You are listening to the newest podcast from War on the Rocks called Cogs of War, which is focused on defense technology and the defense industrial base.

Cogs of War is supported by Booz Allen Hamilton. We're really excited to partner with Booz Allen on this one.

You'll be hearing a lot more about that.

And the first guest for this first episode is Justin Finnelli, the chief technology officer of the Department of the Navy.

We recorded this one at a live event in front of a live audience,

and it's really about moving fast and breaking things to innovate in the Navy.

Enjoy the show.

This one goes out on the flagship War on the Rock's feed.

Please subscribe to Coggs of War by searching for it on your podcast app of choice or clicking on it in the show notes.

How long have you been in this job now? A little over two years for the CTO job and then three

years for the tech director job within acquisition. For those out here who are less familiar

with your career trajectory, how did you arrive at working in the defense department?

A mediocre soccer player in high school, went to Air Force ROTC, full scholarship, ended up getting medically disqualified and wanted to serve.

And I just wanted to be around people who were making a difference.

For that reason, I found a civilian job.

It was a really good time of the job market.

So like 20 jobs came and went offer-wise before the government delivered their offer. And then I took it and then started working for the Navy and then the intelligence community kind of zigzagged a lot across federal tech defense or I see it at all points, but launched a couple agencies and then have worked in the

acquisition community post DARPA for the last four years now.

And you've been in this particular position.

How long again, remind us?

Two years for the CTO job, three years for tech director for PEO Digital.

That's right.

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