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Virginia Army Guard Tests New Brigade Design at JRTC Rotation

Tuesday, June 16th, 2026

FORT POLK, La. — The Virginia Army National Guard’s Staunton-based 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team is testing its combat readiness during a Joint Readiness Training Center, or JRTC, rotation May 31 – July 1.

The rotation marks a historic milestone for the brigade and the Army National Guard. The 116th is the first Army National Guard brigade to conduct a JRTC rotation as a mobile brigade combat team, or MBCT, after officially transforming from an infantry brigade combat team to an MBCT in October 2025.

The training gives Soldiers and leaders an opportunity to validate new formations, equipment and tactics in a demanding, large-scale combat environment while preparing for future overseas deployments and domestic response missions.

“Unlike typical annual training, this rotation involves a large-scale combat operations simulation aimed at validating the readiness of brigade-sized units for global missions,” said Col. Arthur S. Moore, commander of the 116th. “This exercise is a key event in a multi-year training cycle and represents a generational opportunity, as many National Guard Soldiers may have this experience only once in their careers.”

About 3,000 Soldiers assigned to the 116th MBCT are participating in the JRTC rotation, along with units from 18 states and territories, three U.S. Army Reserve units and international partners, including members of the Finnish Defense Forces. Virginia and Finland are formally paired through the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program.

“This premier training event allows the Soldiers and leaders of the 116th to operationalize the new formations and equipment to prepare for upcoming [outside the continental United States] deployments and support domestic missions,” said Brig. Gen. Rusty McGuire, the assistant adjutant general – Army strategic initiatives of the Virginia National Guard and the senior trainer for the JRTC rotation.

The MBCT concept is part of the U.S. Army’s continuous transformation effort to build units that are more agile and lethal. The formation incorporates three infantry battalions, adds a multipurpose company to each battalion and includes a multifunctional reconnaissance company at the brigade level.

The 116th became the first Army National Guard brigade to test and evaluate an approved task organization for an MBCT during its 21-day eXportable Combat Training Capability, or XCTC, rotation in June 2025 at Fort Pickett, Virginia.

Since the XCTC rotation and formal transition to an MBCT, the brigade has prepared for JRTC by fielding and training on new Infantry Squad Vehicles and incorporating new unmanned aircraft systems and electronic warfare capabilities. The brigade has also worked with the Army Research Laboratory to integrate new technology designed to help Soldiers operate on the modern battlefield.

“Our partnership with the Army Research Laboratory is pivotal to the Virginia National Guard’s commitment to modernization and readiness,” McGuire said. “This collaboration ensures our Soldiers are at the forefront of innovation, equipped to counter emerging threats and prepared to excel in overseas deployments. It highlights the vital role our Guard members play in advancing the security of our nation.”

Moore said, “Our brigade is trained and ready to win the first battle alongside the active U.S. Army if our nation calls upon us.”

“JRTC provides the ultimate test of our systems against a world-class opposing force. This ensures that when our Soldiers go to war, they do so with the absolute best preparation,” Moore said.

By Mike Vrabel

United States Army and SIG SAUER Recognize Army’s Anniversary with Commemorative Firearms

Monday, June 15th, 2026

During a ceremony at the Pentagon, SIG SAUER presented ‘1775’ SIG firearms to the Secretary of the Army and leadership

The SIG SAUER team present commemorative firearms to the United States Army leadership at the Pentagon recognizing the Army’s anniversary.

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 15, 2026) – In celebration of the United States Army’s 250th anniversary, SIG SAUER, an industry-leading manufacturer of cutting-edge firearms, optics, and ammunition, presented the Secretary of the Army and the Sergeant Major of the Army with commemorative SIG SAUER M17 pistols.

The attendees at the June 10 ceremony, held at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., included:

Secretary of the Army Daniel P. Driscoll

Sergeant Major of the Army Michael R. Weimer

SIG SAUER SVP and Chief Government Affairs Officer Bobby Cox

SIG SAUER Defense Strategies Group Director of Strategic Accounts Phil Aufiero

“It is one of our highest honors to design, build, and deliver our products for the United States Army,” said Bobby Cox of SIG SAUER and a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel. “For more than 250 years, the United States Army has defended our nation and land. It is important to come together and take a moment to show our gratitude to the servicemen and women who wear the uniform and protect us, and that was the focus of the ceremony at the Pentagon.”

June 14 is the anniversary of the Army’s creation, with last year marking the historic 250th milestone. The United States Army 250th Anniversary Commemorative Edition of the SIG SAUER M17, the official sidearm of America’s armed forces, was designed and manufactured with a strictly limited small batch production, making it a rare and highly collectible tribute to U.S. military service. The commemorative pistol is chambered in 9mm and features a 4.7-inch barrel within a full-size frame, delivering exceptional balance, shootability, and reliability whether it is displayed as a collector’s piece or fired on the range. A similar model is carried at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington National Cemetery.

A distinguishing feature is its high polish DLC-coated stainless steel slide with high polish gold controls and a mirror-like finish. The slide assembly, which denotes “Est. 1775” in remembrance of the Army’s creation, adheres to the Modular Handgun System specifications and incorporates a single-screw removable rear night sight plate, providing seamless compatibility with modern optics.

11th Airborne Division Launches First-Ever “Angel Ascent” to Accelerate Soldier-Driven Innovation and Arctic Readiness

Monday, June 15th, 2026

The 11th Airborne Division hosted its inaugural “Angel Ascent” innovation event at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson this week, marking a major milestone in the division’s commitment to warfighting transformation and Soldier-driven solutions for the Arctic’s unique operational challenges.

The event, modeled as a “Shark Tank-style” pitch competition, brought together Soldiers from across the division to present their innovative solutions to a panel of senior leaders and subject matter experts from various industries and organizations, including the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the 673rd Air Base Wing, DEVCOM, and the U.S. Army Arctic Regions Test Center (ARTC). Angel Ascent will become a bi-annual fixture, alternating between JBER and Fort Wainwright, and is designed to harness the ingenuity of Soldiers at every rank, empowering them to drive continuous transformation in support of the Army’s warfighting mission and the profession of arms.

Maj. Gen. John P. Cogbill, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, emphasized the impact of Soldier-driven innovation on the division’s transformation. “The hardest part of today was picking a winner, because every Soldier who stepped into the arena to pitch their idea is a winner,” Cogbill said. “Each of these innovative solutions will be prioritized in our division’s innovation plan. My promise is that every one of these ideas will continue to move forward because we want to see them scale and make a difference on the ground.”

Over the course of the day, junior enlisted Soldiers, warrant officers, and officers presented a range of technology concepts and process improvements aimed at enhancing Arctic mobility, survivability, and mission effectiveness. Among the technologies and concepts pitched were cold-weather power solutions, advanced load carriage systems, and new approaches to Arctic sustainment.

The top award went to “Wardrive,” a passive reconnaissance small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) payload that detects adversary wireless emissions and automatically uploads and reports location data back to the operator. Wardrive was developed and pitched by WO1 Brian Raab of the 2/11 Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company.

“We may not be a Transformation in Contact division, but you wouldn’t know it if you talked to our Soldiers or saw what’s happening here,” Cogbill said. “Our division is transforming because we have innovators at every level, figuring out how to fight, adapt, and win in the Arctic.”

Cogbill also highlighted the importance of partnerships and the division’s unique expertise. “Alaska presents challenges you won’t find anywhere else, and our Soldiers are the subject matter experts in solving them. We’re working with universities and industry partners to turn these ideas into real-world solutions that will save lives and make our Army more lethal and resilient.”

The event underscores the Army’s commitment to continuous transformation, strengthening the Army profession, and leveraging the full potential of its people. Angel Ascent aligns with the Army People Strategy and the Department of Defense’s focus on accelerating warfighting advantage through innovation.

“We’re going to keep pushing, keep growing, and keep learning from each other,” Cogbill said. “This is just the start of a culture of innovation that will define the 11th Airborne Division and set the standard for the Army.”

By MAJ Ian Roth

250 Years of America, 251 Years of Readiness

Sunday, June 14th, 2026

Porsha Auzenne of the Fort Polk Public Affairs Office created this graphic which commemorates not only the US Army’s 251st birthday but also our nation’s founding 250 years ago.

Happy birthday to the institution that’s been fighting for our freedom longer than we’ve been a nation!

Happy birthday US Army!

Army Commissions Second Cohort of Tech Executives into Executive Innovation Corps

Sunday, June 14th, 2026

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. — The U.S. Army commissioned its second cohort of senior technology leaders into the Executive Innovation Corps, known as Detachment 201, during a ceremony June 10 at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Detachment 201 is a specialized Army Reserve unit designed to bridge the gap between private-sector innovation and military modernization. It reflects the War Department’s broader push to leverage private-sector technical capabilities to address complex national security and defense challenges.

The program selects applicants who are highly skilled civilian technology professionals at the executive or C-suite level to serve as part-time strategic advisers. These officers use their advanced expertise in commercial tech and private industry to offer a different perspective and advise senior Army leaders on solving military problems.

The three newly commissioned officers of Cohort 2 are Dane Knecht, chief technology officer of Cloudflare; Sam Pallura, managing director and chief technology officer of Sutter Hill Ventures; and Serkan Piantino, co-founder of Facebook AI Research and former vice president of products at Reddit.

The officers shared their perspectives on joining the unit:

“I was drawn to Detachment 201 because it’s a unique opportunity to apply private-sector technical expertise to national defense challenges,” Knecht said. “I’m excited to contribute to helping the Army innovate and maintain a strategic advantage.”

Pallura, whose father served in the US military, pointed to his desire to help solve some of the Army’s most critical problems. “The Army’s most pressing technology challenges in AI, cyber defense, and large-scale distributed systems require leaders who can evaluate a technical architecture in the morning and advise a general in the afternoon,” he said.

Piantino noted the shifting nature of global conflict. “As the character of warfare evolves, the armed forces must rapidly adapt to new domains and prepare for continued technological change,” he said. “Those who have the experience to contribute to that mission have a duty to offer their service.”

The program’s inaugural cohort, launched last year, commissioned four other leading innovators from the tech sector, including Shyam Sankar, chief technology officer at Palantir; Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, chief technology officer at Meta; Bob McGrew, former research lead at OpenAI and current advisor at Thinking Machines Lab; and Kevin Weil, former chief product officer at OpenAI.

Over the past year, the pilot cohort of Detachment 201 has provided strategic counsel on the Army’s critical challenges. Their work has influenced key initiatives, including munitions supply chain data analysis, Organic Industrial Base investments, and foundational strategies for autonomous systems and counter-drone technologies.

The Army’s acquisition pipeline for highly skilled talent is managed through the modernized Direct Commissioning Program, which has been overhauled to compete more effectively with the private sector for technical talent. By streamlining the centralized application process, the military has reduced the onboarding timeline from more than 18 months to approximately six months. This pathway allows senior corporate leaders to serve in uniform part-time without abandoning their civilian careers.

For more information on the Direct Commissioning Program, visit www.army.mil/dcp.

By U.S. Army Public Affairs

Spearheading the Spectrum: How CPT Curtis Hart is Driving Acquisition Reform and Electromagnetic Dominance for PdM EWI

Saturday, June 13th, 2026

In an era where the battlefield is increasingly defined by invisible frequencies and data dominance, the Army Acquisition Corps is under a clear mandate: deliver capabilities faster, smarter, and with the Soldier at the center of the design process. It is a daunting task that requires moving away from the sluggish procurement cycles of the past and embracing agile, iterative modernization.

Product Manager Electronic Warfare Integration (PdM EWI) is proud to highlight a leader who isn’t just adapting to these acquisition reforms—he is defining them. MeetCapt. Curtis Hart, Assistant Product Manager (APM) for PdM EWI.

In his short but profoundly impactful tenure, Hart has become a catalyst for change. He stands at the forefront of the Army’s electromagnetic warfare modernization, bringing a rare blend of technical acumen, operational experience, and a relentless commitment to the warfighter.

Bridging the Gap to Next-Gen Command and Control

Hart’s portfolio spans the full spectrum of Army electromagnetic warfare. He is charged with supporting the legacy Electronic Warfare Planning and Management Tool (EWPMT) while concurrently driving the development of the cutting-edge Electromagnetic Warfare Command and Control (EWC2) the Army’s web application aligned with Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2).

Managing a transition of this magnitude is a classic acquisition challenge, but under Hart’s guidance, EWC2 has rapidly evolved into a modern, web-based application. Today, it provides commanders with real-time Electromagnetic Operating Picture (EOP) visualization and critical decision support. His leadership has been instrumental in bridging the gap between legacy systems and the NGC2 architecture, ensuring warfighters are seamlessly equipped with the tools necessary to dominate the spectrum.

Transformation in Contact: Speed to Relevance

At the heart of the Department of War’s acquisition reform is the concept of “Transformation in Contact” (TiC) — the ability to iteratively field, test, and refine capabilities directly with operational units. Throughout his time with Project Manager Electromagnetic Warfare & Collection (PM EW&C), Hart has been the tip of the spear for these global operational engagements.

He serves as the primary facilitator for training, fielding, and equipping Soldiers on both EWPMT and EWC2. By orchestrating these activities, he directly supports the Army’s flagship NGC2 experimentation efforts with the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) and the 25th Infantry Division (25ID).

A prime example of Hart’s impact is his leadership during the Ivy Sting exercise series. He successfully facilitated the integration of EWC2 with 4ID’s NGC2 architecture, enabling the division to conduct electromagnetic warfare operations in a fully modernized environment. This integration is not just a localized win; it is a foundational steppingstone for Project Convergence Capstone 6 (PC-C6) and a scalable model for future Army-wide adoption.

“Capt. Hart is a creative thinker who always brings a solution to the problem, he is spearheading Army Acquisition Reform by leading the charge on NGC2 TiC engagements,” said Lt. Col. Troy Merkel, Product Manager EWI. “His ability to bridge operational needs with acquisition innovation is setting a new standard for the Army.”

Closing the Loop: Soldier-Centered Design

Perhaps the most shining example of Hart’s alignment with modern acquisition reform is how he champions Soldier-centered design. Recognizing that the best software is builtwiththe user, not justforthe user, he revolutionized how PM EWI handles feedback from the field.

Hart incorporated a Human Systems Integration (HSI) Subject Matter Expert into the team to build a streamlined, online feedback loop. Now, Soldiers can complete assessments while in the field, sending critical usability data directly to the developers. This close collaboration, particularly with the 4ID CEMA Cell, successfully aligned EWC2 with real-world operational needs, posturing the division for success in exercises like Ivy Mass and beyond. It is the epitome of agile software development in action.

The Leader Behind the Mission

Hart’s drive is forged by profound operational experience. Commissioned in 2016, he served in field artillery units at Fort Bliss, TX, and Fort Drum, NY, and deployed to Iraq in 2023 and Afghanistan from 2020 to 2021.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from James Madison University and, highly fitting for his current role, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering Management from the Naval Postgraduate School. When he isn’t driving modernization efforts, Hart enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children, hitting the golf course, and tackling DIY projects at home.

Hart’s relentless drive, innovative spirit, and unwavering commitment to Soldiers are setting the pace for Army Acquisition Reform. He proves that with the right leadership, the acquisition process can be as agile and lethal as the forces it supports. He is, without question, a true superstar of the PdM EWI and a model for the next generation of Army Acquisition leaders.

Courtesy Story

Capability Program Executive – Intelligence & Spectrum Warfare

Gallatin AI Awarded Contract by US Army’s III Armored Corps

Friday, June 12th, 2026

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2026 — Gallatin AI today announced it has been awarded a contract by the US Army’s III Armored Corps to deploy and refine Navigator, its AI-native logistics decision support suite, in direct support of III Corps exercises and operational planning over the next 18 months.

The award addresses a capability gap at the corps echelon where Army ground combat units lack tools that enable sustainment decision support at the operational level of war. Under the agreement, Gallatin will deliver a tailored Logistics Common Operating Picture (LOGCOP); predictive consumption algorithms across all classes of supply; AI-assisted planning tools for the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP); and integration with Next Generation Constructive (NGC) simulation platforms. The effort maps to two Department of War critical technology areas: Applied Artificial Intelligence and Contested Logistics Technologies.

“Planning and executing Sustainment at the operational level is fundamentally different from what happens at the tactical or strategic echelon,” said Woody Glier, CEO of Gallatin AI. “A corps commander and staff must forecast what tens of thousands of Soldiers will require over months of sustained conflict while placing those requests against theater sustainment commands and depots that may be a continent away. That requires a decision support capability built for operational timescales and operational complexity.”

“At the corps level, the hard part is reconciling demand against supply,” said Brian Ballard, Chief Product Officer at Gallatin AI. “A staff is pulling a noisy, continuous demand signal from formations that may be dispersed across more than one theater, and it has to turn those disparate pieces of information into supportable courses of action (COAs) for validation with an Corps Sustainment Command (CSC) before anyone commits resources. Navigator surfaces the right data at the right time and lets corps and CSC planners develop and stress-test those COAs together.”

Navigator is already deployed with multiple military units. Work under the III Corps Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) will be validated through iterative delivery across multiple live exercise events.

About Gallatin

Founded in 2024 and backed by 8VC and leading defense and technology investors, Gallatin AI develops capabilities that make the Joint Logistics Enterprise predictive, visible, and accountable, from the point of production to the point of need. Headquartered in El Segundo, CA with offices in Washington, DC and Austin, TX, Gallatin’s flagship platform, Navigator, is deployed with multiple military units enabling precision sustainment at the speed of relevance.

For more information, visit www.gallatin.ai

CPE ISW Leadership Changes Hands After Pivotal Year of Reorganizations and Mission Success

Thursday, June 11th, 2026

CPE ISW – Change of Charter – Brigadier General Kevin S. Chaney to Mr. Chris P. Manning. From left to right: Brigadier General Kevin S. Chaney, Mr. Joseph D. Welch (Portfolio Acquisition Executive, Command and Control and Counter-Command and Control), Mr. Chris P. Manning

In a ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground on June 9, Brig. Gen. Kevin Chaney passed the leadership torch of Capability Program Executive Intelligence and Spectrum Warfare (CPE ISW) to Chris Manning, former Deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) for Command and Control (C2) and Counter C2.  Chaney had taken over as CPE, formerly Program Executive Offe Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S) last July.  Chaney was not a new face to the organization when he accepted the charter having previously served multiple tours at Project Manager for Aircraft Survivability Equipment (PM ASE).

His return to the organization as CPE was short but eventful.   He led the organization’s evolution into a new structure where multiple offices were affected. Chaney deftly led the workforce through the uncertainty of reorganization, moving CPE ISW forward into the future of technology and acquisition while supporting ongoing operational events seamlessly. “So, I started the year as PEO for IEW&S and leave as CPE for ISW. Obviously, this means so much more than a name change. We have been shuffling the deck with our organizations to find efficiencies and align programs where they best meet current Army demands. We rolled with the punches, without allowing the mission to suffer. The name of the respective org may have changed, but the mission has not, field critical technology to our men and women in the field,” Chaney said.

Brigadier General Kevin S. Chaney

In a ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground on June 9, Brig. Gen. Kevin Chaney passed the leadership torch of Capability Program Executive Intelligence and Spectrum Warfare (CPE ISW) to Chris Manning, former Deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) for Command and Control (C2) and Counter C2.  Chaney had taken over as CPE, formerly Program Executive Offe Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S) last July.  Chaney was not a new face to the organization when he accepted the charter having previously served multiple tours at Project Manager for Aircraft Survivability Equipment (PM ASE).

His return to the organization as CPE was short but eventful.   He led the organization’s evolution into a new structure where multiple offices were affected. Chaney deftly led the workforce through the uncertainty of reorganization, moving CPE ISW forward into the future of technology and acquisition while supporting ongoing operational events seamlessly. “So, I started the year as PEO for IEW&S and leave as CPE for ISW. Obviously, this means so much more than a name change. We have been shuffling the deck with our organizations to find efficiencies and align programs where they best meet current Army demands. We rolled with the punches, without allowing the mission to suffer. The name of the respective org may have changed, but the mission has not – field critical technology to our men and women in the field,” Chaney said.

CPE ISW consists of more than 80 programs that deliver and sustain technologies that provide Soldiers, joint services, allies and international partners with decisive advantage for all operational environments.  The categories of technologies within the CPE portfolio include offensive and defensive cyber capabilities, electromagnetic warfare (EW), modern intelligence systems, assured position, navigation and timing solutions, multidomain and surveillance sensors, biometric systems, force protection systems and more.

Amongst the key accomplishments of CPE ISW with Chaney at the helm, includes the timely execution of support to the Joint Task Force Southern Border. The surveillance systems and EW capabilities deployed at the tactical edge dramatically enhanced border security operations with situational awareness and integration of multiple military and federal law enforcement elements.

Under Chaney’s leadership, ISW succeeded in championing the Army’s priority of acquisition reform. The organization aggressively pursued novel contracting avenues, most notably through its first execution of Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs).  This acquisition strategy significantly reduces acquisition timelines and rapidly transitions cutting-edge, commercially derived technologies directly to the Joint Force. Specifically, this strategy was employed in the prototype award for the Electromagnetic Warfare Rapid Integration System (ERIS). ERIS is a forward-looking initiative designed to counter sophisticated radio frequency threats through adaptable, scalable technology.

In further advancement of Army modernization initiatives, Chaney led the integration of ISW technologies into the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) architecture by leveraging key exercises like Lightning Surge and Ivy Sting and preparing for the upcoming Project Convergence Capstone 6.

Under Chaney’s leadership ISW also began its support to the new Intelligence Electronic Warfare (IEW) Battalions this year.  IEW Battalions are new or restructured specialized units that focus on enhancing situational understanding in large scale combat operations. Intelligence and electronic warfare are two complimentary capabilities that ISW advances through research, development, and modern acquisition strategies.

Chaney oversaw the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) program’s completion of developmental testing and prototype acquisition, which positions the Army for procurement of the key AI-enabled intelligence systems.  This capability drastically reduces operational timelines while enhancing assured decision making.

Multi-domain modernization is necessary to expand deep sensing capabilities.  Chaney strategically divested obsolete platforms to pivot resources toward more advanced capabilities such as the Army Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System. He accelerated the integration of this system into the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES), ensuring deep-look overmatch.

With the unexpected demands of Operation Epic Fury and Operation Absolute Resolve, ISW was ready to support with their full gamut of technologies including ISR, electronic warfare, and more.  Under Chaney’s leadership, the organization addressed emerging requirements directly and contributed to increased operational readiness, lethality, and mission effectiveness of deployed forces in two highly contested theaters.

Chaney will move into his next role as Deputy PAE Maneuver Air.  There he will continue to be a leader focused on priorities and further develop a workforce that meets the current and future needs of the Army. Going back to aviation where he started his career will be an exciting challenge that Chaney welcomes

Mr. Chris P. Manning

Manning brings his experience serving concurrently as Deputy PAE C2/Counter C2, and as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology, DASA(R&T). He advised senior leadership on the optimization of resources and meeting needs of the Warfighter more efficiently.  This is a homecoming of sorts for Manning as well. Early in his career he was assigned to the former Product Manager Global Positioning Systems office, which transitioned into the Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) office. Manning established the first PEO IEW&S footprint for a Project Manager office when the organization moved from its former location in New Jersey to Aberdeen Proving Ground.

By Allison Weissert | CPE ISW Public Affairs Specialist |