The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Indiana National Guard hosted the second iteration of the Technology Readiness Experimentation 2023 event (T-REX) at Muscatatuck Training Center and Camp Atterbury, Indiana, Oct. 10-20. T-REX assesses and fast-tracks technologies that the Department of Defense deems critical to warfighting efforts,
T-REX is a critical component of the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER), which facilitates modernization efforts through rapid prototyping and experimentation of integrated joint military technologies. RDER prototypes are used and assessed at T-REX events for validation before they are fielded. T-REX provides a critical venue for accelerating joint innovation through real-world data, which are used to inform future warfighting concept development.
T-REX 23-2 carried out 11 full scale assessments of new and innovative warfighting technologies from traditional and non-traditional defense companies, measuring their effectiveness and capability for further development based on the Joint Force's needs. The exercise included participation from Australia and the United Kingdom, who have been instrumental partners in the Department's drive to expand its science and technology capabilities.
The assessment aligns with the Department's effort to develop uncrewed, multi-domain, autonomous systems with resilient communications from space to the ocean floor. The technologies assessed enable strategic overmatch capabilities in support of operations in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world.
"Experimentation like T-REX allow us to better understand the next-generation technologies being developed across the defense innovation base so we can take steps to expedite their transition and fielding," said Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Dr. David Honey. "This ultimately helps the DoD deter aggression and keep our troops safe."
Undersecretary of Defense for Research & Engineering Heidi Shyu
On October 19, more than 300 guests attended a Distinguished Visitor Day where government and industry leaders observed part of the assessment in real-time. Additionally, 42 participants set up booths for a Prototype Technology Display that showcased other cutting-edge military technologies. These participants included large and small businesses, leaders from combatant commands, and military services that presented innovative prototypes that align with the Joint Warfighting Concept. The display allowed leaders to see the latest RDER-aligned prototypes in-person, and for companies to help shape the development of front-line military technologies.
Technologies that successfully demonstrated capability at T-REX 23-2 will be eligible to progress to a graduation experiment, such as Northern Edge or Valiant Shield, as part of the RDER campaign of experimentation.
T-REX delivered success earlier this year as technologies assessed in May graduated to Northern Edge, an open military exercise, where they were successfully implemented in a realistic combat environment.
About USD(R&E)
The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) is the Chief Technology Officer of the Department of Defense. The USD(R&E) champions research, science, technology, engineering, and innovation to maintain the United States military's technological advantage. Learn more at www.cto.mil, follow us on Twitter @DoDCTO, or visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ousdre.
