Colin has previously stated that the Contracting Officer should be every other officer’s best friend. In this episode, Capt Brent Nichols explains why. Contracting officers conduct the business of the Air Force, interface with the external world, and spend the Air Force’s money. 05:29 - Brent's background and experience getting selected for OTS (see Air Force OTS Forum: https://airforceots.com/)09:51 - Being strategic about differentiating yourself15:19 - 64P Contracting Officers20:25 - The Contracting Officer should be your best friend27:49 - Contracting Officer career path and employability (see Defense Contract Managment Agency: https://www.dcma.mil/)33:34 - Contemplating the transition out of the Air Force40:12 - Making the decision to transition49:54 - How to prepare for the transition (see Corporate Captains: https://corporatecaptains.libsyn.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/groups/corporatecaptains/)01:05:23 - CommentaryContact or connect with Brent:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentcnicholsEmail: corporatecaptains@gmail.com or nicholsgg@gmail.comPhone: (520) 306-0935 Email your questions and comments to airforceofficerpodcast@gmail.com. Join the discussion about the podcast, the Air Force, officership, and the Profession of Arms at https://www.facebook.com/groups/airforceofficerpodcast/.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AirForceOfficerPodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airforceofficerpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/afofficerpod Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/afofficerpod Share your officer stories of all flavors using #officerAF.