Major General John D. Slinkard is director of contracting, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
General Slinkard was born in 1938, in Elkhart, Ind., where he graduated from Elkhart High School in 1956. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Ball State University in 1960 and a master's degree in business administration, with high distinction, from Harvard University in 1968. He was a distinguished graduate of Squadron Officer School in 1964, and completed Defense Systems Management College in 1972 and Air War College In 1975.
Upon receiving his commission as a second lieutenant through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program In September 1960, the general entered active duty as a procurement officer at Ernest Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland. In June 1963 he was transferred to Headquarters 8th Air Force, Westover Air Force Base, Mass., as chief of the Contract Review Branch. After earning his master's degree from Harvard University in June 1968, he was assigned to the Air Force Military Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, as procurement career counselor.
From November 1970 to September 1974 General Slinkard was chief of the Procurement Methods Division, Headquarters Air Force Logistics Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. After completing Air War College in June 1975, he was transferred to the Contract Management Division, Air Force Systems Command, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., as director of contract administration. From May 1978 to March 1981 he was the Department of Defense's Federal Acquisition Regulation Program manager in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Washington, D.C. He then was transferred to Electronic Systems Division, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., as deputy for contracting. In August 1984 he was assigned as deputy chief of staff for contracting, Headquarters Air Force Systems Command, Andrews Air Force Base, Md. He then served as director of contracting and manufacturing policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Washington, D.C., from July 1987 until June 1990, when he became deputy assistant secretary for contracting. He was again assigned as deputy chief of staff for contracting, Air Force Systems Command headquarters, in January 1992. He assumed his current position in July 1992.
His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, and Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster.
He was promoted to major general July 1, 1989, with same date of rank.
(Current as of March 2021)