Q Sounds a lot like commercial off the shelf where we found ways to use marketplace privately developed technology in a military setting. It could be very efficient as we see with the drone usage in Ukraine, and you’re sort of experiencing the same thing with developing executive expertise by drawing from private sources to enhance decision-making. A. That’s exactly right. We are seeing more examples where commercial technology is adapted for military use, and the same applies to executive education. But challenges remain: cultural differences, mismatched timelines, and acquisition processes that don’t align with innovation cycles. Greater transparency and collaboration can help overcome these obstacles. Q Some of the more interesting examples of innovation we have learned about at DAU involve individuals who have faced a certain challenge, and they had to make in- novations on the ground, sometimes take liberties. Soldiers got a little permission or latitude from their commanding officer and innovated something that worked to reduce risk, such as a camera mounted on a military vehicle to spot anomalies on the terrain that allowed them to avoid moving on to an explosive device. A. We absolutely should encourage that kind of frontline innovation. Case studies like that are incredibly valuable not just because they offer solutions but because they foster a culture of experimentation. Our programs give leaders the chance to try out new tools in a professional setting, refine them, and then take them back and apply them in a way that fits their role and organization.
Q Where do we draw the distinction between the train- ing of the individual on the job who’s doing the actual acquisition, and the executive who is in charge of making overall policy and has to take a broader view of things? A. Policies and procedures are important, and we must fol- low them, but leaders also need to help shape them. They have a responsibility to create an operational environment that supports innovation. That means being open to new approaches, understanding risk, and encouraging measured experimentation. Without that, we risk stagnation. With it, we enable progress. Q Do you have some parting thoughts you would like to share with us to kind of round out the interview? A. First, I appreciate the opportunity. Our partnership with DAU is something we truly value. As we look ahead, it’s never been more important to focus on strengthening our industrial base, and that means investing in people. We talk about our people being our most important asset, but we need to back that up with action. Developing leaders who can make timely, effective decisions is more important now than ever. Editor’s note of appreciation: Shawn Harrison, the DAU learning director for Product Support Integration and a pro- fessor of Life Cycle Logistics, helped shape this interview.
The views expressed in this article are those of the participants alone and not the Department of Defense. Reproduction or reposting of articles from Defense Acqui- sition magazine should credit the authors and the magazine.
MDAP PROGRAM MANAGER CHANGES With the assistance of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Defense Acquisition magazine publishes the names of incoming and outgoing program managers for major defense acquisition programs (MDAPs). This announcement lists such changes of leadership for both civilian and military program managers for April and May 2025. ARMY
NAVY/MARINE CORPS Capt. Jay A. Young relieved Capt. Seth A. Miller as Program Manager for the Arleigh Burke Class Guided Missile De- stroyer Program Office (PMS 400D) on May 12, 2025. Mr. Christopher G. Melkonian relieved Col. Timothy F. Hough as Program Manager for Advanced Amphibious Assault Pro- gram Office (PMA AAA) on May 18, 2025. FOURTH ESTATE None
Mr. Michael Dunne relieved Mr. Steven Herrick as Product Manager for Robotic Combat Vehicle effective May 2025. Lt. Col. Samuel Singleton relieved Mr. Richard Licata as Prod- uct Manager for Intelligence Systems effective May 2025. Mrs. Faith Duncan assumed position as Product Manager for PATRIOT Ground Support Equipment (GSE) New Start effec-
tive May 2025. AIR FORCE None
10 | DEFENSE ACQUISITION | July-August 2025
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