Bharat Patel

Bharat Patel currently serves as the product lead for Project Linchpin, an effort he spearheaded in July 2022. Project Linchpin is the Army’s first program of record that will deliver Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities at scale by creating a collaborative and competitive ecosystem of industry and government partners to deliver trusted AI/ML capabilities. Project Linchpin is a collaboration between Program Executive Officer Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S), Army Futures Command’s AI Integration Center (AI2C), Army Research Labs (ARL), C5ISR Center, and Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) / Chief Data and AI Office (CDAO).

Brigadier General Christopher D. Schneider

Brigadier General Christopher D. Schneider received his commission an Infantry Officer from the United States Military Academy in 1994. His tactical assignments include: Rifle and Reconnaissance Platoon Leader, Headquarters and Headquarters Company Executive Officer, and Battalion Assistant S-3, 1st Infantry Division; Assistant G-3 Training Officer for XVIII Airborne Corps; Airborne Rifle Company Commander and an Airborne Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander in 3-325 A.I.R, 82d Airborne Division; and Ranger Assistant Operations Officer, 75th Ranger Regiment. He has multiple operational/combat deployments to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Brigadier General Schneider entered the Acquisition Corp 2005 and served in numerous assignments to include: (LTC/COL) Assignment Officer in the Human Resources Command, Alexandria, Virginia; Product Manager for Soldier Maneuver Sensors in PEO Soldier; Branch Chief for the Acquisition Branch in the Human Resources Command; Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition; Project Manager for Soldier Sensors and Lasers and as the Assistant Program Executive Officer (APEO) for Futures and Integration in PEO Soldier. Project Manager for the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, a Rapid Prototyping initiative in PEO Solider. He recently served as the Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology).

Brigadier General Schneider’s military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Ranger School, Air Assault School, Bradley Leader Course, Scout Platoon Leader Course, Jumpmaster Course, Armor Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, the Army Acquisition Basic Course, U.S. Army Command & General Staff College, and the National Defense University. Brigadier General Schneider has received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Military Academy, a M.B.A. from Liberty University, and a M.S. in National Resourcing and Strategy from the Eisenhower School. His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Joint Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Service Medal, Iraq Service Medal, Valorous Unit and Superior Unit Award, Senior Parachutist Badge, German Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Air Assault Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Combat Infantryman Badge.

Brigadier General Schneider is a native of Louisville, Kentucky, and is married to COL (Ret) Maria Schneider, an Army Acquisition Officer and native of Miami, Florida. They have three children: Michelle, Jacob, and Luke.

Cezary Szydlik

Cezary Szydlik is Project Coordinator in Land Combat Missiles, Electro-Optics and GPS Support Section.

He graduated from Military Academy of Technology in Warsaw and he granted the degree of Master of Science and Engineer of Electromechanics. After 20 years of service in Polish Land Forces, he joined NATO Supply & Procurement Agency (former NAMSA) in 2012 responsible for anti-tank systems support, since 2017, he is ATGM project coordinator in Land Combat Missiles & Electro Optics Air and Land Combat Systems Programme Office.

He has 30 years of experience providing and managing in-service support for military combat systems including missiles, artillery and armoured vehicles.

Christopher Woodburn

Mr. Woodburn was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps in 1987 and graduated from The Basic School and the Infantry Officers Course in 1988. As an infantry officer, he held the billets of Rifle Platoon Commander, Heavy Machine Gun Platoon Commander, 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander, Company Commander, Battalion Logistics Officer, Battalion Operations Officer, and Battalion Executive Officer. He also served as the Deputy, Current Operations and Future Operations Officer at the Marine Expeditionary Force level. Mr. Woodburn’s combat deployments include OPERATION DESERT SHIELD/STORM and two tours to OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.

Mr. Woodburn also served as a training company commander at the School of Infantry and commanding officer for a Marine Corps Recruiting Station. He is certified in Program Management from a tour at Marine Corps Systems Command and earned a Master’s Degree in Military Studies from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in 2003. He completed his military career as a lieutenant colonel while serving as the Infantry Combat Equipment and Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad Capabilities Integration Officer, Ground Combat Element – Fires and Maneuver, Capabilities Development Directorate at Quantico, VA.

Upon retirement in 2013, Mr. Woodburn joined the U.S. civil service and continues to work at the Capabilities Development Directorate. He worked initially as the requirements officer for Marine Corps small arms and combat optics and now supervises capabilities development for the infantry and reconnaissance communities as the Deputy for the Maneuver Branch.

Colonel (Ret.) Doug Copeland

COL(R) Douglas W. Copeland is the former Assistant Program Executive Officer, Soldier. He was commissioned in the U.S. Army in 1997 and branched Infantry. For 27 years, he served in various command and staff positions in the Infantry, Acquisition and Special Operations communities. He has completed multiple combat deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He has led multiple organizations in the pursuit of cutting-edge military technology. He has a BS from Texas Christian University and an MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is a graduate of the Army War College Fellowship Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Colonel (Ret.) Richard Hansen

As Former Program Manager, Soldier Warrior, PEO Soldier, US Army COL (R) Hansen spent 26 years in the US Army in both the war fighting and acquisition fields. He held various command and staff positions in self-propelled, towed, and airborne artillery units and fire support elements. His research, development, and acquisition experience includes various assignments as a product, project, or program manager in electric guns, armored vehicles, and precision guided munitions. In his last 4 years of service as the Project Manager for Soldier Warrior, he was responsible for weapons, clothing, and equipment for aviation crewmen (Air Warrior), dismounted Soldiers (Land Warrior, Ground Soldier Ensemble), and vehicle crewmen (Mounted Soldier).

Colonel Anh H. Ha

Colonel Anh H. Ha is the Program Executive Officer SOF Warrior. He is a native of Rogers, Arkansas, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1996 as part of the early commissioning program at the Marion Military Institute. He then completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Louisiana State University in 1999 and was activated into Army as an Infantryman. In July 2008, he transitioned to the U.S. Army Acquisition Corps. COL Ha’s most recently served as a Fellow with the US Army’s Training with Industry Program.

COL Ha has previously served as a Rifle Infantry Platoon Leader and then Company Executive Officer (XO) in 3-7 Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA where he deployed to Kosovo in 2000. His next assignment was at Schofield Barracks, HI, with the 25th Infantry Division where he served as the General Staff 3-Plans Officer, the 2-35 Infantry Battalion Logistics Officer in Afghanistan 2004-2005, and the 2-35 Infantry Battalion Company Commander in Iraq in 2006-2008.

Upon transitioning to the US Army Acquisition Corps; his other acquisition duties include Deputy Associate Director for TARDEC Quick Reaction Cell at Detroit Arsenal, MI. Assistant Product Manager for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) in Detroit Arsenal and Afghanistan forward Operations in Kandahar, the MRAP Vehicle Department of the Army Systems Coordinator (DASC) in the Pentagon, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) (ASA(ALT) Forward Operations Director in Kuwait, XO to the ASA(ALT) Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management (DASM), USSOCOM Program Manager for Counterproliferation at MacDill Air Force Base, XO for the ASA(ALT) Principal Military Deputy in the Pentagon, and XO for the Director of Supply Production, and Distribution for Operation Warp Speed in Washington DC.

COL Ha holds an Associate degree in Fine Arts from Marion Military Institute in Marion, AL; Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and double minor in Philosophy and Sociology from Louisiana State University A&M in Baton Rouge, LA; Masters of Business Administration in Acquisitions & Contract Management from Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA; Masters of Strategic Studies from the US Army War College in Carlisle Barrack, PA. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Anti-Armor Leaders Course, Advanced Nuclear Biological and Chemical Officer Course, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle Commander Course, Acquisition Basic Qualification Course, Intermediate Qualification Course, Joint Professional Military Education Level I & II.

COL Ha’s awards and decorations include the Ranger Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Bronze Star (one Oak Leaf Cluster [BOLC]), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM), Meritorious Service Medal (one SOLCs), Army Commendation Medal (three OLCs), Army Achievement Medal (two BOLCs), Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary & Service Medal, NATO Medal, and Humanitarian/Armed Forces Service Medal.

COL Ha is very lucky to be married to his wife, the former Dawn Leigh Page; and they have two amazing sons, Tran and Vinh.

Colonel Anthony Gibbs

COL Anthony Gibbs, a native of Davisville, Missouri, received his commission as an Infantry Officer through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in May 1997. In his first assignment, he served as a Rifle Platoon Leader and Battalion Adjutant in 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), at Fort Carson, Colorado. He then commanded both Alpha Company and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Task Force 1-501 Airborne (Geronimo), in Fort Richardson, Alaska, deploying while the Alpha Company Commander in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. Following company command, COL Gibbs served as an Infantry Branch Career Manager at the Army Human Resources Command in Alexandria, Virginia, responsible for professional development and assignments for all Senior (post-company command) Infantry Captains. In 2009, COL Gibbs transitioned into the Army Acquisition Corps and was initially assigned as a Contingency Contracting Officer with the 632nd Contingency Contracting Team at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After another deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he served as the Operations Officer for the 904th Contingency Contracting Battalion and Mission Contracting Office – Fort Knox.

In 2012, COL Gibbs was assigned as Assistant Product Manager, Self-Propelled Howitzer Systems, and subsequently served as Executive Officer for Program Executive Office, Ground Combat Systems in Warren, Michigan. In 2014, he moved to Program Executive Office, Combat Support and Combat Service Support, where he served as a Product Director in the Joint Project Office, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. From July 2015 through July 2017, COL Gibbs served as Product Manager, Guided Precision Munitions and Mortar Systems at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. Following Senior Service College, he served on the Joint Staff from June 2018 through June 2020 as the Program Support Division Chief, J-39 Deputy Director for Global Operations. In July 2020, COL Gibbs returned to Picatinny Arsenal as Project Manager, Combat Ammunition Systems, responsible for the life cycle management of all mortar and cannon artillery ammunition, as well as mortar weapons and fire control systems. Since August 2022, COL Gibbs has served as Assistant Deputy for Acquisition and System Management, under the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology.

COL Gibbs is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Infantry Captain’s Career Course, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Airborne School, Ranger School, Jumpmaster School, the Bradley Leader’s Course, Army Intermediate Level Education, and Senior Service College. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Senior Parachutist Badge.

COL Gibbs is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Rolla, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, Fort McNair, Washington, DC.

Colonel Bradley Sams

Colonel Chris Anderson

Colonel Chris Anderson leads a team that provides critical intelligence access and analytic capabilities across all Army echelons, from the tactical edge to the strategic enterprise level. The IS&A portfolio encompasses multiple programs of record, including Distributed Common Ground System - Army (DCGS-A), Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN), Intel Apps, and numerous other HUMINT/SIGINT/GEOINT capabilities. He was commissioned as a Field Artillery officer in 1998, and since 2007 has served in a wide variety of Army and Joint acquisition billets, most recently as a founding member of the Army Hypersonic Project Office. Prior to developing the command and control system for the Army’s first Long Range Hypersonic Weapon, COL Anderson was the Product Manager for Fire Support Command & Control in PEO Command, Control, and Communications - Tactical (PEO C3T).

Previous assignments include serving as the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) Division Chief for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), responsible for coordinating testing and the operational employment of ballistic missile defense assets throughout that theater. From 2011-2013, he ran the Personnel Recovery Support Equipment (PRSE) program for PEO Soldier and fielded cutting-edge capabilities to recover captured or missing service members. Colonel Anderson also served as the Assistant Product Manager for Surface-Launched AMRAAM (SLAMRAAM) in PEO Missiles and Space, and as an Operational Test Officer for the Fire Support Test Directorate at Fort Sill. From 2008-2009, he deployed to Iraq as the leader of a Forward Operational Assessment (FOA) Team in support of Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC). His operational assignments include serving in the 82nd Airborne Division as a Rifle Company Fire Support Officer with Bravo Company, 3-504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, where he deployed to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian. Upon his return to Fort Bragg, he served as the Charlie Battery Fire Direction Officer, Platoon Leader, and Battalion S4 for the 3-319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment. He commanded Charlie Battery, 6-27 FA (MLRS) in Iraq and Fort Sill, and served as an Observer-Controller/Trainer Team Chief and Brigade S4 for the 205th Infantry Brigade (AC/RC) at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.

Colonel Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Ripon College, Wisconsin, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama – Huntsville, and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College. His military education includes the Field Artillery Officer's Basic and Captain's Career Courses, the Combined Armed Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College, the Program Manager's Course, and Senior Service College. He is a member of the Army Acquisition Corps and holds professional certifications in Program Management (Level III) and Test & Evaluation (Level II). Colonel Anderson’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with four Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), as well as multiple campaign medals for Iraq and Kosovo and the Army Parachutist Badge. He is a member of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara and is the current President of the Aberdeen Proving Ground chapter of the US Army Field Artillery Association.

Colonel Anderson has one daughter, Cassidy, a junior at Penn State University.

Colonel George Schreffler

Colonel Schreffler was born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute with a degree in history and commissioned as a second lieutenant in May 1994. Following graduation from the Basic Officer Course and the Infantry Officer Course at Quantico, Virginia he reported to 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California. As a lieutenant in 2/5 he served as a rifle platoon commander in Company E, S-3 liaison officer, mortar platoon commander, and assistant operations officer. He deployed twice with 2/5 when it served as the battalion landing team for 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and participated in unit training and exercises in Japan, Korea, and Australia.

In June 1998 Captain Schreffler reported to the Basic School for duty as the Weapons Platoon Commander, Combat Instructor Company. From September 1999 until July 2001 he served as an instructor at Infantry Officer Course. Following the tour at the Basic School he attended Amphibious Warfare School and graduated in May 2002.

Captain Schreffler reported to 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Twentynine Palms, California in June 2002. He served as the commanding officer of Company L until May 2003 and led the company from Kuwait to Baghdad during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Next he became the operations officer of 3/7 and participated in stability operations in Karbala, Iraq from June until September 2003 and combat operations in Al Qa’im, Iraq from March until September 2004. He was promoted to major in April of 2004.

From April 2005 until June 2008 Major Schreffler returned to Quantico, Virginia to serve at the Expeditionary Warfare School as a faculty advisor, the Infantry Occupational Field Expansion Course program director, and the Curriculum Development section head. During this tour he completed the Command and Staff College distance education program. Following his assignment at Expeditionary Warfare School Major Schreffler attended the School of Advanced Warfighting, and graduated in June 2009 with the degree of Master of Operational Studies.

Major Schreffler reported to the War Plans Branch, G-5, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific at Camp Smith, Hawaii in July 2009. For the next fourteen months he managed the command’s operational planning for crisis and contingency response on the Korean peninsula. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in February 2010.

Lieutenant Colonel Schreffler returned to the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California in September 2010. He commanded 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion from February 2011 until July 2012 and led the battalion during a deployment to Reg e Khan Neshin District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. He concluded his tour as the Director of Division Schools before reporting to the U.S. Naval War College as a student. He graduated in November 2013 with the degree of Master of Strategic Studies.

From December 2013 until December 2016 Lieutenant Colonel Schreffler served as the J35 chief of future operations at the Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During this tour he deployed twice, first as a joint task force director of operations and then as a joint task force commander. He was promoted to colonel in October 2016.

Colonel Schreffler assumed command of 5th Marine Regiment in March 2017. From April until December of 2018 he deployed in command of the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command. Colonel Schreffler relinquished command of 5th Marines in June 2019. From July 2019 until July 2021 he served as the assistant chief of staff, G-3, then chief of staff, I Marine Expeditionary Force. In August 2021 he became the director of Wargaming Division, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Quantico, Virginia.

Colonel James A. "Tony" Lindh II

COL James A. (Tony) Lindh II was born in Billings, Montana and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He attended Montana State University in 1995 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences in 1999.

COL Lindh was commissioned as a Chemical Officer through Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and attended the Officer Basic Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in October 2000. He was released to the Quartermaster Branch in February 2001 after completing his branch detail to the Chemical Corps. COL Lindh served in the 3rd BCT (Greywolf), 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas from October 2000 until January 2006. During this time he was a Chemical Officer and Assistant Operations Officer for the 2-82 Field Artillery Battalion and then served as a Supply Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, Material Readiness Officer, Supply and Services Officer, and Support Operations Plans Officer for the 215th Brigade Support Battalion. COL Lindh deployed with the 1st Cavalry Division to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II from March 2004 to February 2005.

COL Lindh attended the Combined Logistics Captain’s Career Course at Fort Lee, Virginia en route to Fort Richardson, Alaska and the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division. COL Lindh served as the Battalion S-4, Bravo Field Maintenance Company Commander, and Rear Detachment Commander for the 725th Brigade Support Battalion for deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

COL Lindh joined the Acquisition Corps in 2010 and completed his Master of Science in Project Management before serving as an Assistant Program Manager for Army Enterprise Systems Integration Program (PEO EIS) at Fort Belvoir, VA. He then served as a Department of the Army Systems Coordinator for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Sensors (IEW&S) and the Executive Officer to the Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management (DASM) in the Pentagon. COL Lindh commanded Product Manager Ground Sensors in PEO IEW&S located at Fort Belvoir. He was called back to the Pentagon to serve as the Executive Officer to the Principal Military Deputy (PMILDEP) to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA(ALT)) and most recently served as the Branch Chief for Acquisition Management Branch at Human Resources Command in Fort Knox, KY. COL Lindh is currently serving as the Project Manager Soldier Survivability in PEO Soldier.

COL Lindh’s military education includes Airborne School, Chemical Officer Basic Course, Supply and Services Officer Management Course, Combined Logistics Captain’s Career Course, Aerial Delivery Management Officer Course, Acquisition Basic Course, Command and General Staff College, The Program Manager’s Course at the Defense Acquisition University, and The Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), the National Defense Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Overseas Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Meritorious Unit Citation, the Combat Action Badge, the Army Parachutist Badge, and the Army Parachute Rigger Badge.

COL Lindh is married to the former Christina Noel Adams of Poolesville, Maryland. They have two children, Penelope Helen, and James A. (Tripp) Lindh III.

Colonel Jason Bohannon

Colonel Bohannon is the Project Manager for Soldier Lethality, responsible for the development, production and deployment of small arms, optics, fire controls, non-standard weapons and remotely operated weapons stations for the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense (DoD). He has served in multiple command and staff positions supporting conventional, aviation and special operations forces with 4 combat deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. His acquisition experience covers the full lifecycle spectrum from requirements development, research and prototyping, production, deployment, and demilitarization.

After successful troop command in the 4/6 Air Cavalry Squadron, he joined the Army Acquisition Corps and was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command’s Army Compartmented Element developing requirements at Fort Liberty, NC. He then served in the Program Executive Office (PEO) for Ammo as the Assistant Product Manager for Combat Munitions, responsible for shoulder launched munitions and hand grenades. While he was assigned to PEO Ammunition, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After graduation from the Naval Postgraduate school, he was assigned to the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Moore, GA where he led the Small Arms Branch responsible for individual and crew served small arms, optics, thermals and aiming lasers. He later served as the Lethality Branch Chief responsible for shoulder launched missiles, loitering munitions and mortars for dismounted forces.

Upon establishment of the Soldier Lethality Cross Functional Team (CFT) at Fort Moore, GA, he served as a capability developer and Chief of Staff. After which, he was centrally selected as the Product Manager for Crew Served Weapons at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ, responsible for sniper systems, machine guns, remotely operated weapons stations and non-standard weapons. While assigned to Picatinny Arsenal, he was tasked to establish the program management office for Next Generation Weapons where he was responsible for Next Generation Squad Weapons rifle, automatic rifle, a common caliber 6.8mm ammunition, and fire controls for the U.S. Army. His latest assignment was with Joint Program Executive Office Ammunition and Armaments (JPEO A&A) as the Project Director, Joint Services, responsible for modernizing the Government Owned Contractor Operated Army Ammo Plants, coordinating and integrating the DoD Single Manager for Conventional Ammo (SMCA) authority and executing all DoD conventional ammo demilitarization.

COL Bohannon continues to champion improved lethality and situational awareness for Soldiers in the Close Combat Forces. His unique experience writing requirements for SOCOM and conventional forces, in addition to his position on the Soldier Lethality CFT have given him a unique perspective and the ability to facilitate changes in the requirements generation and acquisition process. COL Bohannon is a graduate of the Marion Military Institute, holds a Bachelor of Science from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master of Business Administration from Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Colonel Jeffrey Van Bourgondien

Colonel Marcus J. Reynolds

Colonel Marcus J. Reynolds is Marine Corps Systems Command’s Program Manager for Training Systems, the executive agent assigned to manage acquisition and life-cycle support of ground training systems, devices, and training support services. His staff includes nearly 180 Marines, civilians and contractors located globally with expertise in program management, engineering, instructional systems design, procurement, contract management, logistics, procurement, and contract management to name a few. Colonel Reynolds served a year as an Executive Fellow at Microsoft Corporation and has deployed multiple times to the IndoPacific as well as in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Colonel Peter Hofer

Col Dr. Peter Hofer is Head of the Institute of Advanced Officer Training at Theresian Military Academy being one of the hubs of life-long learning for all active and reserve officers in Austria. He is also head of the IRON NIKE research and development group with a focus on the requirements of a Digital Headquarters and urban operations.
Infantry man by trade, Peter has served as platoon and company leader, held various staff appointments, and commanded an infantry battalion. He was deployed on operational tours in Kosovo and Tchad.
 

Colonel Ross Monta

Colonel Monta, a native of Pennsylvania, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in May 1995. Upon graduation from The Basic School in February 1996, he proceeded to the Field Artillery Officers Basic Course at Fort Sill, OK.

Colonel Monta's operational tours included duty with 3rd Battalion 11th Marines as a Forward Observer and Motor Transport Officer, Battery Executive Officer, and S-3A for field operations and Battalion Adjutant. He attended the Security Supervisor Course then served as 3rd Platoon Commander for Marine Corps Security Forces Company, Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific, eventually serving as the Operations and Logistic Officer representing the Marine Corps to the Navy for procurement of Up-Armored HMMV’s. After completion of the Artillery Captains Course, Colonel Monta served as the Battalion Logistics Officer for 3rd Battalion 11th Marines, and was quickly selected to command Battery M, 3/11 supporting I MEF units for OIF.

Colonel Monta attended the Naval Postgraduate School where he earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. His acquisition assignments include Project Officer for Product Group Information Systems and Infrastructure; Project Manager for Marine Corps Enterprise Information Technology Services; Program Manager for Total Force Information Technology Systems; and Product Manager Marine Corps Enterprise Services. He was selected to the Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow Program, after which he returned to MARCORSYSCOM to serve as Deputy Program Manager Armor and Fire Support; Direct Report Program Manager Marine Corps Wargaming Capability; Portfolio Manager Supporting Establishment Systems; Marine Corps Deputy PEO Digital; Portfolio Manager Command Element Systems; and Chief of Staff.

Colonel Monta’s primary career field certification is DAIWA Level III in Program Management and a subsidiary Level I in Engineering. Personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.

Colonel Monta resides in Fredericksburg, Virginia with his wife Dru and their children.

Colonel Shaun S. Conlin

COL Shaun S. Conlin received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (Aeronautical) and commissioned as an Infantry officer from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in June 2002.

COL Conlin’s first assignment was as Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer in 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment as part of the Army’s first Stryker Brigade Combat Team where he deployed in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM from 2003 to 2004. During his second deployment to Iraq in late 2006 to early 2008, he served as an assistant operations officer and fusion cell chief and lethal targeting officer for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division in Baghdad. From February 2008 to June 2010, he served as a Rifle Company Commander in 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment which included a deployment to the Pech River Valley, Kunar Province for OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. COL Conlin returned to Afghanistan in 2013, this time to Kandahar, as the Squadron Operations Officer for 2d Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment. COL Conlin most recently commanded 2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment – the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course at the U.S. Army Infantry School from 2019 to 2021.

COL Conlin’s broadening assignments included Recovery Team Leader and Southeast Asia Plans Officer, Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii where he planned and conducted recovery missions for the nation’s Missing In Action. He served as the Chief of Personnel Readiness, J1, United States Forces-Korea and then later as the Aide de Camp to the Commanding General, 8th United States Army. COL Conlin also served on the Army Staff, first as the Brigade Combat Teams Organizational Integrator in the G-3/5/7 Force Management Directorate and later as the Executive Officer to the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff G-3/5/7 and Assistant Executive Officer to the Deputy Chief of Staff G-3/5/7.

COL Conlin holds a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic Course, the Infantry Captains Career Course, Airborne School, and Ranger School.

His awards include the Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Expert Infantryman’s Badge, the Army Staff Identification Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab.

COL Conlin is married to the former Beth Markham from Rathdrum, Idaho and they have a great rescue dog, Sadie.

Commander Kellye A. Donovan

Commander Kellye Donovan is a native of Kansas City, Missouri. She earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy Practice from the University of Rhode Island, a Master of Healthcare Administration from Ashford University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics and Health Outcomes from University of Rhode Island. She completed her acute and critical care residency at Naval Medical Center San Diego and Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, California. CDR Donovan is Board Certified in Acute Care and Clinical Pharmacotherapy. She serves as an Associate Professor at University of California San Diego-Skaggs School of Pharmacy and University of Rhode Island.

In her 17 years a Naval officer and clinician, her assignments have included: Naval Health Clinic New England, Newport, Rhode Island; Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California; NATO Role III, Multinational Medical Unit, Kandahar, Afghanistan; Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Camp Lejeune, NC; Operation Gotham-NYC, USNS COMFORT.

Currently, CDR Donovan serves at Marine Corps Systems Command as the first pharmacist assigned to the USMC. She works as the Asst. Team lead, Expeditionary Medical Systems Team and USMC Clinical and Pharmaceutical SME. In her current role she also serves as a Project Officer and Plans, Operations and Medical Intelligence (POMI) officer for USMC Health Services Support enterprise. She performs as the controlled substance, CBRN and pharmaceutical logistics specialist for the USMC and advises Navy Medicine Operational Medicine on parallel capability development and medical programs of record. She also serves as pharmaceutical and immunizations SME for the Medical Officer of the Marine Corps, US Fleet Forces Command and DHA Trauma Advisory Board. 

David K. Hansen

Dave served 42 years; 38 years USMC & 4 Customs and Border Protection. His USMC experience included: ACAT I PM Positions in MRAP & GCSS-MC, & positions acquiring small arms, optics, & non-lethals. In CBP he held positions running the IT for Officers working legal Ports of Entry and also as an SES leading 120 IT systems supporting the Border Patrols processing of persons entering the US Illegally. His awards include SecDec Meritorious Civilian Service, DoN Distinguished Civilian Service, DoN Meritorious Civilian Service Awards, and two David Packard Awards. He retired September 2022, & now works as a consultant.

David May

Mr. David May assumed duties as the Senior Cyber Intelligence Advisor, U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence, TRADOC, and Fort Gordon, Georgia on 13 June 2016. He is responsible for providing authoritative technical advice and recommendations to senior officials regarding Army policy, doctrine, and cyber intelligence programs to include planning, resourcing and execution of cyberspace and other multi-discipline support operations.

Career Chronology:

• Acting Cyber CDID Director, Cyber Center of Excellence, Fort Gordon, Georgia
• Senior Cyber Intelligence Advisor, Cyber Center of Excellence, Fort Gordon, Georgia
• Senior Cyber Advisor, MHM Innovations, Fort Gordon, Georgia
• Retired from the Army at the rank of Colonel following 26 years of active service
• Deputy Director, Joint Force Headquarters, Army Cyber Command, Fort Gordon, Georgia.
• Director of Intelligence, Cyber National Mission Force, US Cyber Command, Fort Meade
• Deputy Director, Cyber National Mission Force, US Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland
• Chief, Afghanistan Remote Operations Cryptologic Center (AROCC), Bagram, Afghanistan
• Commander, 707th & 206th Military Intelligence Battalions, NSA/CSS Georgia
• Deputy Chief, Analysis and Production, NSA/CSS Georgia
• Director of Operations, European Security Operations Center, NSA/CSS Europe
• Deputy Division Chief for SIGINT Operations, NSA/CSS Europe
• Chief, Theater Cryptologic Operations Center, NSA/CSS Europe
• XO, 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion, NSA/CSS Colorado
• S3, 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion, NSA/CSS Colorado
• Operations officer, 741st Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Meade, NSA/CSS Washington
• Company Commander, 297th Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Gordon, Georgia
• ACE Collection Manager, 297th Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Gordon, Georgia
• S4, 297th Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Gordon, Georgia
• Chief, Intelligence Support Group Element, Camp Doha, Kuwait
• BDE Assistant S2, 2nd BDE, 3rd Infantry Division, Germany
• Ground Surveillance Radar Platoon Leader, 501st Military Intelligence Battalion, Germany
• S2, 16th Engineer Battalion, both in Nurnberg, Germany, and during Desert Shield/Storm

Formal Education:

• Master of Science Degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College
• Master of Science Degree in Administration (Information Systems Management), Central Michigan University
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Business, Wake Forest University

Significant Training:

• DoD Advanced Professional Executive Senior Executive Service Orientation ?
• Army Senior Executive Education Program - Basic ?
• Force Integration Course For Senior Leaders
• Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
• Junior Officer Cryptologic Career Program (JOCCP), Fort Meade MD
• Combined Arms Service Staff School, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
• Electronic Warfare Signals Intelligence Course, Fort Huachuca, Arizona
• Military Intelligence Officer Basic and Career Courses, Fort Huachuca, Arizona

Awards and Honors:

• Defense Superior Service Medal
• Legion of Merit
• Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
• Army Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster
• Joint Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
• Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters
• Joint Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
• Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
• Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association’s Gold Medal of Saint Isidore
• Military Intelligence Corps Association’s Knowlton Award

Professional Memberships and Associations:

• Association of the United States Army
• US Army War College Alumni Member
• Military Intelligence Corps Association
• Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association

Dr Nathan Sharpes

Dr. Sharpes has dedicated his career to seeking out problematic but often overlooked areas of a Soldier’s equipment, and engineering solutions to make such equipment as good as possible. His work began with exoskeletons to assist with the burden of carrying heavy equipment, but realizing the battery power available to dismounted Soldiers was both a driver of the overall weight and a limiting factor in exoskeleton operation, Nathan has recently shifted to developing and integrating interoperable standard military batteries, to allow focused advancement of battery performance and manufacturing

Dr Robb Wilcox

Robb Wilcox is the US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center’s Chief Research Officer. In this role, he is the principal scientific/technical advisor and primary authority for basic and applied research programs at the Soldier Center. He evaluates the quality of research programs and promotes new areas of S&T pursuit based on determined gaps in the research portfolio. He also identifies research opportunities and analyzes advancements in a broad variety of scientific fields to advise on their impact for Soldier programs and objectives. He recommends new initiatives and adjustments in basic and applied research programs to meet current and future Soldier capability needs. He is also an Army lead for the DoD Biotech and Human Systems Commun. of Interest.

In his Previous role, Dr. Robb Wilcox was the DEVCOM SC’s S&T Lead for Human Systems Performance. In this role, he contributed to the important Soldier Center efforts in Human Systems Performance by shaping the strategy, research activities and relationships across a breadth of RDT&E efforts. He was previously the Director of the Soldier Performance Optimization Directorate at the DEVCOM SC and was responsible for 120 soldier performance team leaders, scientists, engineers, and specialists developing new capabilities through research and development to improve soldier performance.
His expertise covers a breadth of science and engineering of soldier systems, covering the fields of biotechnology, human sciences and engineering, material science, sensing, AI, M&S and advanced electronic- to name a few.
Prior to positions at the Soldier Center, Dr. Wilcox was the Chief Scientist of the U.S. Army Research Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) – Atlantic. In this role he served as the principal technical expert in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, the Former Soviet Republics as well as Africa for the Army. He advised RDECOM on international S&T collaboration opportunities relevant to US Army research interests and leveraged international S&T into US programs.

Prior to his appointment in 2012 as Chief Scientist, RDECOM-ATL, Dr. Wilcox was Associate Director at the Office of Naval Research Global (ONRG) where he was responsible for discovering and fostering S&T partnerships with international researchers, industry, and government organizations with members of the U.S. Naval Research Enterprise. His areas of expertise included many domains of basic and applied S&T to support Expeditionary and Irregular warfare s of the US Marine Corps. Prior to becoming Associate Director at ONRG, Dr. Wilcox was the lead Science Advisor to the CNO Strategic Studies Group, where he led revolutionary warfighting concept development with a 30-year futurist perspective.

After 10 years of service in the US Coast Guard as an officer and engineer, Dr. Wilcox joined The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) where he applied engineering, scientific knowledge and military operational experience to R&D projects in defense, space, and homeland security domains. Dr. Wilcox is a risk and reliability modeling expert contributing to system safety, security and performance optimization with many applications including the spacecraft design for JHU/APL’s mission to Pluto and performance assessment of systems. Dr. Wilcox also served as supervisor and supported establishment of the first Human Systems Integration Section at JHU/APL. While at JHU/APL, he also served as an instructor for the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering.
Dr. Wilcox is an Honors graduate in Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He received
two MS degrees in Engineering from M.I.T. He also received a Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Maryland with research focus on human/systems performance in modeling & simulation. Dr. Wilcox is a licensed Professional Engineer and an alumni of the Harvard Senior Executives Fellows Program. Dr. Wilcox currently lives in Holliston, MA with his wife Maryann and has a daughter Mackenzie at University in the UK.

Eric Shields

Mr. Eric Shields is a Senior Battery Advisor in the Industrial Base Policy office in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He formerly held the position of Department of Navy’s Deputy Director for Operational Energy and has led operational energy and lithium battery safety efforts for the Navy and Marine Corps at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock. Mr. Shields has experience with lithium battery safety and performance, expeditionary renewable energy systems, hybrid and microgrid systems, and human energy behaviors. Mr. Shields holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland.

Jeremy Gibson

Mr. Jeremy Gibson is a native of Jacksonville, Florida and retired from the Army as an Infantry First Sergeant after 20 years of active service in 2022. He has served at the Tactical and operational levels in a wide verity of leadership positions. Most recently, he served as a DOD contractor with responsibility as a capability developer for Army Futures Command.
Some of his duty positions have included, team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant and company first sergeant. He has served in various light, airborne and mechanized units as well as being a Ranger instructor (RI) at Fort Moore, Georgia, An Observer, Coach/Trainer (OC/T) at the national Training center in Fort Irwin, California. He is a veteran of the Iraq/Afghanistan war and has earned multiple awards and citations while also being recognized for outstanding achievement throughout his career. He currently serves as a Department of the Army Civilian as a program analyst for the Close Combat Lethality Task Force. He has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational leadership from the university of Charleston.

Lieutenant Colonel Ian Wilson

Lieutenant Colonel Michael P. Brabner

LTC Michael P. Brabner is a U.S. Army Infantry and Acquisition Corps (AC) officer. He has served in the 101st Airborne Division and 25th Infantry Division with combat deployments to Iraq as a platoon leader and Afghanistan as a Rifle Company Commander. As an AC officer he has served as; Assistant Product Manager for Large Caliber Ammunition - Maneuver Ammunition Systems, the Science and Technology Advisor to the Fires Center of Excellence Capabilities Development Integration Directorate, Test Officer for the U.S. Army Operational Test Command, and is currently serving as the Air Branch Chief for the Robotics Requirements Division at the Maneuver Center of Excellence’s Maneuver Capabilities Development Integration Directorate.

Lieutenant Colonel Wynndee M. Young

LtCol Young received her commission in the United States Marine Corps in 2002. Her operating force assignments include: Supply Officer (Okinawa/Afghanistan), Logistics Officer (Camp Fuji/Iraq), and Contracting Officer on various individual augment assignments with Security Force Advise and Assist Teams. She has deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE. Other supporting assignments include: Company Commander, 4th Recruit Training Battalion and Supply Officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Contracting and Acquisition Assignments include: Director of Contracting, 3D Marine Logistics Group; Operational Contract Support Director, Headquarters Marine Corps Installation and Logistics, LPS-4; Program Analyst, Program Manager Wargaming Capability; and Deputy Program Manager, Communication Systems. She is a resident graduate of the Army Combined Logistics Captains Career Course and the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, Marine Corps University.
LtCol Young holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Hampton University (2002), a Master of Business Administration, Webster University (2008) and Master of Military Science from the Command and Staff College, Marine Corps University (2015). Her awards include: Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 Gold Stars in Lieu of Fifth award), and Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

LtCol Young assumed her present duties as the Program Manager for Wargaming Capability, Marine Corps Systems Command in April 2023.
 

Major Dan Oesterheld

MAJ Oesterheld is a U.S. Army Infantry and Acquisitions Corps officer and currently serves as an Assistant Program Manager (APM) for the Soldier Munitions Branch at Product Manager Medium Caliber (PdM MC), Project Manager Maneuver Ammunition Systems (PM MAS), Joint Program Executive Officer Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. He’s also the acting project officer for the Low Velocity 40mm M433E1 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) munition improvement project and Aerial Intercept Munition (AIM).
MAJ Oesterheld has previously served with the 75TH Ranger Regiment, 173RD Airborne Brigade and 4TH Infantry Division with combat deployments to Afghanistan as a Operations Officer and Joint Task Force J3.

Major Matti Finnilä

Major Matti Finnilä is the project manager for Small Arms Family 2030-, Night Combat Capability 2025- and Soldier Equipment-projects of the Dismounted Soldier Program in the Finnish Army. He is also the chief instructor of the Sniper Center of Excellence. Major Finnilä has 20 years' experience of both light and mechanized infantry including two deployments to Afghanistan.

Marc Federico

Mark Richter

Michael J. Hedley

Michael J. Hedley is the Project Manager for Tactical Radios within Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical, comprised of three divisions, three Product Management offices and a Product Lead office responsible for providing a range of products that enable tactical radio terrestrial and celestial communications. He has held numerous command and staff positions during his career of service to our Army.

Mr. Hedley began his civilian career in 1986 with the Communication Electronics Command (CECOM) as a GS-09 Electronics Engineer. Modernizing the PRC-77 and VRC-12 Radio programs from tube technology to integrated circuits. In 1995 he was assigned to the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS) sustainment program, which remained the premier combat radio until recent modernization efforts under PM TR’s portfolio.

Mr. Hedley began his acquisition career in 2001 with Project Manager Tactical Radios and communications Systems (TRCS) as the GS-13 Project Lead for SINCGARS. Over 400,000 SINCGARS Radios were fielded DoD wide and to foreign partners just prior to his departure.

In 2004 he joined the Joint Network Node (JNN) team and in 2006 he was selected as the Deputy Product Manager for JNN which transitioned to Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) Increment 1. WIN-T Inc 1was fielded to Army formations just prior to deployment to Operation
Iraqi Freedom, enabling troops to communicate and move much faster than the legacy MSE system allowed.

Mr. Hedley was selected as the WIN-T Deputy Project Manager in 2010. Leading all WIN-T Increments to include Increment 2 through a successful IOT&E and Full Rate Production (FRP) decision.

In 2016 he was assigned as the Chief, Business Manager Division for PEO C3T where he provided Program, Budget and Acquisition guidance to the PEO.

Mr. Hedley was then assigned to his current position as Deputy Project Manager for Tactical Radios in 2017, where soon after he and the PM elevated the program’s visibility by taking on the Office of Primary Responsibility for the Integrated Tactical Network program and leading the HMS program through an Initial Operational Test & Evaluation and Full Rate Production. Mr. Hedley’s experience and strong leadership continues to influence the modernization and transformation of the Army’s tactical radio portfolio.

Mr. Hedley has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rutgers University. He is a U.S. Army Acquisition Corps Member Level III certified in Program Management and Engineering & Technical
Management.

His awards and decorations include, Secretary of the Army Excellence in Contracting Award, Superior Civilian Service Award and two Achievement Medals.