SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
As the leader for ICET, he manages two groups of scientists and engineers. One group executes Army science and tech- nology projects
in ballistic and blast
protection, and the other provides matrix support to the Marine Corps Systems Command in procuring protective prod- ucts, individual clothing and equipment.
“ICET plays a critical role in supporting Soldiers and Marines from a science and technology and development and engi- neering standpoint,” DiLalla said. “We have the ability to influence products and systems currently fielded and planned for the next generation.”
Te BCS was developed through a tech- nology enabled capability demonstration (TECD) focused on force protection for Soldiers and small units, one of five TECDs managed by the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, NSRDEC’s
parent com-
mand. For his efforts, DiLalla earned the FY15 Maj. Gen. Harold “Harry” J. Greene Award for Innovation in the indi- vidual civilian category. (See “Honoring Innovation,” Page 82.)
In developing the BCS, researchers thought of the Soldier as a mobile weapon system and collaborated with nontradi- tional sources of armor, including the athletic apparel industry. Te result was a design that resembles something a hockey or football player might wear.
DiLalla wants to see that kind of uncon- ventional thinking take root. “As team leader, I want to encourage the great minds on my team to think outside the box. I want them to know that they are capable of doing something novel and revolutionary,” he said.
He has his dad to thank for getting him started in a military career. “While I was an engineering student [in college], my
father—who is an Army veteran—told me about an Army laboratory in Natick, Massachusetts, that developed all sorts of
cutting-edge technology. Intrigued
by what he told me, I found a website, called the base number and found out that there were job opportunities for stu- dents.” One month later, he was working at NSRDEC.
“I got to experience what the Army Acqui- sition Workforce was all about, and I thought it was cool that all of these engineers and scientists were working on new technologies that one day could ben- efit Soldiers,” he said. “I knew from that point on I wanted to work for the Army upon graduation.” He spent one more summer at NSRDEC before being hired full time in 2003.
He noted that his work for PM SPE, from 2008 to 2012, “was one of the most pro- found experiences in my career. I was working on items that were literally being developed, procured and immediately fielded to Soldiers deploying to Opera- tion Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.”
He was involved with all technical aspects of the acquisition development life cycle for both the Interceptor Body Armor and the Soldier Protection System programs.
“I got to experience firsthand what I had learned through my acquisition training.”
He also noted the contribution of two mentors. “Ken Ryan, chief of the War- fighter Protection Branch, is my current supervisor and was also the first engineer I worked for fresh out of school. He has taught me over the years how to become a better engineer and civil servant. With- out a doubt, I wouldn’t be the engineer or manager I am today without the support he has provided to me over my career.”
PROGRESS IN PROTECTIVE GEAR
DiLalla shows how a Soldier would wear the Ballistic Combat Shirt for lightweight ballistic protection to the chest, upper arm and neck areas. The armored garment is designed as an alternative to the current Army Combat Shirt. (U.S. Army photo by David Kamm, NSRDEC)
He added, “I also have to mention Lt. Col. Craig Fournier, who empowered me to think out of the box and allowed me the flexibility to pursue new, innovative ideas. He also taught me a lot about the uniformed side of the Army.” Fournier is currently the product manager for petro- leum and water systems in the PEO for Combat Support and Combat Service Support. “During the first five years that I worked for the Army, I didn't really work directly with anyone in uniform,” DiLalla said. Fournier “took the time to teach me a lot about Army command structure, staff functions, etc. In addition, he was a scientist who previously had worked at NASA as a contractor. He was a problem-solver and a good manager.”
—MS. SUSAN L. FOLLETT
ASC.ARMY.MIL
73
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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