Paul Kaminski
From USAFA Folklore
Dr. Paul G. Kaminski is a 1964 graduate of the Academy.
[edit] Career
Early in his career, he was responsible for the development of inertial guidance components for the Minuteman missile and terminal guidance systems for our first precision guided munitions. From 1981-1984, he served as Director for Low Observables Technology, with responsibility for directing the development and fielding of stealth systems. Former Secretary of Defense, William J. Perry, called Stealth “the most important military technical program in the nation.” Stealth technology revolutionized the conduct of warfare and was key to the continued effectiveness of airpower in the 21st Century. Former President Reagan said, “Seldom has a person of your rank achieved so much for his nation through the sheer genius of his ideas.” Dr. Kaminski also served as Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. He also managed the development of advanced space systems and new sensor technology.
Dr. Kaminski served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology from October 3, 1994, to May 16, 1997. In this position, he was responsible for all matters relating to Department of Defense acquisition and technology, including research and development, procurement, acquisition reform, environmental security, international programs, dual-use technology, logistics, the defense technology and industrial base, and military construction. His oversight and advocacy for programs employing new acquisition approaches proved critical in overcoming obstacles to their adoption and success. These projects included JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) and the C-17 transport. Perhaps his most significant accomplishment as under secretary was the development and procurement of the Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle where his significant personal energy and experience proved critical. Global Hawk in now deployed supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Dr. Kaminski has had a continuing career involving advanced technology in both the private and public sector. He served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Technology Strategies and Alliances, a technology-oriented investment banking and consulting firm. He has served as Chairman of the Defense Science Board and was a member of the Defense Policy Board. In addition, he has served as a consultant and advisor to a wide variety of government agencies and as a director and trustee of several defense and technology oriented companies.
He is presently Chairman and CEO of Technovation, Inc., a consulting company dedicated to fostering innovation, and to the development and application of advanced technology. He is also a Senior Partner in Global Technology Partners, an exclusive affiliate of Rothschild North America, formed to make acquisitions of and investments in technology, defense and aerospace-related companies.
[edit] Positions and affiliations
Dr. Kaminski holds a number of influential positions to include being a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics and a Senior Fellow of the Defense Science Board. He is Chairman of the Board of Exostar, and a Director of General Dynamics and the RAND Corporation. He is a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Technical Advisory Board, and the National Reconnaissance Office Technology Advisory Group. He is also a consultant to the Office of Secretary of Defense.
[edit] Awards and decorations
Dr. Kaminski has received several prestigious awards to include three Department of Defense Medals for Distinguished Public Service, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Director of Central Intelligence Director’s Award, and the Defense Intelligence Agency Director’s Award. He also earned The International Strategic Studies Association Stefan T. Possony Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Strategic Progress through Science and Technology, The Netherlands Medal of Merit in Gold, and the French Republic Legion d’Honneur.
