Owen West Appointed Director of Defense Innovation Unit at Fort Benning
Owen West has been appointed as the director of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), succeeding Emil Michael. His focus will be on integrating market-ready technologies into the military and addressing operational challenges. The Department of War designated DIU as a field activity to enhance innovation and expedite capabilities for warfighters. West aims to improve performance accountability and speed in contracting, with an emphasis on technologies that enhance speed, scale, and lethality.

Owen West has assumed the role of director at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) following a handover ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia. He succeeds Emil Michael and will focus on integrating commercial technologies into military operations.
The Department of War has classified DIU as a field activity to expedite innovation and delivery of advanced capabilities. West's priorities will involve targeting operational issues, with technologies expected to be fielded within three years.
He emphasizes performance accountability, speed, and transparency in project management, aiming to make DIU the fastest contracting agent within the Department of War. West, a Marine Corps veteran with experience in both military and finance, previously served as assistant secretary of war for special operations.




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