Army science advisor discusses technology issues at Lightning Forge

By Dan Lafontaine, RDECOM Public AffairsMarch 18, 2015

Army science advisor discusses technology issues at Lightning Forge
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Army science advisor discusses technology issues at Lightning Forge
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Army science advisor discusses technology issues at Lightning Forge
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Army science advisor discusses technology issues at Lightning Forge
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Army science advisor discusses technology issues at Lightning Forge
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ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (March 18, 2015) -- A U.S. Army science advisor engaged with Soldiers during the Lightning Forge exercise to address equipment challenges.

The environment in Hawaii presents specific issues not seen in most of the Army's areas of operations, said Maj. Jim Czora, with Army Reserve Sustainment Command, Detachment 8.

"The climate and environment in the tropics is different from what a lot of our military equipment sees in the States or Europe theater," he said. "The Pacific is very humid and corrosive relative to other operational environments.

"It has an impact on everything from the Soldiers' clothing to their equipment. That type of environment has more challenges regarding keeping Soldiers and equipment operating at peak efficiency."

Czora talked with Soldiers, from privates to sergeants major, Feb. 23 to March 4 to understand their technology needs and issues during Lightning Forge.

Lightning Forge 2015, a 25th Infantry Division training exercise, was the final preparation for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team before heading to a Joint Readiness Training Center rotation at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

"Our job is to fit in with the Soldiers. We're not to be different from them. We don't want them to feel uneasy about talking to us about what they see and issues they're having," said Czora, a Reservist for 26 years, initially enlisted and now an officer. He works in the private sector as a materials engineer.

The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command's 30 science advisors, both uniformed officers and Army civilians, provide a link between Soldiers and the command's thousands of subject matter experts at its seven centers and laboratories. The Reserve 20-member detachment augments the full-time FAST advisors.

A significant concern of Soldiers in Hawaii is the red dirt that stains all types of gear -- uniforms, body armor, boots and helmets, Czora said. Soldiers would need new uniforms when they are deployed outside Hawaii.

"Everything gets stained red, and it's an issue specific to Hawaii. The stains don't come out," he said.

Czora submitted a request for information to RDECOM's Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center to check the chemistry of the soil and see whether there is a better way to clean Soldiers' gear.

In total, Czora submitted six RFIs to RDECOM research centers during the two-week exercise.

Many of the Soldiers previously had not seen a science advisor participating in a field exercise, he said.

"The 25th Infantry Division operational training areas are challenging for soldiers, commanders and their equipment because what they see in the tropical environment is different from what many other units see," he said. "Everybody was very motivated and enthused that the Army had folks like us around. They opened their doors.

"It was a new idea. They were excited to see that there were folks like us really checking into things that they're having issues with."

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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 delivers it.

Related Links:

Army Technology Live

U.S. Army Materiel Command

Army.mil: Science and Technology News

U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command