Gen. Vincent Brooks, commander of the United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces Korea, visited Redstone Arsenal and AMCOM Jan. 11.

Redstone senior commander Lt. Gen. Larry Wyche, and AMCOM's commander Maj. Gen. Doug Gabram escorted Brooks to the Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center's Software Engineering Directorate. Brooks was briefed on the collaborative work involved in the Multi-Mission Launcher and on SED's software support to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system.

Gabram also spoke to Brooks about the ongoing collaborative efforts brought about by AMC's mission command realignment order known as "Unified Action." This effort increases strategic and unit readiness through synchronization and prioritization of efforts across Army aviation and missile platforms.

"The MML, a part of the Indirect Fires Protection Capability, is a prime example of the collaborative impact that Unified Action is able to recognize," Gabram said.

During the MML demonstration, led by team members from AMRDEC, PEO Missiles and Space, and IFPC, Brooks learned that AMRDEC brought together a team of more than 150 subject matter experts from across the AMCOM enterprise to design, manufacture, procure, assemble and test the Army's newest air defense launcher. The MML Product Team leveraged more than 85 industry partners to assist in design and manufacturing. Using in-house assets allowed the Army to save time and money in the procurement process and will also result in significant savings in sustaining the system over its life-cycle.

The MML is mounted on a medium tactical truck. The launcher can rotate 360 degrees and elevate from zero to 90 degrees. It consists of 15 tubes, each of which can hold either a single large interceptor or multiple smaller interceptors. Developed using an open systems architecture, the launcher will interface to the Integrated Battle Command State Engagement Operations Center via radio. The truck will also pull a trailer that has a missile data link to communicate to interceptors in-flight, and an Army standard 60 kilowatt generator to power the system while emplaced. In an unprecedented move for AMCOM, Low Rate Initial Production of the MML will occur at Letterkenny Army Depot, Pennsylvania.

"Taking time to showcase programs like this to Gen. Brooks and other leaders visiting Redstone Arsenal helps to increase the awareness of the impact AMC is making to Army readiness," Gabram said.