Lt Col John A. Magelitz is the Deputy Director for Finance for National Defense University’s CAPSTONE General and Flag Officer Course. He oversees financial planning and execution supporting the Department of Defense's premier professional development program for newly selected general and flag officers.
A career acquisition officer, Lt Col Magelitz has served as both an engineer and program manager supporting major defense acquisition programs. His experience includes leadership positions within the F-35 Joint Program Office, the E-3 System Program Office, and USAFE-AFAFRICA, where he specialized in political-military affairs and international security cooperation. As a Materiel Leader, he led the Modifications and Retrofit Program for the global F-35 fleet.
Prior to assuming his current position, Lt Col Magelitz attended the National Defense University College of Information and Cyberspace, where he earned a Master of Science in Strategic Information and Cyberspace Studies.
EDUCATION
2004 Bachelor of Science, Aerospace Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill.
2007 Air and Space Basic Course, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2012 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala
2014 Master of Business Administration, Penn State University, University Park, Pa.
2018 Master of Military Operational Arts and Sciences, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2022 Air War College (non-residence), Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2026 Master of Science in Strategic Information and Cyberspace Studies, National Defense University College of Information and Cyberspace, Fort McNair, DC.
ASSIGNMENTS
-
September 2006 – March 2008, Developmental Test Engineer, 40th Flight Test Squadron, Eglin AFB, Fla.
-
March 2008 – July 2009, Senior Munitions Test Engineer, 780th Test Squadron, Eglin AFB, Fla.
-
July 2009 – August 2010, Deputy Flight Commander, 780th Test Squadron, Eglin AFB, Fla.
-
August 2010 – February 2013, F-35 Test Integration Engineer, F-35 Joint Program Office, Arlington, Va.
-
February 2013 – August 2014, Executive Assistant to Deputy Program Executive Officer, F-35 Joint Program Office, Arlington, Va.
-
August 2014 – November 2016, Program Manager, E-3 Block 40/45 Full Rate Production, E-3 System Program Office, Hanscom AFB, Ma.
-
November 2016 – July 2017, Integrated Product Team Lead, E-3 Block 40/45, E-3 System Program Office, Hanscom AFB, Ma.
-
July 2017 – June 2018, Student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
-
June 2018 – June 2019, Regional Desk Officer, USAFE-AFAFRICA/A589 (A5I), Ramstein AB, Germany
-
June 2019 – June 2021, Deputy Branch Chief, USAFE-AFAFRICA/A589 (A5I), Ramstein AB, Germany
-
June 2021 – July 2024, Materiel Leader, F-35 Modifications and Retrofits, F-35 Joint Program Office, Arlington, Va.
-
July 2024 – July 2025, Director, Program Executive Officer’s Action Group, F-35 Joint Program Office, Arlington, Va.
-
July 2025 – June 2026, Student, National Defense University College of Information and Cyberspace, Fort McNair, DC.
-
June 2026 – Present, Deputy Director for Finance, National Defense University CAPSTONE, Fort McNair, DC.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Superior Service Medal
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Joint Service Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Commendation Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant September 29, 2006
First Lieutenant September 29, 2008
Captain September 29, 2010
Major November 1, 2016
Lieutenant Colonel December 14, 2020