Army Futures Command leadership held a recognition ceremony at the Austin-based Army Software Factory on July 23 to welcome the arrival of a second cohort of software learners, as well as to congratulate its first cohort on completing the initial phase of the Army’s newest software immersion program.
Distinguished guests and speakers at the event included Christopher Lowman, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary of the Army; Gen. John M. Murray, Commanding General of Army Futures Command; Sen. John Cornyn, senior United States Senator for Texas; and Dr. Richard M. Rhodes, President and CEO of Austin Community College.
Lowman lauded the drive and creativity of the Software Factory’s students, referring to them as “stewards of our modernization,” while Murray underscored the importance of “recognizing the talent that exists in the Army.” Murray added that the Software Factory received thousands of inquiries and more than 200 highly competitive applications for 30 slots during its most recent application round.
“Software is key when it comes to innovation,” affirmed Cornyn, adding that there is “no better place to learn these skills than at the Software Factory.”
The Army thanked Austin Community College, the city of Austin and the state of Texas for their support in hosting the Software Factory, and Rhodes commended the Army for its eagerness to partner with Austin Community College in building a “high-tech, high-touch, collaborative space for learning.”
Army leaders also showed appreciation for the Software Factory’s tech industry partners, who help enable the program’s in-depth and interactive training model.
Murray presented each of the 25 Soldiers in Cohort 1 with an Army Commander Coin of Excellence as part of the ceremony, to reflect the great progress and initiative they have shown since commencing the program. He also recognized Maj. Vito Errico and Maj. Jason Zuniga, who serve as co-directors of the Army Software Factory, for their major contributions to the development and growth of the program.
The Army hopes the Software Factory will help further the development of a highly skilled military workforce by providing numerous Soldiers and Army civilians with the knowledge to assess and tackle complex problems through the clever application of advanced software solutions.
As Lowman encapsulated for the students and guests present at the ceremony: “Welcome to the future of the United States Army.”
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