In a ceremony steeped in historic significance, Camilla A. White ascended to the rank of brigadier general, becoming the first African American woman to attain this prestigious position within the United States Army Acquisition Corps. The promotion ceremony, which took place at Fort Eisenhower in Georgia, was presided over by Lt. Gen. Robert M. Collins, and marked a momentous occasion for the Army Acquisition Corps.
Douglas Bush, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, heralded White’s promotion as a testament to her unwavering dedication and exceptional professional accomplishments. “This recognition could not have come at a more fitting time,” Bush remarked, “as Camilla White’s promotion ceremony on March 1st bridged the end of Black History Month and the beginning of Women’s History Month.”
Brig. Gen. White’s journey to this pinnacle began with her service as a Signal Corps officer, followed by a seamless transition into the Acquisition Corps, where she has left an indelible mark through a series of critical leadership roles. Her current position as the Deputy Program Executive Officer for the U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical has seen her skillfully manage the Army’s most vital operational needs in unified communication and data networks.
Before her appointment at PEO C3T, White served as the Chief of Staff for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology), where she oversaw the organization’s modernization mission with an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her remarkable career spanned a diverse array of assignments, including serving as an assistant product manager within PEO Missiles and Space, assistant director for the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Directorate, and deputy program manager within PEO Command and Control Capabilities at the Defense Information Systems Agency.
White’s expertise in critical defense systems is well established and has had a profound impact in support of national defense. Having served as the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Product Manager, she played a pivotal role in the development of interceptors designed to safeguard against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft threats. Her subsequent assignments have seen her support the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Plans, Programs, and Resources) and serve as the Director of Aviation for the Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management.
White also held a brigade command position as the project manager for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, within the Missile Defense Agency, where she ensured the development of a weapon system to intercept and destroy short-range, medium-range, and limited intermediate-range ballistic missile threats. Following command, she served as the chief of staff within the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office where she supported Hypersonics, Directed Energy and Mid-Range Capability programs, a testament to her ability to adapt to diverse and challenging environments.
White’s exemplary service has been recognized through numerous military awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Korean Defense Service Medal.
“I, her colleagues, friends, and family salute her for all she has done. And we salute her for what she will continue to do to ensure that our Soldiers are fielded the best possible weapons and equipment, enabling them to fight, win, and survive on the battlefields of the future,” said Bush.
Camilla A. White’s promotion to the rank of brigadier general resoundingly affirms the U.S. Army’s steadfast commitment to nurturing and elevating exceptional talent, irrespective of gender or ethnicity. This milestone marks merely the beginning of her trailblazing journey, as she has been selected to transition later this summer into a new role as a Program Executive Officer, assuming leadership of the vital PEO Combat Support and Combat Service Support.
In this pioneering capacity, Brig. Gen. White will spearhead the acquisition and modernization efforts of essential combat support and service support systems, ensuring that our soldiers on the front lines are equipped with the cutting-edge technology and resources they need to maintain operational readiness and superiority. Her appointment to this critical role is a testament to her proven leadership abilities, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to empowering the men and women who selflessly serve our nation.
As she continues to shatter barriers and redefine what is possible, Brig. Gen. White’s achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration for countless young women and minorities aspiring to pursue their dreams within the Armed Forces. Her journey is a powerful reminder that talent, determination, and a commitment to excellence know no bounds, and that the path to greatness is open to all who possess the courage to embrace their ambitions.
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