LTG William N. Phillips retired from the Army April 4 after nearly 38 years of military service, the last four of them as the MILDEP, DACM and director, AAC in the Office of the ASA(ALT). Phillips began his Army career in 1976, receiving his commission in the field artillery through ROTC, and served in a number of procurement and staff positions in Army aviation. Phillips’ legacy as Army acquisition’s top officer includes several achievements that have enhanced the Army Acquisition Workforce, including improving certification rates by 26 percentage points; raising the continuous learning point tempo by
22 percent, increasing individual development plan reviews by 22.4 percent; and reducing the student ‘‘no show” rate for acquisition classes by 55.2 percent. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal; Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit (with three oak leaf clusters); Bronze Star
Medal; Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster); Army Commendation Medal (with two oak leaf clusters); Air Assault Badge; and Senior Army Aviator Badge.Phillips plans to begin his retirement by spending time with his family before making any long-term decisions.