SMDC leaders to discuss future of IAMD, Army space at AUSA

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — During the Association of the United States Army’s Annual Meeting and Exposition, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s senior leader will talk about how the Army needs to grow space capabilities to integrate into multidomain operations.

Highlighting how Army space and missile defense contribute to a combat-ready and lethal force, Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, USASMDC commanding general, will speak to the meeting’s theme of “Transforming for a Complex World” during his presentations each day of the three-day event, Oct. 14-16.

“As we look out into 2030, we know from all the Army warfighting concepts that we have to grow space capability,” Gainey said.

Hosted in Washington, D.C., the event brings together military professionals, defense industry leaders and key partners from across the globe to discuss the future of warfare and defense technology and provides a platform to highlight the command’s efforts.

On Oct. 14, 3:30-5 p.m., in room 147 AB, Lt. Gen. Gainey will participate in the “Integrated Air and Missile Defense” panel. Other panelists include the Honorable Gabe Camarillo, Undersecretary of the Army and Maj. Gen. Francisco Lozano, Program Executive Office Missiles and Defense commanding general. Dr. Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, will moderate.

“Everyone is concerned about the complexity and volume of air and missile threats,” Gainey said recently during another AUSA engagement. “We’re modernizing and moving toward a single, integrated fire control system that will provide 360-degree capabilities for our Soldiers on the battlefield.”

On Oct. 15, Gainey and Army space leaders will participate in a Warriors Corner event entitled “Army Space Vision: Delivering Space Effects for Combat Ready Formations,” from 11:35 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Army Exhibit, Booth 1825.

Joining Gainey will be Col. Pete Atkinson, Army Space Division chief, G-3.5.7; Col. Don Brooks, Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence commandant; and Col. Mark Cobos, 1st Space Brigade commander.

The panel will focus on the progress of the Army Space Vision and how cohesive Army space policy, SMDC training and 1st Space Brigade operations are continuing to transform to deliver effects for maneuver forces’ warfighting efforts.

The Army Space Vision Supporting Multidomain Operations lays out a blueprint for the decisions Army senior leaders are making for the Army space program. Through operations, capability development, new space formations, and training, USASMDC has been given an opportunity to shape that future.

“When you show value, the Army provides two things, structure and money,” Brooks said. “That’s why the Army is dedicating resources to Army space formations, people and capabilities, because we’ve shown value.”

On the final day of AUSA, Gainey will participate in the Army Civilian Showcase themed “Army Civilian Innovations and Changes that Keep Army Top 10 Best Places to Work” at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Salons 5-6, 10-11:30 a.m.

USASMDC has been the Army’s highest-ranking command on the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government two years in a row. Gainey will speak about best places to work best practices. The secretary of the Army will attend and recognize the top five commands in the Best Places to Work survey.

“SMDC was ranked the No. 1 best place to work in the Army for the second consecutive time,” Gainey said. “I am proud of the team we have and grateful for your efforts in helping our command not only achieve this recognition but to genuinely be a great place to work.”

For more information on USASMDC’s presence at AUSA, follow the command’s Facebook page or watch AUSA live-streamed coverage throughout the event on DVIDS.