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ATEC’s director of the engineering, logistics and environmental management directorate retires after 40 years of service

By Courtney GilbertMarch 22, 2023

ATEC’s director of the engineering, logistics and environmental management directorate retires after 40 years of service
Maj. Gen. James J. Gallivan, commanding general of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), presents Charlie Tangires, former director of ATEC’s Engineering, Logistics and Environmental Management Directorate, with the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal while Tangires’ wife, Jackie, stands beside him during Tangires’ retirement ceremony Feb. 27 at ATEC Headquarters. (Photo Credit: Courtney Gilbert) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – After 40 years of federal service, Charlie Tangires, former director of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, or ATEC, Engineering, Logistics and Environmental Management Directorate, also known as the G4 directorate, retired during a ceremony February 27 at ATEC Headquarters, or ATEC HQ.

Maj. Gen. James Gallivan, ATEC’s commanding general, presided over the ceremony and delivered opening remarks to honor Tangires for his service and numerous achievements during his time as a Soldier and as a civilian.

“Today, it’s all about celebrating Charlie’s 40 years of federal service; 20 years in active duty military service and 20 years as an Army civilian leader,” Gallivan said.

Tangires’ service began in May 1982 with him being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps. His first assignment was in Nurnberg (now Amberg), Germany. Tangires served in various CONUS and OCONUS assignments from Company to Headquarters Department of the Army, or HQDA, level as a multi-functional logistician.

Tangires completed his 20 year military career as a lieutenant colonel serving as the deputy chief of staff for the Logistics, Army Pre-positioned Stocks Division at HQDA.

In 2003, Tangires began his civilian career in the Army and worked as the logistics division chief for both ATEC HQ and Developmental Test Command HQ. Ten years later, Tangires concluded his civilian career serving as the director of the ATEC’s Engineering, Logistics and Environmental Management Directorate, or the G4 Directorate, from 2013 to 2023.

During Tangires’ tenure at ATEC as the G4 director, he provided management and oversight for ATEC's supply, maintenance, equipment, transportation, ammunition, and medical service management programs/operations, ensuring that program requirements and execution at all ATEC locations were in compliance with Army and ATEC standards.

Through his leadership, ATEC successfully sustained over 221,000 pieces of test support equipment valued at $2.24B and ~5.2M rounds of ammunition, valued at ~$550M.

According to Tangires, the number one thing he’s most proud of is his family and his ability to achieve work life balance.

During his remarks, Tangires reflected on his career highlights and expressed his contentment with his decision to retire at a time where he can still enjoy life doing things that he’s wanted to do.

“With the passing of my brother recently, and a lot of contemporaries, I truly realize life is too short, and there’s still a lot of things I want to do while I can,” Tangires said. “While I’m fortunate that I’m able to retire, I know I’ll miss ATEC, I’ll miss the job, and most importantly, I’ll miss the great Americans that work for ATEC.”

Tangires concluded by sharing his retirement plans which include focusing on staying healthy, working on home projects, and spending time with family.