EP47 Contribute Where You Can with Lieutenant General Retired David F. Melcher

WPAOG Podcast

This episode of the WPAOG podcast features an interview with David F. Melcher, a businessman and retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General. He spent 32 years serving in the military and is recognized as a prominent figure in the aerospace and defense community, as the former President and CEO of Exelis from 2011–2015 and of Aerospace Industries Association from 2015–2017.

During his 32 years of service, David commanded at the Battalion, Brigade, and Army Corps of Engineers Division level. He has been awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal, and had prominent staff assignments that included a White House Fellowship with the Office of Management and Budget under President Ronald Reagan and as the Army’s Military Deputy for Budget, and Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs. For 12 years of his military career, David was assigned to the Pentagon.

In this episode, David talks about how he had no doubt that West Point was where he could gain the best leadership skills. He discusses working in the White House and then transitioning into business after serving so many years in the army. David also explains what he feels are the keys to success in life, and the importance of continuing to be an active member of the West Point community.

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Key Quotes

“For younger officers who are leaving the military or non-commissioned officers, understand that you have significant leadership skills that are needed in industry. The things that you learned, leading a small or large organization, the organizational skills, those are very, very important, as are the ability to speak and write clearly and articulate what it is that you want - The ability to set goals, to be a problem solver, those are all things that people who have served in the military know how to do. So, never sell yourself short on what you know as you make a transition into an industry context.” - David Melcher

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Episode Timestamps

(01:24) The Class of 1976

(02:54) West Point Experience

(09:24) Army Experience

(11:54) Mentors in the Military

(14:54) Working in the White House

(18:24) Corp of Army Engineers

(19:59) Retirement from Service

(20:54) Transition to Civilian Career

(30:24) Finding Success in Aerospace and Defense

(33:24) Serving as a Board Member and Director

(35:24) Routines and Keys for Success

(38:54) West Point and Military Service Across Family Generations

(41:09) Giving Back

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Links

David’s LinkedIn

West Point Association of Graduates