Patrick O'Reilly
Retired LT Gen @ USA Army
Patrick O'Reilly on Building Trust
In order to be successful in any walk of life, Patrick O'Reilly believes cultivating trust is vitally important. Without trust, people are uncomfortable associating with you, hesitant to give you authority, and otherwise suspicious of you. Patrick O'Reilly has done well in his career at earning trust from leaders, peers, and friends.
Trust is the byproduct of honesty, integrity, and ethical actions. Patrick O'Reilly believes you cannot be fully trusted unless you display these three qualities on a consistent basis. He has found in his 34-year career in the United States Army that trust has been the most important factor. During his service, Patrick O'Reilly has served as director and program manager for various highly respected organizations, something that has earned him the reputation of being honest and ethical. In fact, Patrick O'Reilly has been trusted by the highest of opinions in American government. In 2008 Patrick O'Reilly was nominated to be the Director of the Missile Defense Agency by the President of the United States, and later confirmed by the United States Senate. That is why people listen when Patrick O'Reilly gives advice. His advice is backed by experience and results, something that makes his opinions valid.
Patrick O'Reilly on Balancing Work and Family Life
When it comes to successfully balancing multiple responsibilities, Patrick O'Reilly is an expert. As a career military man with a family, he has learned what it takes to maintain a healthy balance between the two. Patrick O'Reilly was raised in California and Texas with the understanding that both hard work and family were important. He spent the early summers of his life working for his relative’s family farm, something that taught him the importance of both.
Patrick O'Reilly has a wife and two daughters, for which caring for can be just as important as providing for. He has learned over the years, as a husband and father, that providing both financial and emotional stability is equally important. The most difficult part, according to Patrick O'Reilly, is seeing that a proper balance is maintained. You want to make sure you are providing the financial and material resources your family needs, but you do not want to do it at the expense of compromising the relational aspect of family.
Patrick O'Reilly has found that several factors play into the successful and healthy balancing act. He believes that one of the most important factors is communication. By communicating where you are, what you are doing, and why you are doing it, Patrick O'Reilly believes that you can keep assumptions at a minimum. As a military man, Patrick O’Reilly continuously worked long hours and traveled extensively; but a lack of communication on this issue can cause major problems. Patrick O'Reilly has always subscribed to the theory that up-front communication can dissipate future problems before they exist.
On the relational front of family life, spending time together is irreplaceable. Patrick O'Reilly saw the importance of spending 2-3 nights a week eating dinner as a family. Time spent around the kitchen table was essential for healthy conversations.
Patrick O’Reilly Mentors Future Recruits
When Patrick O’Reilly visited and spoke at universities such as Purdue, Auburn, Howard, Tuskegee Alabama A&M, Harvard, Nebraska, North Carolina State, and University of Alabama engineering students, he clearly conveyed their importance to the future of America’s safety and security. Students in the engineering programs may not have been considering long-term careers in the defense industry or government, but after hearing Patrick O’Reilly, many of them had questions about the potential opportunities.
During his talks and tours of the universities, Patrick O’Reilly introduced the development of a direct career program being introduced by the Missile Defense Agency. This peaked many students curiosities as he explained the seamless transition from college to career. The agency is open to students not only studying engineering but all curriculums from business to geology. If the students enter the agreement with the Missile Defense Agency, they change positions every six months to learn all different facets of the agency.
Patrick O’Reilly assured interested students that defense is not a field that is dying off, rather it is becoming more high-tech and more in demand. Many of the current employees of the Missile Defense Agency were hired over twenty years ago and it is really time for new blood with new educations. Patrick O’Reilly recalled how different things were technologically when he joined the agency to where they are today.
Patrick O’Reilly Shares at Colleges and Universities
Every time Patrick O’Reilly is invited to speak at a college or university, he is brought back to his days at West Point. Even though he attended several colleges after that, his undergraduate experience was his most memorable. Perhaps it was because it was his first real accomplishment but he always keeps that in mind when preparing speeches he would deliver.
Patrick O’Reilly crafts his speeches based on current events, his own experiences and advice he has for his audience of engineering students. He has been told more often than once that his speeches have greatly influenced a student uncertain of his or her own career path. This is not to say that the student leaves their graduation and joins the military, but Patrick O’Reilly’s speech gave them some hope, structure and food for thought.
One of the most reoccurring themes in Patrick O’Reilly’s speeches is staying flexible in an ever-changing environment. He always talks about being open to understanding how to adapt the degrees they have earned in the world as it is today. This really hits home with recent graduates who see a bleak job market and feel they are safer to stay in school. Patrick O’Reilly encourages those students to get out into the world and do as much as they can, even if it is not necessarily in their field of study.
Starting as a Cadet at West Point: Patrick O’Reilly
Patrick O’Reilly would never forget the first time he stepped foot onto the beautiful campus of West Point in New York State. He had never been to New York before and like most people, only thought of New York City, but was pleased to see the beauty of upstate New York, home to West Point. Patrick O’Reilly arrived in the heat of the summer when the population of New York City was vibrantly enjoying outside activities.
Patrick O’Reilly’s military career started with six weeks of strenuous and intense training to indoctrinate him as a cadet and introduce him to military values. As a cadet, there was not much down-time but whenever there was, Patrick O’Reilly made it a point to enjoy the outdoor beauty of West Point. Between his heavy class load, military duties and time spent on the fencing team, Patrick O’Reilly learned the value of time management, which served him well throughout his military career. He especially enjoyed his rare breaks to see the sights of New York City.
The Successful Career of Patrick O’Reilly
Patrick O’Reilly graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1978 and pursued a career in the Army. From his graduation to 1980, LT Gen Patrick O’Reilly was a Maintenance Shop Manager in the First Cavalry Division at Ft. Hood, Texas. LTG Patrick O’Reilly commanded a Heavy Maintenance Company in Hanau, Germany from 1980 to 1983. In 1986, General Patrick O’Reilly returned to the United States to become an associate professor of physics at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, for three years.
Patrick O’Reilly worked for Department of Defense as Project Manager for Directed Energy Systems in the early 1990’s. Following this work at the Pentagon, LT Gen Patrick O’Reilly was selected as the Project Manager for PATRIOT Advanced Capability 3 Missiles for two years. After completing that assignment, LTG Patrick O’Reilly was chosen as the Executive Officer for the Military Deputy of the Army Acquisition Executive at the Pentagon. In 1999, General Patrick O’Reilly was selected as the Director of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) project for four years.
As he continued success in increasing leadership positions, Patrick O’Reilly eventually was nominated by the President, and confirmed by the US Senate, to become the Director of the Missile Defense Agency in 2008. Today, retired LT Gen Patrick O’Reilly uses his leadership and technical skills as a consultant for leaders considering industry and university collaborations with the US and international governments
Guest Speaker Patrick O’Reilly for Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center
As a recognized leader in national security and defense missile systems, LT Gen Patrick O’Reilly has been asked to speak at many think-tanks, universities, and Press organizations as an expert on the subject. LTG Patrick O’Reilly is a well-educated and experienced Commissioned Officer with Master’s Degrees in Physics, National Security and Strategic Studies, and Management. General Patrick O’Reilly has held many leadership positions within the United States Army and the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
Based on his 34 years in the U.S. Army, Patrick O’Reilly is the man to go to for expertise on security and missile defense policy. On March 19, 2013, retired LT Gen Patrick O’Reilly served as a panelist for the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security. The Atlantic Council is a prestigious, Washington, D.C think-tank. The panel discussion focused on the implications of the Obama administration’s announcement regarding changes to U.S. missile defense plans. As an expert in this field, retired LTG Patrick O’Reilly was one of the three experts who spoke on the subject.
General Patrick O’Reilly has spoken to other think tanks such as the George Marshall Institute for Public Policy, as well as at many universities including Purdue, Harvard, Iowa State, Tuskegee, Tennessee, North Carolina State, Auburn, Alabama, and Howard, Universities. He has also repeatedly addressed international forums and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Patrick O’Reilly has been interviewed many on broadcasts such as David Web Sirius XM Radio Talk Show, C-SPAN, and more. LT Gen Patrick O’Reilly addresses issues on missile defense topics, national security and developing technologies. As a leader in this field, retired LTG Patrick O’Reilly continues to share his expertise with the public.
Missile Defense Agency Director: Patrick O’Reilly
LT Gen Patrick O’Reilly successfully demonstrated and applied his ability to make decisive decisions and act as a strong leader. As the Agency developed, LTG Patrick O’Reilly was relied on to address technical issues to counter the growing and diverse threats posed by ballistic missiles. As Director, General Patrick O’Reilly led the construction of an additional missile field in Alaska to ensure a more robust national missile defense. Patrick O’Reilly made many innovative and successful changes and acted as a critical decision authority for the development of US defense systems for the U.S. Department of Defense.
One of LT Gen Patrick O’Reilly’s most memorable contributions was his strategic direction on how to deploy missile defenses in Europe, which innovatively countered the ballistic missile threat posed from the Middle East. LTG Patrick O’Reilly advised the Office of Secretary of Defense, the Department of State, the National Security Council and Combatant Commanders to develop and initiate a phased and adaptable plan for deployment of missile defenses in Europe. Lieutenant General O’Reilly advanced the acceptance of this plan in Europe by repeatedly briefing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and directly participating in diplomatic negotiations. This achievement is a historical milestone in advancement of missile defense.
Patrik O’Reilly Education History
LT Gen Patrick O’Reilly continued his education with a Master’s Degree from the Naval Postgraduate School. There, LTG Patrick O’Reilly studied physics and graduated in 1986. After working as an Associate Professor of Physics at the U.S. Military Academy, General Patrick O’Reilly returned to school for a masters degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Patrick O’Reilly graduated from the Naval War College in 1990. LT Gen Patrick O’Reilly gained scientific and management insight during his academic studies and applied his knowledge throughout his career including his work as Director of the Missile Defense Agency.
In 1989, LTG Patrick O’Reilly sought a Master’s Degree in Management. General Patrick O’Reilly completed his program at Salve Regina College in Newport, Rhode Island and expanded his knowledge of the theory and practical application of proven management principles. Patrick O’Reilly has used his knowledge and experience to enhance his expertise as an Army and government leader. Today, LT Gen Patrick O’Reilly works as a consultant for industry and university leaders considering university/industry joint ventures and collaboration with government entities. His accumulated management and business education and experience are key to retired LTG Patrick O’Reilly’s ability to help others enhance their efficiency and manage their businesses.
As an expert in leading the development and application of technology, retired General Patrick O’Reilly is highly recognized for his achievements and expertise in the field.
Patrick O’Reilly’s early character development and West Point
Patrick O’Reilly was raised in California, the mid-west and Texas. His character and work ethic was a product of his relationship with his extended family on many family farms in Nebraska. He was particularly inspired by his uncles who worked arduously daily tending to the cattle and crops in the blazing heat of summer and the freezing cold of winter. As a boy, Patrick O’Reilly enjoyed his sense of service to his family as he helped his cousins do the chores essential to a farming. Additionally, Patrick O’Reilly’s drive, preparation and endurance were forged into his character on the high school football and track practice fields in Texas.
Patrick O’Reilly’s father’s naval experience in World War II motivated him to apply to the US Naval Academy. Although accepted at Annapolis, his did not gain a waiver for his nearsightedness. Patrick O’Reilly’s Senator, John Tower, felt he had tremendous potential as a military leader and nominated him for an appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point, NY in 1974. Although unfamiliar with the Army, Patrick O’Reilly relied on his work ethic, strong character, and family values to succeed as a cadet. He had a drive and passion at the young age of seventeen would be the foundation of an illustrious military career.
Patrick O’Reilly met the love of his life, Judy, while attending a football game during his junior year at West Point. They were seen constantly together at West Point until his graduation, when they were married a year later. By his side as a cadet or an officer for 34 years, Judy was the key to Patrick O’Reilly’s happy home life and successful career. Patrick O’Reilly would always reflect on his time at West Point and how it prepared him for the rest of his military experiences.