LT COL MICHAEL SANTENS

For 25 years, Michael Santens honorably served in the U.S. Army. He won Soldier of the Year as an E4. In 1983, he graduated with an engineering degree from West Point, the United States Military Academy, and received a commission as a Nuclear Artillery Officer, Lance Missile systems, in Germany. Later, he participated in Operation Desert Storm as the Battery Commander of Battery C, 6th Battalion, 27th Field MLRS Artillery, supporting the 17th Airborne Corps (82nd, 101st, French Foreign Legion) with long-range rocket artillery operations that were crucial to the coalition’s victory. As an Airborne Ranger, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his significant contributions.

Michael transitioned to the Acquisition Corps as a senior captain to manage contracts and programs while pursuing his doctorate at the University of Southern California. Throughout his military career, he held various staff and leadership positions, specializing in operations, contracts, and defense procurement. His most notable roles included Director of Operations in the Middle East for four projects valued at $10.1 billion for DSMC (M113, F15S, Construction, QA, Software). He served as the Joint Contracting Director of the National Defense University and in the Secretary of the Army’s Office of Congressional Acquisition Liaison to the U.S. Congress.

From enlisted service to Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Santens’ career has demonstrated unwavering commitment, professionalism, and a deep understanding of Army operations and acquisition at all levels, both domestic and international. Despite all his achievements, Michael often reflects that his proudest moments weren’t medals or titles but the safe return of every soldier under his command.