Veteran Employee Profile: Honoring Maj. Ken Hirlinger, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)

December 10, 2024

Ken Hirlinger is a dedicated and impactful leader with a deep commitment to both his military service and CACI’s mission. His story is one of resilience, leadership, and a deep-rooted drive to support those around him — qualities that have left a lasting impact both in the air and on the ground.

Following his graduation from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Hirlinger joined the Air Force in 1985 as an Acquisition Officer. In 2004, he deployed as the Director of Information Operations for the Office of Military Cooperation-Afghanistan, where he led the development of a strategic information operations campaign plan. He unified media relations, psychological operations, local intelligence, and civilian affairs into a cohesive and powerful partnership that created a streamlined approach to support operational success.

His ability to bring clarity and purpose to complex challenges continued as he subsequently led a coalition disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration information campaign team, integrating mission-critical information, much like he had done previously as the Air Force Y2K Fusion Center Watch Officer. Other Air Force assignments saw him serve as a program manager in diverse areas, including nuclear hardening, missile flight testing, air vehicle integration, and suppression of enemy air defense. While on Air Staff he managed the Air Force’s largest communications and information program, valued at $4.6 billion, he set standards that continue to guide the program today.

Hirlinger retired as a major after his last duty as the HQ Air Combat Command Network Engineering and Sustainment Branch Chief, where he established himself as a distinguished leader in Air Force network operations.

Reflecting on his legacy, Hirlinger shares his pride in watching his daughter serve in the Air Force. “It has been an honor to watch my daughter start her own military journey the same way mine began, graduating from VMI and commissioning into the Air Force,” he said.

Following his military career and 15 years in the industry, Hirlinger brought his expertise and passion to CACI in 2020, taking on the role of Director of Program Performance and Pursuits. His contributions have spanned solution architecture, capture management, and performance assessment, drawing on his wide breadth of expertise. “The military develops a broad experience base, combining leadership, discipline, and teamwork,” he said. “All of these are essential attributes in a company serving the federal government.”

At CACI, Hirlinger found a place where his commitment to service extended beyond his own growth, allowing him to support fellow veterans in a meaningful way. When he joined the company, he received a welcome message from CACI’s Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) that impressed him and left a strong impression. “I was delighted to find that I now worked for a company that promotes its military, veteran, and spouse heritage with such energy,” he shared. “After 20 years of service, it was inspiring to see, and I knew I wanted to be part of VERG.”

Now as VERG’s president, Hirlinger guides the group’s leadership team overseeing ten chapters across the U.S. and abroad as well as four veteran-focused committees. His leadership strengthens CACI’s inclusive workforce, where pride in military heritage is more than just a value—it’s a practice. “Our leaders demonstrate the pride we take in our employees and in helping our national security customers,” he said. “Supporting our military and veterans is part of CACI’s longstanding culture, and I am proud to be part of this mission.”

Maj. Gen. Gary Patton, U.S. Army (Ret.), Vice President of Veterans and Military Affairs at CACI, spoke on Hirlinger’s impact: “From his first days in the VERG, Ken has been a tremendous contributor and strong group leader, first as vice president of membership and now as president. He has been the driving force in expanding the VERG internationally, establishing 10 total chapters across both the U.S. and Germany. “