The U.S. Army has launched a new office that aims to expedite the development and delivery of technologies designed to help address combatant commanders’ immediate, near-term and mid-term needs.The service branch said Wednesday its Rapid Capabilities Office will lead the prototyping and initial equipping of technologies in the areas of cyber, electronic warfare, survivability, positioning, navigation, timing and other priority projects.
“The goal of the Army Rapid Capabilities Office is not to procure systems to outfit the entire Army, but rather to use targeted investments to execute strategic prototyping, concept evaluation and limited equipping — especially in areas where technology progresses rapidly,” Katrina McFarland, acting assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition.
The organization will analyze, prototype, develop, procure and deploy technologies for high-priority threat-based projects within one to five years, the Army added.
The Rapid Capabilities Office also aims to provide information on the impact of new technologies on the Army’s doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership, personnel, facilities and policy as well as support technologies from government agencies and industry partners, the Army said.
Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning led the creation of the Rapid Capabilities Office and Douglas Wiltsie has been appointed to serve as director of the organization, the service branch noted.
