Army Futures Command

Transforming the Army

Army Futures Command

About AFC

PURPOSE

Army Futures Command (AFC) transforms the Army to ensure war-winning future readiness.

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, AFC has more than 17,000 personnel worldwide. It is the newest of the Army’s four major commands, established in 2018 to ensure the Army and its Soldiers remain at the forefront of technological innovation and warfighting ability.

FOCUS

AFC currently focuses on three overarching priorities: prioritizing people, designing Army 2040 and delivering Army 2030.

The command is executing six essential functions in pursuit of these priorities – future operational environment, research, concepts, experimentation, requirements and integration – with support from industry, academia and Joint and multinational partners.

IMPACT

The groundbreaking work of AFC’s headquarters directorates, subordinate commands, research laboratories, innovation hubs and Cross-Functional Teams is advancing the Army's six modernization priorities: long range precision fires, next generation combat vehicle, future vertical lift, air and missile defense, network and Soldier lethality.

AFC pursues and integrates these advances in close coordination with other members of the Army transformation enterprise, strengthening the Army’s ability to develop and maintain future readiness as an integrated team.

AFC leads the way for the Army as a whole by framing problems – and solutions – across the full DOTMLPF-P (Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, Facilities and Policy), enabling creation of the best solutions to keep Soldiers safe and America strong.

Leadership

  • GEN James E. Rainey
    Commanding General
    GEN James E. Rainey
  • CSM Brian A. Hester
    Command Sergeant Major
    CSM Brian A. Hester
  • LTG Ross Coffman
    Deputy Commanding General
    LTG Ross Coffman
  • Mr. William "Willie" Nelson
    Deputy to the Commanding General
    Mr. William "Willie" Nelson
  • LTG David M. Hodne
    DEPUTY COMMANDING GENERAL AND FUTURE AND CONCEPTS CENTER DIRECTOR
    LTG David M. Hodne
  • MG John M. Epperly
    Deputy Commanding General
    MG John M. Epperly
  • MG Edmond "Miles" Brown
    Chief of Staff
    MG Edmond "Miles" Brown
  • CW5 Edwin De La Cruz Jr.
    Command Chief Warrant Officer 5
    CW5 Edwin De La Cruz Jr.

Cross-Functional Teams

  • Air and Missile Defense (AMD), located at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, works to outpace strategic competitors who have invested heavily in their indirect fire and missile capabilities. The development of new AMD technologies accelerated by the CFT will defend ground forces against adversary air threats, as well as protect the infrastructure of U.S. and Allied forces against a host of air and missile threats.

    COL William M. Parker - Director, Air and Missile Defense Cross-Functional Team

  • Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing/Space (APNT/Space), located at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, is responsible for accelerating the delivery of advanced APNT, tactical space and navigation warfare capabilities to the Soldier. The APNT/Space CFT conducts experimentation and writes Soldier-centric requirements for APNT materiel solutions, Low Earth Orbit Space capability and navigation warfare capabilities that, when combined, provide overmatch on the battlefield with minimal impact to Soldier operations.

    Mr. Michael Monteleone - Director, Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing/Space Cross-Functional Team

  • The Contested Logistics Cross-Functional Team (CL CFT), based at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, focuses on the tactical level in the contested logistics realm.

    COL Shane Upton - Director, Contested Logistics Cross-Functional Team

  • Future Vertical Lift (FVL) leads development of critical combat systems, ensuring that Army aviation maintains vertical lift dominance over enemy forces in future MDO. The FVL CFT will enable the Joint Force to operate, even when dispersed over wide areas, with increased lethality, survivability and reach by penetrating enemy defenses and subsequently exploiting open corridors with enhanced attack and reconnaissance, Air Assault and MEDEVAC (medical evacuation) capabilities.

    BG Cain Baker - Director, Future Vertical Lift, Cross-Functional Team

  • Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF), located at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, leads a comprehensive modernization effort to deliver cutting-edge, surface-to-surface fires systems that significantly increase range and effects over currently fielded U.S. and adversary systems. The LRPF CFT, working closely with Army and industry partners, is driving solutions for the next generation of field artillery systems across all echelons: strategic, operational and tactical.

    COL Rory Crooks - Director, Long Range Precision Fires Cross-Functional Team

  • The Network (NET), located at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, conducts experiments, demonstrations and prototypes to inform requirements, synchronize efforts designed to keep pace with threats and develop a data-centric future network through the rapid insertion of new technology. NET CFT activities address the most pressing challenges to the tactical network that Soldiers use on the battlefield or in any dynamic, lethal environment.

    MG Jeth B. Rey - Director, Network Cross-Functional Team

  • Next Generation Combat Vehicles (NGCV), located at Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Michigan, is working to narrow or close cross-domain maneuver capability gaps by developing Army requirements for the next generation of combat vehicles, while synchronizing and overseeing all supporting materiel development activities, experiments and assessments. The NGCV CFT uses a rapid, iterative process of capability development to reduce costs, technological obsolescence and acquisition risk and to increase the speed of delivery.

    BG Geoffrey Norman - Director, Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross-Functional Team

  • Soldier Lethality (SL) increases the lethality of the Close Combat Force by focusing on the capabilities necessary at the Soldier and Squad level to gain and retain a clear and decisive overmatch against peer and near-peer threats. The SL CFT focuses on kitting the Soldier and the Squad holistically, as a system and a combat platform, to enhance lethality, precision, mobility and maneuverability, communications and survivability.

    BG Monte Rone - Director, Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team

  • Synthetic Training Environment (STE), located in Orlando, Florida, rapidly expands the Army’s synthetic training environment and increases distribution of simulations capabilities down to the company level. The STE CFT delivers collective training, accessible at the point of need, to support operational, self-development and institutional training for Soldiers anytime and anywhere in the world to hone skills, develop task proficiency and sustain readiness.

    BG William R. Glaser - Director, Synthetic Training Environment Cross-Functional Team

Supporting Commands

  • The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) is the Army’s largest technology developer, with more than 10,000 engineers and scientists. Its mission is to provide research, engineering and analytical expertise to deliver capabilities that enable the Army to deter and, when necessary, decisively defeat any adversary now and in the future. DEVCOM ensures the dominance of Army capabilities by creating, integrating and delivering tech-enabled solutions and will give Soldiers a decisive edge in MDO by 2030, 2040 and beyond.

    DEVCOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC), which assesses and integrates the future operational environment, emerging threats, and technologies to design, develop, and deliver innovative solutions. DEVCOM is interested in leveraging unique skillsets and resources across academia, industry, and other government organizations both nationally and internationally to collaboratively address Army challenges and priorities. The “DEVCOM Partnerships Portal” welcomes partners around the world to provide and collaborate on new technologies to help solve the Army’s toughest challenges.

    Please see the opportunities available on the DEVCOM Partnerships Portal whether you want to; 1) experiment with the Army to demonstrate your capabilities, 2) offer innovative capabilities as a partnership development, or 3) come together to learn and understand any future contributions you have.

    DEVCOM Partnership Portal

    Note: The DEVCOM Partnerships Portal will require registration to review and submit for opportunities.

    BG John M. Cushing - Commanding General, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command

    CSM Brian D. Haydt - Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command

  • The Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC), headquartered at Fort Detrick, Maryland, encompasses eight subordinate commands located throughout the world. MRDC is the Army’s medical materiel developer, with responsibility for medical research, development and acquisition. The command’s expertise in these critical areas helps establish and maintain the capabilities that the Army needs to remain ready and lethal on any battlefield.

    BG Anthony McQueen - Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command

    CSM Kyle Brunell - Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command

  • The Futures and Concepts Center (FCC) assesses the threat and future operational environment and develops future concepts, requirements and an integrated modernization pathway to increase lethality and overmatch, enabling Soldiers and units to compete—and, if necessary—deploy, fight and win future wars.

    LTG David M. Hodne - Deputy Commanding General of AFC and Director of the Futures and Concepts Center

    CSM William Justice - Command Sergeant Major, Futures and Concepts Center

  • THE ARMY'S FIRST SOLDIER-LED SOFTWARE FACTORY

    SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS. BY SOLDIERS. FOR SOLDIERS.

    The Software Factory is looking for the best and the brightest from around the Army. We are a rank- and MOS-immaterial organization striving to incorporate the best practices from across industry and the Department of Defense (DOD). It will immerse Soldiers and Civilians from across the Army in modern software development, leveraging the full spirit of the innovation ecosystem.

    SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS • UI/UX DESIGNERS • PRODUCT MANAGERS • PLATFORM ENGINEERS

    We solve problems. We design solutions for the end-user. We innovate. We use agile methodology. We are constantly learning. We are increasing the digital proficiency across the Force and developing modern software solutions for Army problems.

    AFC Emerging Technology Opportunities Catalog FY24 [PDF - 200.8 KB]

    Soldier Problem Submission - Nominate or vote for an Army problem needing a software solution

    Contact ASWF

    Information Packet [PDF - 315 KB]

    ASWF 2021 Annual Report [PDF - 2.7 MB]

    Success Story: Supply Support Activity (SSA) Automation [PDF - 609.5 KB]

    Cohort 9 Application Deadline 31 March 2024! (CAC Required)

    Software Factory Announcement

    Software Factory + ACC Partnership

    Software Factory Track Videos

    The videos are not publicly available; a CAC is required to log in and view.

    PRODUCT MANAGER: Interview Video 1 - Interview Video 2

    PRODUCT DESIGNER: Interview Video

    SOFTWARE ENGINEER: Interview Video 1 - Interview Video 2

    PLATFORM ENGINEER: Interview Video

  • TRAC (formerly the TRADOC Analysis Center) conducts operations research and analysis to inform decisions about the most challenging issues facing the Army and the Department of Defense (DOD).

    TRAC’s work program is aligned with the highest priorities of the Commander, Army Futures Command (AFC) and the Chief of Staff of the Army. TRAC studies have underpinned the key decisions made by the Army and DOD regarding nearly every major Army initiative and program since TRAC’s inception in 1986, enabling new Army capabilities and investments valued in the hundreds of billions.

    Headquartered at Fort Leavenworth KS, TRAC has a highly skilled workforce of over 300 civilian and military personnel assigned to four subordinate centers across the U.S.

    TRAC transitioned from the Training and Doctrine Command to the Army Futures Command in 2018.

    TRAC Headquarters

    Pamela Blechinger - Director TRAC-HQ

    COL Matthew Jensen - Deputy Director TRAC HQ

    Fort Leavenworth visitor info: https://home.army.mil/leavenworth/index.php/about/visitor-information

    TRAC Fort Leavenworth

    Cody Beck - Director TRAC-FLVN

    COL Riley Post - Deputy Director TRAC-FLVN

    TRAC Fort Leavenworth (TRAC-FLVN), located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, employs more than 130 personnel who execute analysis in support of DoD leaders. Our workforce includes Combat Analysts (FA49), Operations Research Analysts, Computer Scientists, and Management and Program Analysts. Combined teams of civilians and active-duty military conduct research in four primary areas: studies and analysis, scenarios and wargaming, combat modeling and simulation, and analytical tool development.

    Fort Leavenworth visitor info: https://home.army.mil/leavenworth/index.php/about/visitor-information

    TRAC Fort Gregg-Adams

    LTC George Hughbanks - Director TRAC-GREGG-ADAMS

    TRAC Fort Gregg-Adams (TRAC-GREGG-ADAMS) is located at Fort Gregg-Adams in the Richmond Virginia Metro Area. TRAC-GREGG-ADAMS military and civilian analysts conduct sustainment analysis, including research and modeling of logistics, medical, and personnel support functions. TRAC-GREGG-ADAMS often collaborates with the Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM) and other stakeholders to enable decisions about sustainment and acquisition issues posed to us by Army Senior Leaders and decision makers.

    Fort Gregg-Adams visitor info https://home.army.mil/lee/index.php/about/visitor-information

    TRAC White Sands Missile Range

    Dr. Garrett R. Lambert - Director, TRAC-WSMR

    COL Jeffrey Adams - Deputy Director, TRAC-WSMR

    TRAC-White Sands Missile Range (TRAC-WSMR), located at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, has historically conducted operations analysis from the individual Soldier to Brigade level. Analysts at TRAC-WSMR develop and maintain the scenarios that underpin Army concepts and requirements; develop, configure, manage, and apply models and simulations; and research, develop, and share new analytic methods. We collaborate across a network of Army, DoD, and multinational partners.

    White Sands Missile Range visitor info: https://www.wsmr.army.mil/Pages/WhiteSandsRoadBlockSchedule.aspx

    TRAC Monterey

    LTC James Jablonski - Director, TRAC-MTRY

    TRAC-Monterey (TRAC-MTRY), located in Monterey, California, is the research and innovation arm of TRAC and TRAC's data science center of excellence. Analysts at TRAC-MTRY conduct research into new data science and machine learning methods with students and faculty at the Naval Postgraduate School. Recent projects focused on simulation optimization, using machine learning to predict personnel attrition, natural language processing, reinforcement learning in wargames and combat simulations, decision analysis, and high-performance computing.

    Naval Postgraduate School visitor information: https://www.nps.edu/visit

Integration & Sync Teams

  • The Army Applications Laboratory (AAL), based in Austin, Texas, aligns innovative solutions and technologies with Army problems, resources and programs to rapidly discover, validate and transition technology applications in support of Army modernization.

    COL Robert J. (Jay) Wisham - Director of the Army Applications Laboratory

  • The Army Artificial Intelligence Integration Center (AI2C), located at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, leads and integrates Army artificial intelligence (AI) strategy and implementation, synchronizes key development efforts and sets the foundations for operationalizing AI within the Army Modernization Enterprise.

    THE AI INTEGRATION CENTER TEAM
    We are inviting all individuals and teams that would be interested in leading or collaborating in the development of solutions for these Areas of Interest and identify opportunities to meet the Army’s many other needs.

    Are you the solution? The Army Artificial Intelligence Integration Center (AI2C) is seeking artificial intelligence research and development whitepapers and proposals in support of new technologies and translational research-based approaches that support the identification, alignment, and exploitation of basic, applied, and advanced research and technology. For more information please visit: SAM.gov.

    Forthcoming - Director of the Artificial Intelligence Integration Center

Direct Supporting Units

  • 75th Innovation Command is an Army Reserve command based in Houston, Texas. The command drives operational innovation, concepts and capabilities to enhance the readiness and lethality of the Future Force by leveraging the unique skills, agility and private sector connectivity of America's Army Reserve.

    MG Martin F. Klein - Commanding General, 75th Innovation Command

    CSM Kristal Florquist - Command Sergeant Major, 75th Innovation Command

  • Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, provides direct support to AFC and relevant, timely information to senior Army leaders through rigorous testing and evaluation.

    MG James J. Gallivan - Commanding General for the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command

    CSM Bryan Otero - Command Sergeant Major for the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command

At AFC, we are always eager to form new, mutually beneficial partnerships with innovative small businesses, entrepreneurs, nontraditional partners and institutes of higher education.

We also consistently seek creative, industrious and enthusiastic individuals to join our team.

Explore below to learn more about business and career opportunities with the command.

  • Civilian Employment Opportunities
    Explore our current job listings on the AFC job board!

    Learn About Benefits
    Working as a Civilian provides many benefits!

  • The U.S Army Futures Command (AFC) offers a variety of internship opportunities for high school and college students to gain practical career experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs.

    High School Students

    The AFC programs for high school students give them the opportunity to explore their interests before they graduate. Be sure to read each description to see which programs best fit your interests!

    Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) Apprenticeship Program

    AEOP provides high school through Post Doc students with hands on STEM research opportunities in DoD and university laboratories across the United States and its Territories. Participating in AEOP apprenticeships offers students the unique opportunity to be mentored and trained by senior Army, Army sponsored, or university faculty researchers while conducting real world research. Furthermore, they learn about education and career opportunities in a variety of different STEM fields to help make informed career decisions and support their retained interest in STEM.

    Visit their website

    Gains in Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS)

    GEMS’ mission is to interest young people, who might not otherwise give serious thought to becoming scientists or engineers, in STEM careers early enough that they have the time to attain the appropriate academic training. The program is based on a multi-disciplinary educational curriculum, and is focused on age and grade-appropriate hands-on activities, in areas such as science, engineering, mathematics, computational sciences, computational biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry and biology. STEM-related activities (robotics, rocketry, computer science, lasers, and more) inside a world class military laboratory.

    Visit their website

    Real-World Internship in Science & Engineering (RISE)

    The RISE Intern Program offers a 2-week in lab experience for students over 16 years old who are rising Juniors or Rising Seniors at a Maryland High School. Students work directly with C5ISR Center engineers to complete a project or series of technical education experiences. In addition, students complete an 8-hour communication and leadership curriculum. The program culminates with a closing ceremony where students present their work to C5ISR Center engineers and senior leaders as well as to their parents and special guests.

    Visit their website

    Undergraduate Programs

    Academic Individual Advance Development (AIAD)

    The United States Military Academy (USMA) Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program provides cadets with an opportunity to observe and implement concepts from their education in chemistry, chemical engineering and life science over several weeks during this summer internship. Fully Funded by USMA.

    Visit their website

    Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) Apprenticeship Program

    AEOP provides high school through Post Doc students with hands on STEM research opportunities in DoD and university laboratories across the United States and its Territories. Participating in AEOP apprenticeships offers students the unique opportunity to be mentored and trained by senior Army, Army sponsored, or university faculty researchers while conducting real world research. Furthermore, they learn about education and career opportunities in a variety of different STEM fields to help make informed career decisions and support their retained interest in STEM.

    Visit their website

    Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART)

    The SMART Program, part of the Department of Defense (DoD) science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) portfolio, provides STEM students with the tools needed to pursue higher education and begin a rewarding career with the DoD. With a full scholarship, students pursuing STEM degrees will be able to focus on complex research to further the DoD's mission and create a lasting impact. SMART is offered throughout Army, Air Force, Navy and other DOD sponsoring facilities spanning multiple states. Students pursuing degrees in approximately 21 STEM disciplines may apply. There are more than 17 participating Army Sponsoring Facilities spread across 61 locations.

    Visit their website

    Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)

    Facilitates collaboration between academia and DOE to advance scientific research and education, coordination, and execution of cooperative research jointly funded by DOE and universities or industry. Students will be able to conduct real-world research while networking with peers in order to gain a better knowledge of the field they are interested in pursuing a career in the STEM workforce.

    Visit their website

    Department of Defense (DoD) College Acquisition Internship Program (DCAIP)

    The Department of Defense (DoD) College Acquisition Internship Program (DCAIP) is a highly competitive program that seeks to attract a diverse group of bright and innovative full-time college students for Acquisition Workforce (AWF) positions located throughout the country. The program is a paid, ten week, summer opportunity designed to expose students pursuing relevant undergraduate degrees to the DoD AWF culture and to provide real world experience in various acquisition career fields.

    Visit their website

    DoD Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP)

    DoD CySP designed to encourage the recruitment of the nation’s top cyber talent and the retention of DoD personnel who have skills necessary to meet DoD’s cyber requirements and help secure our nation against threats of information systems and networks. Provide scholarships to students in pursuit of cyber-related degree at National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Education: Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), Cyber Defense Research (CAE-R) or Cyber Operations (CAE- CO).

    Visit their website

    DoD Historically Black College and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions Summer Research Program

    The DoD HBCU/MI Summer Research Program provides a bridge between the classroom and real-world experiences and aims to increase the number of minority scientists and engineers throughout the DoD.

    Visit their website

    GVSC Local Intern

    These are interns that are attending classes at an accredited university or college, may or may not be able to work for us part time (Depends on school schedule) during their school schedule will work for us full time during the summer and any school breaks, Upon Graduation they are promoted (based on performance) to the full time recent graduate program.

    GVSC Summer Intern

    GVSC Summer Hire Program mission is to expose students to the multiple engineering and technological possibilities that are critical to improve the effectiveness of our soldiers.

    Innovative Student Internship Program (ISIP)

    ISIP (formally known as MUSIP) is a 10-week summer internship program at CBC for undergraduate students designed to foster research, development and testing at designated CBC engineering and research laboratories. In conjunction with a mentor, chosen applicants will participate and conduct science and engineering research in areas of interest to CBC.

    Visit their website

    Physical Science Laboratory @ New Mexico State University (NMSU)

    Students in the Lab and in the Field

    The involvement of NMSU students in applied research projects has been a cornerstone of our important mission and over the last 75 years, we have employed nearly 20,000 students and co-ops.

    Students from various majors have found employment opportunities, while gaining valuable academic, professional and leadership experience.

    Visit their website

    DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (RAP)

    DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Research Associateship Program (RAP) Summer Student Experience (managed by ORAU) is an educational program that allows students and recent graduates to participate in a paid research experience at a Department of Defense laboratory over the summer break. Scientists and engineers at ARL help shape and execute the Army's program for meeting the challenge of developing technologies that will support Army forces in meeting future operational needs.

    Visit their website

    Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Internship Program

    United States Army Cadet Command(USACC) Four week internship program is a leader development initiative to help develop, retain, and ultimately commission quality ROTC cadets as Second Lieutenants. All Cadets participating are volunteers. As a host agency we develop projects to expose the cadets to our labs and technologies. The Cadets are all assigned both a Military and a Civilian Sponsor.

    Visit their website

    Scientific, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Student Employment Program (SSEP)

    The SSEP is direct hire authority for students enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) in an academic program in pursuit of Scientific, Technical, Engineering or Mathematical (STEM) courses of study leading to a bachelor’s or advanced degree. SSEP Interns may work either part-time or full-time, as long as it does not interfere with their academic schedule. The purpose of this program is to streamline the hiring process which allows labs to successfully compete with private industry for high caliber STEM students when filling scientific and engineering positions. SSEP interns who have successfully completed the program may be noncompetitively converted flexible length renewable term or permanent career ladder positions in the competitive service at the lab Director’s discretion.

    Visit their website

    The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) contract

    The UTEP College of Engineering believes that a significant portion of educational opportunities afforded to you can be found in experiences that occur beyond the four wall of a classroom, and to achieve this we aim to engage you in co-operative education and internships. We understand the challenges of obtaining these experiences but we are strategically partnered with the University Career Center to build your resume, develop your professional skill set and meet the employers seeking to hire you.

    Visit their website

    USA Cadet Command Intern Program

    The program's funding is from the Department of the Army Human Resources Command. Provides four-week summer placement opportunities to Army Cadet Corps members in one of the Army labs to conduct joint research projects with Army laboratory scientists during a cadet's approved CLT time frame. The primary goal is to build in-house research capacity by exposing faculty to cutting-edge scientific work. Work Cadets can take back to their campus to improve curriculum, research products, and student outcomes while exposing the Army Research Laboratory capabilities to future military leaders.

    York College Co-Op

    Partnership with York College, PA, where we bring current students onboard as interns, that are required to work one year of engineering cooperative work experience (co-op). They work full-time during this year of co-op, and are paid for their time. Students gain real-world professional engineering experience.

    Visit their website

    Graduate Programs

    Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) Apprenticeship Program

    AEOP provides high school through Post Doc students with hands on STEM research opportunities in DoD and university laboratories across the United States and its Territories. Participating in AEOP apprenticeships offers students the unique opportunity to be mentored and trained by senior Army, Army sponsored, or university faculty researchers while conducting real world research. Furthermore, they learn about education and career opportunities in a variety of different STEM fields to help make informed career decisions and support their retained interest in STEM.

    Visit their website

    Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART)

    The SMART Program, part of the Department of Defense (DoD) science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) portfolio, provides STEM students with the tools needed to pursue higher education and begin a rewarding career with the DoD. With a full scholarship, students pursuing STEM degrees will be able to focus on complex research to further the DoD's mission and create a lasting impact. SMART is offered throughout Army, Air Force, Navy and other DOD sponsoring facilities spanning multiple states. Students pursuing degrees in approximately 21 STEM disciplines may apply. There are more than 17 participating Army Sponsoring Facilities spread across 61 locations.

    Visit their website

    Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)

    Facilitates collaboration between academia and DOE to advance scientific research and education, coordination, and execution of cooperative research jointly funded by DOE and universities or industry. Students will be able to conduct real-world research while networking with peers in order to gain a better knowledge of the field they are interested in pursuing a career in the STEM workforce.

    Visit their website

    DoD Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP)

    DoD CySP designed to encourage the recruitment of the nation’s top cyber talent and the retention of DoD personnel who have skills necessary to meet DoD’s cyber requirements and help secure our nation against threats of information systems and networks. Provide scholarships to students in pursuit of cyber-related degree at National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Education: Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), Cyber Defense Research (CAE-R) or Cyber Operations (CAE- CO).

    Visit their website

    DoD Historically Black College and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions Summer Faculty Research Fellowship

    DoD HBCU/MI Summer Research Fellowship program aims to strengthen the collaboration between the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and STEM faculty affiliated with Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) and Minority Institutions (MI). Participation requires a commitment of ten consecutive weeks.

    Visit their website

    DoD Historically Black College and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions Summer Research Program

    The DoD HBCU/MI Summer Research Program provides a bridge between the classroom and real-world experiences and aims to increase the number of minority scientists and engineers throughout the DoD.

    Visit their website

    DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (RAP)

    DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Research Associateship Program (RAP) Summer Student Experience (managed by ORAU) is an educational program that allows students and recent graduates to participate in a paid research experience at a Department of Defense laboratory over the summer break. Scientists and engineers at ARL help shape and execute the Army's program for meeting the challenge of developing technologies that will support Army forces in meeting future operational needs.

    Visit their website

    Scientific, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Student Employment Program (SSEP)

    The SSEP is direct hire authority for students enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) in an academic program in pursuit of Scientific, Technical, Engineering or Mathematical (STEM) courses of study leading to a bachelor’s or advanced degree. SSEP Interns may work either part-time or full-time, as long as it does not interfere with their academic schedule. The purpose of this program is to streamline the hiring process which allows labs to successfully compete with private industry for high caliber STEM students when filling scientific and engineering positions. SSEP interns who have successfully completed the program may be noncompetitively converted flexible length renewable term or permanent career ladder positions in the competitive service at the lab Director’s discretion.

    Visit their website

    The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) contract

    The UTEP College of Engineering believes that a significant portion of educational opportunities afforded to you can be found in experiences that occur beyond the four wall of a classroom, and to achieve this we aim to engage you in co-operative education and internships. We understand the challenges of obtaining these experiences but we are strategically partnered with the University Career Center to build your resume, develop your professional skill set and meet the employers seeking to hire you.

    Visit their website

  • About the Office of Small Business Programs

    AFC’s Office of Small Business Programs seeks to maximize innovative small business sources that support Army readiness by serving as a small business industrial base advocate.

    The office works extensively with the small business community, connecting small businesses to Army modernization efforts to increase the Army’s ability to be consistently innovative, responsive, flexible, and cost-effective.

    Why We Connect

    At AFC, we are focused on developing and then delivering capabilities for our Soldiers to win our nation’s wars. Our ability to develop those capabilities is based on building and enhancing collaborative relationships with entrepreneurs, innovators, and our industry partners to find dual-use disruptive technologies to solve identified Army problems.

    At the Office of Small Business Programs, we also recognize that many businesses may be small in size but BIG in powerful ideas, and we are excited to partner with fledgling companies that bring new perspectives and bold solutions to the table.

    Get in touch with us via Email:
    usarmy.austin-tx.futures-cmd.mbx.small-business-programs@army.mil

    Useful Websites:
    https://www.sam.gov
    https://osbp.army.mil
    https://business.defense.gov
    https://www.sba.gov

    Who We Work With
    • Small Businesses
    • Small Disadvantaged Businesses
    • Historically Under-Utilized Business Zones
    • Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
    • Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
    • Women-Owned Small Businesses
    Additional Partnerships
    • 8(a) Business Programs
    • Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Minority Institutions
    • Subcontracting
    • DoD Mentor Protege Program
    • DoD Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/DoD Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
    • Other Transaction Authority
    • Category Management
    • Indian Incentive Program
  • (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Project Convergence is a campaign of learning, experimentation and demonstration aimed at aggressively integrating the Army’s weapons and command and control systems with those of the rest of the Joint Force.

    Project Convergence ensures the Army, as part of the Joint and Combined fight, can rapidly and continuously converge effects across all domains – land, air, sea, space and cyberspace.

    Project Convergence is designed around five core components:

    • PEOPLE – The foundation for everything the Army does. The Army is making sure it has the right people, with the right skills and training, in the right roles, to succeed in complex future missions.
    • WEAPONS SYSTEMS – The Army’s materiel upgrading and innovation efforts give Soldiers the weapons systems they need to be the most lethal and effective fighting force in the world.
    • COMMAND AND CONTROL – For the increasingly fast-paced and complex future fight, the Army needs the right command and control systems. These systems include the Integrated Tactical Network (ITN), Command Post Computing Environment (CPCE) and the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS).
    • INFORMATION – Project Convergence develops the right data enablers so Soldiers can control and direct command and control systems to deliver lethality. Project Convergence is empowered by artificial intelligence and machine learning to speed the process to the point of need, improving accuracy and helping the Army make the ideal pairing between sensors and shooters.
    • TERRAIN – The Army’s Soldiers and units, with the right weapons, command and control systems and data enablers, correctly positioned, help open windows of opportunity and provide critical access so the Joint Force can fight and win.

    Project Convergence Video [YouTube Link]

  • To contact the Army Software Factory, please send an email:
    usarmy.austin-tx.futures-cmd.mbx.afc-hq-software-factory@army.mil

    More information about the Army Software Factory can be found under the "Who We Are" tab above.

MAJOR GENERAL HAROLD J. GREENE INNOVATION AWARD

In 2015, the United States Army Material Command (USAAMC), with approval from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, or ASA(ALT), consolidated, renamed and rebranded the Army’s Greatest Innovation (AGI) / Soldiers’ Greatest Innovation (SGI) award programs into the Major General Harold “Harry” J. Greene Award for Innovation.

In 2019, a memorandum of understanding was signed between USSAMC and Army Futures Command that transferred the Engineer and Scientist Career Management Career Program 16 (CP-16) and with it, the Major General Greene Award for Innovation.

The purpose of the program is to annually recognize new and innovation technologies provided by the Army’s Research and Development (R&D) and Science and Technology (S&T) communities, as well as Soldiers in the field, that greatly enhance the overall readiness while positively impacting Soldier performance.

Past Awards

  • Best Team Innovation Award Winners

    MAJ. Jeffrey Kugelman

    Ms. Raina Kumar, Mr. George Martinez

    Ms. Janelle Ober

    MAJ. Mathanraj Packiam

    Mr. Mariano Sanchez-Lockhart

    Best Individual Innovation Award Winner

    Ms. Gina Hartnett

  • Best Innovation Team Award:

    From Army Contracting Command – New Jersey:

    Mr. David Drag

    Ms. Christina Makhijani

    From DEVCOM Armaments Center:

    Mr. Scott Ammon

    Mr. Paul Betts

    Mr. Joshua Brunn

    Mr. Raymond Chaplin

    Mr. William Crepeault

    Mr. Christopher Drake

    Mr. Marco Duca

    Mr. Richard Field

    Mr. Joshua Gallagher

    Mr. Christopher Gandy

    Mr. Alexander Gazdalski

    Mr. Kip Hess

    Mr. Joseph Juarez

    Mr. Joseph Kerry

    Mr. Robert Kim

    Mr. Harry Lee

    Ms. Jacqueline Longcore

    Mr. Joseph Paras

    Mr. Jignesh Patel

    Mr. Alexander Pearce

    Ms. Jane Petreski

    Mr. David Pfau

    Ms. Susan Polinski

    Mr. Jose Reyes

    Ms. Jamie Robinson

    Mr. Joseph Rokosz

    Ms. Michelle Schultz

    Mr. Jeffrey Scull

    Mr. Robert Sulzbach

    Mr. Richard Swanson

    Mr. David Thomas

    Mr. Christopher Vesper

    Mr. Matthew Volkmann

    Mr. Karl Weiss

    Mr. Thomas Zahn

    From DEVCOM Army Research Lab:

    Mr. David “Mark” Andrews

    Mr. Tyler Ehlers

    Mr. Charles Eichhorst

    Mr. Daniel Gubernat

    Mr. Lee Magness

    Mr. James Newill

    Mr. Gregory Oberlin

    From DEVCOM Data & Analysis Center:

    Mr. Kevin Jubb

    From JPEO Project Manager Maneuver Ammunition Systems:

    Mr. Luke Falk

    COL Andrew Lunoff

    COL John “Todd” Masternak

    Mr. Robert Muth

    Best Operational Innovation Individual Award:

    1st Lt. Mahdi Al-Husseini of the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade

    Best Laboratory Innovation Individual Award:

    Ms. Carole Winterhalter of the DEVCOM Soldier Center

HONORING MAJOR GENERAL GREENE

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Maj. Gen. Harold “Harry” J. Greene was an outstanding leader and Soldier who leveraged his passion for engineering to make lasting contributions to the Army acquisition and systems community. He was killed in 2014 during an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, where he had been serving as the deputy commanding general of the Combined Security Transition Command. Previous to that assignment, he was the deputy for acquisition and systems management (acquisition, logistics and technology) from April 2012 to January 2014. His previous roles included program executive officer for intelligence, electronic warfare and sensors from May 2011 to April 2012 and RDECOM deputy commanding general / senior commander at Natick Soldier Systems Center from May 2009 to May 2011.

Maj. Gen. Greene was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1980. His education included a bachelor of science in materials engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; a master of science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; a master in industrial engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; a master of science in materials engineering from the University of Southern California; a master of strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College; a master of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California; and a doctorate in materials engineering from the University of Southern California.

His awards and decorations included the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

Contact AFC

Contact the Public Affairs Office at afcmedia@army.mil