In a groundbreaking move, the U.S. Army has launched a comprehensive digital engineering strategy designed to bring the military’s traditional systems and processes in line with the rapidly evolving technology of the private sector. The strategy, which outlines four main lines of effort, aims to transform the way the Army develops, acquires, and maintains its capabilities, ensuring they can efficiently and effectively respond to new threats.

Army Secretary Christine Wormuth emphasized the significance of the new approach: “This is the kind of work that allows us to do modeling and simulation and explore engineering challenges using computer simulations, which is more efficient and less costly.” She outlined the importance of adopting digital engineering broadly across the Army, which would replace manual, paper-based, and archaic processes with modern digital tools.

These tools will enable digital prototyping and the creation of “digital twins” of existing equipment, streamlining design and maintenance, and ultimately leading to cost and time savings.

Army Undersecretary Gabe Camarillo unveiled the strategy, stressing the urgency to catch up with the private sector’s best practices and stating, “This will kind of point us in the right direction in terms of our adoption of these tools.”

Camarillo outlined the policy’s first line of effort, focusing on creating digital engineering capabilities in three areas: ground vehicles, aviation, and sensors. The XM-30 Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft tiltrotor are set to be “pathfinder” programs leading the way in this new approach.

The second line of effort focuses on implementing data engineering tools to enhance collaboration and streamline systems integration.

Rather than promoting a one-size-fits-all tool, the Army plans to develop a more flexible approach that interfaces with the entire vendor base, fostering a seamless exchange of digital engineering tools.

Pathfinder programs, including command-and-control systems for artillery and long-range missiles and logistics for helicopters such as the UH-60 Black Hawk, AH-64 Apache, and CH-47 Chinook, form the third initiative.

These programs will serve as testbeds to solve potential problems and accelerate the adoption of digital engineering throughout the Army.

Developing the digital engineering workforce is the final line of effort, as the policy recognizes that skilled, knowledgeable personnel are crucial for the strategy’s success.

The aim is not only to use the policy by developers and engineers but also to have it adopted by tests, requirements, and sustainment committees.

The Army’s digital transformation also complements its broader modernization strategy, as revealed by Dr. Raj Iyer, the Army’s Chief Information Officer.

According to Iyer, embracing digital technologies, empowering the workforce, and reshaping institutional processes are integral to the Army maintaining digital overmatch against competitors.

As these ambitious reforms are put into action, the Army’s commitment to modernization is made clear.

With these efforts focused on digital engineering and transformation, the Army is set to maintain its technological edge and enhance its capability to protect and serve the nation in an increasingly complex and digital-centric world.

Relevant articles:
– Army unveils ‘more efficient and less costly’ digital engineering strategy, Breaking Defense
– Army Locked In on Transformation Modernization, nationaldefensemagazine.org
– Army Digital Transformation Strategy to create a more lethal, ready force, Army.mil
– CENTCOM bound: Army soldiers slated to test high, Breaking Defense