By Staff Sgt. Alexandria Kyasky, Intelligence Electronics Warfare Test Directorate Unit Public Affairs Representative, U.S. Army Operational Test Command Public Affairs
FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. (May 8, 2018) — An activation ceremony to align the Intelligence Electronic Warfare Test Directorate (IEWTD) under the Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas-based U.S. Army Operational Test Command took place here Tuesday.
The ceremony marked the unit’s activation as the IEWTD Headquarters and Headquarters Company was formed.
The directorate is the Army’s lead independent operational tester for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, counter improvised explosive device, and biometric systems.
Cpt. Jamil Gangcuangco, accepted the guidon from Col. Christopher Albus, USAOTC’s chief of staff.
“Today’s ceremony marks the beginning of a new era in the U.S. Army Operational Test Command,” Albus said. “As we stand up our HHC — the Hunters — here at Fort Huachuca, and also officially recognize the reorganization of IEWTD under USAOTC.”
During his remarks, Gangcuangco recognized the individuals who not only belonged to the unit but also those involved with its inception.
“I am truly grateful to command again, I love what I do, and I am very passionate about everyone, the organization, and our mission success,” Gangcuangco said.
Fort Huachuca’s Electronic Proving Grounds (EPG) Commander Col. Donald Wilhide, attended the ceremony.
During 2011, EPG absorbed operation and responsibility of IEWTD in an effort to merge operational and developmental testing to benefit the Army as well as the individual programs under test.
In January 2018 IEWTD was designated to be re-aligned with its former headquarters, USAOTC to enable mission command to be re-established for more efficient testing, according to IEWTD Senior Test Officer, Mr. Clay Huntley.
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About the U.S. Army Operational Test Command:
The U.S. Army Operational Test Command is based at West Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas and its mission is making sure that systems developed are effective in a Soldier’s hands and suitable for the environments in which Soldiers train and fight. Test units and their Soldiers provide feedback, by offering input to improve upon existing and future systems.
The Intelligence Electronic Warfare Test Directorate is based at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., and its mission is to conduct operational tests of Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR); Electronic Warfare (EW); Biometrics (BM); and Counter-Threat systems.
