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Joint Counter-Small UAS Office Conducts Successful Counter Drone-Swarm Demonstration

Wednesday, July 31st, 2024

WASHINGTON — The Army held its most challenging counter-small unmanned aircraft systems test to date, paving the way for Soldiers to field capabilities against small-UAS attacks in the future.

During the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Systems Office’s (JCO) fifth C-sUAS demonstration, held at Yuma Proving Ground June 3-28, 2024, testers launched more than 40 UAS targets that converged on a defended area in each session. The tests helped the JCO evaluate the command-and-control capabilities of nine C-sUAS systems, observing how each sensed and identified different types of UAS threats.

“It was a very successful demonstration in informing U.S. [forces] and our allies what capabilities exist out there for this very challenging profile,” said Col. Michael Parent, JCO Acquisition Division chief.

“You don’t want to obviously engage the target multiple times,” Parent added. “You’ve got so many [UAS] coming at you, you have to be able to differentiate and have the most promising threat first.”

The demonstration presented a wide array of threats that swarmed the C-sUAS systems in mass and in waves, showcasing both kinetic and non-kinetic defeat solutions. Experiments tested capabilities that included guided rockets, kinetic interceptor drones, electro-optical/infrared cameras, radio frequency scanners and radio frequency jammers.

Demonstration threat profiles used rotary wing, fixed wing and slow-moving, and propeller-powered UAS threats. The JCO chose the nine systems from eight vendors pulled out of a pool of 58 vendor proposals.

Small unmanned aircraft systems pose a significant threat to Army and U.S. military operations and are also a particularly dangerous threat in Ukraine and parts of Israel. Drones provide low-cost capability to transport ammunition for targeted attacks and can collect reconnaissance for enemy forces and coordinate attacks.

To combat that threat, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper designated the Army as the executive agent for C-sUAS defense in 2019.

Parent said that the JCO will look to begin prototyping specific C-sUAS proposals in 2025 based on specific capabilities and the needs of combatant commanders. The JCO scheduled its next C-sUAS demonstration between the second and third quarters of fiscal year 2025.

According to Parent, compared to the previous four demonstrations held from 2021 to 2023, the vendors’ systems showed greater speed and recognition of threats.

The test marked the first demonstration the service has held in nearly 12 months.

“The challenge of the profile really meant that no one characteristic, no one capability, whether kinetic or non-kinetic, in itself could really defeat this kind of a profile,” stated Parent. “So what we saw was that you really do need a full system-of-systems approach, a layered approach, because we’re talking about a very large profile, 50 or more [threats] … coming out from different angles, different speeds and different sizes.”

As the JCO is currently evaluating the test results, Parent refrained from commenting on the effectiveness of each vendor’s systems or specific performance data. Of the eight vendors, the JCO chose two proposals from Maryland-based ELTA North America; a vehicle-mounted solution and a platoon transport solution.

The results of the testing will be collected and sent to U.S. combatant commands and the vendors at the end of July, Parent said.

Additionally, the JCO will coordinate with joint partners to identify the priority focus areas of UAS systems.

By Joe Lacdan

Posted in Army, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on Joint Counter-Small UAS Office Conducts Successful Counter Drone-Swarm Demonstration

Commander of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Speaks on the Future of Space Ops

Tuesday, July 30th, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s leader said the command has the lead role in the Army’s Space Vision supporting multidomain operations and defending the United States.

Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, USASMDC commanding general, spoke at a Coffee Series event hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army at AUSA’s headquarters, July 23, 2024, in Arlington.

“Right now, based off of where the Army has moved in some of our demand requirements, we feel we are on path to meet our modernization goals,” Gainey said. “Depending on how we move forward potentially impacts modernization. As of right now, we’re moving on the right path. There are no issues at this time progressing forward with the force structure plan that we have and the growth that we have in place.”

He discussed the command’s initiatives to lead a proof-of-concept demonstration for using C-UAS in the homeland to help U.S. Northern Command determine how to move forward with C-UAS capabilities across the continental United States.

“Warfare is changing drones and all the capabilities that they may need,” Gainey said. “We do our own internal science and technology work so we’re able to do the gap analysis across the space and missile defense portfolio through our (Space and Missile Defense) Center of Excellence. Then our Center of Excellence is able to walk down and document to our technical center from an [science and technology] perspective.

“They can go out and work closely with industry and see what’s out there to help get after some of the challenges that we have moving forward,” he added. “We’re having to leverage more capability for a mission set with our modernization. We’re building based off knowing that there’s a 360-degree threat.”

Gainey said everybody is involved in space and has to be prepared to fight in a degraded denied environment and be able to leverage space.

“We at SMDC developed an Army Space Training Strategy that essentially focuses on how do you get space capability and space awareness, all the way down to the tactical level,” Gainey said. “We leverage that with our space experts inside of formations in our divisions. We are essentially building it inside of the schoolhouse and initial training, always through the training pipeline, and integrating space as part of awareness.”

Gainey talked about the future space operations military occupational specialty and how it will benefit the Army and its future space branch.

“You have an initiative on the space MOS,” Gainey said. “A lot of great work by the leaders in vision that came before me seeing that we can no longer continue to do business as usual in the way we operate right now as we pull Soldiers from air defense.

“We will change those Soldiers to 40 delta MOS to where now they’re space Soldiers and they’re experts,” he added. “So they get basic training all the way up, and then you get a professional noncommissioned officer, which we’re really excited about. We believe this is a stepping stone to a space branch.”

By Jason Cutshaw, USASMDC

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, Space | Comments Off on Commander of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Speaks on the Future of Space Ops

Michigan National Guard Soldier Earns Ranger Tab

Saturday, July 27th, 2024

LANSING, Mich. – Joining the Army is tough; you’re immediately off to basic and individual training, facing drill sergeants, and learning the basics of soldiering. Going straight to Ranger School after that? That’s an entirely new level of challenge and excellence.

No Michigan Army National Guard Soldier accomplished all three schools through the Ranger Team Leader Initiative program — until now. On June 21st, 19-year-old Pfc. Chase Cammenga achieved this milestone, graduating from all three rigorous training programs.

The RTLI is a specialized training program for enlisted Soldiers in the Army National Guard who aspire to attend Ranger School. This program transitions Soldiers from initial training to the Ranger Training Assessment Course (RTAC) and then directly to Ranger School. The program scouts for top National Guard Soldiers, selecting those with the highest potential to succeed in the challenging Ranger course.

When Cammenga enlisted in the National Guard two years ago in November while still in high school, his ambition to pursue advanced military training was a driving force behind his decision.

“I wanted to challenge myself and be in the best fighting force on the planet,” he said.

Cammenga was initially set on the active-duty route until a friend introduced him to the National Guard. He discovered the Guard offered a balance between military service and pursuing higher education, with educational benefits such as tuition assistance and the GI Bill.

“One of my buddies joined, and I figured this was a good way for me to do both. I could be in the National Guard and still serve while I’m going to college,” he said.

Cammenga embarked on his initial training. The fear of the unknown was daunting, and his One Station Unit Training experience was no exception. OSUT consolidates Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at one location.

“It was hard because it was the first time I was away from my family for that long. The training was different from anything I’d ever done before,” he recalled.

Cammenga’s determination to excel in training was driven by a desire to be a member of a team. He chose the infantry military occupational specialty of 11B.

“I’ve always wanted to be the best, but more than that, I want to be able to help those around me,” he said. This mindset was particularly evident during Ranger School.

As his time at OSUT ended, he was identified as a standout candidate based on factors such as his PT score of 584 out of 600 points. He earned a spot in the RTLI program.

“I was pretty excited,” he said. “Going to Ranger School wasn’t always a dream, but once I heard more about it, I knew it was what I wanted to do.”

Cammenga’s journey to earning the Ranger tab began with rigorous RTAC training. The 30-day course prepares enlisted Guard members for the Army National Guard “pre-Ranger” course, called the Ranger Training Assessment Course. RTAC lasts 17 days, and all Army National Guard members must complete it before heading to Ranger School.

“In RTAC, the training was incredibly tough. It made us think, ‘If this is hard, just imagine what Ranger School will be like.’ But we always supported each other and lifted each other up,” said Cammenga.

Once RTAC was completed, Cammenga was ready for Ranger School. For more than two months, Ranger students train to exhaustion, pushing the limits of their minds and bodies.

Reflecting on his journey, Cammenga emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and support. “You don’t get your tab; your buddies get it for you. I learned that I had to lean on those around me.”

Recycling during training is a common challenge; for Cammenga, it was no different. Darby, the first phase of Ranger School, was a hyper-structured environment where attention to detail was paramount.

“The instructors were different, with different criteria. It was all about doing everything by the book,” said Cammenga.

Feeling that sinking sensation in his stomach when he realized he had to do Darby again was tough, but he kept telling himself he wasn’t a quitter.

“I felt like I couldn’t go on, but I learned to dig deep and find that inner strength,” he said.

With dedication and hard work, Cammenga passed Darby and moved to the next phase. For Cammenga, the training presented significant challenges, especially the lack of sleep and food for more than 62 days.

“The lack of sleep was the most difficult part for me,” said Cammenga. “There were times I found myself falling asleep while walking. On average, we got about an hour to an hour and a half of sleep a night.” Despite these hardships, he stayed motivated by reminding himself, “At least I’m not in Darby. I can get this done.”

During Ranger School, one mentor, a fellow Soldier in his platoon, had a profound impact on Cammenga.

“He told me that people here will do anything for you; you just have to ask,“ Cammenga said. “His words inspired me to be more patient and to help others wherever I could.“

Cammenga pushed through 12-mile rucks, completed water survival training, navigated difficult terrain, and led battle drills.

“Failure was not an option. I pushed myself harder than I ever thought possible,” he said.

His perseverance paid off when he completed Ranger School and earned the coveted Ranger tab.

“It was one of the proudest moments of my life. All the hard work and sacrifices had finally paid off,” he said.

After Ranger School, he attended airborne school. The training further honed his skills and prepared him for future missions.

“My parents always encouraged me to follow my dreams and never give up,” he said. “During training, they wrote me letters and offered incredible support. Their encouragement was a big part of what kept me going.”

By 2LT Paige Bodine, 126th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | Comments Off on Michigan National Guard Soldier Earns Ranger Tab

Army Tests Arctic Shelter Program in Air Force Climate Lab

Friday, July 26th, 2024

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Team members with the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity braved the arctic cold and hurricane force winds as part of environmental testing held July 11-15, 2024, at Eglin Air Force Base.

Working with industry partners and test engineers belonging to the U.S. Air Force’s McKinley Climatic Laboratory, the USAMMDA advanced developers put several arctic shelter kits and support systems through their paces. The equipment was exposed to a wide range of climate conditions in a lab setting to assess their ability to withstand some of the most brutal conditions found in an arctic environment, according to Jack Philpott, an assistant program manager with USAMMDA’s Soldier Medical Devices Project Management Office.

To assess the progress of the arctic shelter kit and support systems programs, the MCL test engineers and the SMD development team deployed four standard issue shelters inside the main test chamber, which is approximately 252 feet wide, 260 feet deep and 70 feet tall. The range of conditions across five days of testing — with temperatures as low as minus 60 F and winds as high as 80 mph — gave the development team precise data to measure the program’s strengths and areas for improvement, said Philpott.

“We are testing to make sure that the systems will even work under these extreme conditions. At such cold temperatures, screens and fabrics can crack, water will flash-freeze, oils and adhesives can dry and fail, and engines can potentially freeze and not function,” said Philpott, who manages the acquisition, support sustainment and refurbishment of hospital center medical shelters and water systems for SMD. “We also captured temperature data on the shelters, determining how well the systems will keep personnel and casualties warm, looking for leaks, cold spots, and other potential weaknesses and limitations.”

While the swampy Florida Panhandle in July may be an unexpected place for arctic testing, the McKinley lab is a key component of the U.S. Air Force 96th Test Wing’s capabilities in support of the U.S. Department of Defense. It comprises climate-controlled chambers that simulate nearly any weather and environmental conditions found around the globe, from temperatures as low as negative 80 degrees Fahrenheit to drenching monsoon rains to sandstorms with 60 knot winds.

The lab’s unique capabilities make it a perfect place to vet developing military equipment — like the USAMMDA arctic shelter kit and support systems — and give advanced medical developers a better understanding of how the equipment will withstand even the harshest environments in a controlled setting, according to Philpott.

“[MCL offers] size and scale. It’s the only environmental chamber large enough to deploy several shelter systems [at the same time]. Some will hold a single shelter, but only MCL allowed us to deploy all four kits and systems and a legacy ‘control’ shelter at once under identical conditions,” said Philpott. “It is critical to know ahead of deployment whether a system is capable of operating in every environmental condition that it may be deployed to. The battlefield is not the place to discover that a system is not able to withstand the extreme cold. Finding any [system] limitations while still in development will avoid costly test-fix-test cycles later in the acquisition cycle and avoid having a system rendered inoperable in the field.”

The week of testing took months of planning and partnering with stakeholders across the DOD and development industry. During the assessments, MCL engineers conducted a series of tests in the main chamber while USAMMDA’s development team and commercial partners observed and tracked the shelter kits and support systems for structural and environmental integrity, while keeping warfighter safety top of mind.

“We [also tested] to ensure that the shelters will not melt the permafrost under the tents, which could potentially create puddles that could leak into the shelters,” said Philpott. “Should a person step into a puddle at those temperatures, [it could] lead quickly to cold weather injury — frostbite can be instantaneous.”

As the DoD and U.S. Army continue to focus on modernization for future operations, including those in the arctic regions of the world, the USAMMDA SMD team is focusing on the unique challenges presented by extreme cold in austere environments. According to Philpott, the MCL test was an important step to ensuring the shelter kits and support systems are on track to meet the needs of frontline medical providers in the joint force.

“The data received here will help identify limitations that can be addressed in future design turns and help inform training and doctrine for these systems should they eventually deploy.”

By T. T. Parish

Posted in Air Force, Army, Guest Post, Shelter | 3 Comments »

TacJobs – Cyber Assignment Incentive Pay

Thursday, July 25th, 2024

Cyber Assignment Incentive Pay (CAIP) is designed to provide high-performing Soldiers with an incentive to pursue further professional development and certification. It is available to commissioned officers, warrant officers and enlisted Soldiers in the active Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard in designated cyberspace work roles in approved units.

CAIP compensates Soldiers with specialized skills to meet readiness challenges and support national security objectives.

CAIP currently ranges from $200 to $1,500 per month based on assignment, certification and skill level, and determined on a tiered proficiency scale (basic, senior or master) within designated work roles and units.

For more information visit www.army.mil/armycyber and www.arcyber.army.mil/About/About-Army-Cyber

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US Army Receives First, Complete IBCS Delivery

Thursday, July 25th, 2024

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Integrated Fires Mission Command Project Office, under Program Executive Office Missiles and Space, received the first complete Integrated Battle Command System delivery as part of the low-rate initial production on April 22, 2024.

Integrated Battle Command System, or IBCS, is the cornerstone of air and missile defense modernization efforts, providing transformational mission command with increased capabilities to the battlefield faster.

“The completion of this first delivery is the result of unparalleled dedication from amazing professionals. It has been a privilege to lead a team with such a high level of skill and commitment,” said Army Col. Chris Hill, IFMC Project Office project manager. “This accomplishment is an excellent example of what we can achieve when our military, industry partners, government civilians and contractors successfully collaborate on our mission.”

The Integrated Air and Missile Defense program was among the first Army efforts to enter the DOD agile software pathway process. Agile software development, coupled with warfighter prioritization and hardware development, has enabled faster adaptation to new capabilities and threats, ensuring increased consistency across all aspects of production. The program is at the forefront of the Army’s renewed vision of digital transformation.

IBCS is comprised of three major end items: the Integrated Collaborative Environment, the Engagement Operation Center and the Integrated Fire Control Network Relay. The ICE is a modular shelter that provides a collaborative environment for battlefield mission command. The EOC is an integrated fire control center that provides the engagement operations function for IBCS. The IFCN Relay performs dual functions, providing the interface for the adapted sensors and weapons and serving as a communications relay to extend battlefield operations distances.

“IBCS is the critical mission command component of our Army’s modernized air and missile defense capabilities. It is the cornerstone of our efforts to integrate future components and qualify the architecture within our annual Integrated Fires Test Campaign,” said Army Brig. Gen. Frank Lozano, Program Executive Officer Missiles and Space. “This delivery is the result of excellent work by the entire team focused on modernizing our air and missile defense systems while getting this equipment to our Soldiers as quickly as possible.”

The IFMC Project Office is helping to modernize the US Army by integration, synchronization and collaboration between all air and missile defense components. Integration efforts leverage legacy and future sensors and shooters, allowing for a single integrated air picture and coordination between fielded assets.

The fusion between existing joint systems and future developmental programs with IBCS increases overall effectiveness, dramatically enhancing the ability to track, identify, engage and defend against diverse threats. These capabilities not only help modernize the Army’s AMD capabilities, but also the capabilities of our allies across the globe who modernize to the new IBCS architecture.

By NATHANIEL PIERCE

Posted in Army, Comms, Guest Post | Comments Off on US Army Receives First, Complete IBCS Delivery

US Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Battery Debuts in Resolute Hunter Exercise

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. — The U.S. Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Battery, part of the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, made history by participating in Exercise Resolute Hunter 24-2, a joint, combined exercise on the base from June 25-27, 2024. This exercise marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time the Army’s hypersonic capability was integrated into the bi-annual joint training exercise.

Hosted by the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, Resolute Hunter 24-2 is the Department of Defense’s only dedicated battle management, command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance exercise. This year’s event brought together three participating nations and four joint services for a three-week training exercise.

Building on this achievement, Col. Charles Kean, commander of the 1st MDTF, emphasized the importance of this exercise, stating, “these scenarios provide invaluable sets and repetitions that build upon and reinforce the steadfast integration of MDTF capabilities in the broader partnered joint all-domain construct.”

The exercise demonstrated the battery’s ability to integrate with higher joint echelons and sustain operations over an extended period. Bravo Battery, 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery (Long Range Fires Battalion), 1MDTF, successfully employed its force package for over 72 hours, showcasing the long-range hypersonic weapon digital kill chain in collaboration with joint partners and providing real-time situational awareness to the joint command post.

Capt. Jennifer Lee, commander of Bravo Battery, highlighted the significance of the exercise, stating, “Exercise Resolute Hunter 24-2 demonstrated the critical role of landpower and the Army’s indispensable contribution to joint operations. I’m proud of our team’s commitment to excellence and their ability to adapt and innovate in a complex and dynamic training scenario.”

The Army’s long-range hypersonic weapon development has been a long-term effort, with Soldiers contributing to the prototyping process since 2019. After receiving the initial hardware delivery in March 2021, the unit initiated new equipment training in September 2021, which consisted of four three-week iterations. The fielding process was completed by the end of fiscal year 2023, enabling Soldiers to train on the equipment, create doctrine, and develop new tactics, techniques and procedures.

In February 2023, the unit deployed the capability more than 3,000 miles away to Cape Canaveral, Florida, in the system’s longest recorded overland movement to date, as part of Exercise Thunderbolt Strike, demonstrating the Army’s ability to rapidly deploy the hypersonic capability.

Since then, the unit has participated in several other named and joint exercises, with Resolute Hunter being the latest.

As a theater-level unit and joint force enabler, assigned to the Indo-Pacific, the 1MDTF plays a vital role in synchronizing long-range precision fires layered with long-range precision effects to create multiple dilemmas and neutralize adversary anti-access and area denial networks. The 1MDTF’s proven innovation, agility and lethality have led the Army to direct five full MDTFs in strategically significant locations worldwide.

By CPT Ryan DeBooy

Posted in Army, Fires, Forces Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on US Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Battery Debuts in Resolute Hunter Exercise

Petroleum Quality Analysis System-Enhanced | A Critical Enabler for the Army

Sunday, July 21st, 2024

The Army uses the Petroleum Quality Analysis System-Enhanced (PQAS-E) for analyzing and assessing the quality of petroleum products consumed in military operations. The system is typically deployed and operated at echelons below brigade level. It serves as a critical enabling asset for commanders at the tactical level, supporting their decision-making processes related to petroleum. The PQAS-E encompasses a range of advanced apparatuses that can detect impurities and contaminants in petroleum, ensuring only high-quality fuel is used. It also offers the capability to monitor fuel storage conditions, such as temperature and humidity, to prevent degradation and ensure optimal performance.

In 2018, the 590th Quartermaster (QM) Detachment petroleum liaison received official endorsement from the Army Petroleum Center to oversee the inspection of PQAS-E correlation testing within the 18th Airborne Corps. This endorsement granted the 590th QM Detachment the necessary authority and responsibility to conduct thorough inspections and evaluations pertaining to the PQAS-E system, its operators, and its correlation-testing activities.

The primary objective of correlation testing is to verify the results obtained by the PQAS-E and ensure their alignment with established standards. As a petroleum liaison, the 590th QM Detachment plays a critical role in facilitating effective communication and coordination between the Army Petroleum Center, U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, U.S. Army Forces Command, and 18th Airborne Corps units. They provide technical expertise, guidance, and support to ensure accurate and efficient correlation testing of the PQAS-E.

Through many years of correlation inspections, the 590th QM Detachment has found the PQAS-E to be a critical asset for the Army. The system enhances operational readiness by ensuring military equipment receives optimal-quality fuel, thereby maximizing performance and minimizing the risk of equipment malfunctions. This leads to increased combat efficiency and mission success. The PQAS-E also reduces maintenance costs by preventing fuel-related issues that can lead to engine failures, equipment damage, and increased downtime. By eliminating the use of degraded or contaminated fuel, the PQAS-E significantly extends the lifespan of military assets, saving valuable resources.

Issues and Recommendations

The PQAS-E system, while highly advanced, faces certain apparatus issues that can impact its effectiveness. Specifically, the apparatuses that commonly experience failures are the Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Tester, the viscometer, the analytical balance scale, the 25kW generator, and the environmental control unit. Although the Army is currently investing in research and development efforts to improve the design and durability of apparatuses, the following recommendations may mitigate some of the common challenges with them.

Regular and proactive maintenance schedules should be established for all apparatuses in the PQAS-E. This includes routine inspection, cleaning, and calibration to identify and address any potential issues before they lead to complete failures. Additionally, implementing redundancy measures by having backup apparatuses readily available can minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation in the event of a failure. Furthermore, comprehensive training programs should be provided to operators and should include knowledge of supply functions, the ordering process, proper handling, and maintenance of the apparatuses.

To achieve the optimal system performance, there must also be engaged leaders at all echelons who can prioritize the readiness of this vital piece of equipment. This includes not only 923A Petroleum Systems Technicians, but also chains of command at the company, battalion, and brigade levels. Essential players such as supply, maintenance, and supply support activity personnel are also critical to the operational readiness rate of the PQAS-E. Key personnel must ensure inoperable equipment is documented and reported on the equipment status report. This information highlights the immediate issue at hand and demonstrates the potential risks and consequences of neglecting the system’s maintenance and repair. This increased visibility promotes a sense of accountability and drives action toward allocating necessary resources, prioritizing repairs, training, and ensuring the operational readiness of the system.

During deployment, it is crucial to have personnel who are knowledgeable about the supply chain and who can efficiently manage the inventory of spare parts and apparatuses. These personnel should be well-versed in the ordering process for replacements and repairs. Operators with a comprehensive understanding of supply functions can anticipate and plan for potential apparatus failures, ensuring non-mission-capable apparatuses are swiftly addressed and minimizing system downtime. By implementing these measures, the PQAS-E system can effectively overcome its apparatus issues and maintain its accuracy and reliability in analyzing fuel quality.

The deployment/redeployment of the system also presents a challenge related to certifications/shipping methods that should be carefully considered. One significant issue is ensuring the system is certified and compliant with transportation regulations and safety standards. This includes obtaining the necessary certifications and documentation to transport the apparatuses, fuel samples, and associated equipment safely and legally. The apparatuses and fuel samples require specialized packaging and handling to ensure their integrity and functionality upon arrival at the deployment location.

Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to delays, logistical complications, and potential legal issues. In the current operating environment, units must deploy with their PQAS-E labs. Effective planning is critical to the successful deployment of this system.

Conclusion

The PQAS-E, with its advanced apparatuses and capabilities, serves as a critical asset for the Army. By ensuring the use of high-quality fuel, the PQAS-E enhances operational readiness, reduces maintenance costs, and extends the lifespan of military assets. However, overcoming the current issues associated with the system’s apparatus is crucial for large-scale combat operations. With continuous improvement efforts and investment in research and development, the PQAS-E will continue serving as a key enabler for the Army, ensuring reliable fuel-quality analysis and supporting mission success.

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Staff Sgt. Shanice Walker is a 92F Petroleum Supply Specialist currently assigned to the 590th Quartermaster Detachment petroleum liaison at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where she serves as a petroleum surveillance NCO. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in information technology from American Military University, West Virginia, and is a graduate of the Advanced Leader Course, the Joint Petroleum Course, and the Defense Logistics Agency Energy Supply Chain Course.

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This article was published in the Summer 2024 issue of Army Sustainment.

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Sustainment | Comments Off on Petroleum Quality Analysis System-Enhanced | A Critical Enabler for the Army