Enrique L. Costas, the director of the operational integration office at the National Reconnaissance Office, is distinguished in the fields of government affairs and military service. In his current role since 2020, he has leveraged his expertise to contribute to the national government on matters of military operations. Concurrently, he has served the National Reconnaissance Office as a program management office lead since 2020.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Mr. Costas sought to attend a prestigious military academy in Annapolis, Maryland, after graduating from high school. However, personal circumstances redirected his life plans. Therefore, he relocated to Texas, enrolled in college and joined the ROTC program. Following his graduation from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering in 1994, Mr. Costas enlisted in the United States Army National Guard and was sent on assignment to Alaska. In Alaska, he completed advanced training and was commissioned as an infantry officer. From there, he traveled to Colorado to participate in a heavy mechanized brigade with the 4th Infantry Division.
During the aftermath of the tragic events on September 11, 2001, Mr. Costas was afforded opportunities to prepare and train soldiers to relocate to the Middle East. Mr. Costas was then sent to Argentina for a two-year assignment, where he was one of few Spanish bilingual officers who were Ranger-qualified. Chosen to remain in Argentina to participate in a diplomatic mission and train American soldiers in Argentinian readiness methods for the war in Afghanistan, Mr. Costas was approached by Lieutenant General Paul Ostrowski and was asked to join the National Reconnaissance Office in light of his expertise. He spent a total of 34 years in the United States Army, departing at the rank of colonel.
During his longstanding tenure in military operations, Mr. Costas pursued higher education at Webster University, receiving a Master of Arts in government acquisition and procurement management in 2005. Thereafter, he achieved a Master of Science in national security and resource strategy at the National Defense University in 2016. He also earned a defense acquisition professional certification from the Defense Acquisition University.
Looking ahead, Mr. Costas endeavors to retire and eventually establish a business to improve how the private sector handles the national government. Likewise, he would like to be involved in national relations with Puerto Rico, drawing upon his own heritage. Ultimately, he wishes to continue a life of service by providing his expertise as a consultant.
