Service members in Liberia usher in holiday season

MONROVIA, Liberia (Dec. 27, 2014) -- The holiday season is among the Service members deployed to Liberia in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development-led mission, Operation United Assistance. Despite being away from their loved ones, together they remain mentally, spiritually and physically tough, and determined to enjoy the season.

Religious services for troops throughout the Joint Forces Command-United Assistance, or JFC-UA, area of operations began Dec. 16, with the start of Hanukkah. Along with traditional religious services, Liberian and the JFC-UA command organized a musical program at the Barclay Training Center here, to take in some Liberian culture with their allied partners.

The events started on the evening of Dec. 22, with the JFC-UA Barclay Training Center choir singing three Christmas songs, followed by the armed forces of Liberia band and ended with performances by Liberian musicians and dancers.

"The [Barclay Training Center] choir sang three songs (then), we were relieved by numerous performers from Liberia," said Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Harrington, joint operations center noncommissioned officer in charge, Operations Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky. "It was great to celebrate Christmas through singing and praise. Our families are far away, so we have to build that family here."

Harrington said he was both impressed and inspired by the performers musical and dancing abilities to celebrate the season.

Service members were able to reflect spiritually through numerous religious services offered throughout JFC-UA's area of operations. Among others, the last night of Hanukkah was celebrated, Dec. 23, and a candlelight service was celebrated, Dec. 24.

Service members also had the opportunity to show their physical strength, which they did during numerous endurance and strength races and events held throughout the JFC-UA area of operations between Dec. 23 and 24.

Task for Rugged, primarily comprised of Soldiers from the 36th Engineer Brigade out of Fort Hood, Texas, set up a tough Soldier course at the National Police Training Center, which included a Humvee pull. Task Force Eagle Medic, comprised of Soldiers from the 86th Combat Support Hospital based out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, pushed their limits with a functional fitness challenge at Roberts International Airport, just outside Monrovia.

Task Force Lifeliner, comprised of Soldiers from the 101st Sustainment Brigade, also out of Fort Campbell, tested their physical limits with their own version of reindeer games. The Lifeliners balanced out some their physically strenuous activities with some caroling, Dec. 24.

At the Barclay Training Center, the JFC-UA leadership organized a sort of reindeer games as well where troops could make a team and compete in a head-to-head endurance race against one another, said Harrington.

The Barclay Training Center was the course for this one-and-a-half-mile event that included various exercises for the troops to complete, all while wearing their Interceptor Body Armor vests.

"First we ran about a mile in IBA [Interceptor Body Armor] vest," said Pfc. Robert Luna, a Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion. "After that, we did a litter carry about a quarter of the way around the compound and then we called in a nine-line medevac. I enjoy doing things like this and it's not that often that people get to do it."

The contest also included an event where the participants had to drag a rescue stretcher, designed to slide on various terrains, halfway around the Barclay Training Center just like reindeer would pull Santa's sleigh.

Each member of the winning team for the reindeer games received an air assault hat and praise from Maj. Gen. Gary Volesky, commanding general, JFC-UA. They also walked away with good-natured bragging rights and the strong bonds built through teamwork.

"The best thing we have while we're deployed is camaraderie and time with fellow Soldiers and the bonding experience through shared hardship, such as a demanding physical challenge," said Capt. Benjamin Scott, commander, Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky. "PT [physical training] is important; it's an important part of this organization, and having teams of their choosing compete in a physically demanding challenge is a good thing to do in the holidays."

In addition to all the events, all Service members will have the opportunity to enjoy a holiday meal, Dec. 25, which will be comprised of items like grilled steak, honey baked ham, and an assortment of fruits, vegetables, and desserts.

 By Sgt. Matthew Britton

 http://www.army.mil/article/140550/Service_members_in_Liberia_usher_in_holiday_season/

Health Care Specialist (68W)

The health care specialist is primarily responsible for providing emergency medical treatment, limited primary care, and health protection and evacuation from a point of injury or illness.

Job Duties

• Administer emergency medical treatment to battlefield casualties
  
• Assist with outpatient and inpatient care and treatment
  
• Prepare blood samples for laboratory analysis
  
• Prepare patients, operating rooms, equipment and supplies for surgery

http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/medical-and-emergency/health-care-specialist.html

Joint Task Force-Bravo brings medical care to more than 1,500 in remote Honduran villages

 SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras (Dec. 24, 2014) -- Joint Task Force Bravo's, or JTF-B Medical Element, or MEDEL, Joint Security Forces, and the 1-228th Aviation Regiment partnered with the Honduran Ministry of Health and the Honduran Military to provide medical care to more than 1,500 people over two days in Tipimuna and Auka, two remote villages in the Gracias a Dios region of Honduras, during a Medical Readiness Training Exercise, or MEDRETE, Dec. 15-18.

"These exercises are a great opportunity to work with various units of Joint Task Force-Bravo in conjunction with our Honduran Counterparts," said Maj. John Ritter, the commander for this mission.

The care for the patients included classes on hygiene, nutrition and preventive dental care. MEDEL, along with our Honduran partners, also provided dental care, wellness checkups, and medications, as well as performed some minor medical procedures.

JTF-Bravo was able to work together in the successful medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) of a severely dehydrated mother suffering from postpartum depression and a 2-day-old baby with sepsis, an infected umbilical cord that was developing into a life-threatening condition.

"It was rather remarkable that with the support of 1-228th Aviation Regiment, we were able to MEDEVAC the newborn and his mother from the MEDRETE site to Puerto Lempira Hospital in about an hour," said 1st Lt. Brian Coleman.

Besides being in a remote area of the country where the predominant language is Miskito and not Spanish, MEDEL and our Honduran counterparts were able to bridge the language gaps going from English to Spanish to Miskito and back. "We had some Honduran civilians and Honduran military members that stepped up and helped us have a successful mission. This was a real joint effort for all the parties involved," said Staff Sgt. Joe-Michael Mayo, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the MEDRETE.

MEDEL is made up of 65 Army personnel who have come together from all over the United States. MEDEL provides preventive medical care, wellness checkups, dental care, preventive dental care, surgical care and physical therapy through local partnerships in Comayagua and through MEDRETEs, which are carried out on a weekly basis.

Joint Task Force-Bravo conducts MEDRETEs throughout Central America each year in support of U.S. Southern Command's humanitarian and disaster relief programs in order to strengthen civil-military cooperation between the United States and nations in the region.

 By Courtesy Story



http://www.army.mil/article/140638/Joint_Task_Force_Bravo_brings_medical_care_to_more_than_1_500_in_remote_Honduran_villages/

U.S. Army All-American Bowl Game Day

Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015   12:00 NOON CST, Alamodome

The excitement starts well before kick-off for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Fans of the Bowl game are treated to the pagentry and passion of our U.S. Army soldiers as they systematically file into the Alamodome. From the ceremonial and unique game ball delivery--via army rappellers from the Dome's ceiling--to the patriotic pre-game festivities of singing and music, ticket holders are in for a treat.

 http://www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com/bowl-week-events/bowl-game-day

U.S. Army Coaches Academy

Date and Time: Thursday, January 1 - Saturday, January 3, 2015For more than 10 years, the U.S. Army has recognized the commitment and dedication of today’s high school coaches by inviting each U.S. Army All-American’s coach to San Antonio during Bowl Week to attend the U.S. Army Coaches Academy. During the three-day event, coaches have a chance to take part in numerous events, including seminars on leadership, football and physical development, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Awards Show and, the 2015 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Highlights of the Coaches Academy includes classroom seminars to expose Academy Coaches to some of the most cutting-edge information and leadership based seminars administered by U.S. Army representatives, along with high school football coaches from across the country. 

http://www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com/bowl-week-events/coaches-academy

 

 

All American Games Bowl Week

Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014 -  Jan. 3, 2015 - San Antonio, Texas

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is not just a game; it's a week-long celebration of strength, athletics and honor.  Bowl Week activities include community engagement activities; player and Soldier Hero challenges, an Awards Dinner; a performance by the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band; U.S. Army Coaches Academy, featuring a seminar and on-field coaching clinic with NFL and NCAA Coaches; and the U.S. Army National Combine, featuring 500 of the top underclassman athletes in the country.

 http://www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com/bowl-week-events/

ARMY RESERVE SERVING WHEN NEEDED

Being in the Army Reserve allows you to pursue your civilian career or college education while you serve your community. You will spend one weekend a month in training and two weeks a year attending a Field Training Exercise (FTX). Soldiers in the Army Reserve may be called to Active Duty to provide their expertise. Your service in the Army Reserve

X

The Army Reserve is more like a part-time job that enables you to keep your civilian career while you continue to train near home and serve your country.

Learn More

may range from three to six years, depending on your Army Reserve job
 http://www.goarmy.com/about/service-options/army-reserve.html

Army Reserve Soldiers offers aid to community during crisis

GAITHERSBURG, Md. (Dec. 29, 2014) -- The Army Reserve is often cited as a premier community-based force, providing life-saving and life-sustaining capabilities to the citizens it serves.

On Dec. 8, Maj. Gen. Benjamin L. Hunton, U.S. Army Reserve Center, did just that in the aftermath of a small plane crash into a local neighborhood here.

"We (partnered with) the National Transportation Safety Board, Montgomery County Fire and Police Departments, as well as the Red Cross to use space in our facility and parking lot," explained Capt. Joseph Ruhnke, engineer staff officer with the Army Reserve's 99th Regional Support Command.

These federal and local entities that responded to the crash spent several days at the Hunton Army Reserve Center, using the facility as office space, a staging point for emergency vehicles and a place where the community could turn for solace.

"The Red Cross provided meals," said Lt. Col. Dane Getz, chief of operations for the U.S. Army Reserve Legal Command headquartered in the Hunton Army Reserve Center. "On the first night, they used the building to provide shelter for some of the local children who happened to be in the adjacent homes to the fires, whose parents could not get into the area."

A silent partner in the Army Reserve's ability to help the American people is the network of Army Reserve facilities that is woven throughout the nation's local communities and can serve a myriad of functions before, during and after a catastrophic event. These facilities and personnel are located in more than 1,200 neighborhoods throughout the nation, allowing for a quick response by the Soldiers and Army Civilians who live, work and train in these communities.

"I was upstairs in the secretary's office discussing some issues with her, and all of a sudden we heard this loud boom outside; we looked out the window and saw this huge cloud of black smoke," explained Staff Sgt. James Matthew Battle, a supply sergeant with the U.S. Army Reserve Legal Command. "I noticed that the houses across the street were on fire. I immediately jumped in my vehicle and drove over to see what was going on."

What Battle and his fellow Soldiers found was that an Embraer EMB-500/Phenom 100 twin-engine jet had crashed into a nearby residence, resulting in six killed and heavy damage to several adjacent homes.

"All the Soldiers came out and blocked off the street on both ends, and started directing traffic and keeping people moving," he continued. "Emergency vehicles started coming in and our Soldiers directed them exactly where to go because they were not sure exactly where the fire was."

Whether overseas or at home, the Army Reserve continues to offer aid those it serves.

"It feels great to be able to support the local community, seeing everyone pull together to assist in any way possible, especially in a tragedy such as this one," Ruhnke said.

 http://www.army.mil/article/140567/Army_Reserve_Soldiers_offers_aid_to_community_during_crisis/

 By Shawn Morris, 99th Regional Support Command

 

Army Top Performer Awarded to Future Soldier Woodrow Derry.

Staff Sgt. Bennett  from the Grandview Army Career Center presented the Army Top Performer award to Future Soldier Woodrow Derry. Derry demonstrated the Army Values of leadership, duty, respect, selfless-service, honor, integrity, and personal courage to earn the award. Congratulations Pvt. Derry, hooooaah!

MHC Kenworth Joined The United States Army Partnership for Youth Success Program

MHC Kenworth, the largest Kenworth Dealer in North America, officially entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the United States Army Partnership for Youth Success program. The Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) Program is a strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross section of corporations, companies, and public sector agencies.  Kaela Stratman of MHC Kenworth and Greater Kansas City Company Commander Capt. Seth Sanert concluded the signing ceremony at MHC in Leawood.

http://www.mhctruck.com/Careers.htm

GoArmy.Com

Army Top Performer award to Barstow's Jacob Gilyard

Staff Sgt. Bennett and Sgt, Roe from the Grandview Army Career Center presented the Army Top Performer award to Barstow's Jacob Gilyard. Gilyard demonstrated the Army Values of leadership, duty, respect, selfless-service, honor, integrity, and personal courage on the court. Congratulations Jacob, hooooaah!

Operating Room Specialist (68D)

The operating room specialist assists the nursing staff in preparing the patient and the operating room environment for surgery and for providing assistance to the medical staff during surgical procedures.

They also operate the centralized material service and are responsible for preparing and maintaining sterile medical supplies and special equipment for medical treatment facilities.

 http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/medical-and-emergency/operating-room-specialist.html

Enlisted Soldiers have pathway to becoming Army physicians

Enlisted Soldiers from any military occupational specialty with a bachelor's degree in any field can apply to the Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program.

The deadline for submitting the application package is Jan. 23, 2015. As a number of documents need to be submitted, officials suggest not delaying. All of the information for applying can be found in Military Personnel message 14-326.

Members of the inaugural class and coordinator of the Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program, or EMDP2, Dr. Arthur Kellermann, participated in a media roundtable, Dec. 17.

EMDP2 allows Soldiers to remain on active duty while undergoing two years of preparatory coursework at George Mason University, in Virginia. The courses enable the students to meet the requirements for application to medical school and pass the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, Kellermann said.

The goal, he said, is completing the two-year prep, passing the MCAT, attending and graduating medical school and the follow-on residency requirements, and returning to active duty as an officer in the medical field.

Kellermann, who is also the dean of the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, said EMDP2 is a partnership between the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and all of the military services. George Mason just happens to be the school that was selected for the inaugural class of 10 students, who have just completed their first semester.

The Army and the other services are investing a lot in the program, so only the most highly motivated and academically promising Service members are selected, he said.

Enlisted Soldiers "have often been some of our most extraordinary students," in terms of "individual achievements, he said. And, "they bring a maturity and a perspective and a commitment and a level of professionalism in real-world experience to their classes that make the whole academic experience more worthwhile for everyone."

Some of the most highly acclaimed alumni began as enlisted Service members, "but they've been few and far between," he continued.

The reason so few make it is because they are juggling family responsibilities with deployments and finding the time to study is an "enormous hurdle," he explained. That's why this program was created.

So far, the first class is doing "extremely well," he said, with a class average of 3.9 on a scale of 4.

Three Soldiers in the inaugural class shared their EMDP2 experiences.

Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Richter has been in Army special operations unit for 13 years.

"I've seen sides of combat that are not pretty," he said.

He wants to devote the remainder of his life to "preserving life and healing." He called it an "overwhelming drive."

Asked how difficult it is transitioning from special ops to school, he replied that the "education mindset takes a few weeks to adjust to, but it's still a lot easier than being shot at."

Unlike Richter, who has no medical training, Sgt. Steve Capen, has spent five years in the Army working as a squad leader at a medical company at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. His unit's mission is first-responder for homeland security.

Capen agreed that a transition from soldiering to academia is a "shock to the system," but "you soon to settle into the routine." He added that since they're on active duty, they still take physical fitness tests and wear their uniforms to school sometimes, and maintain their professional demeanor.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Johnson has also worked in the medical field at research labs. He said the 10 Service members click and called them "a dream team with dream coaches." By that, he means they study together and their coaches are the faculty members who give them tremendous support.

Kellermann said he expects the program to gather steam and grow to 20 or 25 next year or soon after.

While he encouraged Soldiers to apply to this program, he emphasized that if they don't make the cut, not to get discouraged. There are other scholarship programs available with financial aid incentives.

 http://www.army.mil/article/140219/Enlisted_Soldiers_have_pathway_to_becoming_Army_physicians/

 By David Vergun

Army training keeps Soldiers resilient during holidays, all year

Currently deployed in Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Christopher Freeman relies on his Army training, and support from his family and battle buddies to stay Army Strong while thousands of miles from home.

Although being away from family is difficult, especially over the holidays, Freeman said knowing he is part of a greater mission puts the separation in perspective and helps reduce the stress.

Freeman, a public affairs non-commissioned officer for the International Security Assistance Force, in Kabul, said Army training is invaluable in being resilient.

He said his brigade -- the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina -- made sure everyone took part in resilience training before they deployed.

The brigade also ensured their Soldiers understood all the policies and procedures of the Army, including those related to equal opportunity policies, and prevention and response to sexual harassment and sexual assault.

"That pre-planning really set us up for success," he said.

FAMILY, BATTLE BUDDIES PROVIDE SUPPORT

Even though he is far from home, Freeman stays closely connected with his wife and other loved ones, and is grateful for the technology that allows them to communicate.

"We're able to Skype most times, so the way that I've been really able to cope with this is constant communication," he said.

His family provides tremendous support and gives him a needed boost, especially when he is having a hard day, he said.

In addition to support from family, he relies on his battle buddies from all branches of the U.S. military, and members of the International Security Assistance Force. Everyone looks out for each other, he said.

"It's hard to be away from family," he said. "But the people who are here, we've become a family between all the coalition forces."

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Maintaining communication with family and battle buddies is important in helping a Soldier stay resilient and connected when deployed, according to Sgt. 1st Class Eric Tobin.

Tobin is a master resilience trainer and operations non-commissioned officer for the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness program.

"If you're on mission, you have to keep on doing what you're doing, but I think the Army comes together very well as a team while we are deployed to support each other and just being on the lookout for our battle buddies is important," he said.

The holidays can be especially stressful, whether a Soldier is at home or deployed, Tobin said.

There are things everyone can do to alleviate stress, Tobin said. Just as a battery needs recharging, so does a person, he said. He recommends deliberate, or deep, breathing, or taking a time out.

"Doing deliberate breathing helps your body return to its baseline much faster. You get benefit from that -- you feel better, you're mentally more sharp, and that stress sort of bleeds away as you conduct that deliberate breathing," Tobin said.

Other tips include responding in an engaging manner when someone shares good news, and hunting for the good things in life instead of focusing on the negative, Tobin said.

There are benefits to positive emotion, he said, which helps reduce stress and the negative impact that stress has on your body. Physical activity is a great stress reliever too, he said.

"In all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we forget to take time to really enjoy ourselves," Tobin said.

If someone gets overwhelmed with the stresses of life and the holidays, resources are available, including Army chaplains, behavioral health services on installations, and the Military OneSource resource center, Tobin said.

'ETERNALLY GRATEFUL' FOR SERVICE

Cards from schoolchildren, visits from Army leaders, and events by celebrities who entertain the troops mean a tremendous amount to deployed Soldiers, Freeman said.

"Seeing cards from kids is one of the greatest things to see," he said. "They're very patriotic. We have cards posted all over [the International Security Assistance Force] that kids, schools, churches, and different organizations have sent us."

Freeman said they are expecting a bundle of cards from children in the elementary school he attended, and the Soldiers are trying to set up a live video hook up with the school for when they open the letters.

In addition to the support from home, the people of Afghanistan recognize the service and immense sacrifice of the deployed troops.

"I meet with a lot of the governors and other key leaders and all they can say is how great the job is that we've done here," he said.

"They say 'It's sad that you have to be here and miss so many memories at home, so many holidays, birthdays, major life events, but the people of Afghanistan are eternally grateful for what you've been doing here,'" Freeman said.

"It's things like that that really make being away from home just a little bit easier," he said.

 http://www.army.mil/article/140213/Army_training_keeps_Soldiers_resilient_during_holidays__all_year/

 By Lisa Ferdinando, ARNEWS

Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at the Missouri University of Science and Technology

Welcome to the U.S. Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Stonehenge Battalion at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). You have taken the first step toward one of the greatest opportunities available to young men and women in the United States today. Missouri S&T and our Army ROTC program will prepare you well for any career that you choose. Missouri S&T’s challenging curriculum, small classes, and undergraduate research opportunities will provide you with relevant education and experience. Our ROTC program will teach you the management skills and give you the leadership experience to make you a successful Army officer. Our cadets have fun while learning, and our graduates do very well in the Army.

 http://armyrotc.mst.edu/

Ride the wave of the future with a rewarding science career in the U.S. Army

SCIENCE

Ride the wave of the future with a rewarding science career in the U.S. Army. Discover a wide variety of jobs in such challenging areas as medical, clinical and environmental, which will enable you to learn your specialty using the latest technologies and practices.

 

 

 http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/stem/about-army-stem/science-jobs.html

 

 

Army installs first Ground-Based Sense-and-Avoid radar

The U.S. Army installed its first Ground-Based Sense-and-Avoid radar system today, here, which is home to two MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft system companies

Fort Hood is one of five installations that have been identified to acquire the system.

"We are very excited to finally see this come to fruition," said Viva Kelley, product director for U.S. Army Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airspace Integration Concepts. "The whole team has been working very hard on this program since its inception. In the end, it will provide the Army with a safer and more effective way with which to conduct UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) training and testing."

Currently, the Army uses visual observers, on the ground or in a chase plane, to provide the necessary "see-and-avoid" function required by federal regulation (14 CFR 91.113). The Army-developed Ground-Based Sense-and-Avoid, or GBSAA, will initially support UAS transiting from airfields to restricted areas where training and testing can occur.

The radar system consists of numerous complex subsystems, including multiple 3-D radar, known as LSTAR, data fusion, tracker, classifier, separation algorithms, displays and much more, that have been designed and developed for the sole function of sense and avoid.

Without a pilot on board, UAS do not have the ability to safely navigate in airspace with other traffic, officials said, adding especially with aircraft that are not transponding or otherwise cooperating in the airspace system.

The GBSAA system was designed to be compatible with any UAS, in any airspace and under any operational need. The goal is to open up necessary airspace to UAS and allow them to fly as safely as manned aircraft can. While the first steps will be transits from airfields to restricted areas, operations in military operating areas are in the very near future.

"The GBSAA system has exceeded all of its performance requirements, from the test bed to the full system concept demonstrations and follow-on testing," said Col. Courtney Cote, project manager for UAS. "This system provides the alternate means of compliance with FAA regulatory requirements that will enable our Army to perform the critical mission training they need."

Fort Hood is the first site to receive the system and will have hardware installed in mid-December. The hardware will continue to collect data for a safety analysis and report before becoming fully operational, in 2015. Collecting and analyzing the data will allow operators to see and verify if the radar is seeing everything and give the safety team a good understanding of the airspace traffic.

 http://www.army.mil/article/140078/Army_installs_first_Ground_Based_Sense_and_Avoid_radar/

 By PEO Avaiation

Leading Army researcher: Future of autonomous vehicles

Army Technology Magazine interviewed Dr. Paul D. Rogers, director of the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center at the Detroit Arsenal here. Rogers provides executive management to deliver advanced technology solutions for all Department of Defense ground systems and combat support equipment.

Army Technology: Over the past 10 years, robotics, or autonomy-enabled systems, have gone from a novelty to an asset among Soldiers. What is the current view of autonomy-enabled systems in the field?

Rogers: One of the greatest threats to our Servicemen and [Service]women in Iraq and Afghanistan has been the roadside bomb. For more than a decade of war, we've witnessed how unmanned systems have been effective at keeping our Soldiers at safe distances from this danger. As we plan for the future, we've determined that advanced autonomy-enabled technologies will play an even greater role in keeping our Soldiers safe. Not by replacing them, but by providing a continuum of capabilities that will augment and enable them, while filling some of the Army's most challenging capability gaps.

We've put a lot of work into developing a 30-year ground vehicle strategy, and user understanding and acceptance of autonomy-enabled technologies is vital for the Army to realize the strategy's full value. With today's fast-paced operational tempo, the Army experiences a lot of accidents due to driver inattentiveness, external distractions and fatigue. In the short term, the Autonomous Mobility Appliqué System technology, successfully demonstrated several times this year by TARDEC and Lockheed Martin, can solve these problems by providing our drivers with viable options, up to and including: conducting manned or optionally-manned missions; utilizing a suite of driver-assist features, such as adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigating braking, lane-keeping assist, electronic stability and rollover warnings; or operating in the fully autonomous mode.

The [Autonomous Mobility Appliqué System] kit can be installed on many military ground vehicle platforms, providing driver-assist safety enhancements that are easily understood by the drivers. Our goal is to ease the cognitive and/or physical burden placed on our Soldiers, and augment human performance to better enable mission accomplishment. Guided by the 30-Year Ground Vehicle Strategy, we will continue to integrate more scalable autonomy-enabled features into our ground vehicle systems in the future.

Army Technology: What is the TARDEC 30-Year Ground Vehicle Strategy, and how will it impact autonomy-enabled systems and automation?

Rogers: The strategy is a living document that reflects where technology and ground vehicle capabilities are going over the next 30 years. The strategy helps us gauge what we are trying to achieve, what to invest in, who to partner with, and is comprised of three value streams:

• Shape requirements for future programs of record.
• Develop new capabilities for current ground systems.
• Provide engineering support and services.

The strategy provides an overarching framework to develop, integrate and sustain advanced manned and autonomy-enabled ground system capabilities for the Current and Future Force. The strategy is shaped through TARDEC's enduring engagement with the: Training and Doctrine Command, our higher headquarters -- specifically, the U.S. Army Materiel Command and the Research, Development, and Engineering Command; the Army's acquisition and programs of record management community; numerous other science and technology organizations across the Department of Defense; industry; and academia.

The next generation of vehicle platforms will feature autonomous capabilities along with modular physical architecture, open electronic architecture for ease of upgrades, common and efficient power trains, and flexible manufacturing for rapid and tailorable production.

Army Technology: Innovation in this area is coming from all sides. How important is the Army's partnership with industry?

Rogers: Collaborating with partners from industry, academia, other government agencies and across DOD is vital to TARDEC's ability to integrate technologies and develop advanced capabilities that improve our warfighters' effectiveness and efficiency. TARDEC is the DOD ground systems integrator. We have highly skilled personnel and unique world-class facilities strategically located in the heart of the automotive industry. Our ties to the auto industry and the defense industrial base in southeast Michigan date back to World War II, and endure to this day. The future of Army ground vehicle systems capabilities depends on continued strategic engagement with these partners.

Our vision is to be the first choice for technology and engineering expertise across the ground vehicle domain and the entry point for industry and academia to bring advanced automotive and autonomous technologies so we can then demonstrate their maturity and operational value to the Army. At the end of the day, everything we do is about getting the best technologies and ground vehicle capabilities into the warfighter's hands. This is a team effort and our ability to partner with industry and academia, as well as leverage their ideas, is absolutely critical to our success.

Army Technology: What do you want Army scientists and engineers to know as they continue to break new ground in autonomy-enabled technology research?

Rogers: The ever-changing strategic landscape requires flexible, adaptable and integrated technologies that transcend multiple platforms and operational environments. Autonomy-enabled systems deliver capabilities that unburden the Soldier and provide long-term value to the Army. To prevent, shape and win future conflicts in a changing world, Army [science and technology] must deliver timely and technologically-advanced solutions that address our top priority capability gaps and ensure that our Soldiers have the very best equipment available. Autonomy-enabled systems will allow Soldiers to continue to dominate the battlefield, today and tomorrow.

Army Technology: How optimistic is your vision for the future of robotics and autonomous vehicles for the U.S. Army?

Rogers: We don't know exactly what the future holds, but with TARDEC's strategy, we are working closely with the user and acquisition communities to enable Army formations and unburden our Soldiers. We'll proceed with the knowledge that the nation needs the Army to respond anywhere on the globe with tailorable vehicles that can adjust to emerging threats and unpredictable environments. Autonomy-enabled vehicles will reduce accidents while augmenting warfighter capabilities, and increase battlefield mobility and lethality by creating greater stand-off distances from danger, making supply distribution safer and more efficient, and providing the flexibility to adapt to tomorrow's ever-changing and evolving threats. Nothing can replace the life of a Soldier. Autonomy-enabled systems will help make the Army more expeditionary, keep Soldiers safe and make them more efficient.

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Editor's note: Rogers holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering--engineering mechanics from Michigan Technological University, a master of science in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, a master of science in engineering-mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan at Dearborn and a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from MTU.

This interview appears in the November/December 2014 issue of Army Technology Magazine, which focuses on robotics. The magazine is available as an electronic download, or print publication. The magazine is an authorized, unofficial publication published under Army Regulation 360-1, for all members of the Department of Defense and the general public.

The Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to develop technology and engineering solutions for America's Soldiers.

RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. AMC is the Army's premier provider of materiel readiness--technology, acquisition support, materiel development, logistics power projection and sustainment--to the total force, across the spectrum of joint military operations. If a Soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, eats it or communicates with it, AMC provides it.

 http://www.army.mil/article/139889/Leading_Army_researcher__Future_of_autonomous_vehicles/

 By TARDEC Public Affairs