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SparkX Teams with Army Soldiers on Open-Source Drone Project

Saturday, July 26th, 2025

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – A small team of technicians at Joint Base Andrews is helping shape the future of battlefield innovation, one 3D-printed drone at a time.

The Andrews SparkX Cell Innovation and Idea Center partnered with the U.S. Army’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., to redesign Project SPECTRE (Small Printable-Engineered-Composites Tailorable Remote-Effect), an experimental effort to create rapidly deployable, customizable, small, unmanned aircraft systems.

The result of Project SPECTE was Blackbird, a fully open-source, government-owned drone platform that cut development costs by more than $1 million.

According to SparkX technicians, the Blackbird can be 3D-printed and assembled in 36 hours for about $200, offering a low-cost, modular sUAS solution for training and operational use in the field.

“Working within the government always provides an opportunity for quicker development that often times faces less roadblocks and is more cost-effective than the standard acquisition processes,” said a Soldier with the 1st MDTF.

With no formal aerospace engineering training, the SparkX technicians reverse-engineered a new platform from scratch. They developed an original airframe that met operational goals while avoiding intellectual property conflicts with the Army’s previous partner.

“It was what we envisioned the plane to look like,” recalled Staff Sgt. Stefan N. Sobiech, a former SparkX technician who is now stationed at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. “I oversaw creation of the wings, and I sought inspiration from the most efficient planes I could find.”

The project went through more than 10 variations, but Sobiech said the team kept pressing and learning from their mistakes.

“I don’t think there was ever an obstacle that we didn’t think we could work no past it,” he said. “We always went back at it from a different angle or researched how others got past a similar issue.”

The final design includes two propeller-driven motors, a wingspan of more than six feet and weighed approximately nine pounds. Its modular design features a push-to-connect fuselage and a customizable internal equipment tray, allowing for rapid swaps of mission-specific gear and easy to assembly in the field with no specialized tools.

In November, the team was invited to fly the drone during Titan Hoplite, a joint exercise hosted by the Air Force’s Task Force 99 at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. The SparkX technicians showcased their airframe alongside other advanced sUAS technologies, drawing interest from units across the Department of Defense.

Sobiech said the team conducted a 30-second shakedown flight before heading to Shaw, where the Blackbird flew for more than two minutes during Titan Hoplite demonstration.

The drone unfortunately crashed after flying out of range of the hobby-grade motors and avionics.

Although, Sobiech was unable to attend the event, he mentioned receiving texts and video footage from observers of the successful flight.

“I was ecstatic! To see it sustaining flight, for that length of time, was an amazing feeling,” he said.

Earl Bagwell, Spark X director, said the Titan Hoplite demonstration sparked interest from several organizations in the Army and Air Force that wanted to get involved.

Bagwell released the 3D files as an open source to allow other units to 3D-print the components and integrate their own avionics and motors.

“We knew this would be a sought-after capability, but instead of going through the long patent process, we decided to open source it,” Bagwell said. “Whoever needs it can have it—because we need to innovate and move faster.”

The Air Force Research Laboratory, the Army Research Laboratory, Combat Innovation Lab, Tesseract, and 2nd MDTF are among the organizations that have accessed to the Blackbird files. Together, they support operational theaters across U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command, Europe, Africa, special operations, and the Army National Guard.

The 1st MDTF successfully deployed and tested the system in various environments, implementing rapid design updates on-site to improve both their understanding of the platform and its capabilities.

“Working in the joint force allows us to consider multiple angles and employment methods that might not be considered in an Army-only environment,” said an 1st MDTF Soldier. “It also gives us access to resources and diverse skill sets not inherent within individual services.”

Story by Patrick Griffith, 316th Wing

US Army Leaders Discuss Vision for Future Armor Warfare at LANDEURO Conference

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

WIESBADN, Germany – At the inaugural LANDEURO conference, U.S. Army leaders from the 1st Armored Division and 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division laid out a path for transforming America’s armored forces in an era defined by pervasive surveillance, lethal drones and rapidly evolving precision strike capabilities.

On July 17, during a Warrior Corner panel titled “Reforging the Armored Spearhead: TiC 2.0 and the Evolution of Large-Scale Combat Operations”, Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor and Command Sgt. Maj. James Light, command team of the 1st AD, and Col. Bryan Bonnema, commander of the 1st ABCT, 3rd ID, delivered an assessment of the changing battlefield and how U.S. armored formations must evolve to win future wars.

Taylor opened the panel by citing a watershed moment: a Ukrainian brigade’s fully robotic assault north of Kharkiv.

“That battle indicates the time to reimagine armor has begun and we have got to think about what armor will look like in the future,” he said.

According to Taylor, the war in Ukraine is proving that increased precision strike capabilities, lethality being cheaper than protection—especially from First-Person View drones—and the pervasiveness of surveillance are reshaping combat. Over 70% of vehicle losses in Ukraine have come from FPV drone strikes.

These trends mean our future fights won’t be defined by direct fire alone, but by platforms that can sense, survive, and strike first in a contested electromagnetic spectrum.

Four Core Imperatives for the Future ABCT

From these battlefield lessons, Taylor laid out four key takeaways required to shape the Army’s evolving concept for the ABCT:

1. Sense and Strike Integration at All Echelons. From platoon to brigade, formations must have persistent sensing and strike capabilities, from short-range FPVs to long-range ISR.

2. Layered Drone Countermeasures. Units must organically embed counter-UAS capabilities, transforming into something akin to carrier strike groups with their own protective systems.

3. Embedded EW Capabilities. Formations need robust EW teams capable of operating independently, targeting enemy systems, and navigating the electromagnetic spectrum effectively.

4. Robotic Breaching. Future assaults on entrenched defenses will depend on unmanned breaching systems, inspired by the challenges seen in Ukraine’s assaults on Russian defensive lines.

Despite advances in robotics and automation, Taylor underscored a core truth, even in high-tech battles, humans are still required to hold ground. Soldiers are not attritable assets, and the Army must invest in protecting and sustaining troops in these new operational environments.

Before passing the discussion to Light, he shared a comment from an Estonian battalion commander he thought was profound, “He said the winning side in the next war will be the army that first perfects the use of drones in maneuver warfare.”

NCO Perspective: Innovation Starts at Ground Level

Light echoed that message, emphasizing that the current generation of armored Soldiers is highly capable—but must evolve.

“Our infantry squads and armored formations are very well trained and they are very good at what they do,” Light said. “The problem is we’ve been doing it pretty much the same way for the last decade or so.”

The key to transformation, he argued, is empowering Soldiers and noncommissioned officers to innovate within their current means. He called it innovation by requirement in a resource-conscious environment.

“They absolutely are the ones that are going to be able to contribute the most and influence those outcomes that determine where we go in the future as a force,” he said.

He also emphasized training discipline, citing the U.S. tank crew that won the Strong Europe Tank Challenge by focusing on fundamentals and standard gunnery—a reflection of how strong basics still dominate the battlefield.

TiC 2.0: Experimentation at Scale

Bonnema, whose brigade recently completed the first Transforming in Contact 2.0 rotation at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, provided a detailed look at how his brigade is integrating technology, Soldier ingenuity, and new tactics to meet modern threats.

“As a TiC 2.0 ABCT, there were three things that we thought that we needed to be able to do better than a non-TiC ABCT,” he stressed. “The first was accomplish our mission, task and purpose more effectively, more efficiently. The second was to maintain more and constant pressure on the enemy through multiple forms of contact and all domains. And the last was to become more lethal. So, increase that kill ratio as opposed to non-TIC ABCT.”

Some key initiatives from the ABCT’s rotation at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center:

1. Command and Control Redesign. The brigade leveraged basic camouflage and security, virtual collaboration, and emerging communications technology to enhance decision-making while avoiding detection.

2. Maneuvering in Electromagnetic Warfare Spectrum. Small EW teams were deployed forward to locate, sense, and target to disrupt enemy formations and shape conditions for the next close fight.

3. New Task Organization. The formation task organized for purpose, creating FAAT teams—combining FPV drone pilots, artillery forward observers, and anti-tank personnel—employing them in restrictive terrain to deadly effect.

4. Comprehensive Counter-UAS Defense. Throughout the exercise leaders emphasized the need for persistent UAS defense from breach point to support area, enabling safe maneuver for both sensors and troops.

“JMRC is an opportune place for us to operate, train and experiment,” Bonnema said. “It really helped us get after readiness. From the complex terrain to the professional OPFOR, it gave us some good lessons.”

Challenges Ahead: Battery Life, Training, and Launch Concepts

Despite progress, Bonnema and Taylor acknowledged hurdles. Battery limitations, inconsistent environmental performance, and the dangerous logistics of hand-launched FPVs remain issues.

A critical future requirement, Taylor said, is deploying drones from under armor.

“We’ve got to move beyond launching drones from tough boxes in dangerous forward areas,” he noted, calling on industry to help deliver solutions like vehicle-integrated launch systems.

With no formal FPV operator military occupational specialty, U.S. Army units are adapting UAS (15-series) operators and cavalry scouts for these roles. Simulators are being used for early training, and Soldiers are logging hundreds of flight hours to reach proficiency.

Light called FPV drone piloting extremely difficult, noting that mastery takes time and dedicated talent.

“You don’t just wake up, grab your controller, and go fly up and take out a tank,” he said.

Bonnema also emphasized the training proficiency required for FPV operators, “We’re using simulations to get after training, conducting hundreds of simulated missions before we get into live. And then once we get into the live training progression in our tables, it’s hundreds. Six hundred and sixty [hours] is what we’ve flown so far in preparation for our live fire.”

Europe: A Catalyst for Innovation

Taylor closed by highlighting how being deployed to Europe, so close to conflict, has supercharged innovation for the division.

“You have an opportunity because of your proximity to the theater, because the energy that is here in the NATO Alliance to innovate at a pace that I never thought was possible,” he said.

The division will return home, he said, better trained and more prepared to adapt to the changing character of war.

As the U.S. Army confronts a future battlefield dominated by drones, sensors, and electronic warfare, the 1st Armored Division and 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division are leading the charge to modernize America’s armored spearhead. Their message is clear: the time to adapt is now—and the Soldier remains central to victory.

The 1st Armored Division and 1 Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division are forward-deployed to the European theater, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe.

By Lt. Col. Jessica Rovero

RIA-JMTC Gears Up for the Future Under New Leadership

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. – This week marked a significant changing of the guard at Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center as Col. David Guida passed the command torch to Col. Eloy Martinez in a ceremony steeped in tradition and gratitude.

“I stand before you today with a deep sense of responsibility and a clear vision: to build upon the incredible legacy of RIA-JMTC, solidifying our position as the Army’s premier organic industrial base provider of readiness solutions for our nation’s Warfighters,” Martinez said. “This facility is a cornerstone of national defense, and a vital component of The Army’s global reach. To the dedicated men and women of RIA-JMTC — this facility is a national asset.”

Martinez, a leader with more than three decades of dedicated service encompassing aviation, transportation, special operations and strategic logistics, expressed profound humility and eagerness to lead the vital manufacturing hub. He acknowledged the weight of responsibility, but also the immense potential within the ranks of RIA-JMTC. Before outlining his strategic vision, he paused a moment to recognize the steadfast support system that has been instrumental in shaping his journey and career success.

“I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to God for His many blessings. Without Him, none of this would be possible,” Martinez said. “To my wife, Jennifer, thank you for thirty-two years of unwavering love and support. You are my foundation, and I love you dearly.”

After offering personal acknowledgements, Martinez turned his attention to the core of his new mission: leading the exceptional team at RIA-JMTC. He underscored the factory’s critical role and strategic importance in national defense.

“Over the past six months, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many of you, touring the facilities, and witnessing firsthand the incredible capabilities housed within these walls,” Martinez said. “I’ve seen your dedication, your ingenuity, and your unwavering commitment to excellence. These accomplishments are a testament to your hard work and your profound dedication to providing our Warfighters with the tools they need to succeed.”

Martinez demonstrated a keen understanding of RIA-JMTC’s expansive capabilities, highlighting the impressive ability to simultaneously manage more than 300 diverse projects, ranging from legacy system sustainment to cutting-edge technology development. He specifically acknowledged the recent achievement of AS9100 certification, a testament to the facility’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement within the aerospace industry.

“My commitment to you is simple. We will build upon this incredible foundation, embracing data-driven decision making, predictive maintenance and a relentless pursuit of efficiency,” Martinez stated. “Together, we will: streamline processes leveraging Lean Six Sigma principles, aggressively embrace advanced technologies like additive manufacturing and robotics, strengthen partnerships across the Department of Defense and with our industry partners, and fully leverage our full spectrum of capabilities, from initial design and prototyping to full-rate production and lifecycle support.”

He then laid out his vision for the future of RIA-JMTC, built on a foundation of continuous improvement and adaptation.

“We will anticipate challenges, pioneer solutions and maintain the highest standards of excellence to keep RIA-JMTC a cornerstone of military readiness.” Martinez said. “From alloying and casting, to forging and advanced manufacturing, all the way to final delivery, your work ensures Warfighters receive the equipment they need, when they need it.”

He pledged to anticipate challenges, pioneer solutions and maintain the highest standards of excellence.

“It’s an honor to join this team. I look forward to leading, learning and working alongside each of you,” Martinez said. “Let’s seize this opportunity. Together, we’ll shape the future of American manufacturing and continue strengthening our nation’s defense. Let’s get to work.”

By Kendall Swank

DIU, USNORTHCOM, US Army Announce Finalists for C-UAS Low-Cost Sensing Challenge

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

10 companies advance scalable, cost-effective solutions to bolster U.S. counter-sUAS capabilities and meet evolving DOD strategic priorities

Washington, D.C., July 21, 2025 — The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), in close collaboration with U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command representatives, today announced the selection of ten finalists to advance in the Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft System (C-sUAS) Low-Cost Sensing (LCS) challenge. These selected companies, chosen against a rigorous set of criteria from 118 outstanding submissions, will move forward to demonstrate their sensor technologies during USNORTHCOM’s Falcon Peak exercise in September.

“The evolving threat from unmanned aerial systems demands that we leverage every tool at our disposal – from cutting-edge commercial solutions to robust partnerships across government and industry,” said DIU Director Doug Beck. “This challenge directly supports DOD’s strategic priorities by tapping into non-traditional defense companies to develop scalable, cost-effective sensing solutions that help our forces at home and abroad to identify threats with the speed and fidelity needed to counter them.”

The solutions selected represent a diverse range of sensor modalities, including radio frequency passive detection, active radar, acoustic, optical cameras, infrared cameras, and several mixed modality technologies. The selected approaches have the potential to deliver significant value compared to current DOD systems for key coverage areas, at a potential cost savings of 50-80 percent in total cost of ownership. The ten finalists selected are:

  • BLUEiQ
  • CHAOS 1
  • Fortem Technologies
  • Guardian RF
  • Hidden Level
  • MatrixSpace
  • REVOBEAM
  • Squarehead Technology
  • Teledyne FLIR Defense
  • Thalrix

Launched in May 2025, the LCS challenge was designed to address a critical need: to complement exquisite sensor systems with affordable, distributed sensing technologies that can scale. Protecting the homeland from small UAS threats requires broad situational awareness with reach, redundancy, and resiliency. 

“These ten finalists represent the forefront of sensor innovation, demonstrating how diverse technological approaches can enhance our layered defense,” said Director of Replicator 2, David Payne. “Our collaboration with USNORTHCOM, the US Army, and other partners has been instrumental in aligning this effort with the Department’s most critical sensing needs. Ultimately, this prize challenge is about helping to provide the tools to extend cost-effective sensing capabilities to our most critical installations.”

Selected finalists now advance to live demonstration and testing at USNORTHCOM’s Falcon Peak 25.2 exercise. Falcon Peak will provide a real-world test of these low-cost sensing solutions and the prize purse will be distributed based on performance at the event. 

Beyond the prize money, top performers may also be considered for follow-on opportunities, including Other Transaction (OT) agreements, a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), and direct transition into operational use, accelerating the deployment of these capabilities and making the best tech available to the warfighter with the speed and scale required.

Australian and Japanese Soldiers Showcase Their Capabilities

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

One of the most crucial aspects of multi-national interoperability is a common understanding of the weapons, equipment and techniques of partner nations.

While the headquarters elements of the Amphibious Task Group 1 (ATG1) coordinated the upcoming activities during the transit from Cowley Beach to Bowen, the embarked Australian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF) came together on the light vehicle deck of HMAS Canberra to showcase their different capabilities. 

Soldiers, marines and officers shared weapons, techniques, capability and a few laughs, that culminated in a leopard-crawl race across the deck. 

Providing insight into what an Australian standard infantry battalion (SIB) carries, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) were eager to showcase their weapon systems to their international counterparts. 

JGSDF soldiers inspected the Australian Minimi Light Support Weapon, General Support Machine Gun MAG 58, MDFSW 84, M72A6 LDFSW 66, and the EF88 Austeyr with SL40s attachment.

1RAR’s Direct Fire Support Weapons platoon introduced their heavy-weapons capability, which included the anti-armour Carl Gustav 84-millimetre recoilless rifle, the GSMG Mag-58 and HMG 12.7-millimetre machine guns (also known as a 50-Calibre) capable of firing armour-piercing rounds. 

Private Harrison Swan, 1RAR, observed that the Japanese also operated the 84-millimetre Carl Gustav.  

“I think it’s interesting to see that we are using the same weapon systems, there’s a lot of similarities but a lot we can learn from each other,” he said. 

1RAR’s mortar platoon explained the ranging controls of their weapons systems, complementing the battalion’s display of combat first aid kits, sniper rifles and other specialised gear. 

‘I think it’s interesting to see that we are using the same weapon systems, there’s a lot of similarities but a lot we can learn from each other.’ 

Sappers from the embarked elements from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment demonstrated their specialist breaching equipment, demolitions and high-risk search equipment. 

These included a wide array of equipment that allows the combat engineers to support manoeuvre elements through the battle space. 

Despite all the hardware, the unchallenged fan-favourite of the day was Charlie the Explosives Detection Dog, who enjoyed pats and games of tug-of-war with multinational members on the deck. 

Overall, the morning was great success, since professional mastery and camaraderie both help to breach language barrier, as these highly capable units prepare for the upcoming amphibious raid in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in the coming days.

Via Australian Army

DEVCOM Armaments Center Engineers Seek to Increase Soldier Safety by Reducing Blast Overpressure

Monday, July 21st, 2025

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – The harm to Soldiers from frequent exposure to weapons that cause blast overpressure (BOP) when fired has gained increasing attention, prompting Congress to pass a broad set of directives related to blast exposure and brain health.

Congressional mandates to the Pentagon include setting new safety limits for troops’ blast exposure, characterizing “Tier 1” weapon systems including the suite of ammunition for BOP and brain health impact and developing material solutions if required for current and future weapon systems.

According to the Army’s Medical Command, organs most susceptible to BOP include the middle ear, lung, brain, and bowel. The command notes that many of the long-term effects are still not well understood.

The DEVCOM Armaments Center is one of the main players in the collective effort to mitigate BOP because its engineers are involved in the design, development, fielding, and sustainment of many systems that have been identified as contributing to BOP: howitzers, mortars, shoulder mounted weapons, 50 caliber weapons, along with demolitions and breaching charges.

The first “Picatinny Weapons Community Blast Overpressure Summit” was held on October 22-23, 2024. In addition to the Armaments Center, other attendees included the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition; Program Executive Office Soldier; the Army Research Lab, the Medical Research and Development Command, and the Defense Health Agency Public Health Aberdeen.

“That was a great opportunity for the weapons community to come together,” said Jeffrey Kraft, who is the Armaments Center POC for the BOP initiative. “It was a way to basically level-set on what’s happening across the weapons community with respect to blast overpressure and also an opportunity to communicate what we’ve been learning at the larger forums that are happening at the Office of the Secretary of Defense level.”

Kraft said it was critical to develop close relationships with all the other stakeholders involved in mitigating BOP.

“From the weapons community side, we’re not doing this in a vacuum,” he said. “We’re working closely with the medical community to make sure that as they’re learning more about blast overpressure and what that means to the Soldier, we can apply that knowledge and incorporate that into our strategies as we try to solve it from the weapons community side. Building those relationships is key to making sure that we address this as a whole-of-Army, whole-of-DOD approach.”

At the Armaments Center, lines of effort (LOE) to address the BOP issue include baselining legacy and new munition and weapon systems, engineering solutions development for reduced BOP, data acquisition and analysis and blast sensors; modeling and simulation development; and improved ‘shoot house’ designs and ranges to reduce BOP. Another LOE is munition and weapon supportability, which includes personnel training, training packages, support equipment and human factors

“The technical challenges are how do we continue to maintain the weapon systems’ lethality and performance while also reducing and mitigating blast overpressure,” Kraft said. “For each weapon system, the technical challenges are going to be a little bit different depending on the attributes of the system.”

Kraft said a big first step in BOP mitigation is to gather enough data to get a clearer picture of the size and nature of the problem. “Once we understand what the problem is, then we can start to develop solutions. And we don’t know what we don’t know. As we start to get into this, we may learn where those limits are based on physics that we can only go so far. But right now, the goal is let’s try to get moving on this sooner than later to see where that point is.

“I think the other challenge right now is truly understanding what blast does to the Soldier’s health and developing a set of requirements that can be used for developing and implementing new engineering solutions.”

One solution that has received attention in the media is a new breaching charge form. The new charge form was developed at the Armaments Center by Mr. Greg Stunzenas and team, and can be used with legacy explosives to reduce/mitigate blast overpressure, such as when Soldiers breach doors or other barriers.

Also, an attenuating blast cone developed at the Armaments Center by Dr. Robert Carson and team can be used with a mortar system such as the 120 mm mortar. The cone redirects the blast wave so that the exposure level to the Soldiers is much lower.

Over the past years, blast overpressure from howitzers has been reduced through optimization of the muzzle brake design through numerical methods (computational fluid dynamics) and testing validation. Now, a team at the Armaments Center is also exploring the possibility of removing the muzzle brake from the howitzers and make adjustments to the recoil systems as a way to mitigate overpressure.

“There’s a big push right now within the blast overpressure community to understand how wearable sensors can be used to monitor what the exposure levels are to our Soldiers,” Kraft said. “Here at the Armaments Center, we have some technologies that we’re developing and adopting from large-caliber ammunition systems and applying that technology to blast sensors. The goal is to incorporate the blast sensors into the Soldier’s helmets to understand what their exposure profiles and limits will be from a blast event.”

Another initiative is to create workshops focused on individual weapons systems. Participants are digging deeper into what data is available for the systems, what new ideas might be brainstormed, and what might be done to either eliminate or mitigate blast overpressure.

“In the workshops, we can get the weapons community members together to really target a specific weapon system and figure out, how do we get after this?”

The BOP initiative is a key example of how the Armaments Center workforce is challenged to “Find a Way” through creative solutions while also collaborating closely with our partners.

By Edward Lopez and Timothy Rider

Electronic Warfare Leader Passes Responsibility

Sunday, July 20th, 2025

Kenneth Strayer, Project Manager (PM) for the Project Management Office Electronic Warfare & Cyber (PM EW&C) passed the reins of leadership to incoming PM, Col. Scott Shaffer in a July 10 change of responsibility ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.

As the ceremony’s host, Brig. Gen. Ed Barker, Program Executive Officer for U.S. Army Program Executive Officer, Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S) presented the Superior Civilian Service Award to Strayer on behalf of the Acting Army Acquisition Executive, Jesse D. Tolleson, Jr. Barker also accepted the PM EW&C charter from Strayer and passed it to Shaffer signifying the official change of responsibility.

“Ken has been at the forefront of bringing EW capabilities back to the battlefield for this generation. The need to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum is more important than ever,” said Barker.

Under Strayer’s leadership since 2021, PM EW&C demonstrated the highest levels of excellence in the program management of urgently needed operational capabilities and priority requirements for U.S. Army Commanders. He instituted innovative acquisition approaches in a highly classified environment and tailored programs through rapid prototyping and flexible contracting to accelerate delivery and facilitate learning of the doctrine, organization, and training requirements necessary to reinvigorate electromagnetic warfare (EW) as a core competency.

Strayer spearheaded the development and fielding of the Terrestrial Layer System Manpack, Electronic Warfare Planning and Management Tool (EWPMT), Tactical Electronic Warfare System – Infantry (TEWS-I), Tactical Space Superiority systems, and many other EW capabilities to the force. He gained approval and chartered a new Colonel/GS-15 led Project Management Office for Cyber and Space to provide focused program management and stakeholder engagement for the joint cyber community. Additionally, he established a new GS-14 led Product Lead Office for Strategic Spectrum Warfare to provide responsive support for the growth in echelons above brigade requirements.

During his tenure, including his service as Deputy Project Manager EW&C from 2017 to 2020, PM EW&C received the 2019 Project Management Office Team of the Year (O-6/GS-15 level) award and the 2018 David Packard award for Acquisition Excellence.

“I am so proud of the more than 250 professionals on our team that equipped our Army to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum, ready for the next fight. It’s been amazing to watch the team’s creativity in development and delivery of capabilities. It has been the greatest privilege in my career to lead the EW&C team and family,” said Strayer during his remarks at the ceremony.

As the new Project Manager, Shaffer will guide a workforce of military and civilian professionals who develop and field integrated capabilities for spectrum warfare. He comes to PM EW&C after serving as the Executive Officer to the Principal Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology) (ASA(ALT)) and after leading Product Manager Mission Command Cyber under the Program Executive Office for Command, Control, and Communications – Tactical (PEO C3T).

“This is an exciting time with changes to the operational environment and threat where we need to be more agile and creative to ensure we have the most lethal force with the right mix of capabilities and resources. Thank you for this great opportunity to serve as the next Project Manager for PM EW&C,” Shaffer said, concluding the ceremony.

By Matthew Schramm

New Multi-Service Nonlethal Munitions GTA & Pub

Saturday, July 19th, 2025

In April, DoD published Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for the Employment of Nonlethal Weapons (ATP 3-22.40 for the Army).

It is available for download here.

This multi-Service tactics, techniques, and procedures (MTTP) publication for The Employment of Nonlethal Weapons is a single source, descriptive reference guide for commanders, staffs, and individual users to plan for and employ nonlethal weapons (NLW) across the range of military operations.

It also describes MTTP for consideration and use during the tactical employment of NLW in support of warfighting personnel conducting operations. This publication:

a. Provides an overview of NLW.

b. Discusses fundamental concepts and training requirements involved with NLW.

c. Provides a description of NLW and employment considerations.

d. Discusses the use of NLW gleaned from lessons

Additionally, the US Army Military Police School and the Army Nonlethal Scalable Effects Center have issued GTA 19-08-004, Nonlethal Munitions which is available for download here. This graphic training aid (GTA) provides Soldiers with the capabilities and characteristics of the nonlethal (NL) munitions currently in the Army Inventory.