AMC's senior civilian speaks at 2014 Army Operations Research Symposium

By Marissa Anderson, CECOM Public AffairsNovember 4, 2014

Army Operations Research Symposium 2014
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – John B. Nerger U.S. Army Materiel Command's executive deputy to the commanding general served as the keynote speaker at the Army Operations Research Symposium 2014 held at the Team C4ISR Mallette Training Facility at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Operations Research Symposium 2014
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – John B. Nerger U.S. Army Materiel Command's executive deputy to the commanding general served as the keynote speaker at the Army Operations Research Symposium 2014 held at the Team C4ISR Mallette Training Facility at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- John B. Nerger, U.S. Army Materiel Command's executive deputy to the commanding general, served as the keynote speaker at the Army Operations Research Symposium 2014 (AORS) held at the Team C4ISR Mallette Training Facility here Nov. 4.

The theme of this year's event, "Analyses Supporting a Leaner More Capable Expeditionary 2025 Army" was reflected in Nerger's remarks as he addressed the audience of operations analysts from across the Army.

"Analysis matters more today than it has in recent history. Uncertainty is accelerating, budgets and programs are decelerating, and the threats are persistent and continue to be unpredictable," Nerger said. "The results can either be a disaster or opportunity and I am confident that everyone in this room will leverage them to be opportunities."

Nerger said the organization is leaning more on analysis to make the right choices to enhance or replace systems.

"The fact is we simply cannot afford to maintain the systems that we have in the Army today and we do need strong analysis to help the Army set its course for the future," he said.

Nerger thanked the analysts for attending the symposium and emphasized the importance of their role in the Army and the services they provide.

"I consider your value incalculable. Analysis is what makes good decisions …If we can harness the power that rests in this room, there really is no challenge that you cannot tackle," said Nerger. "We need your help on how the Army is to best position itself in order to remain ready in a time when it's getting smaller."

Nerger touched on additional topics including the significance of the Army profession, the critical impact of civilians on advancing the mission, and the need for high, moral character in positions of leadership.

The AORS is an annual two-day networking event and forum for Army operations research analysts, including military, civilians and contractors, to showcase their work, share knowledge and experiences with their peers, and attend plenary sessions. The event is hosted by the U.S. Army Materiel Systems Analysis located at Aberdeen Proving Ground.