On February 28, 2012, General Patrick O’Reilly presented Purdue Engineering students with the William E. Boeing distinguished lecture as a recognized leader and expert in the application of technologies for the Department of Defense. Patrick O’Reilly has served his country as a Commissioned Officer for 34 years and has made many outstanding achievements in missile defense and national security. Purdue selected LT Gen Patrick O’Reilly to give the prestigious speech as a reflection on his outstanding career as a leader and innovator of applied aerospace engineering.

LTG Patrick O’Reilly is well educated as a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. General Patrick O’Reilly also has obtained three Master’s Degrees throughout his career in Physics, National Security and Strategic Studies, and Management. Patrick O’Reilly taught as an associate professor early on in his career at West Point. As an expert in the application of science, LT Gen Patrick O’Reilly was a professor of Physics for three years. Valuing education, LTG Patrick O’Reilly says he “has based his career on his well-rounded education.”

General Patrick O’Reilly has also been honored to speak at several other universities across the country including Harvard, Nebraska, Iowa State, Tennessee, Alabama, Howard, North Carolina State, Auburn, Tuskegee and Prairieview A&M Universities. In addition, Patrick O’Reilly has been asked to speak at many respected and prestigious think tanks. Recently in 2012, LT Gen Patrick O’Reilly participated as an expert on international security for the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center panel discussion. On this panel, LTG Patrick O’Reilly addressed the implications of the Obama Administration’s announcement regarding changes to U.S. missile defense plans and deployments.

General Patrick O’Reilly’s expertise in the field of international security is a result of his experience as the Director of the Missile Defense Agency and extensive program management experience on multiple Army and Department of Defense acquisition programs. Patrick O’Reilly served as the Director for four years and contributed greatly to the U.S. missile defense system we have today. As Director, LT Gen Patrick O’Reilly utilized his leadership and management skills to lead the 8,000 person, $8 Billion a year, globally deployed, Department of Defense Federal agency. LTG Patrick O’Reilly is known for his achievements in this role and his outstanding work in missile defense for the U.S. Army.