The first contracting officer probably got his job during the Revolution, but the real surge in defense contracting began during the Civil War. The folks in Washington had to equip a whole army, quickly, without much administrative control. The predictable results-uniforms fell apart, powder wouldn't fire, food was inedible, prices were scandalous-gave defense contractors a well-deserved bad name. That bad name set the stage for all the red tape called the Federal Acquisition Regulations and the Defense Acquisition Regulations that we have to this day.
In principle, these regulations guide all government purchases from paper clips to stealth bombers. So if you intend to be a defense contractor, you will need capable contract administrators who know these regulations. Former government contracting officers are excellent candidates, and a retired "multistar" general officer won't hurt, either. An extensive and well-documented quality program is also essential.