By Michael Bold
FORT BELVOIR, Va. (July 5, 2016) — Government and industry working together to ensure that warfighters have the equipment they need is the theme of the July- September 2016 issue of Army AL&T magazine, online now at . That collaboration, and the innovation that results when it’s working properly, is essential to giving Soldiers a decisive advantage on the battlefield. Especially during times of austere defense budgets, a consistent and thorough dialogue with industry partners is vital to mission success.
With its decisive military overmatch a thing of the past, the United States seeks to marshal all possible resources to drive innovation and provide the latest capabilities. Army AL&T’s editors found that the picture of collaboration that emerges is far from complete, in “MAKING INNOVATION HAPPEN.”
Big data analytics is a big thing in the world of high technology, and it’s especially important in cyber. A government off-the-shelf, open-source platform, part of a pilot program involving the Program Executive Office (PEO) for Enterprise Information Systems and U.S. Army Cyber Command, could lower costs and lead the way ahead. See “OPEN SOURCE BIG DATA.”
From opening up export markets for U.S. armament manufacturers to finding ways to keep industrial base partners in business, a range of articles explores how PEO Ammunition keeps looking for new ways to work with industry.
“While we constantly strive to develop breakthrough technologies in our labs and research, development and engineering centers, we also encourage the development of innovative solutions from industry partners, including small business firms,” the Honorable Katrina McFarland, acting assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology and the Army acquisition executive, writes in “HIGH STAKES, HIGH REWARD.”
The PEO for Command, Control and Communications – Tactical keeps up with rapid technological changes by taking a competitive approach to buying the latest commercial products to get the best to Soldiers faster, in “NETWORK MARKETPLACE: OPEN FOR BUSINESS AND GROWING.”
An Army acquisition officer thought his advancement plans were derailed when he received orders to attend the resident course at U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Instead, the course was life-altering. See “AN ADVOCATE FOR INNOVATION.”
Learn how the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency finds efficiencies in medical materiel procurement, fielding and sustainment to reduce the logistical footprint and optimize readiness with limited resources in “INTEGRATING ARMY MEDICINE.”
Craig A. Spisak, director of the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center, explains how Soldiers training with industry helps Army acquisition work better in “SHRINKING THE DIVIDE,” while an Army officer tells of learning firsthand where Amazon’s corporate values and those of the military merge and diverge, in “ONE ‘PECULIAR’ FELLOWSHIP.”
Even if you’re a die-hard hard copy reader, there are many reasons to take a sneak peek online. Go to http://usaasc.armyalt.com/#folio=1 to read the e-magazine, or visit the archives at https://asc.army.mil/web/magazine/alt-magazine-archive/ to download the PDF version.
For more information on how to publish an article in Army AL&T magazine, go to https://asc.army.mil/web/publications/army-alt-magazine/ to check out our writers guidelines, upcoming deadlines and themes.
