William (Bill) Parker-Combes’ career with the Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW) highlights the power of continuous learning and adaptability. Joining in the 2000s as a software developer, he consistently embraced change,…
Florack serves as the project officer responsible for overseeing the life cycle program management for both the M111 Offensive Hand Grenade and the M112 Practice Offensive Hand Grenade. She leads…
Kight strives to ensure that Army policy reflects the strategic messaging set forth by the President, Congress, Office of the Secretary of War, Secretary of the Army and ASA(ALT) by…
Maj. Douglas Richardson has built his career on the simple but solid belief that focus is the foundation for overcoming any challenge. Through shifting missions and unpredictable conditions, he has…
When tasked with an assignment full of unknowns, and a tight timeframe to deliver, many charge ahead without pausing to ask questions. Sgt. 1st Class China A. Mathews takes a…
DACM Hot Topics offers a monthly overview of timely educational and career resources for Army Acquisition professionals to enhance their career success.
The event honored acquisition professionals whose achievements in research, development and sustainment efforts provided critical support to the warfighter.
As the Army continues to navigate changes in 2026, strong leadership and critical thinking skills remain at the forefront to maintain a workforce that is comprised of the most capable…
When people come together, share perspectives, and build on each other’s strengths it leads to better ideas, smarter solutions and a clearer path forward.
Senior leaders from across the Department of War will gather this spring at the Warfighting Acquisition University to recognize innovation, excellence and mission impact during the 2025 Warfighting Acquisition Awards…
DACM Hot Topics offers a monthly overview of timely educational and career resources for Army Acquisition professionals to enhance their career success.
The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is offering three new master’s degree programs for eligible Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW) personnel: Master of Science in Acquisition – Contract Management; Master of Science…
The Warfighting Acquisition University is proud to offer two new cross-functional training (CFT) courses for acquisition professionals: CFT-4010 and CFT-4200.
The DACM mission is to recruit, train and retain an agile, adaptive and professional workforce with the acquisition acumen and critical thinking skills to accelerate delivery capability to Soldiers.
LaTrish M. Jones and Traci B. Williams were recently celebrated as graduates of the Year Group 2023 for the Leadership Excellence and Acquisition Development (LEAD) program.
WHAT’S NEW? CATALOG OF FISCAL YEAR 2025 PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS Now that fiscal year 2025 is upon us, newly published program announcements are available! Perhaps you’re interested in getting…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center, The Army Acquisition School TITLE: Instructor YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 10 MILITARY OR CIVILIAN: Military YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE: 14 DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: DOD…
(Image by Nataliia Mysak, Getty Images) CAREER NAVIGATOR The push to equip the Army Acquisition Workforce with digital skills continues with MOREin’24. by Jacqueline M. Hames Last fall, the…
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: Army acquisition professionals gathered at the annual OAP Lead Summit, held April 17-18 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Stefanie Pidgeon, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center) by…
MAINTAINING SUPPLY: The Army Climate Strategy aims at establishing a road map for building resilient supply chains while also achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. (Photo by Cottonbro Studio,…
KEEP AT IT: As leaders, we have to give folks the breadth and depth of experience necessary to meet the increasing demands of our profession. (Image by Gerd Altmann, Pixabay)…
CHOOSE YOUR TOOLS WISELY: The hard work of transitioning the workforce to the new Back-to-Basics model is over, but a lot more is still to come with regards to communication,…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems TITLE: Acquisition specialist, contracting officer’s representative, trusted agent YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 15 DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: DOD contracting professional EDUCATION:…
TWI FORCETraining With Industry fellows gather out front of the Salesforce headquarters in San Francisco for their annual midpoint meeting, March 7-9. (Photo courtesy of the Army DACM Office) TWI…
ACROSS THE ARMY: Branches of the FMMP exist throughout the Army—another branch just launched in March 2023 at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, with Ms. Marion Whicker, Army Materiel Command executive deputy…
EQUIPPED FOR THE FUTURE: In supporting the Army’s Digital Transformation Strategy, training current and future Army acquisition leaders will equip those leaders with the knowledge and tools that are essential…
A NEW CHAPTER FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT: The story of Army modernization in 2023 is a story of software development, interoperability and continuously iterated and integrated software products. (Photo by Getty…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Army Contracting Command, Headquarters 409th Contracting Support Brigade TITLE: Contract specialist ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: Series 1102 YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 10 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE: 23…
GOING BEYOND THE BASICS WITH CREDENTIALS Credentials are an important aspect of the Back-to-Basics (BtB) framework and a powerful complement to baseline Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA)-required…
From the Director of Acquisition Career Management Ronald R. Richardson Jr. New framework, better alignment. The Army Acquisition Workforce is now working under a new and…
OUT WITH THE BATHWATER: Retirement brain drain is the loss of critical skills and experience required to maintain the workforce when seasoned employees retire en masse. (Image by Getty Images)…
ROUGH SEAS: The stakeholder network can answer a boat-load of questions and help workforce members as they navigate the sometimes treacherous waters of career planning and development. (Images by Getty…
FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Jan 25, 2022) – Four GS-14 candidates from the Army Acquisition Workforce were selected from the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) product director (PD) centralized selection…
A WARM WELCOME TO MR. RONALD (ROB) RICHARDSON JR., THE NEW DIRECTOR OF ACQUISITION CAREER MANAGEMENT The Army welcomes its new Director of Acquisition Career Management (DACM), Mr.…
ROLL CALL: Adm. Mike Mullen, left, then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, congratulated the author at the National Defense University commencement exercise in June 2010. (Photo courtesy of…
ACQUISITION EDUCATION, TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FY22 PRODUCT DIRECTOR (GS-14) AND FY23 PROJECT DIRECTOR (GS-15) CENTRALIZED SELECTION BOARDS The Army Director of Acquisition Career Management (DACM) Office…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space, Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions Project Office TITLE: Finance branch chief YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 12 years AAW/DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS:…
ACQUISITION EDUCATION, TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – FY23 CENTRALIZED SELECTION LIST LTC/GS-14 AND COL/GS-15 The Director of Acquisition Career Management (DACM) Office is pleased to…
FORT BELVOIR, Va. (April 26, 2021)—“Employing the best talent for the Army Acquisition Workforce is paramount if we’re to succeed at our mission,” writes Army Director of Career…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal, Program Executive Office for Aviation, Product Manager Apache Sensors TITLE: Contracting officer YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 13 years AAW/DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS:…
Everything you need to know about writing award nominations that win. by Ellen Summey It’s a familiar scenario in most Army workplaces as awards season approaches. “Hey,…
TITLE: Program Analyst COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space, Strategic and Operational Rockets and Missiles Project Office ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: Business - Financial Management YEARS OF…
ACQUISITION EDUCATION, TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES OPENING SOON – FY23 CENTRALIZED SELECTION LIST LTC/14 and COL/15 The Director of Acquisition Career Management (DACM) Office is…
TITLE: Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) energy manager COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: AMCOM G-4 Engineering ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: Engineering YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 10 years MILITARY OR CIVILIAN: Civilian AAW/DAWIA…
TITLE: Assistant product manager COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space, Strategic and Operational Rockets and Missiles Project Office, Precision Strike Missile ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: 51A YEARS…
ACQUISITION EDUCATION, TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES CLOSING SOON: ACQUISITION TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Applications are being accepted until March 5 for the Army Acquisition Tuition Assistance Program…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Project Director Joint Bombs, Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition TITLE: Project management engineer ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: Engineering YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 11 MILITARY…
ACQUISITION EDUCATION, TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES STILL OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS - ACQUISITION TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ATAP) Great news! The ATAP application deadline date has been extended…
IN THE FEEDBACK LOOP: A rifle squad from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, visit Bell Flight’s Arlington, Texas, facility in October. The Soldiers provided crucial feedback on the…
ACQUISITION EDUCATION, TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACQUISITION TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Applications to the Acquisition Tuition Assistance Program (ATAP) will be accepted Jan.4 through Feb. 5, 2021.…
The FY21 Product Director Centralized Selection Board was convened on September 14-16, 2020, at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The civilian centric board is a high priority talent management initiative…
TITLE: Management analyst COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: Business – financial management YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 11 MILITARY…
TITLE: Program analyst COMMAND/ORGANIZATION:Deputy Undersecretary of the Army for Test and Evaluation ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: Test and evaluation YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 13 MILITARY OR CIVILIAN: Civilian…
DACM OFFICE UPDATE ARMY ACQUISITION WORKFORCE (AAW) HUMAN CAPITAL STRATEGIC PLAN (HCSP) People are a top priority in the Army, and one of the many ways we’re…
FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Oct. 22, 2020)—The Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW) needs to develop strong leaders, even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the Army Director…
FROM THE DIRECTOR FOR ACQUISITION CAREER MANAGEMENT CRAIG A. SPISAK Developing leaders for the future Army Acquisition Workforce doesn’t stop, not even in the face of a…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition, Program Manager Towed Artillery Systems TITLE: Program Management Engineer ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: Engineering YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 11…
ONWARD AND UPWARD: The SRPE is forward-looking, an assessment of the potential for civilian acquisition professionals to perform in positions of increased responsibility, based on their demonstrated leadership skills. In…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Program Manager Towed Artillery Systems, Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition TITLE: International project lead and executive officer ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: Program management and engineering…
DACM OFFICE UPDATE SHATTERING RECORDS - THE FY20 STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM The Army DACM Office is proud to announce that over 900 applicants have been approved…
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ACQUISITION CAREER MANAGEMENT CRAIG A. SPISAK For the Army Acquisition Workforce, training has continued in spite of the limitations brought on by COVID-19.…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: 414th Contracting Support Brigade, 728th Contracting Team TITLE: Contract specialist ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: 51C YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 1 MILITARY OR CIVILIAN: Military YEARS OF MILITARY…
TITLE: Director of current operations, security manager COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: Operations YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 31…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: U.S. Army Special Operations Command TITLE: Contract specialist ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: Contracting YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 3 MILITARY OR CIVILIAN: Military YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE: 12…
DACM OFFICE UPDATE CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CDG/AAF GRADUATES! Time to celebrate! July 23 was graduation day for the eight members of the Year Group 2017 Competitive…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Product Manager Heavy Tactical Vehicles, Project Manager Transportation Systems, Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support TITLE: Program officer ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: Program management…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center, Director for Acquisition Career Management, Strategy and Policy Branch TITLE: Functional Area 51 proponency officer YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 8 YEARS…
FORT BELVOIR, Va. (July 17, 2020)—How is the Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW) responding to the COVID-19 pandemic? What plans are being made for the future? How are Defense…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command TITLE: Director, Combat Capabilities Development Command Field Assistance in Science and Technology - Atlantic region YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 14…
LEARN AND GROW: Kirkpatrick encourages the Army Contracting Command – Afghanistan brigade staff and other junior acquisition officers to learn one new thing every day. (Photo courtesy of Master Sgt.…
DACM OFFICE UPDATE CALL FOR NOMINATIONS! 2020 AAE EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP AWARDS The Army Acquisition Workforce is filled with many impressive people—individuals and teams who develop new…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Project Manager for Short and Intermediate Effectors for Layered Defense, Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space TITLE: Lead systems engineer YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 14…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Product Manager for Next Generation Weapons, Project Manager for Soldier Lethality, Program Executive Office for Soldier TITLE: Assistant product manager YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 2 YEARS…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Product Lead for Tactical Network Initialization and Configuration, Project Lead for Network Enablers, Program Executive Office for Command, Control and Communications – Tactical TITLE: Assistant product manager,…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Integrated Air and Missile Defense Project Office, Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space TITLE: Product Manager, Integrated Air & Missile Defense Hardware ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: Program…
FROM THE DIRECTOR OFACQUISITION CAREER MANAGEMENTCRAIG A. SPISAK Modernizing the Army means modernizing acquisition. Craig A. Spisak Director, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center and Director, Acquisition…
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK: The Army DACM Office is developing a supervisor readiness portal that compiles information, guides and other resources into a one-stop shop for supervisors of AAW professionals.…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Product Manager for Force Sustainment Systems, Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support TITLE: Assistant Product Manager for Shelter Systems ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: Program…
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Project Director for Joint Bombs, Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition TITLE: Program analyst YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 8 DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: Level III in…
ARMY DACM OFFICE UPDATES ANNOUNCING NEW WEB ADDRESS FOR CAMP/CAPPMIS The Career Acquisition Management Portal/Career Acquisition Personnel and Position Management Information System (CAMP/CAPPMIS) is back online after undergoing required…
Maj. Frank M. Musisi COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Product Manager for Bridging, Project Manager for Force Projection; Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support TITLE: Assistant product manager YEARS…
FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Apr. 29, 2020)—How will acquisition certification training requirements be impacted by COVID-19? What is the latest coronavirus guidance for DAU students? Where can I find…
ARMY DACM OFFICE UPDATES INFORMATION RELATED TO DAU AND CORONAVIRUS 12-MONTH EXTENSION OF GRACE PERIOD FOR MEETING ACQUISITION POSITION CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Coronavirus continues to spread and…
Remo Dela Cruz TITLE: Contracting officer COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: 413th Contracting Support Brigade, Army Contracting Command ACQUISITION CAREER FIELD: Contracting YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 3 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE: 9…
The Army DACM Office’s supervisor competency assessment results help justify targeted training. by Jacqueline M. Hames Knowing the capabilities of your workforce is key in managing employee talent—it allows…
ARMY DACM OFFICE UPDATES UPDATE ON THE AAW RECRUITMENT AND SUSTAINMENT CENTER OF EXCELLENCE The transition to the Army Acquisition Workforce Recruitment and Sustainment Center of Excellence…
Gwendolyn “Gwendi” Miller COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District TITLE: District chief of contracting YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 17 DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: Level III in contracting…
Maj. John Weissenborn, second from the left, with 2018-2019 TWI fellows and Ford Motor Co. employees at the Ford Motor Company. With Weissenborn are Lt. Col. Sheila Howell, front row,…
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ACQUISITION CAREER MANAGEMENT CRAIG A. SPISAK Craig A. SpisakDirector, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center and Director, Acquisition Career Management DACM Office, CHRA join forces to stand…
ARMY DACM OFFICE UPDATES 2019 SECRETARY OF THE ARMY AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN CONTRACTING – WINNERS ANNOUNCED Congratulations to Joseph M. Carroll, U.S. Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal,…
Recently returned from a four-month assignment in Frankfurt, Germany, Dr. Genevieve Flock is hoping that international contacts she developed can help keep American Soldiers safe around the world.
Joan L. Sable COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center TITLE: Deputy director, Acquisition Career Management Office; chief, Army Acquisition Workforce Strategy and Communications Division YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE:…
By Susan L. Follett Dr. James C. Kirsch, Everett F. “Frank” Smith and a team from the Joint Program Office for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JPO JLTV) have been…
Army DACM Office introduces Hot Topics 2.0 By Tara Clements and Marti Giella FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Oct. 6, 2015) – Hot Topics is back, providing a monthly breakdown…