REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – (June 16, 2026) Having the opportunity to improve as a leader is a chance to improve everyone around you.
DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center leaders found new ways to approach that role as part of the fourth cohort of the DEVCOM Distinguished Leaders Program. Luis Rodriquez, with the Software, Simulation, Systems Engineering & Integration Directorate; Buvana Jayaraman, with the Technology Development Directorate; and Jessica Kelley with the Systems Readiness Directorate all participated in the program.
Created in 2021, the DEVCOM DLP is a year-long program that focuses on executive forums and strategic partnership engagements to foster innovative ideas aimed at solving enterprise problems. Scientists, engineers, technicians and analysts are chosen each year for their demonstrated excellence as leaders and their abilities to take what is learned in the program and implement it at the Center level.
“My experience with the DLP was incredibly rewarding and eye-opening,” Rodriguez said. “It provided a unique vantage point to see how DEVCOM functions as a unified enterprise rather than just a collection of individual centers. The program challenged me to think beyond my daily technical responsibilities and consider the broader strategic impact of our work on the Army's modernization goals.”
While this cohort could not visit other DEVCOM centers as part of the program, the group was still able to have meaningful in-person interactions to help foster more collaboration across the enterprise and develop a better understanding of how DEVCOM functions as one command.
With a footprint as large as DEVCOM’s, the DLP removes that barrier between center leaders and lets them get to know each other, exchange information and perspectives, and share advice to take back with them to their respective center.
“Participation in the DLP program provided valuable insight into the various DEVCOM centers and the unique missions they support,” Jayaraman said. “Hearing directly from peers offered a broader understanding of the extensive work carried out across the DEVCOM enterprise.”
Rodriguez said his biggest takeaway was the importance of breaking down silos and making sure to be engaged with coworkers.
“I realized how much we can leverage each other's expertise to solve complex problems faster. Additionally, shadowing senior leadership taught me that effective decision-making at the enterprise level requires a balance of technical data and a deep understanding of the Soldier’s operational needs,” added Rodriguez.
Jayaraman shared the same thoughts when discussing interaction within the cohort and with senior leadership.
“The in-person interactions with the cohort across DEVCOM were incredibly valuable; listening to their experiences provided meaningful insight. Meeting with center directors and the commanding general offered a unique opportunity to observe how senior leaders make decisions, especially when navigating complex or challenging situations.”
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About DEVCOM AvMC: DEVCOM AvMC is the nexus of Army aviation and missile modernization, where the operational requirements of Transformation and Training Command (T2COM) are fused with the acquisition strategies of the Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAE). As the Army’s primary source of deep technical expertise, the Center provides the innovative science and responsive life-cycle engineering that allows the PAEs to execute programs at speed, delivering the asymmetric capabilities required to ensure our Soldiers dominate future conflicts.
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