SO/LIC Division Executive Briefing - Maj Gen Kenneth D. Merchant, USAF

Maj Gen Kenneth D. Merchant, USAF, is the Air Force Program Executive Officer for Weapons, Armament Directorate, Eglin AFB, FL. The Armament Directorate concurrently reports to the Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Washington, DC and the newly organized Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson AFB, OH. The Directorate is responsible for enhancing worldwide Air Force combat capability, effectiveness, aircrew survivability and readiness through joint development, test, procurement, deployment and sustainment of air delivered weapon systems.

General Merchant was commissioned in 1980 through the Air Force ROTC program at Grove City College, PA where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Management. He has been a Program Manager on numerous weapon system development and production programs, including the F-22, E-3, Air Force One, KC-10, E 4, Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser, Sensor Fuzed Weapon, Joint Standoff Weapon, Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared System for Night, GBU-15 and the AGM-130.

General Merchant has also served as Air Staff Program Element Monitor for the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile and Executive Officer to the Commander, Pacific Air Forces. He directed the Area Attack Systems Program Office, Contractor Logistics Support Aircraft Materiel Systems Group, and Battle Management Command, Control and Computer Systems Wing. His commands include the Airborne Warning and Control System and Airborne Early Warning Control Systems Group as well as the 551st Electronic Systems Wing at Hanscom AFB, MA. General Merchant also served as Vice Commander, Ogden Air Logistics Center and, prior to his current assignment, he was Director of Logistics, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, IL.

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