U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), which has contributed greatly to national defense and technological advancement through its testing the past 80 years, has undergone restructuring and a branch that was dissolved almost a decade ago has been reformed and brought back.
What used to be the Armor System Test Branch was deactivated in 2014 and re-established in April of 2023 as the Systems Test Branch (STB) with three of the group’s original four components — and now part of the Ammunition and Armaments Division under Division Chief Tony Gingras.
“We, unfortunately, are basically having to rebuild the Branch again from scratch. It has been a challenge, but we are getting there,” said Chief John Bacon. “We are getting help from other sections and people are doing what they can to get us to be where we need to be.”
Bacon went on to describe it as a “growing concept,” saying “It is like being an infant. We must crawl before we walk.”
In its current configuration, the STB is responsible providing trained operators for testing tanks and other combat vehicles, and the firing of everything from 9mm small arms all the way up to 120mm tank rounds, including rocket propelled grenades, semi-automatic sniper rifles, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System known as CUAS platforms.
The Branch, which has 14 team members augmented by contractors, also conducts direct fire tests at a variety of range locations on post and around the world and maintains sophisticated software, electronics, targeting equipment, and GPS, as well as a variety of tactical communication systems.
“We shoot, move, and communicate. We support about everything except artillery,” explained Mobility Lead Chris Ades. “Just about any system that can see its target, we shoot it. If it is moving and has a turret, we are using it. If there are communications systems being used, most of the times it is us doing it, whether it is long-range radios or using satellites.”
Bacon, who has been in his position for 10 months now, stressed that all the testing the STB does, whether it is production acceptance or developmental, is meant to simulate a mission a Soldier is likely to experience on a battlefield.
To reform the STB mobility, direct fire and tactical communications all had to be brought back together. The only original component that was not included was armor system test team (turret equipment specialists), which is still a part of the Maintenance Division.
Armor systems test team was essentially the mechanic component and not having them attached to the STB anymore has slightly changed the mission. Now, instead of fixing problems on their own as they once used to, operators must report it and then work closely with turret mechanics so that they can make the repairs.
“The guys out in the field, doing the actual testing are all experienced systems operators,” Bacon said. “They are combat veterans who have been on the battlefield. They have the experience and know what they are doing.”
Although STB currently still shares office space inside the Armament Branch building, Bacon said they have always been able to complete their vital missions, which is testing weapons systems and equipment the warfighter depends on.
“As the Branch Chief I’m just here to take care of them and make sure they have everything they need,” Bacon said. “We are still essentially trying to build our space, get our shop together, and create a high-performing team, while getting everything up and running.”
In the meantime, Bacon said he has been developing standard operating procedures for the branch and reviewing the policies and procedures that were once used to see if they can be repurposed and put back in place.
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