WASHINGTON (May 9, 2013) -- The U.S. Army announced its 2012 Research and Development Awards April 30. The annual recognition highlights the best in Army science and technology.
The Army employs nearly 13,000 civilian scientists, researchers and engineers.
"Just over one percent receives the RDA award," Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology Mary J. Miller wrote in a memorandum. "These recipients reflect the great diversity of talent and expertise within the Army laboratory system that support the future capabilities of our Soldiers."
Of the 153 Army scientists and engineers earning this honor, 140 are part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command. The remaining awardees are assigned to the Engineering Research and Development Center (Corps of Engineers), the Army Research Institute for Behavioral and Social Sciences and the Medical Research and Materiel Command.
"We're moving the state of the art every day," RDECOM Director Dale A. Ormond said. "We like to say that our people operate in the space between the state of the art and the art of the possible, where innovation is paramount and focused on addressing needs unique to the Army."
Miller said the awardees distinguished themselves through proven scientific and technical expertise or leadership.
"Their pioneering work and dedication in basic research and technology development promise to improve the Army's technical capabilities and enhance our national defense," Miller wrote. "The hard work and dedication of these individuals brings great credit to themselves, their organizations and the U.S. Army."
This year's achievement awards cover a wide range of military research, from laser proximity sensors to non-lethal weapons.
"At RDECOM, we develop technologies that have a major impact once they leave the military world," Ormond said. "It's an incredible value for the taxpayer."
RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. AMC is the Army's premier provider of materiel readiness -- technology, acquisition support, materiel development, logistics power projection, and sustainment -- to the total force, across the spectrum of joint military operations. If a Soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, eats it or communicates with it, AMC provides it.
Award winners will receive a plaque that will be forwarded to their organization for presentation.
Related Links:
U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command
Army Research Institute for Behavioral and Social Sciences
Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center
Army.mil: Science and Technology News
U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command
Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center
Edgewood Chemical Biological Center
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