Client systems techs in high demand for ORANG

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steph Sawyer
  • 142nd Fighter Wing/Public Affairs

Client systems is a career field that is in high demand in the Oregon Air National Guard (ORANG). As part of the Communications Flight, this career field serves base personal by providing communications network expertise regarding software, user account management, and access to drives among other services.

Airman 1st Class Bryson Sadama is a new recruit who has very recently returned to Portland Air National Guard Base from Air Force technical school. As a client systems apprentice, Sadama is in the process of acquiring experience and knowledge through on-the-job training. This is something Sadama says he enjoys.

“It’s fun because you get to figure out new problems every day and you get to learn,” says Sadama. “There’s always going to be a challenge when someone calls you and you don’t know the answer immediately.”

Client systems technicians have a wide variety of tasks they must accomplish on a daily basis. These can range from updating software on Air Force network computers to answering phone calls and addressing customer inquiries and requests.

“A lot of people bring in computers, tablets, laptops…they usually have problems with outdated software. We keep track of all the devices we have and we make sure we fix them,” says Sadama. “Other than that, we manage user accounts, enable, disable, move people to different security groups…it’s a lot of moving parts. You just multitask and get the job done.”

Sadama joined the ORANG right out of high school and was in student flight for a year before he left for Air Force basic training. Student flight allows new recruits to participate in drill weekends prior to going through basic training and technical school. These new members are able to earn points and pay while obtaining valuable training in their career fields and the Air Force in general.

For Sadama, a major motivator behind his decision to join was the opportunity the ORANG presented for him to learn and grow in the career field of his choice.

“I’m going to try to do 20 years,” says Sadama. “But if not, I’m going to gain as much knowledge [as I can] from the Air Force so I can apply it to my civilian job.”

Sadama attends college at the University of Oregon in Eugene where he studies business and computer science. As a member of the ORANG, Sadama qualifies for 100% tuition assistance offered to active members of the Oregon National Guard for state community colleges and public universities.

For Sadama, joining the ORANG has presented him with the opportunity to further his education, expand his technical knowledge and grow as a professional and an individual.

“Join early,” Sadama says. “It’s definitely a good start for a career.”