Army Research, Development and Engineering Command
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| Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Army Research, Development and Engineering Command |
| Abbreviation | RDECOM |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Type | Research and development |
| Garrison | Aberdeen Proving Ground |
| Garrison label | Headquarters |
| Command structure | United States Army Materiel Command |
| Notable commanders | Maj. Gen. Nickolas G. Justice |
Army Research, Development and Engineering Command. It was a major subordinate command of the United States Army Materiel Command responsible for the discovery, development, and delivery of technology-based capabilities to the United States Army. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, the command managed a global network of research centers and engineering laboratories. Its mission was to provide innovative technological solutions to enhance the capabilities of American soldiers and ensure overmatch against adversaries.
History
The command's lineage traces back to various historic organizations, including the Ordnance Corps laboratories established during World War I and expanded significantly through efforts like the Manhattan Project during World War II. It was formally established in its modern iteration in 2003, consolidating several existing research entities under the United States Army Materiel Command. Key predecessors included the United States Army Research Laboratory and elements of the United States Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command. Throughout the Global War on Terrorism, including operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the command accelerated the delivery of critical technologies to deployed forces.
Organization
RDECOM was organized into several core technical centers, each specializing in distinct scientific domains. These included the Army Research Laboratory, the Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center, and the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center. Other major components were the Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center, the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, and the Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center. The command also maintained strong collaborative ties with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Office of Naval Research, and academic institutions under programs like the University Affiliated Research Center.
Research and development areas
The command's portfolio spanned a vast array of cutting-edge scientific disciplines critical to modern warfare. This included advanced materials science for lightweight armor, next-generation artificial intelligence for autonomous systems, and sophisticated cyberwarfare defense tools. Significant investment was directed toward directed-energy weapons, such as high-energy lasers, and biotechnology for enhanced human performance. Research also focused on network-centric warfare, advanced propulsion systems for ground vehicles, and novel energetics and warhead technologies for munitions like the Excalibur precision artillery round.
Major facilities and laboratories
RDECOM operated a network of premier facilities across the United States. Its headquarters and several key labs were located at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. Other significant sites included the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, home to armaments development, and the Detroit Arsenal in Michigan, focused on ground vehicle systems. The Redstone Arsenal in Alabama hosted centers for aviation and missile research, while the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico provided critical testing grounds. International collaboration occurred through entities like the NATO Science and Technology Organization.
Key achievements and contributions
The command was instrumental in fielding numerous transformative systems for the United States Armed Forces. It developed and improved life-saving equipment such as advanced combat helmets and Interceptor Body Armor. In vehicle protection, it pioneered MRAP vehicle designs and active protection systems like Trophy. Its work enabled the deployment of the JTRS radios and the Nett Warrior system, enhancing soldier connectivity. Other notable contributions include advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles, M1 Abrams tank upgrades, and counter-IED technologies widely used in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Transition to Army Futures Command
In a major reorganization to address near-peer competition, the United States Department of Defense initiated the creation of the Army Futures Command in 2018. This new four-star command, headquartered in Austin, Texas, assumed RDECOM's core research and development functions to streamline the modernization process. Most of RDECOM's technical centers and laboratories were realigned under the Army Futures Command's Combat Capabilities Development Command. This transition effectively dissolved RDECOM as a separate entity, marking a significant shift in the United States Army's approach to technological innovation and capability development.