by Cheryl Marino
FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Oct. 3, 2024) — Capturing useful emerging technology and integrating it into modernization requires a deliberate and strategic approach. The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)) and its Army Acquisition Workforce, along with our industry partners, have been actively working to streamline processes and remove barriers to quickly field new capabilities. This effort is part of a broader initiative to modernize the U.S. Army and ensure it remains competitive and effective in various operational environments. According to AL&T Editor-in-Chief, Nelson McCouch III, “by focusing on rapid development and deployment, ASA(ALT) aims to ensure that the Army can quickly adapt to emerging threats and technological advancements.”
The fall issue explores ASA(ALT)’s key modernization strategies, which involve leveraging programs to find and scale solutions across the Army. Read how:
- The Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Data Engineering and Software (DASA DES) is building layered risk mitigation for AI development in THE CALCULUS OF CAUTION.
- Learn how the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) is leveraging AI/ML to support a capabilities-based defense approach to combat pacing biological threats in THE KNOWN UNKNOWNS.
- Through digital transformation, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear has evolved greatly from a canary in a coal mine to the modern CBRN battlespace. Find out how in FROM CANARY TO COMPUTER.
- The Joint Biological Tactical Detection System is ready to go into production. Don’t miss ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, DETECT!
- Find out how rapid software development with DevSecSafOps integrates safety into modern software development practices in THE SAFE ADVANTAGE.
- Learn how AI agents collaborate to support Army missions in CALL MY AGENT.
- Soldier involvement during testing brings value to Army modernization efforts, find out more in KEEP IN TOUCH.
- In VITAL SIGNS, learn how the first triage system ever cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is powered by AI.
- Data mesh revolutionizes the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC)’s ability to help speed capability to warfighters in ATEC’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION.
- Don’t miss MULTIPLE PATHS LEAD TO NETWORK RESILIENCY, to learn how
Army agencies work to improve satellite communications and Soldier capabilities.
- Find out how the Excess Defense Articles program complements the Army’s modernization and divestiture goals in MAKE ROOM FOR MODERNIZATION.
- Army SBIR and xTech prize competitions are partnering with Project Linchpin to scale artificial intelligence solutions. Read how in ACCELERATING THE ARMY’S AI STRATEGY.
As always, Army AL&T relies on contributions from you, members of the Army Acquisition Workforce and our stakeholders. For more information on how to publish an article in Army AL&T magazine, go to https://asc.army.mil/web/publications/army-alt-submissions to see our writers’ guidelines, upcoming deadlines and themes.
Army AL&T Fall 2024 Issue
FROM THE AAE: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF WARFARE
As the nature of warfare continues to evolve, we are accelerating and intensifying our efforts to develop advanced, long-term modernization programs to ensure our warfighters maintain a decisive advantage, should deterrence fail, on future battlefields.
THEME
To maintain dominance in the battlefield of tomorrow, the U.S. needs to continue to lead in developing systems on the bleeding edge of technology. These capabilities come with unique risks, and the acquisition community has the responsibility to understand these risks and employ appropriate mitigations to ensure maximum benefit for the warfighter.
The best way to react to the unknown is to be prepared. A capabilities-based approach invests in platforms to have the infrastructure, processes and skillsets in place and ready to respond to whatever threat may materialize.
CBRN defense has evolved vastly from a lone canary in a coal mine. Thanks to modernization and digital transformation, our warfighters are better informed, prepared and protected from CBRN threats more than ever.
ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, DETECT!
It’s been 20 years in the making, but the Army is about to get its first lightweight, low-cost, man-portable defense surveillance system for detecting, collecting and identifying biological warfare agent aerosols.
FACES OF THE FORCE: SONA PATIL
Building on Experience.
To maintain a competitive edge on the battlefield, the Army must be able to rapidly develop, upgrade and deploy software to weapons and warfighting systems. DevSecSafOps combines best practices of Agile and DevSecOps software development processes with procedures for software safety, resulting in an efficient software development process that mitigates safety risk, ultimately delivering software at a speed of relevance.
The integration of AI agents and large language models into computing systems is revolutionizing the way we interact with technology and obtain support. These advancements are transforming customer service and technical support, making interactions faster, more efficient and surprisingly human-like.
Getting the most accurate and timely intelligence to units on the ground is paramount—and so is developing an intelligence system that is tailor made for the Soldiers it will serve. Involving end-users in the iterative development process, through Soldier touch points, helps ensure a system is aligned with their needs and provides valuable insights to validate and inform design decisions and tradeoff analysis.
The first triage system ever cleared by the FDA for assessing hemorrhage risk in trauma patients is powered by AI. How did its inventors ensure it was up to the job?
FACES OF THE FORCE: MAJ. STEPHEN MURPHY
Prioritization and perspective.
Data mesh, which makes data more readily available to stakeholders by storing data in a common location with separation along logical business lines, revolutionizes U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command’s ability to help speed capability to the hands of warfighters.
MULTIPLE PATHS LEAD TO NETWORK RESILIENCY
Army agencies work to improve satellite communications increasing network capabilities and ease of use for all Soldiers.
The Excess Defense Articles program saves millions of taxpayer dollars complementing the Army’s modernization and divestiture goals.
ACCELERATING THE ARMY’S AI STRATEGY
The development of advanced artificial intelligence solutions from industry provides the DOD with opportunities to enhance and strengthen its strategic edge in national defense. As these technologies evolve, the U.S. Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and xTech Programs play a vital role in delivering these innovative AI solutions to the Army.
FEATURE ARTICLES
FACES OF THE FORCE: MSG. PAYTEN REDFEARN
It’s all about balance.
The Joint Munitions Command plays an integral part in aid to Ukraine.
FACES OF THE FORCE: BHARAT PATEL
The fun has only begun.
COMMENTARY
An approach through Agile development and model quality simulation.
WORKFORCE
FROM THE DACM: A MORE AGILE APPROACH TO TRAINING THE AAW
The word agile is used to describe continuous transformation and the need for agile testing, agile development and agile processes; allowing for rapid development, timely adaptation and accelerating delivery, which is important in training and keeping our workforce relevant.
The updated Human Capital Strategic Plan shifts priorities to support evolving Army policy and the strategic environment.
FACES OF THE FORCE: ALBERT KLOBCHAR
Empowered to win.
CAREER NAVIGATOR: LET’S BE REASONABLE
Reasonable accommodations remove barriers and encourage work-life balance.
THEN & NOW: SEND IN THE DRONES
From humble surveillance to formidable battlefield assets, drones are reshaping modern warfare with advanced capabilities.
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