Outside of work, Knuteson is married with one daughter and a second child on the way. He enjoys riding his Harley-Davidson Street Bob Motorcycle, weightlifting, and shooting. He actively volunteers in his community, participating in the Adopt a Highway program and supporting the Second Harvest food bank. As a sponsored powerlifter, he donates competition proceeds to the Dane County Humane Society and Badger Honor Flight, which honors veterans with trips to memorials in Washington, DC.
Question: What prompted you to transition from a heavy equipment operator to an interior electrician, and how has it influenced your skills and responsibilities?
WO1 Knuteson: Upon my arrival at my assigned unit following AIT, I learned that the TEC had undergone a reorganization, impacting the 485th EN CO where I was to report. Within the first year of my enlistment, I had the opportunity to select a different MOS. This experience enabled me to engage in projects, as I possessed a solid understanding of the responsibilities associated with heavy equipment operators. Consequently, I was able to take on operational roles in smaller tasks utilizing bobcats and mini-excavators.
Q: As an instructor for the Afghan National Army (ANA) what insights did you gain about leadership and teaching in a military context?
Knuteson: During my tenure as an instructor for the Afghan National Army, I was part of a dedicated team responsible for training Afghan Soldiers in engineering skills. Our team engaged in a significant amount of Key Leader Engagement (KLE) and various training tasks. One of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences was teaching through an interpreter. This process required me to carefully consider how I communicated, often rephrasing concepts in multiple ways to ensure clarity and understanding.
Q: With your extensive military experience in various operations, how do you feel those experiences have translated into your civilian project management career?
Knuteson: As a member of the Engineer Corps with a background in electrical trade, I have gained invaluable exposure to experiences that would have been more challenging to access in a purely civilian career. The training and projects I have participated in have formed the foundation of my project management approach. I often describe this process to others by saying that the Army teaches us the fundamental principles of project management using traditional methods, such as paper and pencil. From there, we learn to integrate technology as a useful tool, rather than relying on it as a crutch. This blend of foundational knowledge and modern tools has greatly enhanced my ability to effectively manage projects.
Q: Community involvement seems important to you. Can you tell us more about your volunteer work, particularly with the Adopt a Highway program and Second Harvest food bank?
Knuteson: During my tenure as a field electrician with IBEW LU 159 in Madison, WI, I was actively involved in several committees, including serving on the Executive Board and co-founding a Young Workers Committee. Our approach was proactive, as we sought to engage meaningfully in both our local union and the broader community. One of our initial initiatives involved sponsoring a section of Hwy 51 in Madison, which is one of the busiest and most challenging stretches of road to access. Additionally, we collaborated with Second Harvest, a food bank that repackages large food donations into smaller portions for families in need. Furthermore, the Young Workers Committee provided me with sponsorship for my participation in powerlifting competitions, with proceeds benefiting the Dane County Humane Society and Badger Honor Flight. These experiences not only allowed me to contribute to important causes but also strengthened my commitment to community engagement and advocacy within our union.
Q: Balancing a military career, a civilian job, and family life can be challenging. How do you manage your time effectively between these critical aspects of your life and what advice would you give to other Army Reserve Soldiers?
Knuteson: Balancing a dual career can undoubtedly be challenging and often leaves little room for flexibility in time management. I have approached this issue by being transparent with all the individuals and groups I collaborate with, ensuring they understand my commitments and availability. I assess situations and prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. Additionally, I owe a great deal of gratitude to my wife, who has been incredibly supportive and resilient in managing our household while I am away. Her understanding and encouragement have been invaluable in helping me navigate the demands of my dual career. Together, we have developed a system that allows us to balance our responsibilities effectively.