FORT HUACHUCA, Az. — On June 12, students from the Willcox Theater and Arts Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Program embarked on an educational visit to the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command Information Systems Engineering Command on Fort Huachuca for a first-hand look at how the Army integrates advanced information technologies and cybersecurity into its operations.
The visit opened with Travis Bloss, an ISEC computer engineer, giving an engaging artificial intelligence and large language models demonstration, offering the students insights into how AI is being used to enhance communication, streamline data analysis, and support mission-critical decisions across the military.
“AI is a useful tool to gather information quickly and efficiently from large amounts of raw data,” Bloss said. “But validation of the results for accuracy is key.”
Students then toured an operational technology lab with Aaron Sneary, an ISEC IT specialist. This lab is responsible for validating the integrity and security of key Army systems, including utility monitoring and control systems. The experience shed light on how these technologies help manage infrastructure and energy data securely and efficiently.
With thousands of Army buildings worldwide, the Army has a need to not only collect energy usage data, but also to centralize systems to control building automation appliances like thermostats, gas valves, and CO2 sensors at every post, camp, and station.
To round out the visit, students were taken through an information technology lab that rigorously tests and evaluates essential IT products such as routers, switches, firewalls, wireless, and similar devices. This behind-the-scenes view revealed how these tools are vetted before being deployed in Army environments.
This immersive experience provided Willcox students with a vivid understanding of how STEAM skills apply beyond the classroom. By connecting their studies to real-world Army operations, the visit inspired new ideas and aspirations in technology, engineering, and cybersecurity careers.
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