Meet the newest commander of NAWCTSD and NSA Orlando: CAPT Robert Betts

By Cassidy Mills, Staff Writer

 

CAPT Robert Betts assumed command of the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Orlando during a change of command ceremony at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, May 15.

 

Betts brings more than a decade of experience in naval aviation, defense acquisition and simulation-based training development. He served as the executive officer at NAWCTSD for two years.

 

Betts earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1999, received his commission through Navy ROTC and became a Naval Aviator in 2002.

 

During his tour with Strike Fighter Squadron 41, he flew F/A-18s aboard USS Nimitz in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2006, Betts said he was medically disqualified from flight duty and transitioned to the acquisition field.

 

“I had to stop flying because of some medical issues and so I got taken out of the cockpit,” Betts said. “I was working a job there in Lemoore trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life.”

 

Soon after, Betts said he was contacted by two of his former instructors about a potential opportunity at the Naval Postgraduate School that aligned with his evolving career interests.

 

“One of the curriculum options was MOVES: modeling, virtual environments and simulations,” Betts said. “They said it’s like video games but for the military. I thought about it over the weekend and on Monday I said, yep, I’m interested.”

 

Betts earned a master’s degree in MOVES in 2008 and began applying simulation tools to his work in 2009. Since then, Betts has held roles supporting F-35 training systems, missile development and human factors integration.

 

As commanding officer, Betts said he will remain focused on delivering training systems and emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum NAWCTSD has built in meeting the evolving needs of the fleet.

 

“One of our priorities at NAWCTSD is always fielding quality training systems at the pace that our warfighter needs them,” Betts said. “So, trying to get things out into the field as quickly as can, trying to get training products into the hands of people that need them, that priority won’t change.”

 

Betts said his predecessor, Capt. Tim James, was “laser focused” on fielding high-quality training systems at the speed required by warfighters. Under James’ leadership, NAWCTSD was awarding 96 percent of its contracts on time.

 

One area Betts said he aims to improve is the delivery of those systems, ensuring that projects not only begin on time but also reach completion efficiently and effectively.

 

“I would like to take that, use that momentum and now start to focus on the back end of things,” Betts said. “Our deliveries are still at about 68 percent. I’d like to see that number come up. We need to translate all the momentum that we’ve built up awarding contracts on time and figuring out how to go fast and now use that momentum towards delivering products at that same.”

 

Betts also discussed how his leadership approach has changed over time, evolving from a more directive style early in his career to one that prioritizes empowerment, active listening and fostering autonomy within his team.

 

“One of my mentors asked me, who motivates the motivator? That really made me think. I used to believe leadership just meant taking care of your people,” Betts said. “But that question made me realize you also have to connect, support and inspire them.”

 

Betts said he tries to connect with his staff on a personal level though he admits it’s not always easy.

 

“I fail miserably half the time because our workforce is about half my age. They don’t get my movie references or my sports teams,” Betts said. “But I keep trying because if they know I support them, that matters.”

 

For those entering the field, Betts said it is important to take risks, embrace challenging opportunities and view setbacks as learning experiences that contribute to long-term growth.

 

“Take the hard job. Everyone knows what the hard jobs are. If you succeed at one everything else will follow,” Betts said. “Don’t fear failure; it’s going to happen. I fumbled a big project back in 2011. I was super down. But my boss said, okay, we’ll figure it out. Life will go on. That changed how I viewed failure.”

 

Betts said he believes that fear of failure can discourage individuals from taking necessary risks and hinder their ability to act decisively in fast-paced environments.

 

“It’s like football. If you’re afraid out there you’re going to get hurt. Same thing in acquisition,” Betts said. “If you’re afraid to make a decision you’re not going to succeed.”

 

Outside of work, Betts said his family plays a central role in his life and he’s a die-hard fan of both Georgia Tech and the New Orleans Saints.

 

“I am an insufferably proud father. I am a husband to a military spouse. She is also active-duty Navy,” Betts said. “I am a proud and long-suffering Georgia Tech and New Orleans Saints fan.”