Chris Young’s groundbreaking direct commission into Army acquisition sharp
by Ashley M. Kestner
In a landmark move that reflects the evolving nature of military recruitment and talent acquisition, Chris Young broke new ground by becoming the first individual to receive a direct commission into the Army Acquisition Corps. This significant milestone marks a pivotal shift in how the Army is integrating highly skilled professionals into its ranks in support of technological innovation. Young, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in project management and technological innovation, made history when he became an Army major at Fort Moore, Georgia, in August 2024.
His commissioning signifies a broader strategy to bring specialized expertise from civilian sectors, thereby enriching its acquisition processes and ensuring our nation’s Army remains competitive—recruiting the best and brightest acquisition professionals. Reflecting on the historic moment, Young was most excited to contribute to improving the Soldiers’ experience and giving back to the mission.
“I am driven by a passion for advancing initiatives and constantly ask myself, ‘How can I contribute to making this better?’ For me, ‘better’ translates to enhancing the effectiveness of our Soldiers and improving the likelihood of their safe return home,” Young said.
THE DIRECT COMMISSION INITIATIVE
The first-of-its-kind direct commission is part of an innovative initiative by the Army to create specialized pathways for commissioning in various job fields. The John S. McCain 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.
Maj. Brad McPherson, who oversees the program, emphasized the significance of the process.
“Direct commissioning is about identifying individuals who not only possess the technical skills we need but also the leadership qualities that align with Army values. Chris exemplifies both,” McPherson said.
The path to direct commission is intense. The Army’s direct commission initiative is designed to streamline the integration of civilian expertise into military structures and requires candidates to meet rigorous standards to include undergoing a comprehensive selection process. In his new role, Young will be tasked with leading efforts to modernize the Army’s acquisition strategies, focusing on efficiency, innovation and the rapid deployment of cutting-edge technologies. This includes overseeing projects that range from developing next-generation weaponry to enhancing communication systems used by Soldiers in the field. The direct commission of individuals like Young highlights the Army’s commitment to overcoming the challenges posed by rapidly changing technological landscapes. With cyberwarfare and digital threats becoming ever more sophisticated, the need for agile and innovative acquisition strategies has never been greater.
McPherson elaborated on the broader implications. “This is not just about filling a position; it’s about setting a precedent for how we approach talent acquisition in the future. We need leaders who can think outside the box and drive change,” he said.
Young is eager to marry his industry experience with his new role as a Soldier and is currently conducting interviews with a number of Army acquisition organizations. “It’s essential to balance the understanding of risks—recognizing when to take bold steps and when to exercise caution,” he explained. “Leading in technology and innovation demands a readiness to embrace calculated risks to achieve optimal outcomes.”
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Young’s direct commission into the Army Acquisition Corps symbolizes a new era of military recruitment and innovation. By drawing on the skills and expertise of leaders like Young, the Army is positioning itself to meet the challenges of the future head-on, ensuring that it remains a formidable force for national defense.
Lt. Gen. Robert M. Collins, principal military deputy to the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology and director of the Army Acquisition Corps, is enthusiastic about the future, noting that direct commissions like Young’s will play a critical role in shaping the Army’s strategic direction.
“We’re looking beyond what’s needed today and anticipating the skills necessary for tomorrow. It’s about being proactive and ensuring that our Soldiers have multiple accession pathways available to them to get the critical skills we need,” Collins said. “Chris Young’s direct commission clearly highlights the innovative approaches we’re taking to reshape our talent management process and drive Army transformation,” he added.
Looking ahead, Young is focused on fostering a culture of innovation within the Army Acquisition Corps. He aims to create pathways for collaboration between the military and private sector innovators, ensuring that the Army remains adaptable and forward-thinking.
“I intend to draw on my industry experience to identify and address gaps in meeting Soldiers’ needs. For instance, when they express, ‘If only I had this tool, my job would be more effective,’ it resonates with me,” he said. “I am passionate about driving progress and eager to channel that energy into the Army acquisition mission.”
With a rigorous training path ahead, he has already graduated from the Direct Commission Course and will also complete the Signal Basic Officer Course and the Signal Captain Career Course. After this training, he will transition to a Functional Area 51, where he will compete in the 25-02 job market for a position as an assistant product manager. He’s hoping for a position in a program executive office.
As Young settles into his role, the impact of his commission is already being felt, setting a powerful example for how civilian expertise can be leveraged to enhance military effectiveness. With a clear vision and a commitment to excellence, Young is poised to make lasting contributions to the Army and its mission, making way for the many who will follow in his footsteps.
For more on the direct commission program, go to https://talent.army.mil/job/acquisition.
For more information about officer in Army Acquisition, go to https://asc.army.mil/web/career-development/military-officer/information.
ASHLEY M. KESTNER is the Army Class Management Activity program manager and a communications analyst for the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center Army Director for Acquisition Career Management Office. She has special expertise in government, nonprofit, healthcare and military communications, with more than 15 years of experience leading strategic communication, media relations, crisis communication, stakeholder management and brand advancement initiatives. She holds a B.A. in journalism from Indiana University and is a graduate of the Defense Information School.
