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Army Cyber Command Leaders, Partners Discuss Leveraging Information Advantage

Sunday, July 14th, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. — Military and civilian leaders from across the Army Cyber enterprise joined their expert partners from military, industry, academic, government and media organizations to discuss the ever-evolving cyber landscape and how military forces can develop and employ information advantage in cyberspace, at the Association of the United States Army’s “Hot Topic: Cyber and Information Advantage” event in Arlington, July 2, 2024.

Lt. Gen. Maria Barrett, commanding general of U.S. Army Cyber Command led the day of panel discussions and remarks that was co-hosted by ARCYBER and the Army Combined Arms Center.

“This is all for the purpose of enabling commanders to visualize, decide and synchronize the effects that they could have within the (cyber) dimension,” said Barrett during her opening remarks.

She emphasized that to succeed in that dimension requires looking at every phase of the continuum of conflict. “If you think you’re going to deliver insights to a commander about the information dimension, and you’re not looking at it in the competition phase, whatever you are delivering in crisis, in conflict, probably will fall short,” she said.

Among the other senior Army Cyber leaders participating in the daylong event were Maj. Gen. Paul Stanton, commanding general of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Eisenhower, and Lydia Snider, advisor on foreign malign influence to the ARCYBER commanding general.

Snider provided insights during a panel on the effects of social media on information advantage activities, highlighting its prevalence and growing impact on global affairs. Social media has removed borders, she said, allowing our adversaries to get into the hearts and minds of Americans. To combat their efforts, we must ask the right questions about their intentions and increase messaging about democratic ideals and values.

With information proving to be a critical instrument in influencing global affairs, the Army and its Department of Defense, allied, industry, government and other partners are focused on ensuring we are positioning ourselves to combat our adversaries on all fronts. During the last panel of the day and a media roundtable following the event, Stanton talked about how thorough planning with specific objectives is vital to getting commanders’ support for cyber operations, and the standup of three theater information advantage detachments, or TIADs, to provide broad expertise in that planning.

“We, in the Army, are promoting the theatre information advantage detachment,” said Stanton. “That is the element that is going to do the planning across our ability to influence, inform, protect, attack and support decision making that will drive tangible and measurable outcomes.”

“The TIAD has to do all detailed planning, they have to do the data collection, they have to get the approvals in order to execute mission, and then they have to do the appropriate assessment of effectiveness after the fact,” Stanton said.

Col. Bryan Babich, director of the Army Mission Command Center of Excellence, said that as with as with other cyber operations, the success of the TIADs will depend on preparation, initiative and relationship building between the Army and its partners.

“You can’t wait until crisis or conflict to start,” said Babich at the roundtable. “That is why it is so important with the TIADs and how they are forward posturing and working with partners.”

By SSG Kyle Alvarez

Posted in Army, Cyber, Guest Post | Comments Off on Army Cyber Command Leaders, Partners Discuss Leveraging Information Advantage

The Dive into Commitment

Thursday, July 11th, 2024

OKINAWA, Japan — Early morning tranquility embraced the dive site as the ocean whispered its welcome. The team, led by Maj. Robert S. Bourgeau, gathered in the pre-dawn light, checking gear and preparing for a reenlistment ceremony unlike any other. Bourgeau outlined the day’s dive plan with precision, his words infusing a sense of solemnity and anticipation among the divers. “This is not just a formality; it’s a testament to honor and commitment under extraordinary conditions,” Bourgeau explains.

As they descended into the crystal-clear waters off Okinawa, the reality of the event unfolded before them. At forty feet below, against the serene backdrop of the ocean, Capt. Erik McDowell and Capt. Timothy Robinson carefully unfurled the American flag, its colors vibrant under the water’s surface. The scene was set, a silent yet profound tableau of military tradition meeting the undersea world.

Sgt. 1st Class Corey O. Tomasich, positioned beside Bourgeau, prepared to renew his service vows in an environment uniquely challenging in its own right. Surrounded by fellow divers and with his family watching from above, Tomasich’s reenlistment formed a powerful representation of military life where personal passions and professional duties are intricately woven together. As the oath began, the other divers, unable to hear but fully aware, watched the exchange of solemn gestures and vows. Above, Tomasich’s wife Anita watched from the surface, her presence a comforting reminder of the world above.

“It’s incredible to see how his love for diving and his dedication to the military have come together in such a memorable way,” Anita reflects, her eyes never straying from the scene unfolding below.

The man behind the mask: Tomasich’s journey

Tomasich’s military journey began with a desire to explore and serve, a call to adventure that led him from basic training to diverse international assignments. His tenure has included significant roles in Germany, South Korea and Japan, each posting adding layers to his expertise and resolve.

“Every station, every mission has taught me something invaluable about leadership, about service,” says Tomasich. His voice carries the weight of experience, each word underscored by a history of challenges met and overcome. “From conducting NATO missions to managing high-stakes operations, these experiences have forged me into the Soldier I am today.”

His family’s unwavering support has been a cornerstone of his career. “My wife and kids have been my anchor through every posting, every deployment,” he acknowledges, his gratitude evident. This reenlistment is as much a renewal of his vows to them as it is to his country.

Voices from the depths: Insights from colleagues and family

Maj. Bourgeau, who played a pivotal role in the ceremony, highlights an underwater reenlistment’s logistical and emotional complexities. “It’s about adapting our traditions to reflect the identities of our Soldiers,” he says, emphasizing the innovative spirit of the military community.

Maj. Caleb S. Daniel, an S3 operations officer who has supervised Tomasich, highlights his dependability and leadership prowess. “When we have missions with strategic impact, Sgt. 1st Class Tomasich is the person we count on,” Daniel remarks. “His integrity and calm demeanor make him a pillar within the 10th Support Group.”

From the family’s perspective, Anita Tomasich sees her husband’s choice of reenlistment venue as a reflection of his personality: adventurous and committed. “It’s Corey all over — always taking that extra step to make things memorable,” she says, smiling.

His children, Maycee, Ellie and Tripp, echo this sentiment. “Dad does things differently,” Maycee says proudly. “And that’s what makes him special.”

Sgt. Jermaine Robinson, a subordinate of Tomasich, shares insights on his leadership impact. “He’s not just our leader; he’s our mentor. Watching him take that oath underwater, where he loves to be, was inspiring,” Robinson reflects. “It shows his dedication in every aspect of his life.”

A legacy of leadership and commitment

The ceremony concludes with a sense of accomplishment and a renewed sense of purpose for Tomasich and all who participated and witnessed the event. It’s a poignant reminder of the unique paths service members take in their careers and the profound impacts of their choices on their peers, families and the broader military community.

“This reenlistment is a testament to the values we hold dear in the military: honor, courage and an unwavering commitment to our country,” Maj. Bourgeau concludes, his voice resonant with pride and honor.

As they ascend back to the surface, the significance of the day’s events is not lost on anyone. It’s a vivid illustration of how the 10th Support Group not only supports its members in their professional endeavors but also embraces their individuality and passions, weaving them into the fabric of their collective mission to protect and serve.

With a legacy cemented both below and above the waves, Sgt. 1st Class Tomasich looks to the horizon, ready for whatever challenges and adventures lie ahead, his journey a remarkable narrative of dedication, leadership, and transformation within the U.S. Army.

Looking to the horizon: Future aspirations and reflections

As Tomasich looks to the future, his goals are clear. “The next step is Officer Candidate School, another challenge I’m ready to meet,” he states confidently. His aspirations extend beyond his military service, eyeing a role in law enforcement post-military.

Reflecting on the legacy he wishes to leave, Tomasich hopes his actions inspire others. “I want to show that it’s possible to be true to yourself while wearing the uniform. To integrate who you are with what you do,” he shares, his vision for the future grounded in values of integrity and service.

“This reenlistment isn’t just about continuing my service,” Tomasich concludes, “it’s about reaffirming my life’s commitment, both professional and personal, in the depths of the ocean — where I feel most at home.”

This unique ceremony, witnessed by family and fellow Soldiers, not only marked a continuation of service but also a profound personal commitment, showcasing the deep ties between a soldier’s career and his life beyond the uniform.

By SFC Henry Gundacker

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Maritime | Comments Off on The Dive into Commitment

New York National Guard Soldiers Test Army’s Newest Equipment

Saturday, July 6th, 2024

FORT DRUM, N.Y. — Soldiers from the New York National Guard’s 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team traveled to Fort Drum, New York, June 24-28, 2024, to get hands-on with new technologies designed to mitigate the risk to Soldiers on the battlefield.

The Soldier borne sensor unmanned aerial vehicle and lightweight laser designator rangefinder systems were recently fielded to various units across the brigade, with Soldiers receiving both classroom and practical instructions on the operation of the two new tools in their arsenal.

The Soldier borne sensor, or SBS, “is portable and lightweight, increasing the effectiveness of our operations,” said Staff Sgt. Andy Huang, a combat engineer with the 152nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, and native of Brooklyn, New York. “It’s designed to, instead of using us to do surveillance, it can do surveillance and reconnaissance and search for enemy fighting positions or friendly forces.”

The SBS is designed to mitigate the risk to Soldiers by having the miniature drone complete dangerous work Soldiers would typically perform on their own. Its small size, only measuring a few inches, and low-noise capabilities make it nearly undetectable by enemy forces.

“It’s small and lightweight, and with how high it can go, you can’t really hear it,” Huang said. “So, you can recon a lot of stuff, and the bad guys can’t see it.”

The second system fielded and trained on during the week was the lightweight laser designator rangefinder, or LLDR, a crew-served, Soldier-portable, long-range target locator and laser designation system. The LLDR provides Soldiers on the battlefield with highly accurate target location information while using the laser designator to call for fire using precision, near-precision and area munitions.

“The LLDR allows you to basically have another person see what you’re doing or what you’re looking at without the (Soldier) having to move,” said Spc. Jeffrey Anicet, a joint fire support specialist with 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery Regiment, and native of Middletown, New York. “For us, for the observers, it makes it easier for us to target rounds, especially with mortars. Then, when working with aircraft on guided ordinance, we’re able to precision drop along those coordinates exactly where we want them to the tenth of a meter.”

The LLDR relies on a unique assembly of advanced sensor technologies, such as thermal imaging, cameras, laser designator spot imaging, digital magnetic compass, GPS, and more, to measure everything from distance to target to the rotation of the Earth, allowing Soldiers on the battlefield to relay more precise targeting data.

“It’s definitely going to benefit everyone across the board, when we start working more with the infantry, when we’re calling in fires for them, it will be a lot easier and a lot more accurate,” Anicet said. “It will be a lot safer for everyone on the battlefield.”

Systems specialists and field service representatives from Program Executive Office Soldier led the training on both systems, providing guidance and practical expertise on the new systems. Though only a handful of Soldiers from the 27th IBCT received the training, they will bring their newfound expertise back to their units.

“This is like a train-the-trainers course,” Huang said. “We’re going to train almost everyone [in my unit] on how to use this system. So, it’s not just me who knows how to use it, everyone to the lowest ‘Joes’ would know.”

By MSG Warren W. Wright Jr., 42d Infantry Division Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

Two U.S. Army T901 Improved Turbine Engines (ITE) Arrive at Sikorsky for Black Hawk Integration Efforts

Friday, July 5th, 2024

Fundamental to Black Hawk modernization, the new GE Aerospace engine will boost aircraft performance and range

The U.S. Army’s Improved Turbine Engine (ITE) will be integrated into the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter. Representatives from the U.S. Army, GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin gathered to mark the next step in ITE integration on June 27 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Photo courtesy Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company.

The T901 engine will increase the Black Hawk’s power by 50%, while also improving fuel efficiency, and is a critical component of the roadmap to a modernized Black Hawk – a key part of Lockheed Martin’s 21st Century Security® vision. Photo courtesy Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., June 27, 2024 – Two of the U.S. Army’s T901 Improved Turbine Engines (ITE) arrived at Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), signaling a new phase of Black Hawk® helicopter modernization efforts. The T901 engine, which is manufactured by GE Aerospace, will increase the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter’s performance, including lift capability and range, providing Army commanders more options for planning and executing missions.

The T901 engine will increase the Black Hawk’s power by 50%, while also improving fuel efficiency and is a critical component of the roadmap to a modernized Black Hawk – a key part of Lockheed Martin’s 21st Century Security® vision.

“Increased performance and range offered by the T901 are high-value capabilities the Army is able to implement on the Black Hawk in a cost-effective way that will not require expensive re-engineering,” said Hamid Salim, vice president of Army and Air Force Systems at Sikorsky. “The ITEP and other enhancement efforts ensure the Black Hawk remains in operation well into the 2070s, securing its position as the Army’s foundational tactical air assault and utility aircraft of choice.”

What’s Next

Sikorsky is positioned to conduct a multi-aircraft test program to support the Army’s ITEP acquisition milestone schedule.

· The two T901 engines will be installed in one Black Hawk test aircraft for ground runs and flight testing.

· Aircraft hardware is already on hand to accept two additional T901 engines for installation into a second Black Hawk test aircraft, which will accelerate the test program.

The Army’s Utility Helicopters Project Office (UHPO), Aviation Turbine Engines Project Office (ATE PO), and Sikorsky have completed several key program milestones to prepare for this integration, including:

· Successful completion of the H-60M Preliminary Design Review and Critical Design Review.

· Software Formal Qualification Testing (FQT) for the Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS) and is on track to complete the Flight Management System FQT this summer.

· Receipt and completion of all aircraft test instrumentation required to support the test program.

· Receipt of all aircraft “A-kit” hardware required to install two T901s into the H-60M in preparation to execute ground test and flight test.

“We view this as an extension of the work we’ve completed on ITE with our Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) prototype and are even better positioned for a timely and simplified integration of the engine into the H-60M, due to data and insights we’ve retrieved from successful ITE tests completed to date,” said Salim.

Sikorsky received, installed, and successfully conducted engine light-off of the T901 engine in the FARA prototype aircraft. The ongoing FARA test program is specifically designed to collect data relevant to the Black Hawk engine integration to support risk reduction for the Black Hawk flight test program.

A Modernized Black Hawk

Sikorsky H-60M modernization efforts continue to be primarily focused on ITE, as well as Modular Open Systems Approach/digital backbone and Launched Effects. Digital innovations, such as a new sustainment digital twin, improve safety and mission readiness while reducing costly downtime and unscheduled maintenance.

For additional information, visit our website:

www.lockheedmartin.com/blackhawk.

Posted in Army, Aviation, Press Release | Comments Off on Two U.S. Army T901 Improved Turbine Engines (ITE) Arrive at Sikorsky for Black Hawk Integration Efforts

PEO Soldier Accelerating Integration with New Digital Engineering Ecosystem

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024

Fort Belvior, Va –

In April, Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier introduced its Architectural Assessment Tool (AAT)—a first-of-its-kind government-owned digital engineering ecosystem (DEE). The new suite of tools functions as a cloud-based software hub for a hub-and-spoke ecosystem, providing systems engineers and equipment developers with a centralized data source for 3D modeling and configuration management.

The AAT was developed under the Adaptive Squad Architecture (ASA) program which began in 2018. The AAT addresses the need for a comprehensive catalog that provides the Army Acquisitions community immediate access to authoritative data about equipment for dismounted Soldiers.

In developing the catalog, the team’s primary challenge was answering the question of how best to describe a complex, highly contextualized Soldier platform when the Army enterprise has various needs in developing, producing, and fielding Soldier equipment.

According to Dan Kitts, Architecture Lead for ASA, “Most platforms pay a lead systems integrator (LSI) to perform this function. In the case of the Soldier platform, however, there are seventy to over one hundred distinct items on a given Soldier configuration but without an LSI to manage them.”

The solution evolved into a digital engineering environment with a suite of tools that provides users with immediate firsthand access to the central source of authoritative data. Since no out-of-the-box software solution existed, the ASA team built its own.

The new cloud-native software application is the product of a multi-year effort that included developing the software and preparing it for deployment on the Army cloud network cARMY, with secure enterprise access management through EAMS-A.

For Aaron Copeland, Lead Technical Manager for AAT, having a centralized digital catalog of Soldier equipment is crucial for the future of systems integration. “The complexities of Soldier equipment negate having a single expert. For informed integration, we needed a well-curated system that’s immediately accessible,” Copeland said. “Engineers haven’t had this before. Now they can crowdsource data and look at Soldier systems in detail.”

Functionally, the AAT enables engineers to drag and drop any number of PEO Soldier’s equipment items onto a 3D Soldier model (or digital manikin) and allows them to test-fit items for a clearer picture of potential configuration and interoperability challenges earlier in the developmental process.

The tool also gives engineers immediate access to specific data points like bandwidth, interfaces, aggregate weight, and Soldier load, helping create a common operating picture of the Soldier platform.

To Kitts, the real purpose of AAT is to foster Soldier centered design throughout an item’s lifecycle. “ASA’s mission is to place equipment in the context of the Soldier before Soldier Touch Points,” Kitts said. “The desired outcome is that Soldiers intuitively understand the equipment they receive

from PEO Soldier was built for them, similar to when someone unboxes a new phone or buys a new car.”

The AAT achieved Authority to Operate (ATO) and Authority to Connect (ATC) in April, giving the ASA team the green light to deploy the tool on cARMY.

The journey to achieving a government-owned solution was necessarily lengthy and Kitts appreciates the strategic patience ASA received from PEO Soldier’s senior leadership. “Their patience and support in getting us to this point allowed us to pivot from cybersecurity audit compliance to getting additional functionality, curating data, and onboarding additional DEE tools,” Kitts said.

The vision that drives this strategic patience has a broad focus – looking beyond enhancing PEO Soldier’s capabilities alone to helping close data-sharing gaps to foster more efficient collaboration with Army and Joint stakeholders.

“The real benefit of the Architectural Assessment Tool is helping our strategic partners achieve Soldier centered design,” explained Gary Keller, the Assistant Program Executive Officer for Futures and Integration, PEO Soldier. “With this tool, we can get accurate Soldier equipment data to the right people, when they need it, accelerating integration across the enterprise.”

With input from early adopters, the team continues to innovate with plans for AAT 2.0. The future update will feature an improved database better matched to describe Soldier context and a transition to a more widely used 3D engine.

In the near term, the ASA team is incorporating iPOWER, a power management system designed by the Naval Research Lab, and plans to add Cameo MagicDraw to the suite.

By Kris Hutsell, ARMY

Posted in Army, Digitization, Guest Post, PEO-Soldier | 1 Comment »

US Army Announces Terrestrial Layer System – Brigade Combat Team (TLS BCT) Manpack Contract Award

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD – The U.S. Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) recently awarded a contract to Mastodon Design LLC in the amount of $99,991,845 for the procurement, training, and fielding of the Terrestrial Layer System – Brigade Combat Team (TLS BCT) Manpack system.

“The efforts to demonstrate, test, and rapidly procure a COTS-based product significantly accelerated the procurement timeline and will result in early capability to the field starting this year. The TLS BCT Manpack is a mature, well-adopted system that will make a significant contribution to winning the Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) fight,” said Ken Strayer, Project Manager Electronic Warfare and Cyber (PM EW&C). After successful prototyping and operational demonstration with Soldier touch points, the TLS BCT Manpack program received approval to transition into Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Fielding with a first unit issued planned in 2024.

The TLS BCT Manpack system is a tailorable, modular, terrestrial capability that allows the integration of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) collection, processing, exploitation, reporting, and effects capabilities within the SIGINT Collection Team (SCT) and Electromagnetic Warfare Team (EWT) elements. It provides the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) Commander a tactical advantage with a robust state-of-the-art mobile EW capability for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The fully configurable system can conduct radio frequency (RF) surveying, signals collection and direction-finding operations, electromagnetic attack and force protection operations, and EMS visualization and scanning/surveying operations.

Posted in Army, Contracts, EW, Press Release, Sensors | Comments Off on US Army Announces Terrestrial Layer System – Brigade Combat Team (TLS BCT) Manpack Contract Award

MATBOCK Monday – New NAVAIR Aviation Vest by MATBOCK

Monday, July 1st, 2024

The MATBOCK Aviation Vest uses a variant of our Ghost Material that is significantly stronger and more durable than traditional fabrics currently used. This variant is FR. This version of the Aviation Kit was specifically designed to meet and exceed all NAVAIR FR standards.

The system weighs 6.5 lbs (2.9kg), compared to a CMU-37/P, which weighs 23.2 lbs (10.5kg), or a CMU-33/A, which weighs 14.4 lbs (6.5kg).

Our vest is well over 1/2 the weight of the current systems and is much more comfortable and user-friendly.

The floatation device will upright an unconscious patient 100% of the time. The pistol holster was designed for left—or right-handed shooters. It also allows the user to adjust the angle of the pistol.

For the lower body, the kit comes with a standalone leg harness system or when integrated with the HAALO belt. Below are both versions.

Here are a few more images showing the front, sides, and back of the MATBOCK Aviation Vest.

Stay tuned for other videos showing the vest, and next time, we will cover other features of the MATBOCK Aviation vest. If you are interested in getting some for your HELO Squadron to test, please reach out to PMA202 or you can reach out to MATBOCK at sales@matbock.com

Posted in Advertiser, Army, Aviation, Guest Post, Maritime, Navy, SERE | 1 Comment »

National Guard Members Test Skills at Cyber Shield 2024

Monday, July 1st, 2024

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Almost 1,000 participants flooded the Virginia National Guard State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach for the longest-running and largest Department of Defense cyber defense exercise May 31 to June 15, 2024.

Cyber Shield is an annual National Guard event that hosts National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers, Airmen, civilian cyber professionals and international partners worldwide.

A number of National Guard State Partnership Program countries, including Poland, the Republic of Moldova, Lithuania, Romania, the Republic of Georgia and Kosovo joined this year’s cyber shield exercise.

“The importance is international outreach,” said North Carolina Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Todd Webster, a cybersecurity team leader. “Not only are we able to help cyber developing companies and countries, but we’re also able to provide outreach across the globe.”

Cyber forces were brought together in Virginia Beach to develop, train and test their limits. Those involved had the opportunity to attend rigorous courses, conduct cyber exercises, and test their skills in this year’s NetWars competition.

Cyber Shield held training classes tailored to various skill sets, including Pen+, Security+, Linux+ and CISSP.

“Our overall goal for Cyber Shield is to train and learn on the cyber domain,” said North Carolina Army National Guardsman Lt. Col. Brian Dodd, Cyber Shield’s defensive cyber team chief. “We learn how to better respond to incidents in the cyber domain and how to better react to the problems that we see.”

This event was designed to increase participants’ ability to infiltrate, defend and enhance the cybersecurity network for global defense measures.

“We continue to see increased severity and increased frequency of cyber attacks regularly,” Dodd said. “There are more threats than there have ever been in the cyber domain, so we need to come to an event like this and train together.”

By Hannah Tarkelly, 449th Combat Aviation Brigade

Posted in Army, Cyber, Guest Post | Comments Off on National Guard Members Test Skills at Cyber Shield 2024