CCDC's In The Lab

On our 45th episode we learn about a military standard developed and enhanced by the team lead by Dr. Robert Benton, Mr. Nate Bordick, Dr. Mark Robeson of the Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (DEVCOM AvMC). We hear how this standard, which is called Rotorcraft Structural Integrity Program, or RSIP, and how it's benefiting the Soldier. 

In our 44th episode we are joined by Ms. Ketula Patel from the U.S. Army DEVCOM Armaments Center. She shares with us how our FIRESTORM software was developed and how it’s being used. She also discusses the significance of FIRESTORM at the recent Project Convergence event. If you're interested in learning how Artificial Intelligence is helping our Soldiers’ decision-making, join us In The Lab now!

In our 43rd episode we speak with DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center's Dr. Patricia Buckley and Mrs. Jenna Gadberry about the work they are doing using canines to detect COVID-19. How did they start this research, what do the dogs actually do and where exactly does the smell leave our bodies, learn this and more as we go In The Lab.

Welcome to episode 42 of CCDC In the Lab. The Network Modernization Experiment  (NetModX) 2020 concluded earlier this year and we are glad to have members of the team on this episode to share more on this event. NetModX is an annual field-based experimentation event that informs acquisition decisions, Army science and technology (S&T) specifications, requirements and strategies. Joining us today will be Mr. Josh Fischer, Mr Joe Saldiveri and Mr. Brian Bocskor, so be sure to listen and hear how this event is helping advance Army capability and further building our essential partnerships.

In our 41st episode, Dr. Peter Schwartz, supporting the CCDC C5ISR Center, discusses the role of AICR (pronounced acre), which stands for AI COA Recommender, may play in assisting Soldiers in enhancing their planning skills. 

In our 40th episode we talk with the Acquisition Support Center's director, Mr. Craig Spisak, and the CCDC deputy to the commanding general, Mr. John Willison, about the role of the acquisition workforce, training and what the future looks like with the recent adoption of the Back-to-Basics program. How will this change impact the workforce?For more information on ASC visit their website:asc.army.mil

In episode 39 we hear from the commanding general of US Army Futures Command (AFC), as well as a handful of members of Team Ignite to discuss how analytics are supporting the Army modernization priorities. 

For our 38th episode we are excited to have MG John George, Combat Capabilities Development Command's Commanding General (CCDC CG), join us for an update. Hear in his own words about the role and direction of our command.  

Our 37th episode continues our series on the capabilities coming from the CCDC Soldier Center. In this show, we speak with Mr. Charles Amber to discuss battlespace visualization and how that may change the way we train and fight. We also sat with Mr. Michael Samuel and Mr. JP Kruszewski to learn more about how unmanned aerial vehicles are helping during military operations and even saving Soldiers' lives. Sit back, click play and enjoy as we go In The Lab!

In our 36th episode, we talk with Dr. Bruce West, senior scientist, Army Research Office, about his research while supporting the Army. We learn of the books he has authored and what they share with us about how the future status of the Army may change. What may we teach to future officers and Soldiers that may improve their overall mission? Join us now, In the Lab!

In our 35th episode, we explore the world of living foundries. What are living foundries, it's the process of using micro-organisms to manufacture highly specialized chemicals that the Department of Defense needs. Dr. Jared DeCoste and Mr. Gregory Peterson, both from CCDC Chemical Biological Center, discuss our involvement in this DARPA program. Learn why CCDC CBC is a perfect fit for this type of initiative in cooperation with MIT and how this process will improve the modernization of Soldier's capabilities. For more information on Living Foundries check out this article:CCDC Chemical Biological Center Strives to Become DoD’s Biomanufacturing Leader

In the 34th episode of CCDC In the Lab we learn about two very distinct areas within CCDC. First up, we speak with Dr. Robert Kristovich, CCDC CBC, about his role supporting the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Then we are joined by Dr. Dawanne Poree, CCDC ARL ARO, to learn about her work has a program manager within the area of basic research.

In our 33rd episode of CCDC In The Lab we explore the importance of extramural basic research with Dr. Dave Stepp, chief scientist, Army Research Office. Then we travel to the CCDC Soldier Center and meet Dr. Tom Yang, senior food technologist, where we learn the latest tech going into reducing food volume and how that benefits the Soldier. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future episodes, but now sit back and get ready to learn as we go 'In The Lab'

Welcome to our 32nd episode of CCDC In the Lab. In this episode we highlight some of the great capabilities coming out the command. First up we speak with Ms. Jennifer Sekowski, Ph.D., and Ms. Kelly Betts, both from CCDC Chemical Biological Center, to learn about the Pocket Detection Pouch (PDP). PDP is addressing how we detect various agents Soldiers may be exposed to. Next we speak with Mr. George Matook,  CCDC Soldier Center, on the MASTR-E program. The acronym is long, but the focus is on how they can evaluate and improve Solider overall performance. So sit back and check out this episode as we go 'In the Lab.' PDP Information: https://www.facebook.com/CCDCChemBio/videos/2576740495892951/ MASTR-E Article: https://www.army.mil/article/234758/soldier_center_works_with_syracuse_recruiting_battalion_to_improve_army_combat_fitness_test_performance  

In our 31st episode Dr. Barton H. Halpern, director of the Army Research Office (ARO), joins us to explain the role of his organization. We'll learn how ARO supports Army Futures Command, and the importance of early research and partnerships, while not only supporting current modernization efforts, but identifying future technologies. So, join us 'In the Lab' as we learn all this and more.

In our 30th episode of CCDC In the Lab we catch up with BG John Rafferty, director, Long Range Precision Fires Cross Functional Team (LRPF CFT). He shares with us his organizations priorities and highlights the critical partnership CCDC plays in their mission.

In our 29th episode we step back from discussing Army technology innovation and focus on resiliency. April's theme is "the Month of the Military Child" and we decided to explore this area with a few interviews. In this episode Dr. Becky Porter from the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) shares how this organization supports military children as they transition during family moves. We also speak with two military kids who have gone through MCEC programs and they share their experiences and advice for other military kids. So sit back and learn about the challenges and benefits of being a military child as we go "in the lab!"  

In this special episode of CCDC In the Lab, we hear from each of the command's centers and lab on how they have provided technical expertise and solutions to aid in the battle against this COVID-19 pandemic.

Lt. Col. Isaac Faber, chief data scientist, AI Task Force, sits with us for our 27th episode to provide an update on the AI Task Force. He specifically leads the effort called Project Coeus and shares with us how this will be helping future AI Efforts.

I traveled up to Natick, MA, late last year to learn about the diverse and unique work the team up at CCDC Soldier Center is doing to increase Soldier lethality. Our 26th episode is the first in a series highlighting some of these amazing capabilities. First up in this episode we learn about Monitoring and Assessing Soldier Tactical Readiness and Effectiveness (MASTR-E) project. Working in close collaboration with the 82nd Airborne Division, the project will identify the human performance x-factors that reliably account for sustained dismounted Soldier and squad performance. Then we turn our attention to the science behind creating a healthy and tasty food that can safely stay on shelves for 3 years. These scientist put their heart and brains to providing a small slice of home for our Soldiers all around the globe.

Join me in our 25th episode as sit down with 2 members of the senior executive service (SES), Ms. Katharine Kelley, Chief Human Capital Officer, U.S. Army AFC, and the CCDC deputy to the commanding general, Mr. John Willison, as we explore the topic of talent management. What is it? Why is it important to the Army and how are our two organization working together in this area?

Not all of the technological needs are military need will be discovered or created here in the U.S. and because of that it is important for CCDC to have an international presence. In our 24th episode, BG Vincent Malone, deputy commanding general CCDC, and Mr. Collier Slade, director CCDC Global Technology Office, talk with us about the role we play internationally. They also share the structure of the organization and their roles within it.   CCDC-Americas CCDC-Atlantic CCDC-Pacific  

This week we get into the second of a two part podcast on one of CCDC's centers. In our 23rd episode we continue our discussion with Mr. James Amato, director, CCDC Data & Analysis Center (DAC).  In this portion Mr. Amato explains the critical work his center is doing in supporting all of the Army modernization priorities and cross functional teams.

This week we get into the first of a two part podcast on one of CCDC's centers. In our 22nd episode we learn about not only the newest center within CCDC, the Data & Analysis Center (DAC), but we meet the director, Mr. James Amato, and hear about his career. Find out what is DAC's mission, how they fit within CCDC and how it's helping inform the Army modernization effort.  CCDC NEWS:Army introduces weld automation for next generation combat vehiclesCCDC CBC: Threat Detection in Your PocketCCDC CBC: Collaboration Made NBCRV’s Sensor Suite Upgrade Possible

People love their pets and the military is no different. Dogs play a critical role in detecting threats and engaging potential threats during operations, however due to the loud sounds associated with these events a dogs hearing is impacted in some cases with short term and potentially permanent hearing loss. CCDC ARL's subordinate organization, Army Research Office, have partnered with industry to bring the next generation of hearing protection for our military canine battle buddies. In our 21st episode we sat with Dr. Stephen Lee from ARO to talk about this capability.   Click here for the CCDC ARL article on the CAPS program

It's hard to avoid the term multidomain operations, or MDO, around the DOD today. MDO is the concept of how we will engage and defeat near-peer adversaries going forward. This effort is being lead by our guest today Lt. Gen. Eric Wesley. In his current role as deputy commanding general, AFC, and director of the Futures and Concepts Center he assess the threat and future operational environment; develops future concepts and requirements; and conducts experimentation and wargaming towards an integrated modernization pathway for the future of the Army. In our 20th episode we also discuss how our organization, CCDC, fits into this picture. Mr. John Willison, deputy to the commanding general, joins Wesley to discuss just that. Learn more about MDO by clicking here. Have a question for a guest or a topic we should cover, leave a comment and we will be sure to follow up.

Fusing machine and people has been a part of sci-fi for decades, but a recent DoD study (Study linked here )reveals that this is exactly what they are expecting in the upcoming decades. In our 19th episode we talk with CCDC Chemical Biological Center's (ST), Dr. Peter Emanuel, who served as one of the study's leads. We learn about the background for why the study was requested, discuss the legal and ethical implications and what are the 4 areas where the study defined as vignettes for cyborg enhancement and augmentation.   Weekly Top News: Man Tech Funds Weld Automation for Combat Vehicles Lt. Col Meeker's LinkedIn Q&A Next week's episode we have Lt. Gen. Eric Wesley, director, Future Concepts Center (FCC), AFC, talk with us about the role of FCC and then Mr. John Willison, deputy to the commanding general, CCDC, joins him to talk about the partnership between our organizations. The explore how we are assisting with informing requirements and multi-domain operations (MDO).

In the 18th episode Mr. Doug Tamilio, director, CCDC Soldier Center, joins us to share the rich history of how Natick ( home of his organization) was established, the expansive workforce -minus one zoologist, as well as what it is like to be the only center managing the research, development and engineering services of 2 cross functional teams. To learn more about this week's news highlighted in the podcast follows the links below: IVAS googles mixed reality and target recognition CCDC CBC is developing LED wearable tech to detect chemical agents ARL partners with WPI to bring cold spray 3d printing to the battlefield

In our 17th episode we spoke with Ms. Jennifer Hunt of the Choctaw tribe and Ms. Karen Devins of the Onondaga tribe – both of CCDC’s C5ISR center and discuss their heritage, history and the contributions that Native Americans have provided. We also promote the CCDC lead open to the public National American Indian Heritage observance scheduled for November 26, 2019 at 9:30AM in the Myer Auditorium here at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

Our sixteenth episode is about Cyber Blitz! We speak with Col. Eric Aslakson, chief for requirements and integration at Cyber Center of Excellence and Dr. Richard Wittstruck, assosciate director, field based experimentation and integration, CCDC C5ISR Center, about this event. Cyber Blitz serves as a unique experimentation opportunity which involves not only soldiers with scientists and engineers, but concurrent activities on 2 continents with international partners participating. In addition to fielding new technology, this event tests allies' interoperability and brings together lab-based and field-based experimentation.

How does the Army stay ahead in the battle of cyber and electronic warfare? In the fifteenth episode of the "CCDC In the Lab" podcast we explore the unique Army conference, CEMA  (Cyber Electromagnetic Activity), and discuss how it came to exist, what partnerships make it successful and how it ties to the Multi-Domain Operations.

As a follow up to our last podcast on culture, in our fourteenth episode of the "CCDC In the Lab" podcast, Ms. Elizabeth Groover, CCDC change management lead, and Mr. Eric Stevens, CCDC Chemical Biological Center, change management team member, sit with Amanda Ligon to discuss the history, development and role of the change management team.

In the thirteenth episode of the "CCDC In the Lab" podcast, Mr. John Willison,  deputy to the commanding general, CCDC,  talks about the command's renewed focus on culture and the role of the CCDC acculturation team, as well as the importance of embracing the pillars of culture: communication, collaboration and trust.

In the 12th episode of "CCDC in the Lab", titled "Futures Command Shapes Future Officers Through Internships", we sit with Mr. Chuck Hoppe, CCDC C5ISR Center, Associate Director Science, Technology and Engineering to get some background on the internship program. Then we have a group discussion with 3 current cadets in the program, Declan Kelly, Christopher Tian and Colin Stiers, to learn what they gained from the experience.  

In the 11th episode of "CCDC in the Lab", titled "Army RCCTO: Pushing Innovation & Advancing Capability", we are joined by Mr. Rob Monto, lead for advanced concepts and experimentation (ACE) within the Army's Rapid Capability Critical Technology Office. In this interview we learn about the mission of the ACE office, structure of the RCCTO including the role of the Board of Directors, and details how they work directly with CCDC.

In the 10th episode of "CCDC in the Lab", titled "NetModX: Field-based experimentation informing Army R&D", we sit with 2 members of the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center, Adam McCauley, NetModX project lead and Mahmoud Khalil, technical engineering lead for NetModX radio rodeo. In this interview we learn about the history of the event, the significance of field-based experimentation and the specific benefits of the conducting these events at the C5ISR Ground Activity in New Jersey.

In our 9th episode, Dr. Eric Moore, SES, Director, CCDC Chemical Biological Center, shares a brief history of the Army's Chemical and Biological research, then details some amazing capabilities coming out of his organization and finally highlights programs CCDC CBC have in place to ensure they are getting the right candidates into their workforce.

Mr. Michael Monteleone, SES, Director of Space & Terrestrial Communications Directorate, C5ISR Center, shares career advice and support for the Army modernization priorities to executing integrated events like NetMod X and Cyber Blitz.

AI is touching and engaging with more products we use each and every day. In the third, and final, episode of the series on AI, CCDC in the Lab sat with Brig. Gen. Matt Easley, director of the U.S. Army Futures Command AI Task Force. Listen to episode 7 to hear what he has to say about the role of the task force, how it's supporting the CFTs and their relationship with academia and industry. Be sure to like and subscribe!

In our 6th episode we chat via the phone with Dr. Dariusz Milkulski, research scientist, CCDC Ground Vehicle Systems Center (CCDC GVSC), about his role in leading the Army's effort towards autonomous vehicles. What are the unique challenges the military face in this field? Tune in now to learn more and don't forget to like and subscribe!

In this episode of "CCDC in the Lab"we interview Dr. Brian Sadler, CCDC ARL, to kick-off our series on AI. Learn how the U.S Army is using AI today and where it may be used in the future. In future episodes we will hear from scientist and researchers from other CCDC Centers', as well as speak to the Army Futures Command AI Task Force. If you haven't already be sure to like and subscribe to this podcast!

In this 4th episode of "CCDC in the Lab" we sit down with Col. Jim Dzwonchyk, CCDC G5 director, and talk about how his team supports the command, then he talks with me about what FFME (Future Force Modernization Enterprise) is. Next, we speak with Dr. Alexander Kott, CCDC ARL chief scientist, about his unusual career journey, role at CCDC ARL and how we are looking to implement more artificial intelligence into capabilities for the Soldier.

As part of Women's history month we focused on 2 incredible woman impacting change within the command. First up, Ms. Erica Bertoli of the CCDC C5ISR Center to discuss community outreach events with a focus on STEM, then we speak with Ms. Gihan Oraby of the CCDC Armaments Center.  

In our second episode, recorded for February 2019, Combat Capabilities Development Command's Deputy Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Vincent Malone and Commands Sgt. Maj. discuss their roles within our command. From International support to serving as the CG's senior advisor, you will hear that and more In the Lab.

In out first episode, recorded for February 2019, Combat Capabilities Development Command's Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins, and Deputy to the Commanding General, Mr. John Willison, sit with Kyle Bond to talk about their careers as well as discuss the transition into the newly formed Army Futures Command.