Mr. Michael J Codega
Associate Director
U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command
Soldier Center, Natick, Massachusetts
Mr. Codega directs the Army’s Soldier Protection research and development program for DEVCOM Soldier Center. This includes science, technology, engineering development and support to partner acquisition programs in a broad range of protection technologies and capabilities.
These capabilities focus on individual and collective protection from ballistic & blast threats, chemical & biological agents, signature management and environmental threats. The Soldier Protection Directorate is also responsible for developing and evaluating a wide range of fabrics, uniform items and organizational clothing and individual equipment used by ground forces in combat operations and all operational environments.
In his most recent assignment, Mr. Codega served as the Soldier Center’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and principal advisor to the Director on all technology and systems engineering matters within the Center. As CTO he defined the Center’s mid- to long-term strategy for the Army’s basic and applied research as well as advanced technology development efforts related Soldier Enhancement, Protection, Sustainment.
In 2020 he completed a developmental assignment with PEO Soldier in Ft. Belvoir, VA where he defined the near and mid-term plans for the establishment of an Integration Enterprise for the Soldier and Squad as a combat platform.
Previous assignments at DEVCOM SC include Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5, Operations & Plans; Chief of Systems, Engineering and Integration Division; Lead for the Army’s flagship development effort for Force Protection – Soldier and Small Unit; and multiple other positions as a subject matter expert in individual protection. He has served more than 30 years in both private industry and government service.
Mr. Codega holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied Mathematics and Mechanical & Ocean Engineering from the University of Rhode Island, along with a Master of Business Administration in Management from Bryant College. In 2019 Mr. Codega completed a cohort-based 18-month DoD executive development program in preparation for senior leadership. In 2025 he completed the Senior Executive Fellow program in residence at Harvard University’s Kennedy School. He is a member of the Acquisition Corps and the recipient of the Army’s Superior Civilian Service Award.
A Native of Rhode Island, Mr. Codega and his wife have one adult son.
