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 […]
Army Readiness
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 […]
Refueling, rearming system tested by low-velocity air drop at Ft. Bragg improves readiness
By Mr. James Cochran and Mr. William Slaven, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command FORT BRAGG, North Carolina — Aviation support Soldiers here recently tested an attack helicopter refueling and rearming system by air-dropping it out of U.S. Air Force cargo aircraft. The Forward Area Rearm and Refueling Point (FARRP) […]
4th Infantry Division Soldiers test new battlefield smoke generating system
By Capt. Christopher Biddie, Test Officer, U.S. Army Operational Test Command FORT CARSON, Colorado — 4th Infantry Division Soldiers here finished the final phases of testing a new battlefield smoke-producing system to conceal units during combat. The Screen Obscuration Module (SOM), which can be mounted to any vehicle or used dismounted, produces a billow of […]
Army Vice Chief of Staff gives 50th birthday shoutout to Operational Test Command
Gen. Joseph M. Martin, U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff, gives a shout-out to the West Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas-based U.S. Army Operational Test Command (OTC) for its birthday to help celebrate 50 years of Operational Testing since October 1, 1969. Martin commanded OTC June 2012 – April 2013. Operational testing began […]
New parachute system tested at Ft. Bragg for faster low altitude airdrops
By Mr. Wayne Lovely, Military Test Plans Analyst, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command Public Affairs FORT BRAGG, North Carolina – 82nd Airborne Division Soldiers tested a parachute system that delivers military equipment and mass supply loads at lower altitudes during tactical airdrop operations. Soldiers from 151st Quartermaster Company, 11th […]
