they may never have had an opportu- nity to meet in their daily routine. Te students will not only learn from them during specific segments of the three-day pilot but will also be able to reach back to them for additional advice, counsel and mentorship, as needed.


Troughout the three-day program, the participants will be asked to jot down their impressions, capturing key take- aways and lessons learned from a wide range of perspectives. I plan to collect their journals, personally read the jour- nal entries and assess how well they synthesized the topics presented during the program.


In the end, successful acquisition depends on experienced, knowledgeable leaders and professionals who are decisive in a dynamic environment, who can build tal- ent, who understand the technical nature of extraordinarily complex systems, who use critical thinking skills and who can use persuasion skills to shape outcomes and succeed in spite of all the challenges. It is a tall order, and extremely difficult to achieve on one’s own.


As the Hon. Frank Kendall, our undersecretary of defense for acqui- sition, technology and logistics, has said, “Defense acquisition is a human endeavor that requires a high degree of professionalism in multiple disciplines for success.” It is my intent to develop and institutionalize this course because it will help to set the conditions for suc- cess for those who take command. Tey will have the opportunity to hear about valuable lessons learned from those who came before them and interact with experienced practitioners who have dealt with similar challenges operating across different sectors, roles and circum- stances. Priceless!


TRAINING INNOVATION


Archie Johnson, product support manager for the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) under PEO Soldier’s PM for Crew Served Weapons, demonstrates CROWS technology provided by the U.S. Army Game Studio in Huntsville, AL, to simulate the system and thereby economically train Soldiers. Program managers need to continuously seek out and be aware of innovations in their fields. (U.S. Army photo)


‘WOLVES’ ON THE PROWL


Soldiers from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division “Arctic Wolves” transport more than 600 vehicles from the rail yard in preparation for their deployment validation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA, Jan. 10. For acquisition program managers, the ultimate goal is to provide Soldiers with the weapon systems and gear they need to succeed in their missions. (U.S. Army photo by SGT Christopher Prows, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


ASC.ARMY.MIL


133


COMMENTARY


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144  |  Page 145  |  Page 146  |  Page 147  |  Page 148  |  Page 149  |  Page 150  |  Page 151  |  Page 152  |  Page 153  |  Page 154  |  Page 155  |  Page 156  |  Page 157  |  Page 158  |  Page 159  |  Page 160  |  Page 161  |  Page 162  |  Page 163  |  Page 164  |  Page 165  |  Page 166  |  Page 167  |  Page 168  |  Page 169  |  Page 170  |  Page 171  |  Page 172