As Russia invaded Ukraine, most U.S. citizens watched closely as the realities of war unfolded before their eyes. After weathering a global pandemic, many employers should be aware that other events around the world press on the already stretched nerves of their employees. Stress, anxiety, and depression are common responses to the constant news updates. Social media has brought the events to the center stage, and depending on the job, some cleared employees have access to real time updates on the inside. Conflict abroad can trigger anxiety at home – and at work. So, counseling services should be offered.

While those who do not have clearances may have the options to support the Ukraine’s military legion or to donate directly to a foreign military, the cleared workforce has other ways to support this mission. But they may need to be reminded that national security work – from logistics to cybersecurity to intelligence – is all important in supporting Ukraine, as well as, protecting the U.S. from other attacks. But then, also offer ways for employees to donate to the Ukrainians through U.S. companies – either your own or other reputable companies. And as with anything, communication is key. If you have a global office in Russia that’s being vacated, communicate with your staff. Share whatever information you can to help them process and continue to support national security.

Layoffs Impacting the Cleared Industry

Better.com

Just when you think it can’t get much worse for Better.com after they laid off 900 employees over Zoom, 3,000 more employees got their notice this past week when their severance checks automatically appeared in their payroll app. While leadership remained silent on the issue, employees did not. The company continues to provide an ongoing example of what not to-do when business needs to tighten up a little bit. It’s also important to remember that in the age of social media, the odds of the world not hearing about your missteps are slim to none. When employees are counting on paychecks, “whoopsie” moments aren’t helpful for the image of the company. Not all press is created equal.

Hiring impacting the Cleared Industry

Slingshot Aerospace

Slingshot Aerospace, Inc. has raised $25 million in Series A-1 funds. Since inception in July 2017, Slingshot Aerospace has raised $42 million in funding.

“We invested in Slingshot Aerospace because the company is revolutionizing the space industry and bringing the global space-faring community together in a way that has never been done before,” said Tim Draper, Founding Partner, Draper Associates. “Slingshot Aerospace is charting a new course for humanity by building technologies and awareness to ensure space remains a safe and secure gateway of discovery. We share Slingshot’s desire to keep space a core tenet of our global economy for generations to come.”

Slingshot Aerospace will use the new funds to accelerate the commercialization of its products and technologies, including Slingshot Beacon, the industry’s first space collision avoidance cross-coordination and communications platform. The platform connects commercial, government and civil customers on one platform to better design, manage, and safeguard their satellites and other assets; mitigate risks; and ensure safe and reliable operations for all spaceflight operators. The company will also use the funds to hire 40 new employees over the next 12 months.


Cleared Employer at Work: General Dynamics Mission Systems

At General Dynamics Mission Systems, you will experience a variety of career opportunities and contribute to the defense of our nation. Explore opportunities.


Opportunity to Watch

BAE Systems has completed the acquisition of Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) for $200 million, subject to customary closing adjustments. BISim joins BAE Systems as a wholly-owned subsidiary, bringing global software development and advanced military simulation and training solutions to the company’s growing digital transformation portfolio.
“The addition of BISim to the BAE Systems team expands our modelling and simulation capabilities and solidifies our systems integration strategy,” said Tom Arseneault, president and CEO of BAE Systems, Inc. “With this acquisition, we are even better positioned to meet our customers’ evolving needs in the rapidly growing market for global military training, and deliver next-generation virtual systems to help our U.S. military and its allies effectively prepare for future scenarios.”
The global market for military training and simulation environments and related services is expected to continue growing and surpass $11 billion annually. Our combined capabilities will enable BAE Systems to meet this increasing demand for both military and civilian applications. The BISim purchase also strengthens our position to address the U.S. National Defense Strategy priority to support Joint All Domain Operations.
BAE Systems and BISim began working together in 2019 on the U.S. Marine Corps War Gaming and Analysis Center contract, and later as part of the BAE Systems Joint All Domain Operations System of Systems research and development project. To best leverage the ongoing collaboration, BISim will join the BAE Systems Intelligence & Security sector.
BISim uses the latest game-based technology and an experienced team of engineers to develop high-fidelity, cost-effective training and simulation software products and components for defense and civilian applications. BISim’s market-leading virtual and constructive simulation products are used extensively by more than 60 countries, as well as within all branches of the U.S. military. This capability not only enhances readiness, but will also allow customers to reduce their CO2 footprint by using simulated training techniques instead of real world training exercises. Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., BISim has an international presence with over 325 employees working in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, among other countries.

 

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Jillian Hamilton has worked in a variety of Program Management roles for multiple Federal Government contractors. She has helped manage projects in training and IT. She received her Bachelors degree in Business with an emphasis in Marketing from Penn State University and her MBA from the University of Phoenix.