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 […]
Fort Cavazos
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 […]
Texas college students explore government job options with equipment testing unit
By Michael M. Novogradac, U.S. Army Operational Test Command Public Affairs FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas — Twenty-one students from five Central Texas-area colleges took part in a Career Exploration Day here Tuesday with the Army unit responsible for testing all new and modernized equipment. A short briefing began the day-long event, with […]
Editorial: Christmas holiday traditions require friends, family as ingredients
By Michael M. Novogradac, U.S. Army Operational Test Command Public Affairs Christmas is coming fast, tree lightings are taking place all around us, and Soldiers will soon be taking block leaves to travel home or have families come for a visit. We celebrate with holiday traditions and try to create new ones of our own […]
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 […]
82nd Airborne Soldiers test forklift after cargo aircraft airdrop
By Mr. Wayne Lovely, Military Test Plans Analyst, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command FORT BRAGG, North Carolina — 82nd Airborne Division Soldiers are airdrop testing a small forklift system, making way for movement of large amounts of equipment and supplies quickly in austere battlefield conditions. Airdrop operations of the […]
