WASHINGTON -- In a great achievement for both individual leadership and organizational excellence, Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC) Program Manager Ground Based Air Defense (PM GBAD) announced that Joseph Klocek, program manager of GBAD, was awarded the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service on July 21, 2026, at the Capitol Hill. Recognized as the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s (OSD) highest civilian honor, this prestigious award is a testament to Klocek’s dedication and expectational impact in equipping the warfighter.
The medal was formally presented to Klocek by the Honorable Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, an event further underscored by special recognition from the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, who praised the extraordinary, mission-critical achievements of Klocek and the GBAD team. The Secretary of Defense Exceptional Civilian Service Award was established by the OSD to recognize civilian employees who have distinguished themselves by exceptional service to the Secretary of Defense.
This milestone represents well deserved recognition for Klocek’s leadership and guidance to a team supporting efforts and systems critical to our warfighters today. Klocek was praised for his exemplary leadership, commitment, and professional expertise supporting the Autonomous Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (AUGV) project selected for funding through the Accelerate Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program.
While Klocek’s tenure as Program Manager is recent, his stewardship and oversight were forged over his long-standing time as Deputy Program Manager of PM GBAD. His actions led directly to the rapid development, testing, and fielding of this new capability to the United States Marine Corps. His technical expertise and collaborative management brought together the best of the innovative ecosystem with the end-user, resulting in a refined capability that meets emerging warfighter needs.
While this medal is a testament to Klocek’s leadership, an honor like this is rarely accomplished alone. A leader is only as strong as their team, the strategic vision and remarkable execution by PM GBAD was received as a great service by the Department of War.
“GBAD frequently receives accolades for their accomplishments from the Marine Corps and Department of War organizations. Unfortunately, it is usually the Program Manager who is the one on the stage, accepting the award on behalf of the GBAD team,” said Klocek. “My message to the GBAD team is: Formal awards are a recognition of the success that the entire GBAD team helped create, but they pale in comparison to the reward you will receive the day that a Marine thanks you for your work on their equipment, highlights how it supports their mission, and ensures that they have an unfair tactical advantage in the next engagement.”