Rapid Equipping Force moves headquarters, ushers in new era

FORT BELVOIR, VA, UNITED STATES

10.02.2019

Story by Ben Nigro 

Rapid Equipping Force - U.S. Army

FORT BELVOIR, Virginia (October 2, 2019) – After being stationed at the same offices for over 17 years, the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF) has officially moved its headquarters and personnel to a new location at Fort Belvoir, VA.

The move to the new building ushers in a new era for the REF, with improved work space to facilitate internal and external collaboration and communication. The building’s layout incorporates more work stations, dedicated breakout rooms, heightened security features such as full-camera monitoring, and an open floor concept, all of which encourage cohesion and streamlining of workflow at the REF.

“Moving into this new building marks an important time for the REF organizationally, both now and for the future,” said COL Joe D. Bookard, REF Director.

Along with moving to a modern facility, the REF also modernized its brand. The organization has updated its logo and established a new look and feel to its communications products. While the mission remains the same, the REF continually evolves to keep pace with the changes of the Army.

Since 2002, the REF has primarily focused efforts on Soldiers in CENTCOM. Over the years, rapid equipping to Soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq was critical to fighting the war on terror. While continuing to provide support in those locations, REF is also expanding and refocusing efforts and operations in U.S. Army Africa and U.S. Army Europe.

The REF is fully committed to supporting the Warfighter employed globally during a time of great power competition. As the REF moves forward, it will increase its partnering efforts with Army Service Component Commands to learn more about the challenges and requirements in their areas of responsibility. Strategic engagement will allow the REF to better determine units’ emerging requirements by region and identify potential technology solutions, resulting in more timely equipping actions.

• Date Taken: 10.02.2019
• Date Posted: 10.02.2019 11:32
• Story ID: 345306
• Location: FORT BELVOIR, VA, US