U.S. Central Command has established an innovation task force designed to deliver advanced combat equipment to troops rapidly.
The task force, dubbed the Rapid Employment Joint Task Force, will focus on coordinating innovation efforts on “capability, software and tech diplomacy” to find new and efficient ways to deliver emerging technology.
“This is about getting new warfighting capabilities into the hands of our skilled warfighters faster,” Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, said Tuesday in a statement. “The new task force will synergize existing efforts among our Service components and support Secretary Hegseth’s drive to rapidly equip our warriors.”
CENTCOM Chief Technology Officer Joy Shanaberger will lead the task force along with a collection of experts in the fields of information systems, data integration, logistics and warfighter integration. The task force aims to deliver viable technology to soldiers in the field within 60 days.
“Equipping skilled warfighters faster with cutting-edge capabilities will deter bad actors,” Ms. Shanagerger said in a statement. “We will find newer, better, and more efficient ways to equip our forces while working alongside our regional partners.”
Essentially, the structure of the REJTF is meant to break down the barriers between military branches, ensuring that the benefits of research are quickly delivered to troops.
The new task force’s goals are in line with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s new initiatives aimed at improving efficiency at the Pentagon. In July, Mr. Hegseth released a memo aimed at bolstering U.S. drone production and speeding up the delivery of low-cost drones to U.S. soldiers.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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