out-of-tolerance blades. Hontek-coated blades established a solid track record of zero main rotor blade replacements in Iraq and Afghanistan. When properly maintained, the coated blades should never erode.


Trace Systems Inc., a small business based in Tysons Corner, VA, has oper- ated and maintained various networks and Warfighter Information Network – Tactical (WIN-T) satellite terminals in Afghanistan and managed more than 20 data centers throughout the region. Trace supports the defense of these networks by monitoring and detecting unauthorized applications, identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities and ensuring information assurance compliance across the network.


For example, Trace has upgraded WIN-T Increment 1 with colorless


core


bilities that encrypt all classified and unclassified data as it is transported over satellites and line-of-sight links. Tis allows Soldiers to send information across the battlefield without fear of the enemy intercepting it.


SNOW JOB


SGT Cody Hunt, with the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe Helicopter Flight Detach- ment, checks the de-icing of the blades on top of a UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter, while SGT Alex Spaulding continues the flight checks before a logistical mission flight in February 2015, on Chièvres Air Base, Chièvres, Belgium. A small business, Hontek, makes the HC05XP1 coating system that protects rotor blades from the erosion that otherwise results from rain and sand expo- sure. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Pierre-Etienne Courtejoie, Training Support Activity Europe)


CONCLUSION Tere are many other examples of small businesses that have contributed to our military and economic strength. My point is that the future readiness and effectiveness of our Army will be deter- mined by our investment in discovery, creativity and innovation.


In America’s Army, we seek to harness these innovative talents for the benefit of our warfighters. Today, small business firms are critical enablers in the work we do.


We know that tomorrow’s battlespace will be different than any we’ve encoun- tered. If we are to succeed in addressing the Army’s future defense needs, we will need continued access to the most potent source of innovation and entrepreneur- ial talent in the U.S. economy: small businesses.


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COMMENTARY


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