Chief of Staff
Mr. Omar C. Silva
Mr. Silva assumed the position of Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) Chief of Staff in May 2024. In this role, he is directly responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing all administrative, intelligence, operational, and logistical functions for the YPG Commander. He began his career at Yuma Test Center (YTC) in the summer of 2007 as an intern for the Combat and Automotive Systems Division. After graduating from the University of Arizona in 2008, he continued working at YTC as a Test Officer. In 2012, Mr. Silva was promoted to Team Leader, where he led teams of Test Officers responsible for testing various ground combat vehicles in all three of YPG's test centers, including the Bradley, Stryker, M1200 Knight/Armored Security Vehicle, Light Armored Vehicle, and Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle variants.
In 2018, Mr. Silva advanced to the position of Range Operations and Training Division Chief. In this capacity, he advised, coordinated, and collaborated on range scheduling, safety, operations, and unit training management within the YTC range.
Mr. Silva completed an assignment in 2022 as the Executive Officer for the Executive Technical Director (ETD)/Deputy to the Commanding General (DCG) of the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC). In this role, he executed tasks and managed matters in support of the ATEC ETD.
Mr. Silva holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, both from the University of Arizona. His commendations include the Yuma Proving Ground Civilian of the Year, the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal (2), the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service (3), and the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service (3). His professional training includes Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act certification in Test and Evaluation (Practitioner), and Engineering and Technical Management (Foundational).
BACKGROUND
Education:
Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Arizona
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona
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