POSITION AND UNIT: Assistant product manager, Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System, Close Combat Weapon Systems Project Office, Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space
YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 2
YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE: 9
DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: Level II in program management
EDUCATION: B.S. in engineering technology and design, University of Central Florida
AWARDS: Bronze Star (2); Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal (2); Army Achievement Medal; Meritorious Unit Citation (2)
Leveraging experience for mission success
By Susan L. Follett
Capt. Bradley Coule came to acquisition two years ago, hoping that his engineering background and deployment experience in the field could translate into helping other Soldiers. So far, he says, his experience has been “incredible.”
“I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with several senior retired military personnel who I have been able to learn from, both from the perspective of a military leader and to learn the acquisition process,” said Coule, who is an assistant product manager for the Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System (LMAMS). “I don’t believe there are too many other positions that provide young Army officers the opportunity to learn from several retired colonels and command sergeants major.”
LMAMS is a guided missile system small enough to fit in a backpack and capable of firing at a small target. Designed for small tactical units, it can be placed into operation in two minutes and has a range of more than 10 kilometers. The operator can wave off or redirect the munition’s flight path seconds before impact, providing precision fire capability while minimizing collateral damage. A capability development document for the system is in the works, with input and staffing from the Maneuver Center of Excellence.
Photo taken during a 2012 deployment to Afghanistan, when Capt. Coule was part of a 12-man Security Forces Assistance Team that trained and assisted the Afghan Uniformed Police. Coule is shown with Lt. Daniel Considine during patrol of a weapons smuggling route in a valley between the mountain ranges in Regional Command South. (Photos courtesy of Capt. Coule )
Coule, who enlisted in the Florida National Guard in March 2001 before joining the active duty Army in 2006, attributes his interest in military service to Hurricane Andrew, which struck Florida in 1992. “I remembered all the Soldiers who came to help us,” said Coule, who was 12 at the time, “and I always thought that I would like to do something like that, to help other people and serve.”
While he enjoys his work, it hasn’t been without its challenges, he said, the biggest of which is understanding the Joint Capabilities Integration Development System (JCIDS). “I’m trying to learn what I can do at my level to get capabilities fielded in an expedient manner to capitalize on the latest technology, while still working in line with the JCIDS process, to maximize the potential of technology and provide overwhelming overmatch for our Soldiers.”
What do you do in your position, and why is it important to the Army or the warfighter?
I oversee the cost, schedule and performance of the LMAMS to ensure that training resources are maximized and field support representatives are readily available to support deployed troops and training inside and outside the continental United States. LMAMS provides Soldiers an organic, precise and lethal mechanism with an inherent ability to abort terminal engagement and wave off if target parameters change. This capability provides commanders with the confidence that collateral damage can be avoided, as well as the ability to precisely engage targets well beyond the range of current organic weapon systems.
How did you become part of the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?
I applied for the Voluntary Transfer Incentive Program in 2012 during a deployment in Afghanistan. I believed that my civilian education in engineering, paired with eight years of operational experience—including 36 months of combat deployments—would be beneficial in ensuring that our Soldiers received the best equipment our country could offer. I was familiar with what technology could provide, and I understand the operational need.
What do you see as the most important points in your career with the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?
There are many gates that a professional must pass through to progress and be successful, so I do not believe that there are any specific positions or moments in one’s career that are more important than any other. I believe that attitude, work ethic and desire to learn and how you treat people, in every assignment, at all times, are what will help you grow and help the organization perform its best. Being a leader who people want to work for and who people admire and trust is the most important aspect of any career.
Can you name a particular mentor or mentors who helped you in your career? How did they help you? Have you been a mentor?
In my search for self-improvement, I realized that I need to be more humble and ask for help and guidance. I am learning that having mentors in life, both professionally and personally, will only make you stronger as a person. I am in the process of finding a mentor who can coach me and hold me accountable for the future.
Capt. Coule and a young boy who visited his patrol base frequently to sell them food, which was, according to Capt. Coule, “a much needed change from daily MREs.”
What’s the greatest satisfaction you have in being a part of the Army Acquisition Workforce?
Knowing that I can influence capabilities that will help Soldiers not only survive but thrive in combat environments and provide Soldiers the best quality of life gives me the most fulfillment. I have been blessed to work with some incredible Soldiers, and they deserve the best.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get where you are today?
No matter what, in any situation, always find ways to improve the situation and yourself. Never identify a problem without identifying possible solutions. You can’t always change the circumstance or someone else, but you can control yourself, your outlook and how you approach an issue.
“Faces of the Force” is an online series highlighting members of the Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW) through the power of individual stories. Profiles are produced by the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center Communication and Support Branch, working closely with public affairs officers to feature Soldiers and civilians currently serving in a variety of AAW disciplines. For more information, or to nominate someone, please call 703-805-1006.
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