
The TDY, or temporary duty assignment, in Spain offered a unique environment to sharpen these skills. Grant noted that the electrical standards in Europe mirror those they encounter in deployed locations, making the trip a helpful training opportunity.
Beyond the technical skills, Grant’s career is driven by a long-term goal. He joined the Air Force with the aim of earning two separate 20-year retirements. He discovered through conversations with civilian reservists that this ambitious goal was a very real possibility.
"In my current positions, I have the potential to earn two retirements that will cumulatively reach seventy-three years before I reach sixty-seven years of age,” said Grant.
Even with Grant away for military training, Davis understands that these times really show how important he is.
"His presence is missed when he's gone. It is very apparent how much he does when he's not here," said Davis.
Grant's journey as a Citizen Airman is a testament to the power of deliberate planning and a passion for continuous learning. By weaving his military and civilian careers together, he not only excels in his own professional life but also actively develops the next generation of Air Force leaders.
| Date Taken: | 08.21.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.22.2025 18:51 |
| Story ID: | 546160 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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