Product director office realigns as part of Army acquisition reform efforts
Operational control of a longtime product director office at the Capability Program Executive Simulation, Training, Test and Threat (CPE ST3) was transferred to Portfolio Management Executive Combat Sustainment (PME Combat Sustainment) as part of the Army’s acquisition reform efforts during a relinquishment of and change of charter ceremony in Orlando, Florida, on Aug. 14, 2026.
The ceremony marked the formal return of the existing Product Director Virtual Training Systems (PdD VTS) charter and the transfer of administrative responsibility, and while two separate charter actions, they shared a common purpose to ensure continuity of leadership, mission execution, and support to the Army and the warfighter.
PdD VTS traces its origins back to 1978 when it was chartered as Product Manager Armor Training Devices under Project Manager Training Devices (PM TRADE) in Orlando and will now fall under Project Manager Force Projection (PM Force Projection) at PME Combat Sustainment at Detroit Arsenal, Michigan.
Co-officiants of the ceremony were Michael Powell, Deputy PM TRADE, and Clifton Boyd, PM Force Protection.
“Today is an important day for the virtual training systems team in two very big ways. First, it is a way to recognize the leadership, service, and accomplishments of one product director while welcoming the leader who will carry that responsibility forward,” Powell said. “Second, we are symbolizing the VTS program transition from Project Manager Training Devices within CPE ST3 to Project Manager Force Projection within PME Combat Sustainment.”
Powell recognized and thanked Johnny Figueroa, outgoing product director for PdD VTS, for his hard work and dedication as the leader of the organization from August 2023 to July 2026. Figueroa also received the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal during the ceremony.
“I want to again thank Johnny for his service, and the great job he did for the VTS formation,” said Powell. “We wish you continued success in whatever comes next and we hope you leave here today knowing that your contributions to VTS will continue to be felt long after this ceremony.”
Boyd echoed Powell’s comments about Figueroa, and took the opportunity to welcome Kristopher Brewer, incoming product director for PdD VTS, and his family to the VTS and PM Force Projection team at PME Combat Sustainment.
“While we are saying goodbye to one great leader, we are incredibly lucky to be welcoming another; today, we hand the reigns over to Mr. Kris Brewer,” Boyd said. “Kris, you come to us with a fantastic track record that truly bridges the operational and acquisition world. You know firsthand what the warfighter needs.”
During his remarks, Boyd also asked the PdD VTS workforce to give the incoming product manager the same level of support they gave the outgoing leader.
After relinquishing the PdD VTS charter, Figueroa shared his story of how he came to work in the modeling and simulation community in Orlando and worked to support the critical VTS mission. He also welcomed Brewer to the PdD VTS team.
“I am stepping down today with complete confidence because I know this organization is in good, good hands,” Figueroa said.
After assuming the PdD VTS charter, Brewer spoke about the realignment from CPE ST3 to PME Combat Sustainment.
“This shift is not just a change in organizational charts, it’s a realignment that positions virtual training systems to better support the army’s modernization priorities and to help support warfighter operational needs,” Brewer said. “We aren’t leaving legacy behind; we are simply building upon it.”
Brewer reinforced the VTS mission of delivering world-class virtual training system capabilities that allow Soldiers to train the same way as they fight is not changing.
“Our mission matters,” Brewer said. “The service of every past, current and future warfighter is why we do what we do in these positions.”
Brewer said he looks forward to empowering the VTS team to innovate while removing barriers and working to create a culture of collaboration. A short reception followed the ceremony.
Administrative control of PdD VTS will remain under PM TRADE and CPE ST3 until Oct. 1, 2026, to ensure continuity of personnel, resources and organizational support.
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