Maj. Gen. H. Marshal Ward is the director of special programs, Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Washington, D.C. He serves as the principal staff assistant and adviser to the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and technology on all programs protected under special access controls. He is also director of the Special Access Program Coordination Office. In this capacity, he serves as executive secretary of the Special Access Program Oversight Committee and works directly for the deputy secretary of defense. Additionally, the general serves as the Department of Defense director of low observables.

The general was born in San Turce, Puerto Rico. He enlisted in 1966 and later graduated from Florida State University after participating in the Airman’s Education and Commissioning Program. He was commissioned lieutenant after completing Officer Training School in 1969 as a distinguished graduate. He earned his wings in 1974 at Vance Air Force Base where he received honors as distinguished graduate and recipient of the Air Training Command Commander’s Trophy.

He has held various rated and non-rated duty assignments in weather forecasting, hurricane reconnaissance, airlift operations, command and control operations, acquisition program management, communications, space and missile plans and policy, and operational requirements. His staff assignments include positions at the Joint Staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Air Force Space Command and in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as deputy director of operations and training with the deputy chief of staff for air and space operations at Headquarters U.S. Air Force. The general has experience in multiple aircraft weapons systems and is a senior pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours, primarily in C-141 and C-130 aircraft.

from www.af.mil

Original Air Date: April 14, 2010