Soldiers emphasize to Students the importance of science that goes into modernizing the Army

By Vanessa Flores, SoSE&I Public AffairsDecember 18, 2014

Soldiers and engineers emphasize to Students the importance of science and technology that goes into modernizing the Army
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers and engineers emphasize to Students the importance of science and technology that goes into modernizing the Army
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BLISS, Texas (December 5, 2014) -- Science, technology and education converged for the students of Coronado High School when they visited the Integration Motor Pool, also known as the IMP at Fort Bliss, Texas on Nov. 18. The field trip gave students a firsthand look at practical scientific applications and some of the technology innovations that are being realized in their own backyard.

The students witnessed a lively IMP. Soldiers were guiding vehicles into the motor pool and climbing them to check out the condition of the high-tech systems that they had carried to the field. All vehicles had deployed to the field to participate in Network Integration Evaluation 15.1, which concluded in early November. Since testing ended, the vehicles were being brought back to the IMP in preparation for NIE 15.2, set for this spring.

Director, Capability Package, Col. Terrece Harris, System of Systems Engineering and Integration team, personally greeted the students as they exited the bus and were introduced to the Army's most unique Tactical Vehicles. Harris, along with other Soldiers and engineers presented information about the vehicles, the communication equipment and other items that were on display.

"To be innovative you don't have to be the first one to create that something," Harris shared with the students. "You have to be able to take a look at different pieces, parts and components to be able to see how they can be used within different applications."

Engineers explained the significance of the vehicles and how satellites provide Internet while the Soldiers take part in tactical operations. The network engineers also explained how the vehicles' equipment allows for communication between 'point A and point B,' a task that is harder to accomplish than it sounds.

The students, asked questions such as, what would happen if a vehicle with sensitive data was attacked. The engineers not only provided them answers, but were able to demonstrate what Soldiers would have to do if that scenario arose.

Leonardo Octavio Lerma, the students' computer science teacher, explained that the students had learned about data leaks, loss prevention and many other topics applicable to their field trip. He even has the students read up on the NIE and its scientific efforts quite often.

"Most of the students here today are taking computer science and physics," said Lerma. "They are learning about legacy systems, how to integrate them and how they work together. It's a valuable experience and really inspiring for them to talk to the engineers who actually make all this happen."

A majority of the students are also part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is known as one of the most sought out college preparation programs in the world. When a student passes the program they typically graduate with two diplomas and will begin college with 24 credit hours under their belt. This program is important for students whose parents are in the military because the credits can potentially follow them, no matter where they are based. Coronado is one of two schools in the El Paso area who offer the IB program.

Ryan Kendrick, a junior at Coronado High School, feels that he is prepared for college due to the IB program. His computer science class has inspired him to go to college for video game development. During his trip to the IMP, he was able to take what he has learned in the classroom and see how it all comes together.

"Today, I learned about how the systems interact with each other and how much the computer science field is involved in making the network," said Kendrick. "There is a lot of work that goes toward linking the newer and older systems together."

The competitiveness and difficulty of the IB program has pushed students to achieve more than they could ever imagine - from testing in six subject areas to developing philanthropic endeavors. Last year, Coronado's program students had a pass rate of 68 percent, Nancy Rivera, IB coordinator, explained that while it is a difficult program, most students report back that because of their participation, they are doing better than their peers in college.

Related Links:

System of Systems Engineering and Integration

Hon. Shyu's reaction as NIE 15.1 comes to a conclusion: 'more efficient and systems are doing well'

Students become leaders as they vie to bring an MJROTC program into their school

Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology