Heidi Shyu to retire

In an email to her staff sent Monday evening, Army acquisition chief Heidi Shyu said she will retire at the end of January.

"For a little over five years, it has been both an honor and privilege to serve as your Army Acquisition Executive and to play a small part in the amazing work you do every day for our Soldiers," Shyu wrote.

Shyu came to the Pentagon as the principal deputy for Army acquisition in November 2010, shortly before a service-commissioned report blasted the service for its costly and ineffective acquisition practices. She has since then staunchly defended the Army's more recent track record, famously calling high-profile failures of the past "spilled milk" at a press conference early in her tenure as acquisition chief.

"It has been a great privilege to lead the outstanding men and women of the Army’s acquisition workforce," Shyu wrote in her farewell email.

"While informing you of my decision, I leave with the knowledge that you will continue to excel, continue to give the best of your intellect and energy, and continue your unwavering commitment to the success of our soldiers and our Army."