Colonel Ryan Howell

Colonel Ryan A. Howell, Ph.D., is currently serving as the Acting Deputy Program Executive Officer (DPEO) for Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems, supporting the execution and oversight of the Army's combat vehicle modernization priorities. Prior to this role, COL Howell served as the Program Manager for Main Battle Tank Systems, where he provided leadership over critical armored platform development and sustainment.

Colonel Ryan Howell was commissioned in the Field Artillery (FA) through the ROTC program at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He was a Platoon Leader with 6-37 FA in the Republic of Korea and a Fire Support Officer with 3-29 FA at Fort Carson, CO. He served as Battalion Fire Direction Officer, Battery Commander, and Assistant Operations Officer with 1-10 FA at Fort Benning, GA.

After transitioning to the Army Acquisition Corps, he served as an Armor Materials Research Team Leader, Field Assistance Science and Technology Team Leader,

Assistant Program Manager (APM) to PM Mission Command, and APM to PM Ground Combat Vehicles while stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD.

As a Lieutenant Colonel, he served the Office of the Secretary of Defense as a Materials Engineer and Research Scientist in Europe; Product Manager for the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle at the Detroit Arsenal, MI and Executive Officer to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. COL Howell completed an Army War College Fellowship. He assumed duties as Project Manager Main Battle Tank Systems on 22 July 2021. He has been deployed to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Global War on Terrorism, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

COL Howell's military and civilian education includes: the Command and General Staff Officers Course, the Combined Arms Service and Staff School, the Field Artillery Officer Advance Course, and the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course. He completed his Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, and has over 17 publications.

His major awards and decorations include the Combat Action Badge, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal.