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Transitioning from active-duty military service to the civilian workforce is no small feat. For Lacey Supinger, a retired Air Force special agent and intelligence analyst, the journey required adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. In this installment of Mission Continued, Lacey, now a capture manager at ECS, reflects on her 20 years of service, where she led teams across the globe, navigated high-stakes missions, and honed leadership principles that still guide her today.
Her story offers inspiration and practical advice for fellow service members preparing to separate from the military and embark on their next chapter.

Q. What did you love most about your work in the military? What lesson from your time in service has stuck with you?
A: I loved the variety and the people. My roles as an all-source intelligence analyst and later as a special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) allowed me to engage in diverse, meaningful work. Early in my career, I briefed wing commanders on intelligence threats, trained pilots on survival and evasion, and managed national intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets. Later, as an OSI special agent, I led counterintelligence, criminal, and fraud investigations, served as a commander in multiple countries, and advised on law enforcement policy and training at the Pentagon.

Each assignment had unique challenges, but the relationships built along the way made all the difference. A lesson that has stayed with me is the importance of mindset — every role is what you make of it. Going in with a positive attitude can turn even the most challenging assignments into rewarding experiences. I also learned that leadership isn’t about popularity; it’s about making tough decisions for the health of the team and the mission. Above all, taking care of people ensures they take care of the mission, a principle that has guided me throughout my career.
The military was my identity, and leaving it felt like stepping into the unknown. Questions like, “Did I make the right choice?” or “How do my skills translate?” were constant.
Q. What kinds of challenges did you encounter when transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce?
A: Transitioning was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. The military was my identity, and leaving it felt like stepping into the unknown. Questions like, “Did I make the right choice?” or “How do my skills translate?” were constant. Adjusting to civilian norms, like lack of a rank structure, no longer having to address people by “Sir” or “Ma’am,” or even simple tasks like filling out timecards or navigating PTO policies, were unnatural for me.
Culturally, the civilian world was different, but I was fortunate to find a home at ECS, where the military-like camaraderie and support helped ease the transition. However, it was an emotional process, compounded by the need to redefine myself professionally while balancing family priorities, like staying closer to my daughter.


Q. What would your professional advice be to a service member who is approaching their separation date?
A: Start early — whether it’s medical clearances or finding mentors, preparation is key. Leverage the free resources available through transition programs and veterans’ groups. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and be open to advice from those who’ve been through the process.
It’s also important to check your ego at the door. Transitioning often means starting at a new entry point and proving yourself again, which can be humbling. At the same time, know your worth. Military service equips you with unique skills and values — confidence, resilience, and teamwork — that are highly transferable.
Finally, focus on your physical and mental health. The transition is stressful, and being in the right headspace is crucial. Seek support if needed and step out of your comfort zone. You might find opportunities, like I did at ECS, where your skills fit in ways you never expected.
Q. What about ECS made it seem like a good destination for you, professionally? How have the skills you developed throughout your military career translated to your role here?
A: ECS wasn’t on my radar initially — I didn’t think my background in intelligence, law enforcement, and counterintelligence aligned with the company’s mission. But after speaking with a former colleague, I realized how my leadership, communication, and investigative skills could translate. He connected me with ECS through the Hiring Our Heroes program, and everything clicked from there.

At ECS, my experience as a special agent and leader translated seamlessly into roles requiring strategic thinking and relationship building. For instance, running an investigation shares similarities with managing a capture process: both require careful planning, collaboration, and attention to detail. The foundational values of respect, integrity, and teamwork that were ingrained in me during my military career have proven invaluable.

“Mission Continued” is a limited series in which military veterans working at ECS discuss transitioning to a civilian work environment and building a successful career while continuing to support the mission.

PROUDLY V3 CERTIFIED
ECS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified organization. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans for the value they bring to the workforce. Virginia has the fastest growing veteran workforce in the country, and we are now trained on best practices for recruiting and hiring transitioning military members.