Connections That Strengthen the Mission
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. — After six years on active duty, Staff Sgt. Rashawn Carter was preparing to leave military service behind. Then a conversation with an Air Force Reserve recruiter changed everything, revealing a path that allowed him to continue serving while building a civilian career.
Today, Carter serves with the 452nd Communications Squadron while building a civilian career as a network engineer, where he configures and maintains the routers and switches that keep critical networks operating.
“I was planning on getting out,” Carter said. “Talking with the recruiter made me realize the Reserve was a good way to build connections, create opportunities and continue serving.”
For Carter, choosing the Reserve opened more than another chapter of military service. It created an opportunity for his civilian and military careers to reinforce one another, with every new challenge becoming another chance to strengthen the mission.
Working in network engineering has exposed Carter to technologies and systems that translate directly to military communications. During training exercises supporting the Army National Guard, his familiarity with satellite-based network connectivity helped establish internet access for operations in the field, allowing him to apply lessons from his civilian career in a military environment.
“My civilian career and my Reserve service make each other stronger,” Carter said. “I’m able to take what I learn from my job and use it to help train the military members here and further their knowledge of how networking works to better support the mission.”
That exchange of knowledge has also made an impact beyond March Air Reserve Base.
During annual training at RAF Lakenheath, England, Carter supported the 48th Communications Squadron by updating rack diagrams and improving accountability of networking devices across the installation. His work strengthened network documentation and inventory management, earning him a commander’s coin in recognition of his contributions to the mission.
For Carter, the greatest reward isn’t simply applying what he’s learned—it’s passing that knowledge on.
“I enjoy the camaraderie here and being able to learn from my fellow Airmen,” Carter said. “I also enjoy being able to teach them and share that knowledge.”
Whether supporting military communications or maintaining enterprise networks in his civilian career, Carter remains focused on becoming a stronger teammate, a stronger communicator and a more valuable asset wherever he serves.
For Carter, every lesson shared creates another opportunity to strengthen the mission—one connection at a time.
Two careers. One commitment.
That’s the Power of the Reserves.