WERNER is a Digital Material Management subject matter expert who leverages over a decade of experience dealing with complex space system challenges across the United States Space Force, Air Force, and the Na- tional Reconnaissance Office. He leads digital service execution for the Space Force, ap- plying expertise in IT architecture, system integration, acquisition, engineering, and op- erations. Werner also offers consultation to assist DoW programs and contractors navi- gate acquisitions, program execution, and digital transformation. Werner holds an MS in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology and a BS in the same field from
Prompt Examples For planning in Jira, SAFe SCRUM, or tailored to adjacent planning methods: Create a Jira epic for a [enter general description of what you want] of a [context of what an environment it will be in]. Focus on [give it an end-user perspective/focus area] and [other key areas/constraints you care about]. Include Definition of Done, Acceptance Criteria, High-Level Tasks, and Risks/ Mitigations [you can enter other items you care about and dependencies]. We are [give context on your org or position so it can give you actionable steps]. Key user groups [ID additional stakeholders]. A key risk is [enter biggest areas to mitigate].
the Illinois Institute of Technology. The author can be contacted at caleb.werner.2@spaceforce.mil .
The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the Department of War. Reproduction or reposting of articles from Defense Acquisition magazine should credit the authors and the magazine.
deployment. The command is actively engaged in developing governance frameworks and ethical guidelines for AI utilization, in coordination with broader USSF and DoW strat- egies. This proactive approach en- sures that AI is used ethically and transparently, mitigating potential risks and building trust in these transformative technologies. The key takeaway extends beyond the specific capabilities of NIPRGPT. It underscores the need for a cultural shift within the warfighting acqui- sition community—a shift toward embracing innovation, fostering AI literacy, and recognizing the power of human-machine collaboration. The future of space acquisition is not solely about adopting specific AI tools but about cultivating a mindset
of continuous learning, experimenta- tion, and adaptation. The DoW, and SSC in particular, must continue investing in AI re- search, development, and implemen- tation. By prioritizing ethical consider- ations, developing robust governance frameworks, and empowering the workforce to embrace these transfor- mative technologies, we can ensure that the USSF maintains its techno- logical edge in the increasingly com- plex and contested space domain. The experiences shared here serve as a call to action for the entire warfighting community: Embrace the potential of AI, navigate the challenges thought- fully, and unlock a new era of innova- tion in space acquisition. The future of space dominance depends on it.
Related Resources • Artificial Intelligence (AI) (Resource Hub) • Recommended Introductory Level AI Courses (Playlist) • SWE 0056 What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? (Online Training Course) • Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (Webinar)
MDAP PROGRAM MANAGER CHANGES With the assistance of the Office of the Secretary of War, Defense Acquisition magazine publishes the names of incoming and outgoing program managers for major warfighting acquisition programs (MDAPs). This announcement lists such changes of leadership for both civilian and military program managers for the months of August through September 2025.
ARMY Col. Lee Bruner NAVY/MARINE CORPS
AIR FORCE None FOURTH ESTATE None
Capt. Raphael R. Castillejo relieved Mr. Nicholas D. Bergeron as Program Manager for the Command and Control Systems Program (PMW 150) on Aug. 19, 2025.
22 | DEFENSE ACQUISITION | November-December 2025
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