by Cheryl Marino
FORT BELVOIR, Va. (July 29, 2024) — As the world witnesses rapid technological advancements and shifting geopolitical landscapes, the Army’s commitment to adaptation through experimentation and testing becomes increasingly vital. This issue focuses on how the Army, specifically the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, is adapting experimentation and testing to improve processes and deliver products faster and better. According to Nelson McCouch III, Army AL&T editor-in-chief, “Integral to both experimentation and [training] exercises are the agile development methodology and the Soldier-centered design concept.”
The summer issue explores how the agile methodology highlights people over process, while Soldier-centered design puts the warfighter at the center of the design and development process of all the kit, vehicles and software they would need to fight and win the nation’s wars. Read how:
- DIGITAL MODULARITY is architecting for adaptability with the Army.
- Learn how a new virtual environment evaluates systems in multidomain operations in MULTIDOMAIN DOMINANCE.
- EI Cell ensures the right medical technology gets to Soldiers. Read more in PERSISTENT EXPERIMENTATION.
- Learn how an in-house digital engineering course aims to accelerate design and development processes in A MATTER OF COURSE.
- Find out the top priority in the Army’s transformation effort. Don’t miss TRANSFORMING IN CONTACT.
- Read how the Army is maximizing collaboration and testing to deliver lightweight ammunition to the warfighter in LIGHTEN UP.
- JPEO A&A is working to develop munitions to counter the growing threat of small UAS. Learn more in NEED FOR SPEED.
- Find out how machine learning is used to forecast maintenance in STRYKER READY.
- New missile programs deliver enhanced capabilities, bolstering joint force effectiveness. Don’t miss PREPARE TO LAUNCH.
- BA-08 pilot is vital for safeguarding Army’s information networks. Learn more in PILOT IS PARAMOUNT.
- Find out how the PM MAS team helps to update specifications for munition chemicals in RECIPE FOR SUCCESS.
- Engineers and statisticians are taking a systems approach to developing cannon artillery. Learn how in WE HAVE IGNITION.
- Read how the 11th Airborne Division is enabling internal communications in-flight in REVOLUTIONIZING AIRBORNE ENROUTE MISSION COMMAND.
- PEO EIS is using Agile methodologies and a diverse set of teams to develop the Army Training Information System (ATIS). Find out more in COLLABORATIVE APPROACH.
- Learn how the Army is leveraging Free and Open-Source Software on the battlefield in THE POWER OF FOSS.
- Read more about maximizing success through testing and engagement in NAVIGATING FISCAL BOUNDARIES.
As always, Army AL&T relies on contributions from you, members of the Army Acquisition Workforce and our stakeholders. For 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 Summer 2024 Issue
FROM THE AAE: AGILE ACQUISITION
Providing Soldiers the edge to conduct multidomain operations in all environments.
THEME
Digital modularity is pivotal in the digital transformation of the Army. The DASA(DES) team is leading the charge on implementation of a 100-day artificial intelligence plan, designed to strategically outline our AI-related investments in science and technology, catalog AI requirements across our entire portfolio and address challenges in the AI landscape, such as evolving testing methodologies.
The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command is launching a virtual environment to evaluate systems in multidomain operations.
The Experimentation Integration Cell ensures that the right medical technology is at the right event at the right point in the acquisition process.
The Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross-Functional Team created its own, in-house course on digital engineering practices and applications to help accelerate design and development processes.
FACES OF THE FORCE: MAJ. DAVID LILJA
Learning doesn’t stop.
The Army is identifying specific units to experiment with near-term networked communications systems designed to counter the threats leaders see evolving on the battlefield. Known as “transforming in contact,” this experimentation is becoming an increasingly critical component for evaluating and helping to refine technologies that could be needed at a moment’s notice.
Given the significant weight burden of weapons, ammunition, sustainment, protection and mission command equipment that warfighters carry, reducing Soldier load continues to be a top priority for the Army. Prototype testing and experimentation with alternative materials such as polymer and steel are in progress to substitute ammunition cartridge components to reduce weight without degrading performance.
On today’s battlefield, one such emerging technology comes in the form of small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), which the DOD defines as Groups 1-3, weighing less than 1,320 pounds and traveling at speeds less than 250 knots. Speed is needed to counter the sUAS threat with affordable and scalable kinetic options.
The Army’s current model to determine future equipment readiness levels falls short of enabling command decision-making in large-scale combat operations. During a rotational deployment to Korea, leaders from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division pursued an improved model to forecast equipment readiness using machine learning tools, while considering the influence of exogenous data.
Missiles play a crucial role in modern warfare, continually evolving with technological advancements and shaping military strategies worldwide. From this ever-changing landscape, two new groundbreaking missile programs have emerged, promising to redefine military capabilities and strategies with cutting edge technology.
By enabling faster delivery of capabilities, reducing lifetime costs and enhancing predictability in programming and budgeting efforts, Budget Activity (BA-08) funding has positioned the Defensive Cyber Operations program as a leader in defensive cyberspace operations within the military.
Military specifications, especially for chemicals, are like cookbooks. They detail requirements, formulations, testing, inspection procedures and even packaging and labeling information. If not properly maintained, the specs become obsolete, and testing and inspection procedures become outdated. Picatinny Arsenal is working to help establish new domestic sources through technical updates to old specs.
In addition to developing a new cannon chamber to improve ignition, this project brought together a technically diverse team to develop a novel Digital System Design Tool for a collaborative design of the cannon-propelling charge interface, while keeping focus on the system aspect. The tools and processes developed allow team members to conduct numerous analyses as required without the need for timely and costly live-fire testing.
REVOLUTIONIZING AIRBORNE ENROUTE MISSION COMMAND
The 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division was the first in the Army to establish push-to-talk, air-to-air and air-to-ground Enroute Mission Command, employing Integrated Tactical Network fielded AN/PRC-158 Mobile User Objective System capable radios internally, removing the involvement of external organizations. This innovation has revolutionized the way the Airborne commander communicates in-flight.
FACES OF THE FORCE: STEVEN DAVID GAVIN
Communicate, serve, get involved.
The Scaled Agile Framework and parallel user-centered iterative processes, aimed at delivering best value for the Army Training Information System’s exceptionally unique and diverse user population, has undergone a significant evolution since the launch of its first Agile Release Train, with substantial refinement of its processes putting increased emphasis on continuous community and user feedback to best shape and deliver an ideal solution for Soldiers.
Integrating Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) is not just about technological advancement, but signifies a fundamental shift towards a more agile, innovative and technologically proficient military force.
Navigating a fiscally constrained environment in the early stages of a project demands strategic allocation of resources and a keen focus on risk mitigation to ensure success. By continuously refining designs, incorporating user feedback and optimizing resource allocation, cumulative testing enhances the efficiency of the development cycle and ensures the capability meets user needs while staying within budget constraints.
FEATURE ARTICLES
ABILITYONE: DELIVERING FOR THE ARMY
A strategic partner helps the Army through innovative products and services.
FACES OF THE FORCE: MAJ. GREGORY GRIFFITH
An awesome responsibility.
Connecting industry directly to the Army’s capabilities and needs.
FACES OF THE FORCE: MARK WHITBY
Honesty is the best policy.
COMMENTARY
Tactical insights for acquisition professionals navigating the supply chain environment.
WORKFORCE
FROM THE DACM: TRANSFORMING THE FORCE
The Army Digital Transformation Strategy requires the Army to build a foundation for change.
CAREER NAVIGATOR: SERVING THE DIGITAL ENTRÉE
The push to equip the Army Acquisition Workforce with digital skills continues with MOREin ’24.
FACES OF THE FORCE: CHRISTOPHER AYOUB
Get involved.
THEN & NOW
ATACMS TO PRSM: OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
The Precision Strike Missile system replaces the aging Army Tactical Missile System to improve firepower, performance and producibility.
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