Employee Spotlight: Walter Ludka
How would you describe your role at RII?
I am a program manager who coordinates and runs projects in the Electronic Warfare and Signals Intelligence (EW/SIGINT) line of business. I keep everything organized, make sure the team stays on track, align resources, maintain compliance, and offer subject-matter expertise.
What did you do before joining RII?
I retired after 23 years in the U.S. Army as a Cyberspace Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) Sergeant Major.
Who or what inspired you to join the Army and then pursue a career in EW/SIGINT?
My grandparents survived Nazi occupied Europe and I have family who served in WWII, Vietnam, and during the Cold War who I looked up to. But 9/11 was the deciding factor for me to join the Army. Initially I enlisted as a Field Artillery Surveyor, but reclassified to EW in 2011. I chose EW because I was impressed by the impact it made during WWII.
What is something from your time in service that made you proud?
From starting off with a group of young and inexperienced Soldiers, to a well trained team that flawlessly executes complex missions after months of training and preparation. There’s no better feeling for a leader to watch their tired, cold, and dirty team maneuver silently into the woodline under complete darkness. No complaints, no fear, focused, and mature. Everyone knows their role and that of the person next to them, reacting to any situation like a well orchestrated symphony.
As a veteran, do you have any career advice for service members who are transitioning out of the military?
Transitioning into the civilian workforce is all about mindset. The way you think about what is next to come will determine the outcome. I think three things should be uppermost in a veteran’s mind: first, the uniform and rank will come off. So should the status and privilege your position comes with so you can grow as an individual and not expect others to accept your worth. Second, prepare for plan B and C. Just like any military operation, be prepared and use the decision-making tools we’ve used so often. Third, be relentless and do not quit on yourself or others. Surround yourself with people who are positive and see the value of a can-do attitude. This is how you strengthen a team.
Can you tell us what you love most about working at RII?
I love the RII culture, especially the EW/SIGINT team’s trust, cohesiveness, and its motivation to deliver a solution that is meaningful to the warfighter.
