ARMY AL&T
If asked for the most important points of his career, he’ll give you five. Starting with joining the Army Acquisition Workforce in the first place. Ten, taking the risk to apply for a job two levels above his (then) current position, finding mentors, volun- teering to rotate from deputy product director for Army Watercraft Systems to deputy product manager for Combat Engi- neer and Material Handling Equipment, and finally, applying for and completing the Defense Acquisition University Senior Service College Fellowship (SSCF). Te SSCF enabled him to take on his current broadening assignment as division chief and form strong bonds with peers across the Army enterprise.
FIELD OF STUDY
Upton reflects on President Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address in May at the Gettysburg National Cemetery. (Photos courtesy of Christopher “Michael” Upton)
“Most people outside of our industry are fascinated to learn about the role of acqui- sition, and find it interesting to hear about the equipment I get to support and some- times drive.”
Upton said he and his team take periodic visits to the training site at Fort Custer, Michigan, where Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers are trained on new equipment. He had the opportunity to not only see—but drive—the Army’s new Light Capability Rough Terrain Forklift (LCRTF) 5K, the High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE) and the T-9 Medium Dozer. “I did not realize how fast the HMEE could move [over 50 mph] and how much of a workhorse the T-9 Dozer was,” he remarked.
“Completing SSCF made me more competitive for centralized selection boards and lists and allowed me to gain a greater understanding of acquisition, national and defense strategies, and best practices in leadership.”
After serving as an assistant product manager, Upton said the next “typical” position was program officer and then deputy product director or manager. “Despite fear of the unknown and self- doubt of my readiness, I took a risk, applied and got selected for a deputy prod- uct director position.” It was a risk worth taking, he said. He attributes much of his confidence and motivation to the support that his mentors, family and trusted advis- ers provided along the way. In 2023, Upton will take command of Product Manager Bridging, within Project Manager Force Protection, PEO CS&CSS, after having been selected for the position during the centralized selection list process.
Upton believes that finding mentors— as well as mentoring others—supports continual learning. “My mentors helped me develop a realistic [yet achievable] career road map, identify and close
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training gaps in order to grow and advance in my career and also offered different perspectives.”
Understanding the benefits of a solid support system, Upton takes pride in giving advice to any associate, especially junior acquisition personnel. “I frequently stress that junior acquisition professionals should take care of their people—team, integrated product team—never stop learning, and perform at their best level and good things will follow.”
Upton applies the same set of values both in and outside of work. On the job, his greatest satisfaction comes from lead- ing outstanding professionals, who are committed to serving the Army and the nation, helping them find their purpose and reach their full potential. Outside of work, his goals are the same. A leader, coach and family man, Upton volunteers weekly and serves as a small group leader for high school students at his church, and also volunteers as a coach for a recre- ational soccer team. “I intentionally focus on work-life balance for my family and work team.” Whether it’s professional or personal, doing something to make a difference in your own life and the lives of others is not only successful—it’s significant.
—CHERYL MARINO
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