Top Army Acquisition Chief to Step Down

By Army Public AffairsNovember 30, 2007

Top Acquisition Chief
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WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Nov. 30, 2007) -- Secretary of the Army Pete Geren today received and accepted the resignation of Claude M. Bolton, assistant secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology.

Mr. Bolton had served six years in that capacity as assistant secretary. His resignation is effective Jan. 2.

"I sincerely appreciate the efforts of our military, the civilian employees, and contractors that have supported our mission during the past six years," Mr. Bolton said. "Their dedicated efforts are a tribute to the strength of our nation and I am honored and humbled to have served with them."

"We thank him for more than 38 years of dedicated service to our nation," Secretary Geren said. "Claude has been a valuable leader in Army acquisition for the past six years; his presence will be deeply missed. He always strove to meet the needs of the Soldier while innovating to respond to a rapidly changing environment. We wish Claude all the best as he moves on to the next chapter in his life."

Mr. Bolton was sworn in as assistant secretary of the Army Jan 2, 2002, and has served longer than any of his predecessors as ASA (ALT). In this capacity, he serves as the Army acquisition executive, the senior procurement executive, and the science advisor to the secretary.

During his tenure as ASA (ALT), Mr. Bolton guided the transformation of Army acquisition into a more responsive and best business practice process, allowing rapid fielding of critical equipment and technology. He spearheaded the Army's modernization efforts, including the further development of the Future Combat System and the restructuring of Army Aviation acquisition after the cancellation of the Comanche program.

"Mr. Bolton always kept our Soldiers as his foremost priority," said Gen. Richard A. Cody, vice chief of staff of the Army. "He strove every day to give them a technological edge over an aggressive asymmetrical enemy, and focused his considerable energy and leadership on Soldier force protection. He fought hard to get the best equipment, as quickly as possible, into the fight. I will miss him as we continue to build on his accomplishments and modernize our Army."

Mr. Bolton, a retired two-star Air Force general, was commissioned into the Air Force in 1969 through the University of Nebraska ROTC program. His commissioning began an extensive honored and distinguished career as both an active Air Force officer, and Air Force and Army executive.