REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alal -- With 30 years of government career experience in science and technology, in managing large and diverse organizations, and in understanding the Army Materiel Command Enterprise, Dr. Myra Gray would be an asset to any organization needing an effective and innovative leader.

But she's already been taken by the U.S. Army Test, Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment Activity (USATA-TMDE).

A member of the senior executive service since 2007, Gray is the newest addition to Aviation and Missile Command's leadership team, an addition that will make a difference as USATA (TMDE) moves forward in its mission to enable the warfighter. The new USATA executive director will be welcomed by AMCOM and the Team Redstone community on Thursday at a 10:30 a.m. Welcome Ceremony officiated by AMCOM commander Maj. Gen. Jim Richardson in the Bob Jones Auditorium.

"I was asked to be the director of USATA and I saw it as a target of opportunity. I am excited to be back in the operational world and especially here at this organization where there is so much potential.

"Our USATA employees are masters at their craft. They are the best of the best and they are so dedicated to doing the job. It is a blessing to me because I can support them and advocate for them as they work to enable Army readiness through calibration and repair of the test, measurement and diagnostic equipment that our Soldiers rely on every day."

Weapon system maintainers rely on caliberated TMDE to keep warfighter equipment operational. Although unsung, TMDE caliberation support for Army maintenance organizations is essential, since it underpins virtually every equipment repair, whether performed on the battlefield or at the depot. Every time a missile system is fired, an attack helicopter's flight instrumentation is serviced, or a new or emerging weapon system is introduced to the battlefield, caliberated TMDE is needed. USATA's team of nearly 600 employees stationed on three continents, and in eight countries and 52 support activities around the globe provide that caliberation support.

"Without the work of our employees, the Army's accuracy would be gone. An accurate Army means that we don't miss our targets and we don't have an increased number of accidents. Using TMDE that is uncaliberated or out of tolerance can be dangerous, can be mission impacting and can cause the loss of confidence in a weapon system. An inaccurate Army cannot fight and win wars," Gray said.

"USATA is assuring that the Army is ready. We want to let the taxpayers know the value and impact this organization has on the Army mission. It has a pivotal role in enabling Army readiness."

Gray's resume reflects the diverse set of skills she brings to AMCOM and USATA. In her most recent assignments, she served as the director of the Army's Biometrics Identity Management Agency from 2007 to 2010, and most recently as the assistant deputy chief of staff for the Strategic Integration Directorate (G-5) at the Army Materiel Command.

"At the Department of the Army level, I gained experience at leading a large organization and then, at the AMC staff level, I gained an understanding of the AMC enterprise," Gray said.

Gray is from the Huntsville area, but left for 11 years as she took on various assignments of growing responsibility at the Pentagon and at Army locations throughout the D.C. area.

"I loved working in the Pentagon, but North Alabama/central Tennessee is one of the most beautiful places in the nation. There are so many cultural activities and outdoor recreation to enjoy here. There's something for everyone," she said.

"And, all that is wrapped up in the Southern charm and hospitality of the area."

If Gray sounds like a champion for the area, she is. But, she's also a champion for USATA and the work of its experienced, knowledgeable and capable workforce. For her, one of the top priorities as the USATA director is to share the mission of the organization.

"Leading this organization is an opportunity to make a direct impact on the war fighter by providing them a service that enables their mission," she said. "I want to better enable USATA employees to do the work they are meant to do. I want to be an advocate, to be a champion to enable USATA to maximize its potential.

"The employees here have already laid the groundwork. This is already a premiere organization. I am standing on the shoulders of giants. I didn't take this position for promotions or rewards. I took it because it was the right thing to do and I feel I can make a difference."

In her first few days on the job, Gray has already engaged with USATA leadership worldwide to learn from them how the organization can move forward. She is already reaching out to employees to learn their concerns, hear their ideas, and find out what their aspirations are for the work they do and their organization as a whole.

"I can't be a true advocate if I'm not out there, and if I'm not an advocate then I am a roadblock," she said.

"The USATA mission is so vast. It begins with the Army and then includes customers outside the Army in terms of private industry and other military branches. It is an Army worldwide mission, and I want to advocate for that."

With her experience in strategic planning for AMC, Gray is very much aware of how USATA and TMDE caliberation fits into the Army enterprise of the future. She knows that budget cuts, sequestration, and facilities in need of upgrades and repairs can impact her organization's mission.

"I want to engage on behalf of USATA employees so that we can solve the hard problems. I don't want to treat the symptoms. I want to address and solve the root problems," she said.

She hopes to sustain the organization's budget by ensuring that government leadership and the taxpayer understand the impact of its mission and the connection of TMDE technology to the Soldier, and how that impact grows when units deploy; and by working with partners to ensure that service members and civilians involved in the TMDE community are unified in supporting the mission through training and understanding priorities.

Leading USATA and the TMDE caliberation mission is one of a long list of leadership roles Gray has had within the Department of Defense, a career that she began as a Navy mathematician.

"As I grew in my career, I began to see how I could assist with and further impact the greater mission," she said. "There is an excitement about working on defense systems and working for this nation. Civil servants provide the foundation for assuring that our nation can provide for the common defense. The Department of Defense and the military services are part of the elements of national power to provide for national security."

She urges government civilians to seek out opportunities that most excite them, to ensure they have the right training and experience to take advantage of opportunities, and to be ready to move out of their comfort zone when an opportunity presents itself.

"Don't get too pigeonholed that you don't see the bigger world out there," she said. "Broaden your experiences through development. You are your own best career manager. It's up to each individual to know what makes them happy, and to reach out and grab opportunities. Don't let insecurities keep you from being the best you can be. No one is going to hand you a silver platter. But it's out there if you are willing to take what's on it."

As Gray looks to USATA employees to join her in furthering the organization's mission, and voicing ideas and solutions, she seeks out those with positive attitudes to be the leaders within the organization and in the interaction with customers.

"Attitude is everything," she said. "Quality is very important. A job well done is important. And, understanding what we do is important. But attitude is everything. It's infectious, it makes you want to do your best, and it causes you to be proactive and a team player."