Army AL & T

64 Pages·2000·7.2 MB·English

by  Fort Belvoir, VA :Acquisition Career Management Office

D
101.52/3:2000/5
Headquarters Department oftheArmy
PB-70-00-5
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2000
Secretary ofthe Army NASA Administrator
Louis Caldera Daniel S. Goldin
FACING THE FUTURE .TOGETHER
. .
Approvedforpublic release: Distribution is unlimited
FROM THE ARMY TheArmy Materiel Command
(AMC) is the executive agentforthis
partnership initiative and is working to
ACQUISITION EXECUTIVE
identify potential areas forcollabora-
tion. The challenge lies not in identify-
Partnering For Success ing opportunities, but ratherin deciding
which ones to pursue first. NextApril,
Earlierthis yearat the Simulation and Modeling forAcquisition, theArmy and NASAwill co-hostthe
Requirements andTraining (SMART) 2000 Conference, 1 announced 4thAnnual SMARTConference, where
a partnership between theArmy and the NationalAeronautics and we hope to demonstrate the results of
AMC
SpaceAdministration (NASA). NASA’sAssociateAdministratorof theopportunitiespursuedby and
AerospaceTechnology Dr. Samuel L. Venneri andArmyAstronaut otherArmy organizations with NASA.
LTC Patrick G. Forresterjoined me in making this announcement. Such potential collaborations include
The agreement, signed by Secretary oftheArmy Louis Caldera and development ofan RDECfederation in which simulation tools used
NASAAdministratorDaniel S. Goldin, leverages the advances and throughoutthe different research centers and laboratories are linked in
uSynnitqhueesisstrEenngvtihrsoonfmeenatch(IoSrgEa)niinziattiiaotinv.e.NTAhSeAArhamsyithsasIntSeMllAiRgeTn.t an inNteAroSpAerahbalseemxapnrensesredtoientnearbelset rinobtuhsetAsrymsyt’esm-Ionfs-tsityustteefmosraCnraelaystiisv.e
With this partnership, wejoin in the mutual pursuit andapplication of Technologies, where we are pursuing immersive virtual environment
advanced modeling and simulation (M&S) technologies to benefitour technologies. Because the Kennedy Space Centerhas tapped intothe
soldiers andourastronauts. entertainment industry’s ability to convertcomputer-aideddesign data
This issue ofArmyAL&Tis largely devoted totheArmy/NASA to 3-D immersive visualization, there is potential forathree-way col-
partnership. What stands out aboutthis collaboration is that, inde- laboration among theArmy, NASA, and Hollywood. NASAhas sig-
pendent ofone another, both NASAand theArmy charted afuture nificant experience in robotics simulation, simulation-based sustain-
that capitalizes on M&S tools andtechnologies. The harsh environ- ment planning, and in developing secure dataexchange acrossthe
ments in which our soldiers andastronauts operate, in fact, demand Internet. Each ofthese areasrepresents potential cross fertilization
that they train with new technologies in simulation. Ourmutual work between theArmy and NASA, particularly in light ofthe challenges
and investments will helpeach ofus achieve ourgoals more quickly. we face in developing FCS. The possibilities are endless andthe
I wish to highlightourcommon ground andthe promise of potential intriguing.
cooperation. I’m looking forward to the initial resultsofthis new partnership,
Through this partnership, we are finding that ourorganizations and I invite you to workwith me to make it agreat success. I also
have a lot in common, including the challenges we face.Among these challenge you to make acontribution inwhateverway you can. This
are mission planning, rehearsal, andtraining, as well as conceptual- partnership is, afterall, about collaboration and sharingtechnology,
ization, design, andengineering ofcomplex equipment. Here is expertise, andexperience. Ourmutual accomplishments will enable
where ISE and SMARTare so vitally important. Without SMART, oursoldiers andourastronauts toreceive bettertraining, betterequip-
forexample, theArmy will not achieve the Future Combat Systems ment, andbetterprotection so that they can face the harsh environ-
(FCS) in this decade. With NASA in mind, I view fielding FCS simi- ments ofthe battlespace orouterspace andreturn home safely.
larto PresidentJohn F. Kennedy’s challenge in 1961 to land aman on OurAstronauts
the moon before the end ofthe decade. PresidentKennedy’s chal-
lenge was met in 1969. Many thought it impossible, but technology, Armyastronautsplaya key role inNASA'soverallmission,
collaborative engineering, andhard work made it happen. especiallynowasthey worktooutfitandactivate theInternational
Ourchallenges today are made easierby a long andproductive SpaceStation, apermanentlaboratoiy in spaceforresearch on new,
history ofworking together. NASAandtheArmy are geographically advancedindustrialmaterials, communications technology, medical
collocated in several areas, we have six officers in the astronaut pro- research, andmore. Weareproudofourastronauts'roles in making
gram, and we are alreadyjointly pursuing technology development. thispossible. LTCNancyJ. Currie, with more than 700 hours in
Ifhistory is ourguide, ournew partnership is destinedforsuccess. space, was theflightengineeron thefirstshuttle mission to cany
Army laboratories andengineering centers continue toexchange hardware to spaceforassemblyoftheInternationalSpace Station.
expertise and technology with NASAand are poised to reap great LTCJeffreyN. WilliamsservedlastMayon the crewofSTS-101
benefits from this partnership. NASA’sAmes Research Centerat Atlantis, the thirdmission to transportmore than5,000pounds of
Moffett Field, CA, is host to theArmy’sAviation Research, Devel- equipmentandsuppliesforinstallation on thestation. COL William
opment and Engineering Center(RDEC), where both organizations S. McArthurJr. is in trainingforthe shuttle launch scheduledin
pursue advanced aviation technologies such as intelligent agents that Octoberto continueassembly oftheInternationalSpaceStation.
can reduce pilot task loading. In Huntsville,AL, NASA's Marshall LTCForrester, mentionedatthe outset, isassignedto FlightCrew
Space Flight Center(MSFC) coexists with RedstoneArsenal, home OperationsattheKennedySpace Centerin Florida. Previously, he
ofPEO,Aviation; PEO,Tactical Missiles; PEO,Air and Missile servedas the crewrepresentativeforroboticsdevelopmentforthe
Defense; RedstoneTechnical Test Center; theAviation and Missile space station. LTC TimothyJ. Creamerrecently completed2years
Command; and the Space and Missile Defense Command. Our PEOs ofintensivespaceshuttle andspacestation training andisassigned
and deputies forsystems acquisition are engaged in detaileddiscus- technicaldutiesattheJohnson Space Centerin Texas. MAJ
sions with MSFC officials on several issues, including rapid prototyp- DouglasH. Wheelockservedas the leadengineerfortheInter-
ing and the interface control documentation process. NASA's experi- nationalSpace Station's element-to-elementhardwarefitchecks. He
ence in developing and building the International Space Station will is currentlyserving in technicalassignments untilassignedto a
help us successfully implement in less time oursystem-of-systems spaceflight.
aCepnptreoracihn tHoamwpetaopno,nVsAy,stNemAsSdAevaenldoptmheenAt.rmAytRLeasnegalrecyhRLeasbeoarracthory Paul J. Hoeper
share world-class facilities forstructures and materials research and
other importantendeavors. With these existing advantages, this part-
nership has unlimited potential.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2000
PB 70-00-5
Acquisition
PAUL HOEPER
J.
AssistantSecretaryoftheArmy Logistics
(Acquisition, Logistics
and Technology) Technology
GEN JOHN G. COBURN
CommandingGeneral
U.S. ArmyMaterielCommand Professional Publication of the AL&T Community
EDITORIAL ADVISORY
BOARD MEMBERS http://dacm.sarda.army.mil/publications/rda/
LTG PAUL J. KERN FEATURES
Director, ArmyAcquisition Corps
LTG PETER M. CUVIELLO Exclusive Interview With Secretary Of The Army Louis Caldera And
DirectorofInformationSystems forCommand, NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin
Control, CommunicationsandComputers DebraL. FischerandCynthia D. Hermes 2
VACANT U.S. Army: On Point Again In New Frontiers
DeputyCommanding General
U.S. ArmyMaterielCommand LTGPaulJ. KernandEllen M. Purdy 7
MG GEOFFREY D. MILLER Army Astronauts Energize The NASA Mission
AssistantDCSPER LTCPatrickG. Forrester 10
MG JOHN PARKER
S. Expanding The Army/NASA/Industry Aviation S&T Partnership
CommandingGeneral
U.S. ArmyMedicalResearch Andrew W. Kerr .12
andMaterielCommand NASA Space Technology Can Improve Soldier Performance
ERIC A. ORSINI Dr. PatriciaS. CowingsandDr. William B. Toscano 15
DeputyAssistantSecretary
forLogistics A History Of Redstone Arsenal
OfficeoftheASAALT Dr. KayleneHughes 18
DR. A. MICHAEL ANDREWS II The NASA Intelligent Systems Program
DeputyAssistantSecretary
forResearch & Technology Dr. RobertJ. Hansen, Dr. DanielCooke, Dr. Kenneth Ford,
OfficeoftheASAALT andDr. Steven F.Zornetzer 21
DR. LEWIS E. LINKJR. 21st Century Truck Initiative
UD.eSp.uAtrymCyhiCeofropfsStoaffEfnfgoirnRe&erDs PaulF. Skalny 23
BRUCE WALDSCHMIDT Does The Army Need A Contingency Contracting MOS For NCOs?
ActingDeputyAssistantSecretary MAJMelM. MeltsandMAJNickCastrinos 27
forPlOafnfsi,ceProfogtrheamAsSAanAdLTPolicy The Future Of Military Toxicology
HARVEY L. BLEICHER Dr. AkbarS. Khan, Dr. Kevin.P. O'Connell,
ExecutiveSecretary Dr. JenniferSekowski, andDr. JamesJ. Valdes 29
EditorialAdvisoryBoard Regreening The AAC Officer At The Operational Test Command
EDITORIAL STAFF MAJWally Tubell 31
HARVEY L. BLEICHER The New Workforce Definition
Editor-in-Chief
DEBRA L. FISCHER Tim McClellanandLTCScottLambert 33
ExecutiveEditor Recurring Lessons In Weapon T&E Programs
CYNTHIA D. HERMES ThomasH. Hoivik(USN, Ret.) 35
ManagingEditor Beyond The TWI Training Plan
SANDRA MARKS
A. JOSEPHRS.TRIBLING InteMrAnJatMiaotntahlewCTo.oRpioerrdaantive Programs: A Formula For Success 37
ContractSupport
To contact the Editorial Office call [phone]/35/36/38 LawrenceR. Geldmeier 39
DDSENPAR6T55M-E1N03T4/O3F5/T36H/E38A.RMAYrt,icAleRsMYshoAuLlTd, 9b9e00suBbEmLiVtOtIeRd RtoD: Using A Group Decision Support System For DOD Y2K
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ByorderoftheSecretaryoftheArmy: Books 56
ERICK.SHINSEKI
General, UnitedStatesArmy COVER
ChiefofStaff
Official:
Despite differences in their missions, the Army and NASA believe
AdministrativeAssistanttothe that partnering efforts will prove to be mutually beneficial.
SecretaryoftheArmy
0020922
.
The Army NASA Partnership
. .
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
SECRETARY OF THE ARMY LOUIS CALDERA
AND NASA ADMINISTRATOR DANIEL GOLDIN
S.
Debra L. Fischer and Cynthia D. Hermes
A
Editor’sNote: Facedwith some rmyAL&T: TheArmy must be Caldera: The purpose ofthis partner-
remarkablysimilarchallenges in terms of able to deploy and sustain ship is to help each ofouragencies lever-
newsystems developmentandtraining, the forces and equipment in harsh environ- age the other’s investments so that we can
Department oftheArmyandNASAjoined ments anywhere on Earth while NASA betterachieve ourrespective missions.
in a Memorandum ofUnderstandingpart- must be able to deploy and sustain There are numerous initiatives that each
nership earlier thisyear. Thepurpose is to astronauts and equipment in the harsh agency is working on that have cross
provide a basisforcooperation in areas of environment ofouterspace. With this in application, and collaboration can fuel the
common technological benefit by leverag- mind, the Department ofthe Army and creative process. Ultimately, this will help
ing the unique strengths ofeach organiza- NASA recently entered into a new part- us find new ways ofconducting business
tion. Thefollowing exclusive interview nership. What is the purpose ofthis that will improve everything from
details some ofthe technologies involved partnership and what do you hope to weapons development to mission rehearsal
in thispartnership andwhat thepartici- accomplish? to the quality ofoursimulations and war
pants hope to achieve. games. Today, because ofso much
AL&T
2 Army September-0ctober2000
technological change in the world, we Others who will benefit even more directly
should leverage the achievements ofoth- Working separately, will be the soldiers in the field and the
ers. Thus, theArmy can avoid wasteful each of us will need astronauts in space. These are the people
investments in duplicate efforts, especially we must care for and, because ofthis part-
ifothers are much further ahead or have a more resources and nership, they will have better equipment
unique expertise in a given area. Collabo- progress will take longer. and be better trained more quickly and for
ration can definitely advance break- less money.
throughs in technology. Working together, Caldera: I also believe this is a win-
ral paGrotlndeirnsh:ipI bbeelciaeuvseethwaet wdoeshiamvielaarnatu- however, and with NwiAnSAop.poIrtmuingihttyafdodrbthoatthotthheerArmimlyitaarnyd
things and we can learn from each other. shared resources, departments and nongovernmental agen-
The primary difference is that theArmy is cies have expressed interest in being a part
concerned with extreme environments on we can move faster ofthis type ofcollaborative effort. Ulti-
Earth while NASA is concerned with and betterprotect mately the winners are our soldiers and the
extreme environments in space. Ourdiffer- American people. TheAmerican people
ent perspectives will really lead to maxi- our astronauts will benefit by having better-trained,
mum learning for both organizations. and soldiers. better-prepared, and better-equipped soldiers
Additionally, distance and time are impor- to provide forour Nation’s security. Our
tant to both ofus. For NASA, distance is —Goldin soldiers, who areAmerica’s sons and
measured in millions and billions ofmiles. daughters, will benefit because they will
Time at the speed oflight to Mars is 20-40 have improved survivability on future
minutes round trip, and NASAis con- ArmyAL&T: An intent ofthis part- battlefields.
cerned about time delays. For the Army, nership is to identify areas where one
distance is measured in thousands ofmiles, agency is already investing money and ArmyAL&T: Army astronauts have
and a time delay ofseconds can also be a the other agency is not, thus increasing taught us that they must train on Earth
concern. So, we have the same type of the return on investment ofeach to prepare for missions in outerspace.
mission but different concerns. Because of agency’s existing funds. Who do you Likewise, soldiers must train to prepare
this. Secretary Caldera and I felt that there foresee as the ultimate beneficiary of for the unknowns ofthe battlespace.
was enormous potential in establishing an this partnership, and do you envision it What role will Army astronauts have in
Army/NASApartnership. Working sepa- expanding to other departments and the partnership, and will soldiers have a
rately, each ofus will need more resources agencies? similar role?
and progress will take longer. Working Goldin: The ultimate beneficiary will Caldera: I think there’s a lot we can
together, however, and with shared be theAmerican public. In the 1992, 1994, learn from the experience ofArmy astro-
resources, we can move fasterand better 1996, and 1998 elections,Americans nauts because they have been training in
protect our astronauts and soldiers. clearly indicated that they want a govern- simulated environments, in operating the
ment that does more and costs less. So, space shuttle, and in building and manning
this is a partnership made in heaven. a space station. Similarly, we can learn a
September-0dober2000 ArmyAIj&T 3
theAnny out ofhigh school who NASAhas atremendous amount of
have never been exposed to these experience in state-of-the-art immersive
technologies. The best way to pre- environment technology. This technology
pare them for the battlefield ofthe provides a truly realistic surrounding
future, to protect their lives, and to beyond that where individuals merely look
ensure American victory and force through a screen. NASApersonnel have
projection is to provide them the very advanced, cutting-edge skills in infor-
best possible training. This can be mation technology, nanotechnology,
achieved through realistic simula- biotechnology, and distributed communi-
tions. Simulations will also allow cation systems.
us to resolve problems with our I believe that the assets ofboth ofour
weapon systems before we even organizations, in combination, result in a
start building hardware. So, there’s winning team.
a huge impact. Astronauts have Caldera: TheAnny has used model-
learned this method ofoperation, ing and simulation across many different
and I believe it will also be of disciplines, including development and
great value to theAnny. acquisition programs, training programs,
I was recently in Houston and mission-rehearsal programs. There is a
with the President’s ScienceAdvi- lot oflearning going on in the Army.
sor. We put on spacesuits, went Another strength is that the Anny is about
through a simulated launch in the people, leadership, and teamwork. So, our
lot from our soldiers because oftheir space shuttle, and experienced natural impulse is to share, to benefit from,
involvement in the weapons development some ofthe problems that might occur to educate, and to spread ourknowledge.
process. Ifthey can operate a weapon sys- during a real flight. Forexample, we simu- This makes us a good partner, both inter-
tem in a virtual environment, they can pro- lated vibration and noise and used virtual nally and externally with NASAand other
vide insight on whether the system’s con- reality to look out cockpit windows. I organizations.
trol panel is in the right place; whether it’s thought I was on a real flight and even had I think that another oftheArmy’s
easy forthe soldierto maneuver; whether some sense oftension andthe passage of greatest strengths is that ourpeople “get
theirview is obstructed; and ifthere are time. Our astronauts simulate 2 hours on it.” They understand the value that model-
any potential problems in loading, aiming, the ground forevery hour in space. Having ing and simulation and advancements in
and firing the weapon. All ofthis can be them work with virtual-reality tools will technology can bring to ourprograms and
learned from a soldier who has used a vir- certainly help us betterdeal with mission to our soldiers. Ourpeople also believe
tual weapon system that employs such preparation because they’ve been there. that partnerships will ultimately benefit the
things as 3-D goggles and virtual-reality soldier.
gloves. Additionally, with soldierpartici- ArmyAL&T: The success ofthis
pation in modeling and simulationefforts, joint endeavor undoubtedly depends on ArmyAL&T: Joint development of
theArmy will be able to develop more the unique strengths ofeach ofyour simulation technologies is reportedly an
user-friendly information workstations. organizations. What are the unique important aspect ofthis initiative. How
Hopefully, this will also prove beneficial strengths that your organization brings will advancements in this particular
to NASA. to this effort? area ofconcentration benefit your
The Army and NASAcan also benefit Goldin: The Anny has a great deal of organization?
fron. the experiences ofsoldiers who have experience in dealing
grown up using the technology in video with some very sig-
games. They’ve learned how to use atog- nificant issues having
gle switch and how to fire in multiple a national and interna-
directions with two hands at the same tional impact. In addi-
time, and their brains can integrate all of tion, theArmy has
that. Soldiers familiar with computertech- tremendous experi-
nology don’t necessarily have to watch ence in training
their hands to use this technology. because ofthe large
Goldin: Simulation is becoming a numbers ofmilitary
much more important aspect oftraining. personnel who change
Forexample, 50 years ago soldiers basi- duty stations every
cally learned to take apart ajeep, put it few years. In particu-
back together, and save Americans. That lar, the Anny has a lot
was basic to their training. Today, modern ofexperience in field
soldiers must have unbelievable technical simulations. As a
skills (engineering, computer, and high- result, theAnny has
technology capability). Unfortunately, very sharp training
there are young men and women entering tools.
4ArmyAL.&T September-0ctober2000
——
Caldera: TheArmy and NASAare ArmyAL&T:
trying to tackle many ofthe same issues Effective and effi-
everything from robotics to miniaturization cient collaboration
to mission rehearsal. In addition, some between researchers
equipment can only be developed and in each ofyour
tested in a simulated environment because organizations is an
the first time it is put i—nto space or absolute must. We
employed by a soldier whether it’s a mis- know that the strong
sile shot orfiring at an incoming missile link ofcollaboration
it has to work. It has to be fail-safe. Thus, and sharing infor-
simulation technology is one ofthe great- mation makes good
est benefits. business sense. How
Goldin: Today, most ofour virtual will you ensure that
space is on atwo-dimensional screen, and this happens?
interaction is achieved via a keyboard. Goldin: We will
Eventually, I believe we will have a fully ensure this by having
immersive virtual capability ormulti- our people plan
dimensional environment that incorporates clearly, separate and
sight, sound, and touch. We will get a define tasks (that is, [SMART] Conference. We have asked
more realistic simulation ofwhat we have. everyone doesn’t have to do everything), NASA
to co-sponsorour fourth conference
Currently, with today’s technologies, we establish precise lines ofcommunic—ation, as a means to fosterthis sharing and
are limited to the geometric configuration and really get to know each other not by
exchange between the two organizations.
ofobjects. The realism provided by just zapping each othere-mails but by This, in turn, will help theArmy share
simulation enables us to do a betterjob of meeting face to face. Dr. Samuel L. information among its own agencies.
developing the required hardware and soft- Venneri,AssociateAdministrator ofAero- Although many people are working on the
ware. In addition, simulation allows us to space Technology at NASA, has been
literally test in virtual space before we working very closely with hisArmy peers, same program, it’s not necessary forevery-
one to gather in the same building around
build. This reduces cycle time and but we’re going to need even more vigor-
the same computerto work on different
improves equipment effectiveness. More ous interactions during the coming years. I parts ofthe same program simultaneously.
realistic simulations will also improve view this as key to the partnership. Ifyou
Ideally, access to data and advancements
equipment training, quality, and fidelity. watch a house being built, contractors
All ofthis will benefit the Army/NASA work on the foundation formonths and it can bTehipsropvairdtenedrasthidpifgfievreesnttshietepse.ople
team. looks as though nothing is happening.
involved an opportunity to collaborate in a
Then suddenly, the house rises. We’re way that is very exciting forourpeople
going to take the time to build the founda- because they get to learn from others. One
tion and then we’re going to go do
ofthe challenges for the government is
all the exciting things.
keeping skilled technology workers.
Caldera: I am confident this Although we can't pay them enough to
will happen because we have com- compete with the private sector, we can
mitment at the highest levels
give them tremendously challenging
tpahrrtonuegrhsohuitptwhoerkA.rmWyetaolsmoahkaevethias assignments. Ifthey can work on cutting-
edge applications and collaborate with oth-
good foundation in place already ers who are also working on cutting-edge
because we are collocated with
NASAatAmes Research Center in aipnpgliacnadtiroenwsa,rtdhiantg.heTlhpsemfaacktethtahteAjrobmyexcit-
California, Langley Research Center technology workers can help the Army
in Viriginia, and at RedstoneArse-
while also helping the space program cre-
nal at the Marshall Space Flight
ates an exciting knowledge-workerenvi-
Center inAlabama. Folks in these ronment that the Army wants.
places are already working together
to take advantage ofthis partner- ArmyAL&T: What specific types of
ship. I am also confident that collab- technologies will your researchers
oration will be greatly improved by
exchange?
sharing knowledge and technical
Caldera: They will share the ability
data between theArmy and NASA.
to distribute virtual-reality-designed appli-
As you know, we first announced
cations, the ability to have people simulta-
the partnership this past January at neously look at and work with the same
theArmy’s ThirdAnnual Simulation
kinds ofdesigns and applications, and the
and Modeling forAcquisition,
ability to use the immersive virtual-reality
Requirements and Training
training environments. Robotics and
September-0ctober2000 ArmyAL&T 5
amount ofenergy and people and is prone
to error. Astudy in the mid-1990s
indicated that of8,000 software projects in Technology
industry, only 16 percent were successful.
Additionally, there are 5-10 errors foreach is impacting
1,000 lines ofcode in commercial soft- our military
ware. This is intolerable for NASA and the
Army. When human lives depend on it, it’s just as much
one strike and you’re out. We don’t have as impacting
it’s
the luxury ofa second chance. So, we’re
working on attaining ultra-high-assurance every other segment
software, an area I consideressential. We of our society.
must have an unprecedented improvement
in software productivity because ourpro- The same technology
grams now involve millions oflines of
that can help
code and, in the future, they will involve
tens ofmillions oflines ofcode. There humankind
aren’t enough software coders in the world
to handle these programs. reach for the stars
We mustdevelop software that liter- will also help us
ally learns and thinks. We need software
that, when boundary conditions spread the blessings
are entered, writes its own code, of freedom
checks it out, and keeps on learn-
ing in a simulator. This will be a and liberty to
very important tool. Again, we
the four corners
call this soft computing. Neural-
nets, fuzzy logic, model-base rea- of the world.
soning, and genetic algorithms are
—Caldera
some ofthe technologies we’re
developing at the NASAAmes
Research Center. The two main
types oftechnologies are high-
assurance software and soft focused on a goal. Our goals may have
computing. different outcomes, but we’re finding a lot
We also intend to develop ofsimilarities between the battlefield and
immersive technologies. We need space. I think this partnership is going to
be a shining example ofwhat can be done.
multidimensional displays that
don’t require cyberglasses and Now we've got to execute it by taking the
excess tools. We need virtual time to build the foundation, set it up cor-
sound and force fields so people rectly, and then move out.
mioecStpoconifuyoqoocntsnummteriteipupqheaenrpooatuonmtmnsuni.weeiraeppninnanmnTtgzttrdehtolat.insytcrbs,wtioeeisooptwtmnsnuelispudslla.totclcdermhTevcterrebhataaeohrnsdnardieoitlucoalstclkuiottoeeoorrgnsfneioitaFnertiuhlusgsonerltttd,yuwshAi,liretevirleehnifwlmeedewCtn-uyb’hchaoaevyflimtacicecslbgcoheuhaopmraatmeerd-t ohcgtdvwieoirrohemarana’mctttp’nreu,hohtgeaerimelahscmsefnaais.xoudlvporpnclaeWncetiaycerhenecttied.ohaeeifeafcatnseWlbhteecptsinelrieluooirwnistblrtinnghhiuoyteeebitgtheeletniofedoddgedtosahifrsttayneecooyga.etsesarleebdtTieroretnefhsifvvseamyeneectmassgslerpteagoyeaiepepnrnwtmrcaaodasrsogrttlumebaubclseslolirehol-aeeiillnfmaw,.tbsele rotnlnAsieieteuoersoaerrleudndmvodlesiyttgtCronoihsyalgina.idllntstitdieYehbanwhveroeeieersttytlur.aAhtlenaeew:crIggirathAiltmTneatlnprhyorlqgeilamsbuocsoaoteyitpgseplpdyatcbaemse-bhheormeloenltwcoenrdoinaynitilletuseoelorosrntausgsebtrnunhy,eeasdigoedtoptf.itefhpnorfaisetStriasthoeocgniterp,’ewnahterliinatsstlnetiel,thlgzcieetwahamdfh--e-noeirdn
partnership has broad applications. Tech-
Goldin: We expect to exchange a ArmyAL&T: Do you have any con- nology is impacting our militaryjust as
broad range ofinformation technologies, cluding comments? much as it’s impacting every other seg-
such as very advanced computational Goldin: I’m very excited about the ment ofour society. The same technology
errlwneoeigngqtitiuhcinaireilnesn,f,swostrrareimuqftcauiiteteninilogtodninsiaIlnsca,dyanilsavdltinedstdmuohfasretlantacilrcoioehnmneeabpcslaukstosieiftndengcpgsoo.a.dnlleCTvuhoerfer-yy ptatianhvrdeetmnceeixtrvposiehlbriiepia.necnapWcneeedr’iswvdoi,entnhqheualtidhcaeknn,Aodrtamhhniaydnv’gbesrbifmguoihtluti.nptodasriy- fttwhihraleetlewcadoalorsnlmodh.ahenelldpplhiuubsmersatpnyrketiaondtdhtehreefaobculhresfcsooirnmgteshresofsotafrs
them. The procedure entails an enormous They’re focused on a goal and we’re
6ArmyAJL&T September-0ctober2000
—
.
Introduction that has never been
In early May,Army ARMY: attempted in eitherorgan-
astronauts COLJim Voss U.S. ization. Forthe Army to
(now retired) and LTC Jeff successfully build the
Williams executed a major ON POINT AGAIN Objective Force, it must
step in a technical collabora- field new hardware. In
tion ofan unprecedented addition, theArmy must
scale. This collaboration is NEW FRONTIERS address the concomitant
the International Space Sta- IN issues offorce structure;
tion (ISS) and is an endeavor doctrine; tactics, tech-
that involves 6 countries niques, and procedures;
1
building various components supportability; training;
that will make up the com- LTG Paul J. Kern and Ellen M. Purdy etc. Furthermore, all
pleted station. Voss and stakeholders must work
Williams spent more than 6 together in a more inte-
dhuocutrisnognaavasrpiaectyewoaflakscsoenm-bly and mainte- aasndprtoatcetcictaolrwoofrnladtioofnatlheseAcrurmiyty.anTdheiyts role ner in building thegrIaStSe,dNfaAshSiAon.muAsstawrpaerst--
nance tasks on the ISS as part ofspace understand the scientific and exploratory tle with similar issues ofdeploying new
shuttle mission STS-101. Theirextravehic- role ofNASA in its quest to reach the hardware, developing new procedures
ularactivity is the 5th spacewalkcon- planets and comprehend the unknowns of (remember, things in a weightless environ-
ducted in the ongoing construction ofthe space. They also understand, better than ment do not respond the same as they do
station and the 85th spacewalk by U.S. most, how theArmy and NASAcan on Earth), supportability, training, etc.
astronauts. COLVoss will continue his exploit digital information age tools in Additionally, NASAmust deal with the
participation in the ISS effort as part ofthe their respective roles as national security issue ofworking with international part-
second crew scheduled to inhabit the sta- provider and planetary/scientific pioneer. ners who come from different cultures and
tion in 2001 The genesis ofthe partnership was the political philosophies.
Just as U.S. Army officers and sol- discovery that NASAand theArmy, inde- Afterconsidering the nature ofthe
diers were on point in opening the western pendent ofone another, chose an identical challenges each organization faces in its
frontier in the 1800s, Voss andWilliams strategy for achieving their visions. The endeavors, it’s easy to see why the
are on point in opening up the frontierof Army vision (the Objective Force) is fora Army/NASApartnership makes sense.
space. And,just as we asked our soldiers more deployable, lethal force that is much There is no point in each organization
and officers to man outposts on the edge less logistically burdened than today’s going it alone whenjust the technical chal-
ofthe western frontier, we are continuing fielded forces. NASA’s vision is one of lenges themselves are mind boggling, let
the tradition ofhelping secure another humans working and living in space and, alone trying to accomplish all this within
frontier. ultimately, stretching the borders ofthe constrained budgets. Already having per-
Opening the frontierofspace, by its frontierto other planets. TheArmy’s strat- sonnel who bridge both organizations
very nature ofrequiring technical collabo- egy forachieving its vision is Simulation gives us an advantage in making this part-
ration, means Voss and Will—iams are also and Modeling forAcquisition, Require- nership successful. BecauseArmy astro-
on point in anotherfrontier the digital ments and Training (SMART). NASA’s nauts do not have the opportunity to train
information age. TheArmy can be proud strategy for human presence in space is its live, and because they are engaged in the
ofthe continuing contributions its officers Intelligent Synthesis Environment (ISE). highly technical endeavor ofspace explo-
are making on the ISS and can learn from Basically, both the SMART and ISE initia- ration, they have been forced to rely on
the experiences ofits astronauts. tives capitalize on digital information tech- simulation technology (often to a greater
nology (especially modeling and simula- extent than theircounterparts in the opera-
Army/NASA Partnership tional Army). Nearly everythingArmy
tion tools) to design, build, deploy, oper-
Priorto the STS-101 spacewalk, the ate, and sustain complex systems that astronauts do, from choreographing a
Army entered into a partnership with enable each organization to successfully spacewalk, to learning how to operate the
NASAto exchange digital information complete missions in potentially life- Russian-built crane on the ISS, to main-
technology and expertise. The impetus threatening environments. taining the ISS communication systems
behind this partnership was the realization antennas, is based on simulation. Frankly,
by personnel ofboth organizations that Initiatives And Challenges there is no other way for them to do it
there are many parallels to how each Digital information technology is key what a bonus forthe U.S. Army!
organization goes about conducting its to each SMARTand ISE initiative. Each Because astronauts operate on the
oNwAnSmAismsiisosni.onAsltahroeuvgahsttlhyedAifrfmeryenat,ndthe oarregamnoizraeticoonmpisleenxgtahgaendeivnerm,isasnidonthsethsayts- fmraotnitoienrsagoef,stphaecAeramnyd icnanthleedviegriatgael ithnefiorr-
same technology and knowledge can be tems needed to conduct those missions are expertise and knowledge. Astronauts have
applied to both, and that is what the part- at a level ofcomplexity beyond the capac- a history ofanticipating and quickly solv-
nership is all about. ity ofany one person to totally compre- ing problems in the real world because
BecauseArmy astronauts are the com- hend. The scope ofthis complexity is what they have encountered them in a virtual
mon link between the two organizations, drives the strategies ofboth theArmy and world. They know how to exploit simula-
they play a key role in this partnership. NASA. The systems being built (i.e., the tion for mission planning and mission
These astronauts have a foot in both Anny’s Future Combat System (FCS) and rehearsal. Let’s compare notes and see if
camps. Thus, they understand the strategic the ISS) require a level ofcollaboration the Army can gain something from the
September-0ctober2000 ArmyAL&T 7
STS-101 astronauts Jeffrey N. Williams (bottom) and James S. Voss work with the newly delivered
main boom ofthe Russian crane (Strela). The two were later successful in attaching the boom to its
operatorpost.
astronauts’ experiences and, in turn, ifthe interested in the use ofrobotics. Army do not inappropriately task-load soldiers
Army can teach something to NASA. astronauts have a wealth ofexperience operating the FCS?
TheArmy is looking to build an with robotics and robotics simulation. Army astronauts also have experience
Objective Force that includes embedded Let’s tap into that so we can make more as users working hand in hand with engi-
training and embedded course ofaction informed decisions about what will work neers and scientists who are designing and
(COA) analysis. Before we fully develop best forFCS. While we are at it, let's also building the ISS. This is the same type of
our strategies to accomplish this, let’s ask maintain a dialog with ourArmy astro- collaboration we must achieve ifwe are to
our astronauts. They already have a plat- nauts who pilot the space shuttle. successfully grapple with the complexity
form equipped with—embedded training STS-101 was the first mission to use a ofthe system ofsystems that will be the
and COAcapability the space shuttle. space shuttle equipped with the new “glass Objective Force. Let's ask ourArmy astro-
Army astronauts already know how to use cockpit."The variant on the space shuttle nauts how we can use simulation technol-
the same simulations they train with on Atlantis sets the stage for NASA’s planned ogy to bring the soldier into the acquisition
Earth to help them conduct COAanalysis “smart cockpit,” which it expects to have process so that we field hardware in the
to solve unexpected problems encountered fielded by 2005. The idea behind the smart Objective Force that is suitable and effec-
in space. Before we tackle this for the cockpit is to enhance cockpit display and tive. In the past, the acquisition commu-
Objective Force, let’s ask them about their incorporate intelligent agent technology to nity tended to concentrate on system cost,
experiences in what works and, maybe assume some ofthe burden ofdeductive schedule, and performance and left it up to
even more importantly, what doesn’t. reasoning required forapilot to respond to the operational community to figure out
Army astronauts can help us build our a problem. What can we learn from NASA how best to train, sustain, and employ the
FCS. Although we are in the concept that we can incorporate in FCS so that we system in a combined arms andjoint
exploration stage for FCS, we are very
AL&T
8Army September-0ctober2000