Mike Upton

Project Manager, Transportation Systems U.S. Army

Michael Upton assumed his current duties as the Project Manager for Transportation Systems on 22 June 2026. Nearly 300 acquisition professionals manage this portfolio, and are assigned to Product Manager Heavy Tactical Vehicles, Product Director Multi-Mission Protected Vehicle Systems, and Product Manager Army Watercraft Systems.

Mr. Upton's career spans three decades of progressive leadership experience, ranging from direct team supervision to enterprise-level strategic direction. He has amassed a uniquely diversified mix of Army experience, including service in the Regular Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve; making significant contributions in the defense industry, and now as a civil servant.

He graduated from the United States Military Academy in May 1994, earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management and commissioning into the U.S. Army as an Aviation Officer, flying Blackhawk helicopters. His active duty assignments included serving as the EH-60 Quickfix Platoon Leader with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Republic of South Korea; the Company Executive Officer for the maintenance company and Battalion Logistics Officer (S-4) under the 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, including a 13-month deployment to Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of Operation Joint Forge; and the Battalion Administrative Officer (S-1) and Company Commander under the 6th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

In 2001, he transitioned to the Michigan Army National Guard part time and began working in the defense industry. His first position was with International Consultants, where he served as Deputy Program Manager providing onsite support to the Project Manager Force Projection (PM FP) at the Detroit Arsenal. In 2003, he led VSE Corporation's Michigan office, serving as both Department Manager and Business Development Manager. In 2006, he earned a Master of Business Administration from Lawrence Technological University.

In 2009, Mr. Upton entered Civil Service with the Product Director Army Watercraft Systems (AWS), where he served as the Systems Acquisition Manager (SAM) for the Joint High Speed Vessel, a Joint ACAT I program. In 2011, he served with the Product Manager Combat Engineer/Material Handling Equipment (CE/MHE) as the SAM for the Light Capability Rough Terrain Forklift and All-Terrain Lifter Army System. In 2012, Mr. Upton served as the Deputy Product Director, AWS, leading a team of more than 50 acquisition professionals managing 10 ACAT III Army watercraft programs. In 2016, he transitioned to Deputy Product Manager, CE/MHE, leading a team of more than 100 acquisition professionals managing 13 ACAT III and IV construction and material handling equipment programs.

In 2022, Mr. Upton graduated the U.S. Army's Senior Service College Fellowship (SSCF) program with the Defense Acquisition University. Following SSCF, he completed a developmental assignment with the Army's Ground Vehicle Systems Center as the Division Chief for Systems Engineering Planning and Management. From March 2023 to June 2026, he served as the Product Manager Bridging, leading a team of more than 100 core and matrix Army civilians, military personnel, and contractors managing 15 ACAT II and III gap crossing and breaching programs for the U.S. Army, international allies, and partners.

Mr. Upton is a member of the Army Acquisition Corps and is certified Advanced in Program Management and Practitioner in Engineering. He serves as an executive coach for the U.S. Army Coaching Program, Department of War, Defense Contract Management Agency, and Department of Treasury.

His awards and decorations include the Army Engineer Association Bronze de Fleury Medal, Meritorious Civilian Service Medal (2), Civilian Service Achievement Medal (3), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (oak leaf cluster), NATO Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Aviator Badge.