Mr. William “Bill” Brickner Jr. is currently serving as the Director of the Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC) effective November 2024. He previously was the Director, Technical Analysis & Engineering Services Directorate (TA & ESD), JTNC, effective June 2014 until October 2024. In this former role, he was responsible for overseeing the technical analyses, assessments, characterizations, and reviews of various wireless communications products and waveform technologies for interoperability, security, exportability, and resiliency. With his direct guidance, the Directorate also provides technical assessments and analysis of candidate DoD Waveform Information Repository products with regard to applicable DoD policies and adherence to DoD Waveform Standards including Software Communications Architecture and Application Program Interfaces.
Prior to being employed by NAVWAR HQ in 2019, Mr. Brickner was employed by Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC)-Pacific as an Information Technology Specialist (Series 2210) beginning in June 2014. While at NIWC-Pacific, he served as the Branch Head for the Software Defined Radios Branch (Code 55260) and Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead for the JTNC project. As the IPT Lead, he was responsible for all facets of the project to ensure delivery of quality technical and management services to the sponsors within cost, schedule and performance requirements. During his time as the Branch Head for Code 55260, he supervised, led, and managed all NIWC-Pacific related activities for his respective Branch and oversaw the Digital Modular Radio Engineering and Test IPT and the JTNC IPT for the Division.
Prior to joining the JTNC, Mr. Brickner served as the Assistant Product Manager for current and future force common waveform software for JPEO-JTRS and JTNC. As the Assistant Product Manager for Ground Domain Waveforms, he was responsible for cost, schedule and performance, and life-cycle management for the development and sustainment of both legacy waveform (SINCGARS) and networking waveform (Soldier Radio Waveform and Wideband Networking Waveform) software applications. He also served as the Contracting Officer’s Representative during his tenure on four developmental and software sustainment contracts.
Mr. Brickner joined the United States Army in 1992 and his previous assignments include Commander, Headquarters and Services Company; US Army South (ARSOUTH), the G-6 Plans Officer; ARSOUTH, the JOC Executive Officer; CJTF-HOA J-3, the Aide-de-Camp for the 44th MEDCOM Commander; the S-6 for the 44th MEDCOM (FWD); the Executive Officer and Platoon Leader (TROPO) in the 514th Signal Company (Long Range Extension), 50th Signal Battalion, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Prior to receiving his commission, Mr. Brickner was stationed as a Combat Medic with USAMEDDAC in Wurzburg, Germany; 307th FSB, 82nd ABN Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; 4th FSB, 4th INF Division, 1-22nd INF BN, 4th INF Division, and 3-41st INF BN, 2nd AR Division, Fort Hood, Texas. He has been deployed three times: OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM 1, OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM 04-06 and OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (CJTF-HOA). Mr. Brickner spent a total of 22 years of service in the U.S. Army.
Mr. Brickner holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Excelsior College and a Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management from Webster University. Mr. Brickner has been a member of the Acquisition Professional Community since 2010 and maintains Level III Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification in Program Management.
Mr. Brickner is the recipient of two Bronze Star Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, a Civilian Service Commendation Medal, six Army Commendation Medals, a Joint Service Achievement Medal, five Army Achievement Medals, a Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and the Iraq Campaign Medal with four campaign stars.
Mr. Brickner is married to the former Ms. Sarah Jagers and has been married for 6 years. He has two daughters, Kilee Elisa Silva, who is 27 years old and Gabriel Marie Brickner, who is 25 years old.