Brig. Gen. Daniel Hughes (center), deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, briefs Dr. Jung Ho Ko (left), director of South Korea's Civilian Military Technology Cooperation Center, and Kim Ihn Cheol (r...

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (June 12, 2013) -- U.S. Army and South Korean officials discussed potential collaboration in science and technology areas that benefit both the military and civilian sectors June 11.

Brig. Gen. Daniel Hughes, deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, and Dr. Jung Ho Ko, director of South Korea's Civilian Military Technology Cooperation Center, discussed how the countries could benefit from cooperation, especially in mutual areas of interest such as unmanned robotics, sensors and communications technologies.

Hughes said expanding the countries' strong relationship into military research, development and engineering could spur great benefits.

"President Obama emphasized in the discussions a couple of weeks ago [with the South Korean president] that these two countries are very good friends and need to work together," Hughes said. "There are a lot of interesting things that we could leverage from both of our countries to add to our capabilities on the military and civilian sides.

"Korea is a hotbed of great engineering. You have abilities that the world envies."

Jung showcased how the South Korean government invests in new technologies with a plan to benefit its military and civilians. He said the country's dual-use technology development program has enabled advances in carbon composite brake disks, smart surveillance robots, high-strength aluminum extrusion materials, thin-film solar cells and hybrid propulsion systems for special-mission vehicles.

Hughes said RDECOM could capitalize on its robust international presence to help the Army partner with South Korea.

RDECOM's Forward Element Commands partner with foreign universities, militaries and industry to foster science and technology solutions. The command also has one of its 30 Field Assistance in Science and Technology advisors embedded with U.S. Forces Korea to provide a link to its thousands of scientists and engineers.

"We need to stay engaged with you and the rest of the world," Hughes said. "There are great ideas everywhere.

"We have people all around the world searching for technology that we could leverage, enhance and invest in so it not only contributes to the Army, but also to the nation."

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RDECOM has the mission to develop technology and engineering solutions for America's Soldiers. It 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 provides it.

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