ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Air Force contracting career field selected Master Sgt. Joshua D. Dunrud, 97th Contracting Squadron senior enlisted leader at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, to attend the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Each year, two enlisted members are selected to pursue a master's degree in the defense contract management program.
The program covers management theory, accounting, economics, finance, behavioral science, operations and systems analysis, as well as specialized courses in acquisition and contracting.
To prepare for the selection process, Dunrud reached out to former NPS graduate Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Schnepf, who provided insight into the NPS experience.
“He gave me the rundown of what the program is like, how life is over there, and what kind of opportunities this would set me up for,” Dunrud said.
Candidates for the program must submit their five most recent enlisted performance reports, fitness test scores and academic transcripts, along with a one-page personal letter explaining why they are suitable for the program.
"I've been doing operational contracting for 12 years," said Dunrud. "Enlisted contracting tends to be similar across bases; construction, services, commodities, but systems contracting and dealing with larger scopes like weapon system development offer a completely different and challenging avenue."
Maj. Chelsea Brincka, 97th Contracting Squadron commander, highlighted Dunrud's accomplishment and the broader support he received.
"Master Sgt. Dunrud’s selection for this professional development opportunity is the result of not only his perseverance and tenacity but also due to the many people throughout his career who advised and prepared him for this moment," Brincka said. "I find myself incredibly humbled to be part of that group, and based on my own experience working with Master Sgt. Dunrud, I know that he will find much success at NPS and beyond."
Lori Clinton, 97th Contracting Squadron deputy of business operations, praised Dunrud’s initiative and impact within the unit.
"With a master sergeant like Dunrud, he handles all his business and is such an amazing self-starter," Clinton said. "His initiative to continue striving for educational opportunities shows a real pursuit of lifelong learning that becomes contagious to our other unit members."
As Dunrud prepares for the 18-month program, he looks forward to broadening his impact.
"Systems contracting offers bigger programs and has a broader enterprise-wide effect,” Dunrud said. "Ultimately, it will provide me with greater experience and enhance my ability as an Air Force leader."