“How can you take point and achieve the outcomes we seek?” Cara Abercrombie, Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy asked those assembled for DAU’s Flagship Event of the Summer. Speakers focused on the theme of “Taking Point” within the acquisition workforce and Department of Defense (DoD) and how to leverage positions of leadership to deliver improved outcomes.

“The rapid emergence of new technologies at a pace not seen before makes it imperative we change the way we do business,” Abercrombie said. “We have to be inherently collaborative and driven to improve. Taking point is so relevant in today’s operational environment—taking the lead and getting there first.”

Taking People and Technology to the Future

To take point, DoD requires an experienced workforce who can quickly deliver the necessary tools to the warfighter. DAU President Jim Woolsey believes AI is just one of those technologies the workforce is going to have to understand and exploit. “I’ve never seen anything happen so fast,” Woolsey said. “AI is doing a lot in the background of our lives and effecting the warfighter and what they need to do in the battlespace.”

AI served as a perfect example of one of the many topics speakers used to explain the importance of taking point within the world of acquisition. Topics ranged from energetic materials, to mastering and using time efficiently, including challenges for expeditionary entrepreneurs heading into dangerous or difficult environments.

These three categories—People, Technology and Future—are interwoven into each other. They cannot stand alone, and the speakers reinforced the importance of approaching problems and opportunities wholistically.

“I was told years ago our business, acquisition, is a people business,” said DAU Vice President Frank Kelley. He also noted that he was obsessed with technology, with many speakers throughout the event reiterating the importance of technological overmatch and delivering new technology to warfighters. 

“You’re challenged to take point and look forward,” Kelley said.

Taking Point Continues

DAU provides further opportunities to learn and explore these topics. Check out the Ideas Wall and event extras to be inspired and see the event’s impact firsthand. Continue the conversation at one of the summer virtual book talkx. These talks bring in speakers to discuss books they feel are relevant to remaining on point.

But the most important way to embrace the ideas and values of taking point is to pursue acquisition excellence through mastering one’s career and continuing education.

“It’s a dangerous world out there,” Woolsey said. “When things are changing, it's important for all of us take point.”

“Taking point” is “not just driving change in your day-to-day positions, but also in your professional development,” Abercrombie said. “Be inspired. The speakers’ passion, motivation and devotion to mission is moving. Drive change in how we approach acquisition.”

This is the sixth annual Flagship Event of the Summer from DAU. The full talks will be posted on the event webpage; you can also sign up for notifications to get an email when videos are available. Follow DAU’s Social Media as we provide insights into each session and dive into how these sessions are further interconnected.