GILBERT, Ariz. (March 12, 2012) -- The U.S. Army's Rapid Equipping Force, in partnership with ASU, held a conference to increase collaboration and information sharing between government, industry and academia. The event, called the NetZero at the Tactical Edge Workshop, focused the energies of all attendees on building a strong foundation for current and future energy sustainability efforts for the Department of Defense on Feb. 13 and 14, at Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus, Gilbert, Ariz.
The Honorable Ms. Sharon Burke (ASD Operational Energy) and Dr. Vic Ramdass (Dir. Logistics Innovation Agency) provided the keynote addresses that set the framework for a two day cross-domain discussion between approximately 150 operational energy leaders and stakeholders.
Day one of the workshop served as a sounding board for various members of the Department of Defense with vested interests in energy capabilities to share urgent needs, explain government processes, and clearly outline a long-term energy strategy worth the investment of innovators' time and resources.
Energy innovators drove the schedule for the second day of the workshop. Their presentations focused on expressing challenges with doing business with the government, sharing potential energy solutions, and offering ideas for improved communications.
Industry partners also were given the opportunity to participate in "one on one" sessions with the REF and the four (4) DoD Program Managers.
The workshop succeeded in its goal to educate academia and industry on current and emerging OE requirements, provide immediate access to OE leadership on site, and to educate industry on how to gain access to government OE offices and evaluation exercises.
The workshop is evidence of the growing importance the Army places on operational energy and decreasing Soldier load burdens.
"Clearly defining the problem and educating today's innovators on the energy challenges that significantly impact our maneuver units at the edge of the battlefield will drive game-changing energy technologies for the Army," said Colonel Peter Newell, Director of the Rapid Equipping Force and panel member at the workshop.
For additional information about REF's energy efforts call REF Public Affairs at 703-704-9433.
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