# PaCE Spotlight: Esteban Gancer

/ Published Sept. 20, 2022
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., 
Esteban Gancer is a member of Pathways to Career Excellence Program Group 42, which began in 2021. He is currently in Battle Creek, Michigan, at Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Headquarters for his first year in the program and is set to move to Jacksonville, Florida, for his second year.

**Why did you first apply to the PaCE Program? Was it your first position with DLA?**

                DLA Disposition Services PaCER Esteban Gancer                            DLA Disposition Services PaCER Esteban Gancer.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Kelly BurellVIRIN: 220822-D-D0441-407I applied because I heard many good things about DLA from people I have worked with in the Michigan Army National Guard, and after reading about the PaCE program, it felt like it was an extremely unique opportunity that I could not pass up at least applying for.

**What was your position before coming to the PaCE Program?**

Prior to DLA, I worked for the Michigan Army National Guard as a technician. I was a production controller in a field maintenance shop. Right before starting at DLA, I was completing the Logistics Basic Officer Leader Course in Fort Lee, Virginia.

**What have been your favorite parts of the PaCE Program?**

I have really enjoyed networking with people in the agency and the temporary duty trips to field sites.

**Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?**

My favorite memory so far would be when our class got together to play mini golf, a truly unforgettable experience.

**If there was one thing that could’ve been different for you in the PaCE program, what would it be?**

I wish I could have participated in the program in a pre-pandemic environment.

**What would you say is the most important quality to succeed in the PaCE program?**

Being a good communicator and having the ability to remain flexible. There are times that we must work together on a project and being able to effectively communicate with your PaCE class, supervisor and everyone else in the building will aid in your development. Remaining flexible as situations can be dynamic.

**In your own words, how would you describe the PaCE program, and what can you gain from it?**

The PaCE program is an all-encompassing training program and networking opportunity. In the PaCE program, you spend the first year at DLA Disposition Services Headquarters receiving overviews and meeting so many people with a wealth of knowledge. You can gain useful insights, resources, and tips from many people that have already worked in the field and been with DLA for a long time.

**What is your background?**I have a background working in logistics from the military. I came in under the recent graduate appointment.

**Where are you assigned to next year? Where was it on your list?**

Next year, I am assigned to Jacksonville, Florida. Jacksonville was my top choice!

**What your plans for your future in the agency?**

Short-term future is to learn my job and do it well. Long-term plan after I have learned to do my job well, is to be an area manager or work with the DSD in some capacity.

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*Editorial Note: The Pathways to Career Excellence Program for DLA Disposition Services is a two-year program that takes PaCERs through all of Disposition Services and its processes to learn as much as possible about the directorate. The first year takes place at DLA Disposition Services Headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan, and the second year either takes place in Battle Creek for Contracting PaCERs or at an assigned field site for Property Disposal PaCERs. PaCERs begin as general schedule 7s, move to GS-9s at the end of their first year, and graduate the program as GS-11s. There are multiple pathways to becoming a PaCER, including being hired internally, as a recent graduate, or from military service.*