RDECOM praises efforts to empower, unburden and protect Soldiers

By Mr. Daniel Lafontaine (RDECOM)September 8, 2011

RDECOM praises efforts to empower, unburden and protect Soldiers
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- Empowering, unburdening and protecting American Soldiers is the sole focus of Army research and development, Maj. Gen. Nick Justice told his workforce during a town hall meeting Sept. 7.

"Doing those three things is all that really count for the Army," said Justice, commanding general of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command. "If you want the Army to appreciate you, you remember those three words. Ask yourself every day, 'What did I do to accomplish that? What is my piece of that accomplishment?' "

About 100 members of the RDECOM headquarters staff gathered at the Ball Conference Center for a discussion on the command's successes and challenges.

Justice praised the RDECOM Field Assistance in Science and Technology-Center at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. RFAST-C is a team of military personnel and civilian scientists and engineers providing technical solutions.

"We have built a combat package that is indispensable to the Army today," Justice said. "We had to operationalize this command.

"If you don't have an operational mission to deploy with our combat forces, you're automatically second-tier. The partnership of our officers, NCOs and civilian scientists and engineers is powerful."

Justice said officers across the Army have commented on RFAST-C's contributions during Operation Enduring Freedom.

"Our guys are making a difference in those units every day because they have the ability to reach back and touch our scientists and engineers. As we draw down operational forces, the opportunities for what we do in theater will change. That doesn't mean we change our mission," Justice said.

When asked about possible budget cuts to RDECOM, Justice encouraged his employees to remain committed to serving the customer -- Warfighters.

"We're making an impact on the Army. The Army values what we do," Justice said. "Ask yourself, 'Is this making a difference for Soldiers and combat formations in the Army?' "

The command presented several awards for outstanding performance, including Donna Streett for 45 years of federal government service.

The next RDECOM town hall is scheduled for Oct. 20.

Related Links:

Army Technology Live

Research, Development and Engineering Command

RDECOM on Facebook

RDECOM on Flickr