BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan--Forty-five senior noncommissioned officers assigned to units under the 18th Engineer Brigade learned how the scientists, engineers, machinists and technicians working at the only prototype integration facility in the Combined Joint Operations Area-Afghanistan can help provide the best possible advantage to the Warfighter Apr. 8.
The PIF was built and staffed by Research Development and Engineering Command personnel deployed to the RDECOM Field Assistance in Science and Technology Center to provide an embedded engineering capability and prototype fabrication capability to develop rapid engineering solutions for operational requirements. The RFAST-C is embedded in the 401st Army Field Support Brigade, part of Army Sustainment Command, which forms Army Materiel Command's operational arm to deliver integrated logistics solutions to the maneuver units.
RFAST-C had a petting zoo of sorts where the Soldiers could see, touch and ask questions about some of the more than 150products designed and fabricated by PIF personnel and to provide the senior NCO leadership of the 18th Eng.Bde. an overview of the RFAST-C capabilities.
"Give us something you need," challenged Kevin Brady, RFAST-C executive officer as he began explaining some of the items on display. "We will give you what you want -- something that does the job."
First Sgt. Timothy McDaniel, 713rd Engineer Company, an Indiana National Guard unit from Valparaiso, Ind., characterized his Soldiers as "a bunch of tinkerers" who are always looking for a better way to do their jobs.
"We absolutely will use the PIF," McDaniel said. "We'll have better tools for better tinkering."
First Sgt. Stephon McAfee with the 841st Engineer Battalion, a Miami, Fla., reserve unit, was interested in light shrouds for his unit's mine-resistant ambush-protected all-terrain vehicles. The simple design will keep headlight beams from bouncing off the RPG nets into the eyes of the driver and vehicle commander.
"This definitely will help our Solders," McAfee said. "The light reflections slowed us down."
The hybrid hook, the first item produced by the PIF, was of interest to 1st Sgt. Richard E. Hinkle, 42nd Clearance Company. He said he was looking for the "best possible advantage" for his Soldiers.
"We use technology, any tool that allows stand-off [from a suspected improvised explosive device] is a plus," he said.
Brady said RFAST-C works very closely with Rapid Equipping Force and the Regional Command Science and Technology Teams to meet Warfighter needs in a rapid manner.
"We mutually support each other," said Lt. Col. Doug Mayzel, Afghanistan REF team chief. "Units come to us with needs, issues or problems and we have the guys, RFAST-C, that can make the solution."
Mayzel said REF helps PIF get the finished product to the unit by coordinating transportation or shipping.
"REF is a middleman," he said
Maj. Shannon McCrory, REF operations officer said in addition to getting the finished products into the Soldier's hands, REF can also help the PIF acquire materials and provide more linkages to solutions.
"The demonstration to the 18th Eng. Bde. was very successful," said Brady. "We conveyed RFAST-C capabilities and the many ways the PIF can support the brigade in their day-to-day missions."
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