As principal space advisor for the Department of the Army headquarters, Col. Pete Atkinson has supported the re-establishment of U.S. Space Command as a founding member and plank owner, charting a future path for the Army space program. While he remains focused on establishing the Army’s newest military occupational specialty — a tactical space operations specialist — he’ll also spend the summer researching and preparing for a dissertation, planning a trip to Hawaii and transitioning teams.
He’s the next guest in WashingtonExec’s Summer Q&A Series, where we ask government leaders five questions about how they recharge, stay sharp and keep the mission moving during the year’s most relaxed season.
What’s your beach reading for the summer?
I am preparing to transition from PhD student to candidate, so my summer reading will focus on my dissertation prospectus defense. My research topic is large-scale organizational change efforts in hierarchical institutions, and my favorite authors are Paul DiMaggio, Patricia Thornton, Julie Battilana, and Deborah Jackwerth-Rice.
Where are you traveling this summer for vacation? What’s your favorite location?
While we are staying local in the National Capital Region this summer, we are planning a trip to Hawaii later in the year. We are looking forward to summer baseball games, amusement parks, and soaking up the sun at our local pool.
What’s one personal and professional goal you’d like to accomplish this summer?
I will depart the Army Staff and head to OSW Space Policy this summer. I look forward to meeting my new team and working on joint space policy matters again. Professionally, I aim to advance to candidacy in my PhD program. Personally, I want to spend more time with friends and family.
Are there any new skills or knowledge you plan to develop during the summer?
I hope to acquire new research skills and challenge preconceived thoughts as I refine my dissertation research design. During my multivariate data analysis course, I was able to complete a quantitative study from start to finish. I hope to apply these skills more closely to my dissertation.
How do you stay connected with your team and maintain productivity during the summer season?
Inevitably, I will see teammates out and about across the National Capital Region. I hope to see them enjoying their well-deserved time off without allowing productivity to slip. In the military, the summer period is filled with arrivals and departures, so we will take the time to honor those departing and welcome new additions to the team.