Former Direct Attack Systems Group director recognized Published March 2, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Ryan Hansen Air Armament Center Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Although he's switched allegiances, the deputy director of the Air-to-Air Missile Systems Wing is still reaping awards for the job he did with the Air-to-Ground Munitions Systems Wing. Recently Brian Rutledge was named the 2005 Air Force Outstanding Civilian System Program Director for his accomplishments as the director of Direct Attack Systems Group. While he now serves his country in the air-to-air realm, Mr. Rutledge said he enjoyed his time working for the AGMSW and loved working with the folks in the group. "I am very proud to have been a team member of the Direct Attack Systems Group," he said. "The programmatic and personal accomplishments they achieved in concert with their contractors made it possible for me to be honored with the award." He said he was honored when he learned he won the award and said the credit goes to his troops that worked every issue on a daily basis. "They are an awesome group and their efforts made it happen," Mr. Rutledge said. "I consider this a group award that I was fortunate enough to be singled out to accept." The AGMSW director had nothing but praise for Mr. Rutledge and said he was a great leader and example during his time at the DASG. "Brian is a phenomenal leader," said Thomas Robillard, AGMSW director. "Hands down he is among the elite of (Air Force Materiel Command's) acquisition professionals. He is a battle tested acquisition warrior with incredible expertise, vision and command credentials." As the director of the DASG, Mr. Rutledge was responsible for delivering the warfighter more than 35,000 Joint Direct Attack Munition tailkits for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. This included the highly sought after 500 pound version of the weapon. "He's one of the smartest acquisition folks you'll ever meet, he understands everything from the financial to the technical," said Lt. Col. Richard Hyde, JDAM Squadron commander. "But Brian is about more than just program management, he also was great at knowing the people that worked for him and knowing how to take care of them and offer them opportunities for growth and success." Also under his leadership, the DASG completed the development of the JDAM Global Positioning System receiver upgrade and anti-jam configuration upgrade. "He really defined our group and focused us on operating as a team," Colonel Hyde said. "His ability to know the details of each of his programs was really amazing. He showed us how to think about things in a 'system of systems' concept, such as how a fuze issue relates to JDAM which relates to the warfighter's ability to accomplish his mission. "He had the bigger picture in mind and ultimately he honed in on how what we did affected our customer - the warfighter," he continued. Besides JDAM, Mr. Rutledge also helped the DASG deliver more than 12,400 fuze and proximity sensors in support of the Global War on Terror. His leadership was felt throughout the group. "He is an outstanding and charismatic team builder," Mr. Robillard said. "He brings enthusiasm and passion to his team. He matches individual strengths with program needs and helps develop tomorrow's leaders." Mr. Rutledge received his award at the 2006 Air Force Acquisition Leaders Forum in Charlotte last month.