US Army Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology

US Army Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology is a senior civilian official within the United States Department of the Army, responsible for overseeing the acquisition and logistics functions of the US Army. The Assistant Secretary works closely with the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, the Under Secretary of the Army, and other senior leaders to ensure the effective and efficient acquisition and sustainment of military equipment and technology. This includes collaboration with the Defense Acquisition University, the Army Materiel Command, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement acquisition strategies and logistics plans. The Assistant Secretary also engages with Congress, the General Accounting Office, and other federal agencies to ensure transparency and accountability in the acquisition process.

● Introduction

The US Army Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology plays a critical role in supporting the US Army's mission to protect the United States and its interests. The Assistant Secretary is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of acquisition policies and logistics strategies that enable the US Army to acquire and sustain the military equipment and technology needed to perform its mission. This includes working closely with the Army Acquisition Executive, the Program Executive Offices, and the US Army Test and Evaluation Command to ensure that acquisition programs are properly managed and executed. The Assistant Secretary also collaborates with the National Defense Industrial Association, the Association of the United States Army, and other industry associations to leverage private sector expertise and innovation.

● Responsibilities

The US Army Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology has a broad range of responsibilities, including overseeing the development and implementation of acquisition policies and logistics strategies. The Assistant Secretary is also responsible for managing the US Army's acquisition budget, which includes funding for research and development, procurement, and operations and maintenance. This requires close collaboration with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the US Army Budget Office, and the Congressional Budget Office to ensure that acquisition programs are properly funded and executed. The Assistant Secretary also works closely with the US Army Audit Agency, the Defense Contract Audit Agency, and other audit agencies to ensure that acquisition programs are properly audited and evaluated.

● History

The position of US Army Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology was established in 1990, as part of a broader effort to reform the US Army's acquisition process. The first Assistant Secretary was Duane Andrews, who played a key role in shaping the US Army's acquisition strategy and logistics plans during the Gulf War. Since then, the Assistant Secretary has worked closely with the US Army's senior leaders, including the Chief of Staff of the United States Army and the Under Secretary of the Army, to develop and implement acquisition policies and logistics strategies that support the US Army's mission. The Assistant Secretary has also collaborated with the National Defense University, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and other educational institutions to develop the acquisition workforce and improve acquisition practices.

● Organization

The US Army Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology is supported by a team of senior civilian and military officials, including the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and the Deputy Assistant Secretaries for acquisition and logistics. The Assistant Secretary also works closely with the US Army's Program Executive Offices, which are responsible for managing the US Army's major acquisition programs. This includes collaboration with the Program Executive Office for Aviation, the Program Executive Office for Ground Combat Systems, and the Program Executive Office for Soldier Systems to ensure that acquisition programs are properly managed and executed. The Assistant Secretary also engages with the US Army's logistics organizations, including the US Army Logistics Corps and the US Army Sustainment Command, to ensure that logistics plans are properly developed and implemented.

● List of Assistant Secretaries

The following individuals have served as US Army Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology: * Duane Andrews (1990-1993) * Joseph R. Reeder (1993-1997) * Gilbert Decker (1997-2001) * Paul J. Hoeper (2001-2005) * Claude M. Bolton Jr. (2005-2008) * Dean G. Popps (2008-2011) * Heidi Shyu (2011-2016) * Bruce D. Jette (2016-2020) * Douglas R. Bush (2020-present)

● Role

in Army Acquisition The US Army Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology plays a critical role in the US Army's acquisition process, working closely with the US Army's senior leaders, the Program Executive Offices, and the US Army's logistics organizations to develop and implement acquisition policies and logistics strategies. The Assistant Secretary is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of acquisition programs, including the Future Combat Systems program, the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical program, and the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program. The Assistant Secretary also collaborates with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the US Army Research Laboratory, and other research and development organizations to leverage emerging technologies and improve acquisition outcomes. The Assistant Secretary works closely with the US Army's test and evaluation organizations, including the US Army Test and Evaluation Command and the Aberdeen Test Center, to ensure that acquisition programs are properly tested and evaluated.