Photo By Darrell Ames | U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Francisco J. Lozano, Director of PAE-Fires.... read more read more
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By Michael Steven Kienzle | Public Affairs | PAE Fires
Redstone Arsenal, Ala. - The U.S. Army is embarking on a transformative journey to streamline its acquisition system, ensuring Soldiers receive the capabilities they need faster and more efficiently. As part of the Army-wide transformation, the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office and the Program Executive Office Missiles and Space are merging into the new Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires, led by Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano. Fires related programs from the Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems and the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition are also transitioning to PAE Fires aligning the Army’s transformation priorities.
Streamlining the Acquisition System for the Warfighter
The Department of the Army is transforming its acquisition system by replacing Program Executive Officers with Portfolio Acquisition Executives and Capability Portfolio Executives to deliver critical capabilities to Soldiers faster and more efficiently. PAE Fires is one of six new portfolio organizations being formed through the consolidation of 12 PEOs, aligning similar mission areas under unified leadership. The focus on capabilities rather than individual programs will empower leaders, streamline decision-making, and strengthen accountability.
The PAE is a senior leader overseeing a broad portfolio of related capability areas across the Army enterprise. Reporting directly to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology for acquisition and materiel development and the U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command for requirements generation, PAEs provide strategic direction, synchronize priorities, and ensure acquisition efforts align with Army modernization goals. This dual reporting structure ensures a unified and collaborative approach with direct support from organizations such as U.S. Army Materiel Command, U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, and U.S. Army Contracting Command.
Under the PAEs, CPEs, led by General Officers or Senior Executive Service civilians, manage the execution of programs and projects within each portfolio. CPEs receive acquisition authority from ASA(ALT) and direction from their respective PAEs, ensuring experienced leadership and accountability at every echelon of the acquisition chain. Together, the PAEs and CPEs form a streamlined leadership structure designed to deliver capabilities with greater speed, discipline, and unity of effort.
RCCTO’s Blueprint for Modern Army Acquisition
RCCTO has served as the vanguard of modernization, demonstrating how speed, agility, and disciplined innovation can transform acquisition across the force. Established less than six years ago to close critical capability gaps, RCCTO pioneered the Army’s rapid acquisition approach by developing and fielding emerging technologies at unprecedented speed. RCCTO’s success has not only delivered near-term combat power but reshaped the Army’s broader acquisition philosophy.
Through acquisition reform and expanded authorities, including the use of Other Transaction Authorities, Direct Hiring Authorities to rapidly onboard specialized talent, and integrating capabilities across doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership, personnel, facilities, and policy, the Army acquisition system is now adopting the same rapid, integrated methods RCCTO proved possible. This alignment in future efforts under the new PAE framework promises to accelerate delivery of advanced capabilities to Soldiers in every formation. RCCTO’s fast, focused, and ready to meet the demands of tomorrow’s battlefield accomplishments set the standard for Army transformation.
Building upon that foundation, PEO MS has embodied the Army’s enduring commitment to air and missile defense excellence for decades. From advanced interceptor and sensor systems to integrated air and missile defense networks, PEO MS has consistently provided the Army with unmatched precision and protection on the battlefield. Complementing these defensive capabilities, PEO MS also enables the offensive side of the fight—delivering long-range precision fires and strike systems that ensure the Army can deter, engage, and defeat threats before they can reach our forces. Its proven expertise and culture of technical innovation ensure that the systems pioneered by RCCTO, and those emerging under PAE Fires, are fielded, sustained, and integrated across the force with precision and reliability.
As part of the transition, select programs from PEO GCS and JPEO A&A will realign under PAE Fires, ensuring that their collective expertise continues delivery of cutting-edge capabilities with speed, efficiency, and excellence.
Workforce Continuity and Opportunity
Change can often bring uncertainty. The expertise, dedication, and professionalism of Soldiers, civilians, and contractors remain the cornerstone of continued success, and their contributions will remain vital throughout the transition to this new structure. Guiding the transition without impacting ongoing prototyping and acquisition efforts is a priority.
Key enablers such as ACC, ATEC, Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Aviation and Missile Center, the Fires Center of Excellence, and Army Aviation and Missile Command will continue to serve as critical partners. These commands bring technical depth, acquisition expertise, and operational perspective that will enable the PAEs to succeed, just as they have long supported and strengthened the PEOs.
Transition and Growth
Looking to the future, it is important to honor the past. RCCTO, PEO MS, JPEO A&A, and PEO GCS have distinguished histories of delivering critical capabilities to the Army. From the development of indirect fires capabilities, advanced missile defense systems to the rapid prototyping of emerging technologies, these organizations have consistently demonstrated the ability to meet the Army’s most pressing needs. This legacy of innovation and dedication will serve as the foundation for PAE Fires, ensuring the continued delivery of essential capabilities to the Warfighter.
The U.S. Army is turning the page into an exciting new chapter in acquisition, with every role playing an invaluable part in this journey. Cross-organization engagement and agility are essential to ensuring the success of this transition. The future of Army acquisition is bright, and PAE Fires is poised to lead the way in rapidly delivering capabilities to Soldiers, enhancing readiness and lethality keeping Soldiers safe and the nation secure.
| Date Taken: | 11.14.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2025 17:50 |
| Story ID: | 551157 |
| Location: | REDSTONE ARSENAL, ALABAMA, US |
| Hometown: | HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA, US |
| Web Views: | 65 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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