ARMY AL&T MAGAZINE

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Here at Army AL&T we've been thinking about modernization pretty close to nonstop ever since last fall's announcement of the Army's six modernization... read more

Here at Army AL&T we've been thinking about modernization pretty close to nonstop ever since last fall's announcement of the Army's six modernization priorities, the Futures Command and the cross-functional teams. By the caliber of on-topic contributions we received this quarter, you all have been, too. The April-June 2018 issue, online now, offers plenty more to think about as more details emerge about the big modernization task the Army is undertaking: http://usaasc.armyalt.com/#folio=1. To better understand the modernization plan, we went straight to the source: one of its architects, Undersecretary Ryan D. McCarthy. What, specifically, does the Army need to modernize-and why did it choose those priorities? How will Army acquisition reorganize to deliver the six priorities? Learn more in "One Roof." http://usaasc.armyalt.com/?iid=158779#folio=20 Vertical lift is a modernization priority-and this doesn't just mean a new helicopter. The Army needs a package of capabilities, including things like visual assistance so pilots can take off not just when skies are clear. Read how RDECOM has reorganized to better align its research and development with the six modernization priorities, in "Shifting Gears." http://usaasc.armyalt.com/?iid=158779#folio=48 We've got the first word from your new Army acquisition executive. Dr. Bruce D. Jette brought some of the first robots to the Afghan battlefield in just under a month-an early example of rapid acquisition. His current view is that we can no longer afford "real acquisition" if it takes six or more years. In "Advancing Acquisition," Jette shares more insights and key principles for transforming the culture. http://usaasc.armyalt.com/?iid=158779#folio=8 Much of the modernization imperative comes from studying what the future battlefield will be like and what Soldiers will need to survive it. The model of battlefield medical care will need to change, and Army medicine is preparing the equipment and plans to keep pace; for instance, drones, not medics or convoys, could deliver medical supplies to Soldiers far from any support or medical facility. "Between Yesterday and Tomorrow" describes other changes to combat casualty care as well. http://usaasc.armyalt.com/?iid=158779#folio=95 New kinds of battle need new kinds of acquisition: More sensitive, faster radiological-nuclear detection instruments are due to hit the field a year sooner than expected, thanks to an acquisition approach that moved money from redundant testing to the technology development phase, and broke down walls between S&T and acquisition processes. "All Together, Now" tells the story. http://usaasc.armyalt.com/?iid=158779#folio=52 In other highlights: "From Idea to Front Line in Record Time" offers six lessons that illustrate the Army's ability to conduct acquisition rapidly. http://usaasc.armyalt.com/?iid=158779#folio=144 "The 'Armyzon' Equation" runs the numbers and suggests that DOD could save billions if it bought office supplies and other smaller, commercial items from an online marketplace. http://usaasc.armyalt.com/?iid=158779#folio=40 "Fortified by Feedback" is a reminder of how important it is to let the units who will use equipment test it, and to let them know what changes resulted from their input. http://usaasc.armyalt.com/?iid=158779#folio=84  less

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The January – March 2018 issue of Army AL&T magazine showcases the amazing work done by the Army science and technology community—some 28,350 employees... read more

The January – March 2018 issue of Army AL&T magazine showcases the amazing work done by the Army science and technology community—some 28,350 employees at over 80 sites in 32 states across the U.S. and in 14 foreign countries - with more than two dozen articles originating in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology (DASA(R&T)) that provide an in-depth view of where Army science and technology are and where they need to go to meet the Army’s top technology priorities. Highlights from the magazine include: For Dr. Thomas P. Russell, the DASA(R&T), envisioning and developing the capabilities that the Army will need in five years or 30 years doesn’t require a crystal ball—just science. Find out more in “IT'S ALL ABOUT THE SCIENCE.” Ponder the paradox of artificial intelligence. Are Siri and Google maps just apps (yes), or are they stunning demonstrations of AI’s power that would have blown minds 30 years ago (also yes)? Read “THE ARTIFICIAL BECOMES REAL.” The Army’s primary science and technology arm, the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM), is developing technologies for the future multidomain battle scenario, in “WORLD-CLASS TECH, ACCORDING TO PLAN.” Robbie Schingler, one of the founders of Planet, a private company that has a constellation of nearly 200 satellites taking daily images of the Earth, outlines lessons that the Army can learn from a strategy of going big by going small, in “VERY SMALL SATELLITES, VERY BIG DEAL.” Read Army AL&T emagazine online: http://usaasc.armyalt.com/.  less

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We're all familiar with Gen. Milley's firm commitment to readiness as the Army's No. 1 priority. But what does readiness look like? And what does it mean... read more

We're all familiar with Gen. Milley's firm commitment to readiness as the Army's No. 1 priority. But what does readiness look like? And what does it mean for the acquisition professional? Army AL&T explores just that in the October-December issue, which is available online today. Experts from across the acquisition community-and a couple from the outside-have contributed in-depth, analytical pieces that add interesting dimensions to the readiness discussion. Many in Army Acquisition agree that supporting readiness calls for a cradle-to-grave understanding of the systems being acquired, not just their procurement. Learn what that means in "READINESS: MORE THAN A CONCEPT." For RDECOM commanding general Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins, readiness is a moving target. The necessity for readiness today is a given, but he also has to be ready for tomorrow and the host of tomorrows to come. Find out how he does it in "CHAMPION FOR TECHNOLOGY." When an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus spun out of control in West Africa in 2014, the World Health Organization turned to Dr. Bruce Aylward. It turns out that readiness to fight a pandemics around the world isn't too much different from readiness to fight and win the nation's wars. Read Aylward's thoughts on marshaling forces including the U.S. military to stop the Ebola outbreak, and how planning for the unexpected isn't as impossible as it sounds, in "IDENTIFY. QUANTIFY. ELIMINATE." If multiple brigades of deploying Soldiers suddenly needed flame-resistant combat uniforms, could Army acquisition deliver? The short answer is not yet. The long answer is that there are several options to get ready, and solving challenges like this before a conflict arises is the true test of readiness for Army acquisition. See "THINK READY, BE READY." Does your organization have an industrial property management specialist? Neither do most others. But it's a vitally important position to fill. It's all explained in "THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING TRACK."  less

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The Army Acquisition Workforce is charged with equipping Soldiers to fight and win America’s battles. And it’s that workforce that stands front and... read more

The Army Acquisition Workforce is charged with equipping Soldiers to fight and win America’s battles. And it’s that workforce that stands front and center of the July – September issue of Army AL&T magazine. From developing capabilities for Soldiers in the field to nurturing and inspiring future Army scientists and engineers in the classroom, we’ve got it covered. In this issue: Network Integration Evaluations and Joint Warfighting Assessments are evolving, and as they do the Army’s ‘trail bosses’ seize the chance to grow professionally as their roles expand in planning and executing the large-scale exercises. Find out how in “CENTER OF THE STORM.” Logistics demonstrations reduce fielding risk and Soldier burden by ensuring that units have the logistical capability needed to successfully operate, maintain and troubleshoot systems in the field. Read how in “TECHNICAL MANUALS THAT WORK.” CERDEC’s STEM Superstar program uses pop culture, superheroes and everyday activities to show elementary schoolchildren that science, technology, engineering and mathematics are everywhere. Discover how in “ENGINEERS DON’T NEED TRAINS.” And read how RDECOM’s STEM outreach program is targeting students from kindergarten to college, in “BUILDING A LOVE FOR MATH AND SCIENCE.” Harvard Business School Professor Linda A. Hill has made it her life’s work to study what makes a good manager a good leader, and vice versa. The former “Army brat,” the daughter of a Medical Service Corps officer, has seen the numerous ways that understanding the individual and the organization well makes for better managers and leaders who can build thriving teams. Read about her findings in “FIRST, MANAGE YOURSELF.” Credibility is especially key in the world of acquisition, where trust equals money. Program managers need the right mix of character and action to build a foundation of trust. To understand how that can be done, see “BUILDING CREDIBILITY.” PEO CS&CSS launches a two-pronged effort to maximize the effectiveness of the SRPE and get the most from its workforce. Read how in “THE SHAPE OF SUCCESS.”  less

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Rambo, robots and big cats stalk the acquisition landscape in our latest issue, dedicated to robotics, artificial intelligence and advanced... read more

Rambo, robots and big cats stalk the acquisition landscape in our latest issue, dedicated to robotics, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing—the stuff of sci-fi and Soldier dreams. In the April – June issue of Army AL&T magazine, contributors from around the defense world sketch out a future in which those dreams could come to life. • Making the soldier the decisive edge - Advanced technologies sharpen Soldier’s advantage • Lessons learned on acquiring systems for unmanned and cyber warfare • A green machine success - Innovatively funded R&D efforts yield next-gen small caliber ammunition • A glimpse from above - OSD Logistics Fellows get panoramic and up-close views of what drives their profession • SREHD Shreds the handheld competition - PM CCS uses robots to detect, mark and neutralize explosive hazards • X marks the spot - Creating a new picture of the cyber battlefield • Partnering at the speed of cyber - Stakeholders break out of traditional roles while testing, evaluating cybersecurity at NIE 16.2 • Mission command on semi-automatic - Autonomous control of routine tasks could free up mission commander’s time, support decision-making • Science on the spot - RDECOM FAST advisers develop 3-D printed pigs and other prototypes to protect Soldiers • Multidomain medicine - TATRC prepares for a more complex battlefield with advanced technologies for casualty care • Rambo’s premiere - Researchers fire 3-D printed ammo out of a 3-D printed grenade launcher • Need a LFT? - PEO Ammunition works to close capability gap left by cluster munitions • Robotics revolutionary - Paul Scharre fears bureaucratic resistance could stall robotics revolution • The jungle boot - Jungle cats versus ACAT IIICollaborative autonomy: A Tactical Offset Strategy - ARL develops the S&T behind intelligent systems • The multilingual PM - To translate between different specialized languages requires first understanding them • Preparation for operational testing- Iterative acquisition poses unique but surmountable challenges in testing • USAASC Perspective: Senior Rater Potential Evaluation holds great potential for talent management • Career Navigator: a plan for achieving certification - Meeting DAWIA requirements takes planning, effort and dedicated time • Learning to take the lead - DAU-SSCF shows fellows the whole Army and what’s at stake for acquisition leaders • Nobody, take the wheel! -- Nearly 50 years ago, the Army began tinkering with driverless vehicles   less

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For an acquisition team to tackle its goals requires a strategy to close the gap between current and future needs by lining up the best possible workforce,... read more

For an acquisition team to tackle its goals requires a strategy to close the gap between current and future needs by lining up the best possible workforce, innovation and resources. IN THIS ISSUE: FROM THE AAE The challenges of change; Army acquisition is advancing from reform to strategic thinking ACQUISITION FACES OF THE FORCE: CAPT. RAVEN CORNELIUS; Contract specialist seeks to be ‘voice of the warfighter’ Deter and Defeat; Capabilities to fight a military peer have shrunk; war games, studies help HQDA put money where the greatest needs are Getting to Work; FAQs from Army Rapid Capabilities Office Director of Operations Maj. Gen. Walter E. Piatt RECALIBRATING REQUIREMENTS; ARCIC is looking to thaw the glacial pace of acquisition and speed capabilities to the warfighter A Rare FIND; Industry and ARCIC collaborate with FIND Vehicular Visions; Collaborating to tackle combat vehicle modernization A New Way of Thinking; Innovating to close the landmine capability gap Rethinking the Analysis; JPEO-CBD advances the art of analyzing the alternatives Just caall; Got a question? Upgraded lessons learned portal might have your answers Lesson Up; Writing up a lesson learned for the ALLP is easy Unintended Benefits; USASAC’s FMS efforts around the world have far-reaching impacts Meeting in the Middle; An operations research analyst brings new perspective to Army’s tactical network CHESS has another move; Government saves when sellers become bidders Aystemizing COTS IT; Initiative seeks to move commercial off-the-shelf systems into standard Army supply system LOGISTICS FACES OF THE FORCE: Product Manager Installation Information Infrastructure Modernization Program; A team of team leaders enabling information dominance LIFESAVING LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT; Central management of combat support hospitals’ equipment keeps advanced medical care at the ready SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FACES OF THE FORCE: Mr. James “Jay” Clark; Excellence by design A NEW DIMENSION OF ACQUISITION; Using 3-D printing to meet Soldiers’ needs quickly and inexpensively MAGNIFYING OPEN SOURCE ADVANTAGES; ARL finds benefits outweigh risks with first open source software release REUSE, REFINE, RESOLVE; JTNC lessons learned in providing software-defined radio products to enable strategic acquisition HACKING for DEFENSE; Turning college students loose on national security problems Technically Speaking: ROBOTS DEVELOPING MUSCLE MEMORY; ARL uses sensors to help robots learn responses more quickly CONTRACTING FACES OF THE FORCE: MR. ANTHONY C. DUNAWAY; The challenges and rewards of OCONUS work Speed Contracting; Burn down the firewall: DIUx finds a way to work at the ‘speed of business’ Contract Optimization Pays Big Dividends; ECC-A and CCAS revamp service contracts for savings, efficiency CRITICAL THINKING SPEED AND URGENCY IN SILICON VALLEY; Tech innovators don’t want DOD’s money they want DOD’s problems DEPLOYING THE LEAN STARTUP METHOD; A disciplined approach to problem solving leads to success in Silicon Valley and beyond COMMENTARY Rule no. 1; Kill the program, not the customer Dreaming of a Strategy; Harry P. Hallock on the priorities and potential for streamlining defense acquisition Been there, Done that; Retiring PM reflects on programs that are too big to fail—and too big to succeed Big ‘A’ ACQUISITION Land force dominance requires a comprehensive acquisition process WORKFORCE FACES OF THE FORCE: Ms. Lindsey Miller; Be a sponge, and listen to your grandmother Swapping Intel; Strengthening ties with the intelligence community Where’s that program listed? Revamped website helps career development Hard Work Pays Off; Honoring 2016 contributors to acquisition excellence RECOGNIZING ARMY ACQUISITION ACHIEVEMENT; Army groups and individuals rewarded for their contributions to U.S. warfighters On the Move THEN & NOW SETTING A PACER FOR ACQUISITION; Tracing the origins of the integrated product team  less