In this series, we spotlight employees who once wore the uniform and now continue their mission in a different capacity – bringing the discipline, leadership, and values they learned in service to forge a new path with purpose.
From different branches, backgrounds, and experiences, each veteran brings a unique perspective, but all share a commitment to our missions, people, and culture.
Paul Wood
From the battlefield to building better solutions – Paul Wood’s commitment to service extends beyond his 14 years in the U.S. military and fuels his career today.
During his five years of active duty in the U.S. Army and nine years in the Arizona Army National Guard (AZNG), Paul specialized in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). He served all 14 years as an EOD specialist and was deployed to Afghanistan for nine months in 2013.
It wasn’t until 2018 while Paul was in the middle of a training exercise closer to home that he got set on a new path. It was at this time that he noticed a gap in capabilities for electronic warfare (EW) scenarios that the military encounters. Recognizing the need for better solutions, Paul changed his degree program from business to electrical engineering.
While in school, Paul learned about BAE Systems and was impressed by the company’s reputation, culture, and mission. He heard positive feedback about the organization’s work-life balance from a friend in the industry, and one of BAE Systems’ missions — We Protect Those Who Protect Us® — deeply resonated with him. “The mission reminded me of my commitment to the U.S. Army Warrior Ethos: I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade,’” stated Paul. “To me, that commitment remains with a new meaning: always supporting those who serve.”
Joining BAE Systems in 2022 as an electrical engineer through the Engineering Leadership Development Program (ELDP), Paul thrived. “The program gave me so much personal and professional growth,” said Paul. Through the ELDP, Paul obtained his master’s degree in engineering management. “The program connected me with a network of military communities across the company,” he said.
Paul ended his military service honorably in 2024 as an E5 sergeant. Reflecting on what he learned from his years of service, Paul stated, “the military taught me that effective leaders listen to understand and respond with care.” This is a lesson that Paul aims to live out in all aspects of his life, both inside and outside of work, and especially in times of stress. To those transitioning from military to civilian life, he offers this advice: “You’re not alone. Reach out and find, join, or build a team. Getting connected starts with you. The discomfort might be different, but progress still comes when you get comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Erin Howard
Meet Erin Howard, a dedicated and driven individual who has brought her unique blend of military experience and passion for making a difference to BAE Systems.
Erin served six years in the U.S. Army National Guard, including a deployment to Kuwait from 2010 to 2011 in support of Operation New Dawn. During her time in service, Erin specialized in maintaining infrastructure and mission-critical systems – skills that would later serve her well in her civilian career.
After completing her service, Erin transitioned to a career as a mental health worker at a hospital, a role that aligned with her academic degree and personal values. A fellow veteran introduced her to BAE Systems, and she was drawn to the company’s culture, mission, and opportunities for growth. Erin was particularly attracted to the idea of working alongside veterans and being part of a company that values and supports those who have served.
As a value stream specialist, Erin supports the Electronic Warfare Integrated Manufacturing Center factories in the role of compliance, a position that leverages her attention to detail and ability to lead others. Despite being new to manufacturing Erin has thrived in her role, thanks in part to supportive team members and her military experience, which taught her the importance of taking initiative, making decisions, and being accountable for outcomes.
Erin’s military background has also instilled in her a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. She believes in leading by example, showing up, working hard, and doing her job to the best of her ability. These values have served her well in her corporate role, where she’s been able to apply her skills and experience to drive results and make a positive impact.
For veterans considering a career shift, Erin offers sage advice. She recommends taking advantage of the benefits and resources available, seeking out employers like BAE Systems that support and value military experience, and looking for careers that align with their skills and interests.
As Erin continues to grow at BAE Systems, she remains committed to paying it forward and advocating for those who have served. Her story is a testament to the enduring value of military experience and the importance of supporting the unique skills and perspectives veterans bring to the table.
Phil Acquaro
Col (Ret.) Phil Acquaro served as a group commander in the U.S. Air Force’s 55th Electronic Combat Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
After graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1995 with a degree in human factors engineering, Phil started his career as an electronic warfare officer. He flew on the RC-135 V/W Rivet Joint and the EC-130 Compass Call in addition to several staff assignments and deployments.
Though his specialty code was electronic warfare officer, his primary role was airman. He had the opportunity to lead other airmen as a commander at two different levels. He followed the leadership philosophy of “people first; mission, always.” In his command role, Phil learned the importance of establishing credibility by being excellent in what you do and taking the time to walk around and talk with teammates to understand the mission from their perspective.
Understanding the everyday efforts of your team allows you to take care of the people by identifying and removing roadblocks to their success. If you take care of the people and provide them the ‘why,’ they will make the mission happen,” said Acquaro.
The mission was to provide overwatch and protect soldiers by limiting the enemy’s communications capabilities. “I had friends on the ground executing the global war on terrorism mission, and they told me that our ability to deny, degrade, and disrupt communication reduced coordinated fire and enemy contact.
Our electromagnetic attack capabilities gave them the confidence to complete the mission knowing we had their backs, and they were able to come home to see their families. That support makes a difference.”
Now, 25 years and more than 2,500 flight hours later – including missions in Yugoslavia, Iraq and Afghanistan – he retired and was invited to join BAE Systems to continue supporting the Compass Call program.
“During my time with the U.S. Air Force, I appreciated BAE Systems’ robust culture of listening to its customers and evolving to their needs,” shared Acquaro. “Every little bit of innovation matters when it comes to protecting those who protect us, and I could see that dedication in BAE Systems, so I decided to join the team.”
For Phil, it was an exciting opportunity to continue supporting his crew. His current role at BAE Systems focuses on mission engagement, where he spends his time listening to customer feedback and working with engineers to design a system optimized for our airmen and the mission.
“Today, I’m still protecting soldiers and my friends, but in a different capacity,” he said. “My mission now is to ensure that warfighters have the vital electronic systems they need to disable air defenses and command and control systems.”
Phil’s key takeaway from his time in the service comes from the core values of the U.S. Air Force – integrity, service, and excellence – which guide his conduct and professional performance today.
Phil puts integrity into action in his current role. “Build trust by delivering quality and build on that trust with active communications. Leaders need to listen twice as much as they speak and need to seek out different perspectives and allow for all voices to be heard.”
Phil’s advice to other veterans who are joining the civilian workforce: “Find your ‘why.’ I’ve worked with some great Americans and they’ve become my family. That’s my ‘why.’ You need to find your core purpose, why you come to work each day, and let that be your guiding principle.”
Are you interested in working alongside veterans like Paul, Erin, and Phil? Explore career opportunities at Military & Veterans.
By Hayley Sizemore, Carolyn Wester & Mark Daly, Communications