THE COMMISSIONING CEREMONY: Chris Young, alongside his class of 105 direct commission candidates at Fort Moore, Georgia
First Army Acquisition Corps Civilian Commission: (Photos by Maj. Brad Mcpherson, USAASC)
On August 16, 2024, Chris Young made history by becoming the first civilian to receive a direct commission into the Army Acquisition Corps (AAC). This landmark achievement not only represents a personal milestone for Young but also signals a transformative shift in how the Army is expanding its talent pool.
The commissioning ceremony, held at Fort Moore, Georgia, was a momentous occasion conducted by 3rd Battalion 11th Infantry Regiment commander, Lt. Col. Wilford Garvin, who commissioned Young alongside his class of 105 direct commission candidates. Young’s direct commission is part of an innovative initiative by the Army to create specialized pathways for commissioning in various job fields. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, signed into law on August 13, 2018, empowers the DOD with enhanced authority to grant constructive service credit. This authority facilitates the direct commissioning of officers up to the rank of colonel, across all branches and functional areas, reinforcing the Army’s commitment to attracting top-tier, civilian talent.
The direct commission program is a highly selective and rigorous process. Young will embark on a rigorous training path that includes the Direct Commission Course, the Signal Basic Officer Course and the Signal Captain Career Course. After completing this training, he will transition to a Functional Area 51, where he will likely take on an acquisition program manager role within a Program Executive Office.
Young’s impressive background spans over 20 years of diverse experience in the civilian sector, where he excelled in various roles, including manufacturing engineer, operations manager and even a company CEO. This multifaceted background equips Young with a unique perspective that will undoubtedly enhance the Army Acquisition Workforce.
He is eager to bring industry experience to the Army and committed to remaining at the forefront of innovation and operational excellence. Outside of his professional commitments, Young resides in Arizona with his wife and four children. His journey serves as an inspiration to other civilians considering this noble path. For more information on the Army direct commissioning program, visit https://talent.army.mil/direct-commissioning/.
