By Mr. Michael M. Novogradac, U.S. Army Operational Test Command WEST FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas — The unit responsible for testing new and modernized Army equipment bid farewell to its Command Sergeant Major during a virtual Relinquishment of Responsibility ceremony here Tuesday. Command Sgt. Maj. William A. Justice, U.S. Army Operational Test […]
Army Modernization
U.S. Army Operational Test Command sends off commander to 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command
By Mr. Michael M. Novogradac, U.S. Army Operational Test Command WEST FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas — The unit responsible for testing new and modernized Army equipment bid farewell to its commander via social media during a virtual relinquishment of command ceremony Thursday under COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Col. Ronald R. Ragin, who commanded […]
Ft. Bragg parachute riggers turn air drop testing skills into ‘Operation Iron Mask’ for Coronavirus pandemic
By Maj. Cam Jordan, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command FORT BRAGG, North Carolina — Parachute riggers who normally airdrop test Army equipment are using their sewing skills to fabricate protective masks to keep Soldiers and Civilians safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In what they have dubbed “Operation Iron Mask,” […]
82nd Airborne Division conducts new wheeled cargo delivery system test to support Immediate Response Force
By Mr. James (JC) Cochran, Military Test Plans Analyst, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command (Editor’s note: The Airborne drop test in the article below was conducted before COVID19 ramifications were fully understood. The U.S. Army Operational Test Command continues developing and planning equipment testing operations to ensure all advances […]
Field Artillery Soldiers test self-propelled Howitzer upgrade reliability
By Capt. Matt Campbell, Test Officer, Fire Support Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command Public Affairs YUMA PROVING GROUND, Arizona — Fourteen Field Artillery Soldiers here tested new breech upgraded components on the M109A7 self-propelled Howitzer, aimed at increasing the system’s overall reliability. The M109A7 is currently fielded to three battalions and will eventually […]
Airborne test jumpers apply risk reduction tests before equipment tests begin
By Mr. Mike Shelton, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command FORT BRAGG, North Carolina — Test jumpers here are making sure Special Operations Forces military freefall (MFF) parachutists can safely use their rucksacks without compromising their missions. Risk reduction testing begins inside vertical wind tunnels, which simulates MFF conditions. Airborne […]
