FORT BLISS, Texas (July 3, 2014) -- Soldier Hall at Fort Bliss, Texas, was filled with Soldiers, family, friends and Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) personnel bidding farewell to Col. Gail Washington, 25 June, as she relinquished responsibility as the Project Manager, Capability Package (Current) to Col. Terrece B. Harris, who will now assume duties as the Director, Capability Package. The Change of Command ceremony was hosted by Kevin Fahey, Director, Agile Acquisition for the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Acquisition, Logistics and Technology.
During Washington's tenure as PM Capability Package (Current), Washington has been an integral part of six Network Integration Evaluations, a semiannual event that evaluates the most advanced technologies enabling the Army to make informed procurement decisions on the latest products for Soldier use down range.
NIEs are administered by the "TRIAD," which is comprised of the Army Test and Evaluation Command, the Brigade Modernization Command, and Systems of Systems Engineering & Integration. All testing is completed by 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division (2/1 AD).
In order for NIEs to be conducted on site, Capability Package utilizes structured procedures, incorporating agile process methods to ensure that the systems are integrated and validated prior to relinquishing integrated platforms to our Soldiers for testing during the evaluations.
Under her leadership, Washington and her team have cost effectively brought in over 4,000 new systems and integrated them on more than 1,200 vehicles to be tested by 2/1 AD.
After a very successful tour here at Fort Bliss, Col. Washington is moving on to the Army War College where she will be studying to get her Master's Degree in Strategic Studies.
"As with any good military officer, Col. Washington has left our organization better than she found it by instilling reliable and repeatable processes and procedures," said Scott Oakley, NIE Plans Division Chief, who worked closely with Washington during her entire duration at Capability Package.
While reminiscing and celebrating accomplishments, attendees also gave Col. Harris and his family a sincere welcome. He is coming fresh out of Army War College where he obtained a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies.
"It is an exciting opportunity to be back at Fort Bliss, leading an extraordinary organization that directly impacts future modernization efforts," said Harris.
Col. Harris had previously served at Fort Bliss, Texas back in 2007, as the Complementary/Key and Essential Capabilities lead; culminating his assignment as the Executive Officer, TRADOC Capabilities Manager-Integration (TCM INT).
"I am honored to have a small part in something monumental" continued Harris, "the future always contains uncertainties, but what's certain is that we will always provide our Soldiers the best equipment."
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