{"id":477707,"date":"2025-06-12T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-12T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=477707"},"modified":"2025-06-12T21:15:29","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T21:15:29","slug":"revolutionizing-operational-testing-the-next-generation-squad-weapon-ngsw-expeditionary-operational-assessment-at-fort-johnso","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=477707","title":{"rendered":"Revolutionizing Operational Testing: The Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) Expeditionary Operational Assessment at Fort Johnso…"},"content":{"rendered":"

FORT JOHNSON, La. \u2014<\/strong> Amidst the evolving landscape of military acquisitions and the Army\u2019s renewed commitment to agile, rapid capability development, the Nest Generation Squad Weapon (NSGW) has undergone a pivotal Expeditionary Operational Assessment (EOA) in collaboration with elements of 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), at the Joint Readiness Training Center (Rotation 25-07).<\/p>\n

This assessment marks a significant step forward in the Army\u2019s implementation of the continuous transformation framework, specifically within the Transformation in Contact (TiC) phase.<\/p>\n

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\n A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) prepares to fire his XM7 rifle while conducting movement to contact, deliberate attack, and hasty defense exercises, as part of Next Generation Squad Weapon system testing recently at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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\n A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) engages a target at roughly 800-meters on the enemy counterattack lane, during the Next Generation Squad Weapon system testing recently at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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The 101st Airborne Division, identified by the Army as one of its TiC units, plays a critical role in rapidly integrating and evaluating emerging capabilities that directly address urgent operational requirements.<\/p>\n

Operational Testing in TiC: A New Paradigm<\/strong><\/p>\n

The NGSW assessment at Fort Johnson is in direct response to Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George\u2019s call to action for the Army to swiftly adapt its acquisition processes. Through the continuous transformation framework, TiC-designated units receive and rapidly implement new capabilities at a relevant speed. This has necessitated a shift in thinking from traditional test and evaluation (T&E) approaches, in trade for more agile, iterative processes. These highlight the integration of rigorous data-driven analysis and direct soldier feedback.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur commitment to providing world-class, objective test data to Army senior leaders remains unchanged. But the rapidly changing battlefield requires that we rethink historical methods and processes of operational testing. TiC especially highlights that we cannot remain in the status quo,\u201d said Col. Mike Trotter, Director of the Maneuver Test Directorate (MTD), U.S. Army Operational Test Command (USAOTC). \u201cWe are embracing agility and broadening our testing horizons, while ensuring we retain world-class standards.\u201d<\/p>\n

Small Team, Big Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whereas operational testing has traditionally been a large-scale effort \u2014 requiring extensive planning, coordination, and strict control of test variables \u2014 T&E within TiC has sparked more agile practices. EOAs are one such evolution.<\/p>\n

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\n A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) engages Bravo Company opposing forces during a 72-hour Mission Scenario, as part of Next Generation Squad Weapon system testing recently at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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This EOA event, which expands upon previous assessments conducted at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, is led by a specialized, nimble test team uniquely equipped for agile testing. The team is drawn from USAOTC\u2019s MTD, Dismounted Test Division \u2014 Mr. Troy Willey, a retired Command Sergeant Major with extensive armored command experience; Mr. Bill Rabena, a mathematician, operations research systems analyst and former brigade commander with deep expertise in operational analytics; and Maj. Thomas Lorenson, the senior test officer. They are joined by Maj. Matt Brooks, a military evaluator from the U.S. Army Evaluation Center.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe expertise of Mr. Willey and Mr. Rabena, as well as Maj. Brook\u2019s operational experience, [are] invaluable,\u201d emphasized Lorenson. \u201cTheir operational and analytical insights significantly enhance our ability to construe soldier feedback comprehensively and accurately. I\u2019m fortunate to work alongside such a proficient and dedicated team of experts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Expanding the Testing Frontier<\/strong><\/p>\n

The broader shift toward EOAs was successfully applied in previous programs, such as the Infantry Squad Vehicle and Next Generation Tactical Vehicle. EOAs prioritize flexibility, mobility, and timely data collection within operationally realistic training and combat scenarios.<\/p>\n

This EOA also reflects growing engagements between operational testers and the Combat Training Centers (CTCs). CTCs are uniquely poised to enable testers minimal, invasive access to TiC units in their training cycles. CTC conditions, in many cases, qualify as the operational realism required of traditional operational tests.<\/p>\n

Col. Ricky Taylor, Commander of Operations Group at Joint Readiness Training Center, underscored this critical initiative. \u201cWe need to continue adapting to changes on the battlefield and replicate large-scale ground combat operations,\u201d he said. \u201cThese assessments directly support the chief\u2019s and the Army\u2019s initiatives. It\u2019s imperative we embrace them and fully integrate these assessors with our task force to achieve the most valuable operational data.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) executes night Urban Rifle Marksmanship training, during the Next Generation Squad Weapon system testing recently at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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Another key evolution was the integration with the Centers of Excellence (COE), as a source of evaluation criteria. This nascent approach seeks to align EOA data requirements with the learning demands of the COEs and, in some cases, the operational units. This marks a shift from traditional dependence on formal requirements documents, like the Capability Development Document, which may be outdated or absent in today\u2019s rapidly evolving environment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Army\u2019s expectations are clear: operational testing must deliver timely, relevant insights without compromising rigorous evaluation,\u201d explained Willey. \u201cOur approach ensures rapid adaptation to soldier and unit needs, directly informing future capability development.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qualitative Insights, Quantitative Precision<\/strong><\/p>\n

During the assessment, the team conducts comprehensive qualitative and quantitative surveys with Soldiers, which captures broad perspectives on the NGSW\u2019s 6.8mm ammunition, Fire Control System, and overall weapon implementation. Hundreds of Soldiers provide immediate, unfiltered insights highlighting both strengths and areas requiring improvement.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe weapon is great. I can fire effectively from all positions, and it gives me a lot of confidence,\u201d said Spc. Shaquille Pusey of Alpha Co., 1-506th Battalion. \u201cMy only issues are the bipod, which can be hard to manage, and the ammo pouch release button. It often comes undone when I move, spilling the link.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith this weapon, I\u2019m simply more lethal,\u201d said Sgt. Christopher Caldwell from 3rd Platoon, Alpha Co., 1-506th Battalion. \u201cEngaging targets at long distances feels effortless. It\u2019s like having a cheat code. The precision and controllability give us a clear edge.\u201d<\/p>\n

While qualitative soldier feedback provides firsthand experience, Rabena\u2019s system-oriented approach ensures the rigorous analytical depth required in operational testing.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnique to this EOA is its targeted data collection approach, which focuses on specific areas needing improvement that were identified in a previous operational test\u2019s database,\u201d Rabena said. \u201cThis EOA serves as a litmus test for program manager (PM) progress and unit sentiment toward the new system. It essentially asks, what still needs to be fixed, and have any new issues emerged?\u201d This structured data collection will yield precise, actionable feedback for evaluators like Brooks, who ensure system updates, while contributing to the iterative process.<\/p>\n

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\n U.S. Army Soldiers from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) prepare to engage Bravo Company opposing Forces during a 72-hour Mission Scenario, as part of Next Generation Squad Weapon system testing recently at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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\u201cThe Next Generation Squad Weapon program thrives on rapid prototyping and embedded evaluation,\u201d said Brooks. \u201cSoldier feedback drives iterative improvements at the speed of relevance, ensuring design adjustments meet real-world needs. The U.S. Army Evaluation Center accelerates the process by delivering results briefs to senior leaders within seven days of test completion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unbiased Testing, Unchanged Integrity<\/strong><\/p>\n

While TiC assessments accelerate fielding timelines and challenge traditional test methodologies, USAOTC\u2019s fundamental commitment to providing unbiased data for decision makers remains unchanged. Modernizing T&E capabilities and data collection methods, as well as fostering closer integration with new stakeholders across the acquisition and operational communities, enables the generation of critical insights under realistic operational conditions, free from personal bias.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur role as an impartial stakeholder is absolutely critical,\u201d Lorenson noted. \u201cWe objectively report the data, bridging soldier experiences with the needs of program managers and the larger enterprise, ensuring rapid delivery of reliable and effective equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Call to Action, A Call to Transform<\/strong><\/p>\n

The assessment at Fort Johnson directly aligns with the recent emphasis of Maj. Gen. John Klein, Special Assistant to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command on incorporating lessons learned from global conflicts that highlight urgent operational realities. The continuous transformation framework, as demonstrated through TiC, ensures that soldier input, rigorous operational testing, and adaptive acquisition practices remain at the forefront of Army capability development.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Chief of Staff and Klein\u2019s message to the force reemphasized the need to evolve iteratively and continuously,\u201d said Rabena. \u201cThis assessment isn\u2019t just about one weapon system. It represents the future of how we rapidly develop and field critical capabilities to Soldiers on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

Forward Momentum: Lessons and Insights<\/strong><\/p>\n

As the assessment concludes, USAOTC will produce a memorandum of observation highlighting critical improvements, agile spin-off opportunities, and valuable insights to guide ongoing and future acquisition efforts. By providing data-backed, field-tested insights, iterative feedback empowers both the developers and decision makers to innovate and deliver with the urgency of today\u2019s battlefields demand.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur ultimate aim is timely feedback that enables PMs, Soldiers, and the broader acquisition community to swiftly and effectively deliver superior capabilities. The NGSW Expeditionary Operational Assessment at Fort Johnson exemplifies our commitment to transforming operational testing to meet the urgent demands of the modern battlefield,\u201d concluded Lorenson.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are zealously looking at how we can assist meeting the demands of operational realities, continuous transformation, and the forthcoming sweeping changes across the Army Acquisition enterprise,\u201d Trotter said. \u201cWhat we do for our Army aids in providing the best equipment on the planet to our Soldiers so that they can fight, dominate, win, and survive on the battlefields in which they WILL find themselves. The NGSW EOA is a significant step forward in revolutionizing operational test and evaluation.\u201d<\/p>\n

~~<\/p>\n

About the U.S. Army Operational Test Command:<\/p>\n

As the Army\u2019s only independent operational tester, OTC tests Army, joint, and multi-service warfighting systems in realistic operational environments, using typical Soldiers to determine whether the systems are effective, suitable, and survivable. OTC is required by public law to test major systems before they are fielded to its ultimate customer \u2014 the American Soldier.<\/p>\n

The Maneuver Test Directorate, based at West Fort Cavazos, Texas, is OTC\u2019s lead directorate for conducting independent operational testing of Infantry, Armor, and robotic systems to inform acquisition and fielding decisions for the Army and select joint Warfighting systems. Poised, ready, and always able, MTD is the \u201cgo to\u201d test directorate to provide Army Futures Command and senior Army leadership with truthful test feedback they need to make informed decisions as to what capabilities will be brought to bear against future adversaries in a Multi-Domain Battle environment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

FORT JOHNSON, La. \u2014 Amidst the evolving landscape of military acquisitions and the Army\u2019s renewed commitment to agile, rapid capability development, the Nest Generation Squad Weapon (NSGW) has undergone a pivotal Expeditionary Operational Assessment (EOA) in collaboration with elements of 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), at the Joint Readiness Training Center (Rotation 25-07). […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":477709,"comment_status":"close","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-477707","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/477707","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=477707"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/477707\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":477715,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/477707\/revisions\/477715"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/477709"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=477707"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=477707"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=477707"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}