FORT BELVOIR, Virginia (August 20, 2019) – A unique Army organization created to equip Soldiers with rapid solutions during a critical time of war still remains in operation after 17 years. What started as a task force with a team of only a few people has grown into an organization with expert staff and has become an enduring capability for the Army.
In August 2002, the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF) was formed and charged with rapidly equipping U.S. Army Soldiers with materiel solutions (within 180 days) using current and emerging technologies. By 2013, the REF had developed solutions for thousands of problems Soldiers faced in Afghanistan and Iraq. In January 2014, the Secretary of the Army and Army Chief of Staff approved the REF as an enduring program under the Training and Doctrine Command, or TRADOC.
The REF has a long history with a constant focus on innovation. Its story starts with the PackBot, a ground robot used to search and clear caves for Soldiers. It evolves to its team of experts testing and equipping electronic warfare solutions. It continues with the organization’s leadership looking toward the future – anticipating capability gaps and identifying the best technologies available – to support the fielded force. Through the years, the REF has adapted to the challenges and needs Soldiers face in the field, and it will continue to do so with providing rapid solutions and enhanced capabilities.
“We learn a lot from our history – past challenges, achievements, and the impact of our work. At times, our history may closely resemble the present. But make no mistake, it is in fact the past. The context and environment is what differentiates them. We must find ways to preserve the artifacts of our past and press on toward the future,” said COL Joe D. Bookard, REF Director. Part of “pressing on” involves modernization to improve Soldier readiness and protection such as advancing partnerships with Centers of Excellence or identifying gaps and strategically investing in technologies that provide enhanced capabilities.
During recent team engagements, COL Bookard asked REF personnel, “What should the Army REF value most?” Reponses were overwhelmingly for the Warfighter – whether it is providing support, being loyal, or responding with materiel solutions quickly. This has been the history and mission of the REF, and it will carry on into its future.
About the REF
The REF provides innovative materiel solutions to meet the urgent requirements of U.S. Army forces employed globally, informs materiel development for the future force, and expands (on order) to meet operational demands. The REF currently supports priority equipping efforts over a wide range of challenges including solutions for subterranean operations, electronic warfare, unmanned and counter-unmanned aerial systems, intelligence, expeditionary force protection, and air and ground robotics. Learn more at www.ref.army.mil.
| Date Taken: | 08.20.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 08.20.2019 08:51 |
| Story ID: | 336553 |
| Location: | FORT BELVOIR, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 106 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, REF Celebrates 17 Years of Providing Support to the Warfighter, by Regina Barnes and Ben Nigro, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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