The Army’s acquisition chief, Malcolm O’Neill, will resign after a little more than a year on the job, according to a report in Defense News.
O’Neill sent an email to staff May 31 saying he is stepping down because for personal reasons.
“The effective date of my resignation is as soon as possible, but I am working with the Secretary of the Army and the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics) to ensure that our organization continues to operate without interruption,” O’Neill wrote in the email, obtained by Defense News.
O’Neill was sworn into office in March 2010 as the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology.
And in his relatively short time as the Army’s chief weapons-buyer, Defense News reports O’Neill left his mark. A September article pointed to O’Neills’ efforts to turn around the troubled Ground Combat Vehicle project, which led to the Army issuing revised solicitations.
He was also cited for his efforts at filling out the Army’s acquisition workforce as well as revitalizing the service’s research-and-development team.
O’Neill’s departure is the second personnel change announced this week. Earlier, President Barack Obama announced his intention to nominate Army Chief of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Taking over as ACS will be current U.S. Joint Forces Command Cmdr. Ray Odierno.
