Military Appreciation Month Employee Spotlight- Chris, Textron Systems

May, marked officially as Military Appreciation Month, is a special month for both those in and out of the military. Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Armed Forces day. As we honor those who have served, we are spotlighting Chris, a Systems Engineer at Textron Systems, Land Systems. Chris ended his active-duty service with the United States Army as a Captain and Assistant Brigade Aviation Officer. Currently, Chris serves in the IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) as a Major (O-4), Aviation Officer.

A message from his organization:

 “Chris currently serves as a Systems Engineer on the RCV program and is absolutely crushing it. A West Point graduate and former Blackhawk pilot, Chris routinely takes the lessons learned in the cockpit and applies them directly to delivering better capability to our RCV customers. His leadership, peers, and customer representatives all say the same thing: Chris Bowen is a phenomenal member of the team and his exceptional performance clearly builds/reflects off of the foundations built in uniform.”

1.      What is your name, title, and business unit?

Christopher Bowen, Manager of Systems Engineering at Textron Systems, Land Systems. Additionally, I am a part of the Ground Robotics organization within Land Systems.

2.      What was your last (or current) title and rank?

Last Active-Duty: Rank: Captain (O-3); Title: Assistant Brigade Aviation Officer, 3rd BDE, 101st Airborne Division (AASLT). Currently in the IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) as a Major (O-4), Aviation Officer.

3.      What does Military Appreciation Month mean to you?

Military Appreciation Month holds deep personal significance for me as it's a time to reflect on the profound contributions and sacrifices made by our armed forces, including individuals like my friend and West Point classmate, Daren Hidalgo, who paid the ultimate price defending our freedoms. It's also a moment to recognize the resilience and sacrifices of military families who provide steadfast support to our service members. Deployments and trainings would have been a lot harder without the love and support of my wife and family. Overall, it's a time to express gratitude and honor the dedication of those who serve and have served.

4.      Can you share a bit about your military background and what inspired you to join the military?

From a young age, I was deeply influenced by the valorous service of family members who served in the military, fostering within me a profound respect for our country and its armed forces. Inspired by their example and my own fascination with the military, I pursued admission to the United States Military Academy, ultimately achieving acceptance on my second attempt. Graduating with a degree in Human Factors Engineering in 2009, I embarked on a fulfilling career as an aviation officer in the Army.

Following completion of flight school and earning my wings in 2011, I served at the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, fulfilling roles as a maintenance platoon leader and company executive officer. During a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, I had the privilege of leading a UH-60 flight platoon in combat and serving as a Battle Captain and Assistant Operations Officer, overseeing aviation operations for Task Force Knighthawk throughout Regional Command-South.

Upon returning from deployment, I furthered my professional development by completing the Aviation Captain’s Career Course. Afterward, I served as the Assistant Brigade Aviation Officer for the 3-101st Airborne Division, known as the Rakassans, before transitioning from military service to join Textron Systems.

5.      What unique experiences did you encounter during your service?

During my service, I encountered several unique experiences that enriched my military journey. Notably, I had the privilege of participating in a month-long internship with Australia's Defense Science and Technology Organization while attending West Point. This opportunity broadened my horizons and provided invaluable insights into collaboration with international defense engineering agencies.

Additionally, I underwent rigorous training at survival school, where I acquired essential skills in survival, evasion, resistance, and escape, crucial for potential scenarios involving downed aircraft. This training underscored the importance of preparedness and resilience in challenging circumstances.

Furthermore, my talent for art opened unexpected avenues for learning and customer engagement within my military role. Upon discovering this interest, my leadership entrusted me with the task of designing challenge coins for various echelons of command, starting from our battalion and culminating in the prestigious honor of crafting the division challenge coin and division purple heart coin for the 3rd Infantry Division. These experiences not only allowed me to develop skills working with a customer but also instilled a sense of pride in contributing to the identity and legacy of my unit.

6.      Tell us about your journey from military service to joining Textron. How did your background prepare you for your current role?

After deciding to leave the Army, I aimed to remain within the military sector, focusing on engineering roles in defense companies. Textron Systems caught my attention due to its strong reputation, which I learned about from interactions with their Field Service Representatives during my time with the 101st Airborne Division. I applied for a systems engineer position there and was successful.

My military background equipped me well for my role as a systems engineer. It taught me to understand big-picture objectives and how individual actions affect broader outcomes. In systems engineering, I've learned to appreciate how small decisions can have significant consequences across an entire system, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration before making changes.

Additionally, my military service provided me with insights into combined arms operations, exposing me to various branches within the Army. This experience allows me to contribute effectively to the development of operational frameworks for Textron Systems' products, ensuring they align with the needs of modern military operations.

7.      What is your favorite leadership principle and why?

Two leadership principles that have guided me throughout my military career and my career at Textron Systems:

Embrace humility and continuous learning: Leadership is not about knowing everything; it's about acknowledging that there is always room for growth. I've gained invaluable insights from those I've led, recognizing that seeking assistance when needed fosters personal and professional development. This commitment to learning has been pivotal in my journey, particularly within the dynamic environment of Textron Systems.

Lead by example: Leading from the front entails tackling the most demanding challenges head-on, being willing to put in the extra effort to ensure tasks are completed successfully, and never assigning a task you wouldn't undertake yourself. This principle underscores my approach to leadership, both in the military and in the civilian sector, fostering a culture of accountability and mutual respect.