Technology for soldiers cannot be developed in a vacuum. Scientists instead must collaborate with soldiers to consider how innovations actually translate to the battlefield. That was the theme that ran throughout a five-member panel discussion about the Army's evolving warfare challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. The panel was part of the Association of the U.S. Army's Institute of Land Warfare Army Sustainment Symposium and Exposition in Richmond, VA, on June 24. The event was covered by U.S. Army communications.
Here are the highlights of the discussion:
- Asking the right questions: Major General Nick Justice, the commanding general of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, noted that Army and academic scientists must ask tough questions as they research and develop new technology. According to Justice, the bottom-line question is: "Is what you deliver to the soldier really worth having?"
- Judicious implementation: Panelists stressed the importance of using taxpayer money wisely to extract the maximum benefit from any new technologies. For example, the Army must carefully decide what technology to use in outfitting trucks. "Every piece of equipment does not need every gadget," Justice said. "Which vehicles get what capabilities?"
- Weighing cost-benefits: Vic S. Ramdass, director of the U.S. Army Logistics Innovation Agency, said his agency runs cost-benefit analyses to judge if a new technology is even affordable, given the Army’s large personnel and equipment needs. Ramdass described one push to cut costs, noting that corrosion drains $10 billion per year across the U.S. military. So, his teams are researching the potential use of nanotechnology to coat and protect equipment to reduce corrosion.
- Plug-and-play: The Army is trying to eliminate hardware redundancy and bolt-on systems with complex cabling that constantly drives the need for reconfiguring vehicles, said Kay Griffith-Boyle, futures office chief, Systems Engineering and Integration. If successful, the Army could reduce lifecycle costs, maximize flexibility and shrink vehicle size and weight. This would further reduce power and cooling needs. The new, open architecture can help soldiers with "plug and play" systems.
- Rapid development: The Army must adapt and implement technologies faster than ever. The days when it took 18 months to test a vehicle are over. That is no longer feasible because "technology evolves faster than I can test it," said Kevin Fahey, program executive officer of the U.S. Army's Combat Support and Combat Service Support.
- Timely technology to help, not to burden: Justice said soldiers must be trained on new equipment and systems while the technology is still relevant. At the same time, it is important not to overwhelm them with too many new systems. "Technology has to unburden the soldier," he said.
