ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- For the Army's science and technology command, May 26 became the day to share a vision of the future.
"Agility and speed," Maj. Gen. Nick Justice told the gathering. "That's what we're after."
More than 200 Research, Development and Engineering Command Soldiers and employees gathered via video teleconference and in person for a town hall meeting at the Edgewood Conference Center. The key personnel are charged with sharing the message with the more than 17,000 members of the command from Michigan, Massachusetts, Virginia, Alabama, New Jersey, Maryland, Florida and sites across the globe.
This was the first time the commanding general unveiled his vision with employees face-to-face since taking command Dec. 4, 2009. Justice also presented awards and certificates to outstanding Soldiers and employees.
The main event was a briefing designed to inspire the staff and explain the RDECOM vision. In the past few months, the staff has been updating the command mission statement, vision and objectives.
"This is where we're headed," he said. "We will be the Army's honest broker for technology development."
Justice outlined initiatives to integrate the command's G-staff and physically move RDECOM headquarters into the Aberdeen Proving Ground "Stones." The Stones are three historic buildings, which dominate the landscape of APG Main Post.
As the installation commanding general, and the commander of the largest organization on APG, Justice said he will lead the transformation set in motion by the Base Realignment and Closure process. "We're the center of gravity in this community," he said.
The general boiled his philosophy down to the "Five P's," a set of command imperatives he wants everyone in RDECOM to know: People, Places, Purse, Processes and Products.
<strong>People: Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse, resilient, world-class workforce</strong>
"We want to recognize people for what they do for others," Justice said. "It's about teamwork, and that's the way you want to do it. Because people are a team.
Justice encouraged the staff to look after the command's human resources.
<strong>Places: Acquire and sustain relevant, state of the art Research, Development & Engineering facilities and equipment</strong>
The command is looking at improving and sustaining top-notch working environments at all RDECOM locations, but especially at Aberdeen Proving Ground as the installation becomes the Army's center for science and technology.
He said the garrison has identified 250 old buildings for demolition and has already secured funding to demolish 180.
At the same time, the Army is picking up the pace of major construction to build new and better facilities to support the thousands of jobs coming to the region through BRAC.
<strong>Purse: Develop and execute a balanced portfolio of resources and maximize delivery of capabilities</strong>
Justice encouraged the staff to review the pay statements.
"I want you to look at the taxes you pay, and if for nothing else, consider how much you pay and how it relates to being a good steward of government funds at work," he said.
<strong>Processes: Develop integrated business processes that enable RDECOM to operate as a unified, agile, innovative and collaborative command</strong>
The command continues to refine processes to become more efficient and productive. Justice told the group how on a visit visit to NASCAR R&D his staff found wisdom in how their researchers approached processes.
"We were looking at the vehicle and putting people in it, and they are looking at the driver and putting the vehicle around him," he said.
<strong>Products: Deliver timely, innovative, integrated solutions to modernize and sustain a dominant Army</strong>
"One the challenges we have across all of DoD is IEDs (Improvised Exploding Devices) because everyone is focused on the bang, and what I mean by that is everybody wants to build a bigger vehicle with more armor," Justice said.
The general explained how RDECOM needs to focus on all aspects of the incident and "stretch our imagination."
"We need to think of products that go into the next century," he said.
"Are you ready to play ball'" Justice asked the group. "You need to know where you fit in the playbook because that's what we're trying to achieve. We're in this to win."
<p align="center"><a href="http://flickriver.com/photos/rdecom/sets/72157624141037938/"><img src="http://flickriver.com/badge/user/set-72157624141037938/recent/shuffle/medium-horiz/ffffff/333333/34402227@N03.jpg" border="0" alt="RDECOM - View my 'RDECOM Town Hall' set on Flickriver" title="RDECOM - View my 'RDECOM Town Hall' set on Flickriver"/></a></p>
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