"These are the times that try [our] souls." (Thomas Paine). Near-peer adversaries confront us. Resources are likely to shrink. Our workforce makeup is changing. Warfighters' needs are "fluxing". The Federal Government is "Siloing". Tumult abounds. Defense acquisition, always a tough job, is getting tougher. Is the defense acquirer's job a "no-win" situation? It depends…If we approach the challenge as "process administrators", who are constrained by perceived process limits, we are in for an unrewarding, unfulfilling ride. If we approach the challenge as "outcome operators" - striving to under­stand our chaotic operational environment, and acting on opportunities that come from that understanding—we can achieve results beyond our most positive expectations. Speaker: John Higbee, Mentor/Consultant/Professor, Executive Program Management, Defense Systems Management College, Defense Acquisition University.