LEARNING DOESN’T STOP
Job stagnation is a common occurrence when tasks become routine, and one feels they’ve mastered every aspect of their role. However, Maj. David “Jon” Lilja doesn’t subscribe to this mindset and firmly believes that the journey of learning is perpetual.
“Learning doesn’t stop,” he said. “It is humbling to have the opportunity to work with my team and colleagues who possess exceptional knowledge and skills in acquisition. Tey inspire me to keep on learning and growing my skills so that I can contribute as much as they do.”
MAJ. DAVID “JON” LILJA
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Program Executive Office for Aviation, Project Manager for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
TITLE: Assistant product manager for Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems
YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 2 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE: 21
DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: Practitioner in program management
EDUCATION: MBA, University of St. Thomas; B.S. in commercial aviation, University of North Dakota
AWARDS: Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Metal; Air Medal (3); Army Commendation Medal (5); Army Achievement Medal (3); Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Senior Aviators Badge; Air Assault Badge; Combat Action Badge
As the assistant product manager for Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (FTUAS) under the Program Executive Office for Aviation’s Project Manager for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (PM UAS), Lilja is leading the prototyping effort to develop a group 3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) replacement for the existing RQ-7B Shadow, which has been in service for over 20 years. Te RQ-7B Shadow provides reconnais- sance, surveillance, target acquisition and force protection for brigade combat teams in near-real-time, day and night, and in limited, adverse weather conditions.
Tis being his first acquisition position, Lilja didn’t expect the prototyping program to be nearly as fast paced and dynamic as it has turned out to be. But he couldn’t be happier with all the learning and challenges he’s been able to take on with his team, which, he said, is the “best part of the assignment.”
“I am directly involved with a team of experts to replace the RQ-7B Shadow, a system I had as an attack troop commander, and I know firsthand the capabilities and challenges associated with that system’s operations.” He is highly motivated to find a replacement. “It is thrilling to be working on the successor program. I know what capabilities Future Tactical UAS brings to the warfighter, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” he said. “Tis program has given me a fantastic opportunity to learn at a rapid rate, not only in the realm of program management but also the intersection where technologies merge.”
While Lilja was still in graduate school, following his time as a troop commander with Alpha Troop, 6-17th Calvary Regiment, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colo- rado, he took advantage of the Voluntary Transfer Incentive Program (VTIP)—a means for eligible officers to apply to transfer to a different branch or functional area. “Te opportunity to use the VTIP process and explore a new career pathway, while still contributing to the service and providing advanced capability to warfighters, is some- thing I am passionate about,” he said.
Lilja noted what people typically find interesting about his work is the cutting-edge technology his team develops, the efficiency of his organization and “how great of a team” he gets to work with. “I’ve been in the Army for over 20 years in all three compo- nents [active duty, Reserve and National Guard] and this is one of the most outstanding organizations I’ve been lucky enough to be part of.” He said there are experts from engi- neers, acquisition analysts, cost analysts, program integrators and logisticians who’ve
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Army AL&T Magazine
Summer 2024
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