White Sands Missile Range, N.M. -- The Army is conducting pass-or-fail tests here of battlefield communications systems, including wideband versions of the Joint Tactical Radio System, and robots and sensors, said Paul Mehney, a spokesman for the service's integration operation.
The tests run through the end of September but have already attracted a bunch of high level visitors, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey. If successful, the equipment could provide some truly advanced and proven battlefield gadgets and gizmos.
On Friday, the Army hosted uniformed and civilian VIPs, reporters and analysts from the Government Accountability Office. I'll report back on Sept. 20 on what I saw and learned.
And, in case I forgot the Army still likes to do things real early in the morning, the press tour kicked off at 0600.
Bob Brewin
Bob Brewin joined Government Executive in April 2007, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience as a journalist focusing on defense issues and technology. Bob covers the world of defense and information technology for Nextgov, and is the author of the “What’s Brewin” blog.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
By using this service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although Nextgov does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.