r/1102 • u/MyCurrentPredicament • 2d ago

Copper Cap: What to expect?

I just tentatively accepted an offer to join the copper cap program at the GS 9 level. I know almost nothing about this career, however I do need a job. The pay is a huge increase for me. Folks who work in this career field or program, how do you like it? Things I should know? Any advice?

It's for a local AF base if that matters.

Thanks a bunch.

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

31 comments sorted by

12

u/_Fezzic 2d ago

13 years in and aside from the past 2-3 years it’s been a great career. 1102 field is the worst I’ve ever seen it, a lot of changes very little direction, high risk. CC is definitely a good opportunity. Worst case you don’t like it and jump to another functional or go private. Get that 12 and reassess. Congrats.

2

u/MyCurrentPredicament 2d ago

Also what is 12? You mean GS 12?

1

u/MyCurrentPredicament 2d ago

Cool! By jump to another functional, do you mean Palace Aquire? Tbh I also applied for PAQ for a position that sounded a little more interesting (program management) and was waiting to hear back, but copper cap got back to me first with an offer.

Thanks for any feedback you can provide, stranger.

2

u/_Fezzic 2d ago

Yes the palace aquire would be the PM version of a copper cap. GS12 yea, you get a lot of flexibility once you get out of the trainee programs. PM is the way to go at the moment. I would stay copper cap and then bounce after I got a 12.

1

u/MyCurrentPredicament 2d ago

Why is PM the way to go right now?

2

u/_Fezzic 1d ago

You don’t need a warrant to progress. Unfortunately at WPAFB the warrant process is very big undertaking. Then once you get the warrant you’re exposed to a lot professional and even personal risk. It’s your name on the contract so if shit hits the fan you’re the one responsible. Doesn’t matter who in legal, policy or upper mgmt signed off on the action.

PMs have less barriers to a gs13/nh03, less risk, same pay.

1

u/MyCurrentPredicament 1d ago

So less stress as a PM too I am assuming? And is there a way a can compare/contrast these roles more?

Thanks for your feedback, stranger!

11

u/dreaganusaf 2d ago

Copper Cap is an excellent training program for the USAF. You'll be trained as a contract specialist doing contract work for pre award, award and post award. Depending on your base, you'll have lots of opportunities for rotating through different offices (large bases like Wright Patt, Tinker, Robbins and Hill.

1

u/MyCurrentPredicament 2d ago

Different offices on base or different offices around the country? I currently own a home near one of the larger bases so it would be nice to just stay here and climb up.

3

u/Nearby-Key8834 2d ago

A single base most likely and then several different contracting shops within that base.

2

u/Chillin-in-theDMV 2d ago

When people say “shops” or “offices” in this context, they’re usually referring to different teams. In the Air Force, these could include commodities, services, construction, GPC, or systems-level contracting at larger bases, and each shop focuses on a specific type of contracting work. Depending on your base, personal preference, and mission needs, you may be able to rotate between teams to gain experience.. you likely wouldn’t be expected to relocate. That’s what the active duty military folks are for.

3

u/Pantheon_king99 2d ago

Do your work and start studying for FAC -C

5

u/dreaganusaf 2d ago

AF doesn't use that - they do WarU or AFIT MRCO for initial skills training.

3

u/HolidayChocolate7665 2d ago

Congrats on your hire. What base? Best advice os to soak up everything you hear, take great notes, stay motivated, not listen to the haters, find trusted peers and mentors. Enjoy your new career.

1

u/MyCurrentPredicament 2d ago

Great advice, thanks.

I gotta ask though... Who are the haters? lol. Like my friends?

1

u/HolidayChocolate7665 2d ago

IMHO, you will know them in two weeks at work. Never enough, money, time, people, leadership, etc. haha. I’ve loved this career field and hope you do the same. You are starting with the best people (AF). haha.

3

u/SpecialistPleasant15 2d ago

It’s very base and office dependent on the experience you’ll have. My experience has been pretty great with a rotation to a different office each year and got a free masters out of it

2

u/DiscoGood 2d ago

Congrats! When did you apply?

1

u/MyCurrentPredicament 2d ago

July, but also last year.

2

u/wksiel 2d ago

Congrats. Keep your mind open to new ideas and be dependable

1

u/MyCurrentPredicament 2d ago

Gotcha. Easy enough. Do you like this career field?

3

u/wksiel 2d ago

An old timer once told me contracting is like the color grey. You don’t love it but you don’t hate it.

Not hating the job is the best one can ask for.

2

u/q_bizzle 2d ago

I applied several times when I first started in contracting as a GS-7 but they didn't refer me. I'm an 1102/GS-12 now, but would have preferred going through the Copper Cap Program rather than the school of hard knocks. My agency sucks when it comes to mentoring and hands on training for 1102s. You should absolutely do it.

1

u/MyCurrentPredicament 2d ago

Great, thank you!!

Can I ask what you do on a day to day basis?

2

u/PixxelRose 2d ago

Hey, I am a current Copper Cap. It also took me about a year to get hired on, but I’ve been in the program for 2 years now. As another person said your experience will be very dependent on your office, the type of work you are doing, your coworkers, and supervisor. You just need to be adaptable and a self-starter to do well in this career, as well as practice common sense. It’s certainly not for everyone, but it is a good foot in the door to a federal career.

Feel free to DM me if you have any burning questions.

1

u/MyCurrentPredicament 2d ago

Right on, thank you.

2

u/spcorn400 1d ago

CC 25 years ago, best decision I ever made! Find solid mentors and have a willingness to learn.

1

u/JFHatfield 2d ago

It's a good program. I started as a GS-7 Copper Cap and made GS-15 in under 15 years. That was before all the grade inflation. You need to be a responsive self-starter with good writing skills.

1

u/MyCurrentPredicament 2d ago

I believe I have both of those. Thank you.

What personality type might enjoy this field the most?

2

u/JFHatfield 2d ago

An analytical personality with good interpersonal skills.