PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - More than 70 teenagers participating in the Ringwood/Wanaque Junior Police Academy recently received a unique opportunity to go behind the iconic cannon gates of nearby Picatinny Arsenal, where they got an up-close look at the technology, training and capabilities that support America’s warfighters.
The Aug. 5 visit gave the students a firsthand look at the diverse missions performed at the installation while exposing them to the important roles played by military and civilian personnel in supporting the nation’s defense.
During their time at Picatinny Arsenal, the students were introduced to some of the cutting-edge technology and equipment developed and supported at the installation. The demonstrations provided a glimpse into how advanced capabilities are designed to meet the evolving needs of Soldiers and other warfighters in the field.
Personnel with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center showcased wearable protective equipment, a virtual reality headset used for training purposes, and an autonomous four-legged robotic dog, or quadruped, equipped with advanced sensors for use in reconnaissance, surveillance, and threat detection in high-risk environments to reduce soldier exposure to danger.
Additionally, team members with Project Manager Close Combat Systems demonstrated shoulder launched munitions and the family of tactical and protective grenades, while Project Manager Soldier Lethality showcased the XM8 Carbine and the M250 Automatic Rifle.
The visit also included hands-on training with Picatinny Arsenal’s emergency response personnel.
The Picatinny Arsenal Fire Department (PAFD) provided the students with emergency lifesaving and rope rescue courses which allowed the teenagers to learn techniques used by professional first responders when dealing with emergency situations and challenging rescue environments.
"Supporting the young minds of our community is one of the most important missions we have,” said Troy Christman, PAFD Fire Chief. “When these teenagers step onto the installation and get hands-on with lifesaving and rope rescue training, their eyes are opened to the realities of public service. It is essential that we show them the vast options out in the world—whether in emergency response, law enforcement, or national defense—before they make those pivotal life decisions. We want them to leave Picatinny Arsenal knowing that if they choose a path of service, they have a community ready to support them."
The students also spent time with Picatinny Arsenal’s Police Department, where they received weapons overviews and participated in night vision training.
The weapons portion of the visit provided students with an overview of the equipment and safety considerations associated with law enforcement and military operations. The night vision training offered another unique experience, giving the students an opportunity to see how technology can dramatically improve visibility and situational awareness in low-light environments.
For many of the teenagers, the experience provided a perspective they would not normally get from outside the installation.
The Junior Police Academy is designed to give young people an understanding of law enforcement, public safety and the responsibilities that come with serving a community. The Picatinny Arsenal visit expanded on those lessons by introducing the students to the military, emergency response and technology missions taking place just a short distance from their hometowns.
The visit also highlighted the close relationship between Picatinny Arsenal and the surrounding communities.
Located in Morris County, Picatinny Arsenal is a major U.S. Army research, development and engineering center focused on providing advanced capabilities to the warfighter. The installation brings together scientists, engineers, technicians, Soldiers, police officers, firefighters and other professionals working on a wide range of national defense missions.
For the more than 70 Ringwood/Wanaque Junior Police Academy participants, the visit was an opportunity to see that mission firsthand—and to experience some of the technology and training that help keep both warfighters and communities safe.
The day at Picatinny Arsenal offered the students more than a tour. It provided an educational experience that connected the lessons of their Junior Police Academy with the real-world work of military, law enforcement and emergency response professionals.