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Future Soldier Technology USA
June 6 - June 7, 2023
Future Soldier Technology USA

SAE Media Group is proud to present the 4th Annual Future Soldier Technology USA Conference, taking place on the June 6 and 7, 2023 in Arlington, VA.

Future Soldier Technology USA is the only dedicated conference of its kind in North America and will bring a unique focus to the future of soldier systems. The conference will discuss in detail soldier lethality, power management systems, mobility, sustainability and survivability. It gives you the opportunity to have your say, be part of the future, hear from industry experts as well as engage and network with senior program leaders and solution providers. Leaving with a detailed and exclusive understanding into the latest technology that will be used worldwide amongst soldiers and international countries.

Additionally, as soldiers and marines are increasingly integrated into an array of sensors and battlespace management systems, dismounted situational awareness is becoming a key area of overmatch capability.

Key Topics Addressed Will Include:

  • Enhancing soldier lethality
  • Next Generation Squad Weapon
  • Advanced target acquisition systems
  • Soldier sensors
  • Manned unmanned teaming
  • Communication systems
  • Battlespace management
  • Soldier sustainability
  • Systems trialling and evaluation
  • Synthetic training environments
  • Augmented reality

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Colonel Anh Ha

Colonel Anh Ha

Program Executive Officer - SOF Warrior , US Special Operations Command
Major General Martin F. Klein

Major General Martin F. Klein

Commanding General, 75th Innovation Command, United States Army Reserves

Brigadier General Anthony McQueen

Commanding General, US Army Medical Research and Development Command
Brigadier General Anthony McQueen

Brigadier General McQueen is a native of Texas and a graduate of Sam Houston State University where he was commissioned as an ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate in 1991.
Brigadier General McQueen most recently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7 United States Army Medical Command and was detailed to Operation Warp Speed from May 2020 - May 2021. He has commanded at every level from company through brigade. He most recently commanded Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, United States Army Medical Activity, Fort Campbell, Kentucky from June 2017 to June 2019 and the 402d Army Field Support Brigade, Fort Shafter, Hawaii from August 2015 to June 2017.
He served two Operation Iraqi Freedom combat tours and two tours in the Republic of Korea. He has served with the 2nd Infantry Division, the 25th Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Division, and the 1st Cavalry Division. He has also held key leadership positions at both the Medical Brigade and Brigade Combat Team levels, Division Staff, U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, and the Office of the Surgeon General.
Brigadier General McQueen is a graduate of the Army Medical Department Officer Basic Course; he has also completed the Combined Logistics Officer Advanced Course, the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and the National War College. He holds a Master of Science in National Security Strategy, and a Master of Arts in Health Services Management.
His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal; the Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal; the,Meritorious Service Medal; the Army Commendation Medal; the Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; the Iraq Campaign Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; the Armed Forces  Service Medal; the Army Service Ribbon; and the Overseas Ribbon. He also wears the Expert Field Medic Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

Colonel (Ret.) Art Sellers

Senior Director, Business Development for US Army, SOCOM, DoD, SparkCognition Government Systems (SGS)
Colonel (Ret.) Art Sellers

Art Sellers is the Senior Director of Business Development for US Army, SOCOM, DoD for SparkCognition Government Systems (SGS). Art recently retired from the US Army after serving over 27 years as a career infantry officer. He spent his entire career in operational assignments, with over 12 years in the special operations community, 10 years in command billets at every level, and 5 years in combat deployments.
Originally from Keokuk, Iowa, Art graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1995, the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in 2006 as well as from the Naval War College in Newport, RI in 2018. He not only brings his leadership and warfighting
reputation to SGS, but Art also provides relevant perspective from recent operational experiences, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and in response to the Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Additionally, he collaborated with private industry, Department of Defense entities, and the interagency to incorporate A.I. and machine learning into large scale operations and exercises.
Art and his wife, Susan, have been married for 26 years and have two sons, ages 21 and 19, as well as a 17-year-old daughter and reside near Fort Bragg, NC.

Colonel (Ret.) Jim Mingo

Futures LOE, Assistant Program Executive Office (APEO), PEO-Soldier
Colonel (Ret.) Jim Mingo

Mr. James Mingo was commissioned a 2LT in the United States Army as an Armor Officer in 1985 upon graduation from Norwich University. Jim held positions as a Tank Platoon Leader, Mortar Platoon Leader and Headquarters Company XO in the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, TX prior to attending the Captain’s Career Course. Assignments after the Career Course included Tank Battalion S-4, Tank Company Commander and Brigade Plans Officer in the 3rd Infantry Division in Vilseck, Germany. This was followed by an assignment at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin CA as an Armor Company/Team Trainer on the Cobra Team and later, a Brigade Operations Trainer on the Bronco Team. Upon completion of CGSC, Jim completed assignments as a Tank Battalion S-3 and XO and later Brigade XO in the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, TX, followed by a tour in the Pentagon as the Armor Branch Personnel Systems Staff Officer. Upon selection for Battalion Command and after completion as an assignment as the Deputy Commanding Officer of the 1st Cavalry Division DIVARTY deployed in support of OIF II, Jim commanded 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment in both Baghdad and Fort Hood, TX. This was followed by an assignment to the National Training Center where he served as the Senior Armor/ Cavalry Trainer, Cobra 07 prior to attending the United Sates Naval War College. After completion of the War College he assumed command of Task Force Sinai, as part of the Multinational Force and Observers and served as the U.S. contingent commander and Chief of Staff of the MFO in Sinai, Egypt. Jim’s active duty career culminated with a series of assignments including Director of the Army Campaign Plan in HQDA G3/5/7 at the Pentagon, Chief of Staff of the First Armored Division and Fort Bliss, TX, Executive Officer to the USAEUR Commander, Chief of Staff of USAREUR in Wiesbaden Germany and finally Chief of the Commander’s Planning Group, TRADOC HQs, Fort Eustis, VA. Retiring from active duty in 2015 after 30 years as a Colonel, Jim has since served as a contractor in support of PEO Soldier with duty at Fort Eustis, VA as a JCIDS document manager and for the last three years as a DA Civilian in PEO Soldier at Fort Belvoir, VA culminating in his current position as the Futures Lead within the Assistant PEO Soldier.

Colonel (Ret.) Richard Hansen

Former Program Manager, Soldier Warrior, PEO Soldier, US Army
Colonel (Ret.) Richard Hansen

Colonel (Ret'd) Richard Hansen, Former Program Manager, Soldier Warrior, PEO Soldier, US Army
As Former Program Manager, Soldier Warrior, PEO Soldier, US Army COL (R) Hansen spent 26 years in the US Army in both the war fighting and acquisition fields. He held various command and staff positions in self-propelled, towed, and airborne artillery units and fire support elements. His research, development, and acquisition experience includes various assignments as a product,
project, or program manager in electric guns, armored vehicles, and precision guided munitions. In his last 4 years of service as the Project Manager for Soldier Warrior, he was responsible for weapons, clothing, and equipment for aviation crewmen (Air Warrior), dismounted Soldiers (Land Warrior, Ground Soldier Ensemble), and vehicle crewmen (Mounted Soldier).

Colonel Anh Ha

Program Executive Officer - SOF Warrior , US Special Operations Command
Colonel Anh Ha

Colonel Anh H. Ha is the Program Executive Officer SOF Warrior. He is a native of Rogers, Arkansas, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1996 as part of the early commissioning program at the Marion Military Institute. He then completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Louisiana State University in 1999 and was activated into Army as an Infantryman. In July 2008, he transitioned to the U.S. Army Acquisition Corps. COL Ha’s most recently served as a Fellow with the US Army’s Training with Industry Program.

COL Ha has previously served as a Rifle Infantry Platoon Leader and then Company Executive Officer (XO) in 3-7 Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA where he deployed to Kosovo in 2000. His next assignment was at Schofield Barracks, HI, with the 25th Infantry Division where he served as the General Staff 3-Plans Officer, the 2-35 Infantry Battalion Logistics Officer in Afghanistan 2004-2005, and the 2-35 Infantry Battalion Company Commander in Iraq in 2006-2008.

Upon transitioning to the US Army Acquisition Corps; his other acquisition duties include Deputy Associate Director for TARDEC Quick Reaction Cell at Detroit Arsenal, MI. Assistant Product Manager for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) in Detroit Arsenal and Afghanistan forward Operations in Kandahar, the MRAP Vehicle Department of the Army Systems Coordinator (DASC) in the Pentagon, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) (ASA(ALT) Forward Operations Director in Kuwait, XO to the ASA(ALT) Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management (DASM), USSOCOM Program Manager for Counterproliferation at MacDill Air Force Base, XO for the ASA(ALT) Principal Military Deputy in the Pentagon, and XO for the Director of Supply Production, and Distribution for Operation Warp Speed in Washington DC.

COL Ha holds an Associate degree in Fine Arts from Marion Military Institute in Marion, AL; Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and double minor in Philosophy and Sociology from Louisiana State University A&M in Baton Rouge, LA; Masters of Business Administration in Acquisitions & Contract Management from Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA; Masters of Strategic Studies from the US Army War College in Carlisle Barrack, PA. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Anti-Armor Leaders Course, Advanced Nuclear Biological and Chemical Officer Course, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle Commander Course, Acquisition Basic Qualification Course, Intermediate Qualification Course, Joint Professional Military Education Level I & II.

COL Ha’s awards and decorations include the Ranger Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Bronze Star (one Oak Leaf Cluster [BOLC]), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM), Meritorious Service Medal (one SOLCs), Army Commendation Medal (three OLCs), Army Achievement Medal (two BOLCs), Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary & Service Medal, NATO Medal, and Humanitarian/Armed Forces Service Medal.

COL Ha is very lucky to be married to his wife, the former Dawn Leigh Page; and they have two amazing sons, Tran and Vinh.

Colonel Greg Pavlichko

Director, National Simulation Center
Colonel Greg Pavlichko

Colonel Greg Pavlichko is a recent United States Army War College graduate. Before his attendance at the War College, COL Pavlichko was assigned to 7th Army Training Command, Europe, where he served as the Chief of Operations for the Joint Multinational Simulation Center at Grafenwoehr, Germany.

COL Pavlichko was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant of Armor in August 1999, after graduating as the Distinguished Military Graduate from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His first assignment was as Platoon Leader in Hawk Company, Second Squadron, Second Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Then, as a 1st Lieutenant, he was the executive officer for Ghost Troop, Second Squadron, Second Armored Cavalry Regiment. He then attended the Armor Captains Career Course and was stationed in Vilseck, Germany.
While stationed in Vilseck, COL Pavlichko was the Chief of the Command Training Branch at the Combined Arms Training Center. He was responsible for planning, developing, and executing the Company Commander and First Sergeant Course, the Rear Detachment Commanders' course, and the US Army Europe Battalion and Brigade Pre-Command Course. COL Pavlichko's next assignment was to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division in Friedberg, Germany. He was the 1-37 AR BN assistant S-3 and then Company Commander, Charlie Company 1-37 AR. As company commander, he deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Deployed initially to Rabiya, Charlie Company relocated to Ramadi.
After company command, COL Pavlichko was selected to be a Simulation Operations officer and assigned to the Directorate of Simulations at Fort Rucker, Alabama. While at Fort Rucker, he was the Aviation Training Exercise Branch Chief and the deputy Flight School XXI program manager. COL Pavlichko was responsible for Aviation Training Exercises, using a mixture of virtual and constructive simulations to enable FORSCOM to certify all aviation battalions and brigades deploying to Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Additionally, as deputy FSXXI program manager, he was responsible for managing the simulations used in flight school at Fort Rucker.
COL Pavlichko then attended the University of Central Florida, received a master's degree in Modeling and Simulations, and attended resident ILE. After ILE, he reported to the National Simulation Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. While at the NSC, he was assigned to TCM Gaming as the requirements chief. While assigned to TCM Gaming, COL Pavlichko executed multiple verification, validation, and accreditation tests of Virtual Battle Space 3. He also led teams that developed, tested, and fielded Disaster SIM, ELITE Lite, and ELITE Sharp.
His next assignment was Chief of Collective Training at the Joint Base Lewis McChord Mission Training Complex in Washington state. At the JBLM MTC, he was the lead planner for all battalion and brigade collective training events on the MTC. He designed and supported dozens of brigade-level exercises. In addition, he developed the largest LVC-IA brigade exercise at JBLM and supported multiple division-level certification exercises. COL Pavlichko was then selected to be the Chief of Operations at JMSC. During this assignment, COL Pavlichko led a team of teams that resourced and planned exercises across Europe and assisted the training of V Corps as they established themselves in Europe.
Colonel Pavlichko holds a Master of Modeling and Simulations degree from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with 4 OLC, the Army Commendation Medal with 3 OLC, the OIF Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.
COL Pavlichko and his wife, Cari, have two children, Brandon and Chase.

Colonel Marcus J. Reynolds

Program Manager for Training Systems, US Marine Corps Systems Command
Colonel Marcus J. Reynolds

Col Marcus J. Reynolds assumed command of the Program Manager for Training Systems (PM TRASYS) in Orlando, Florida, on April 22, 2022. In this role, he serves as Marine Corps Systems Command’s executive agent assigned to manage acquisition and life-cycle support of Marine Corps ground training systems, devices and training support services. He has served more than a decade overseas including deployments throughout the IndoPacific area of responsibility as well as combat deployments to Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with one gold star, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Colonel Thomas Kilbride

Principal Director of the Algorithmic Warfare Group, Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO)
Colonel Thomas Kilbride

Colonel Thomas J. Kilbride is the Principal Director for the Algorithmic Warfare Directorate in the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office under the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Missions Director for the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, focused on accelerating A.I. across seven mission initiatives. Colonel Kilbride’s previous assignments include Infantry Branch Chief EPMD, U.S. Army Human Resource Command from 2019-2020; Battalion Commander 1st Battalion, 196th Infantry from 2017-2019; and he served as a Fellow at the Department of State in Washington D.C. As a Major, COL Kilbride served as the Executive Officer and Operations Officer for the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. He served as the Aide-de-Camp to the XVIII Airborne Corps Commander and returned to serve as the Brigade Executive Officer for the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg between 2012-2016. COL Kilbride has led Soldiers at the Brigade to Platoon level in Airborne, Ranger, and Light Infantry units from the 82nd Airborne Division, 101st Airborne Division, and the 75th Ranger Regiment in the United States, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Throughout his 21 years of service, COL Kilbride has deployed worldwide for various training events and exercises and has numerous combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. He graduated from the Infantry Officer’s Basic and Advanced Courses, the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and the National War College in Washington, D.C. He is a United States Military Academy graduate at West Point, New York, and was commissioned into the Infantry in 2002.
 

Dr Jeremy Gaston

Division Chief, Humans in Complex Systems Division, Army Research Directorate, DEVCOM - Army Research Lab
Dr Jeremy Gaston

Dr. Jeremy Gaston is the Chief of the Humans in Complex Systems (HCxS) Division and the Co-Lead of the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Research Competency of the same name. He is also an Army veteran and former Mechanized Combat Engineer. He competed his undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, receiving a B.S. in 2000. He trained at Binghamton University and received his M.A. in 2005 and Ph.D. in 2008, both in Cognitive Psychology. As an early career research scientist at DEVCOM ARL he developed and led research thrusts in multimodal perception, perceptual decision making and human-system integration. In addition, he worked with the test and evaluation community and multiple PEO’s to develop requirements and test plans for evaluating the auditory signature and acoustic safety of numerous systems ranging in application from communications, night vision and robotics. He has served as an associate editor of the Journal of Auditory Perception & Cognition, has been graduate faculty in the Department of Audiology at Towson University from 2012-2021, and had mentored seven graduate students in the completion of their Doctoral Thesis. As Chief of the Synergistic Human-Machine Interfaces Branch at ARL, he led several efforts that included the co-development of Crew-Capability Enhancement program that provided the backbone to collaboration and transition to DEVCOM partners under the Human-Autonomy Teaming Essential Research Program in support of the NGCV Modernization effort. Relatedly, he led the ideation and the development of the Information for Mixed Squads (INFORMS) laboratory that is a first-of-its-kind laboratory capable of developing critical capabilities for Platoon-level teams of Soldier teaming with numerous intelligent technologies. In addition, he expanded the scope and influence of critical research areas and supporting laboratories for opportunistic human sensing (TACK Lab) and human-guided system adaption (KAIROS Lab). He now leads the HCxS Division and Competency in their mission to conduct foundational basic and applied research focused on multi-disciplinary approaches to maximize the potential of humans within complex socio-technical systems to create decisive advantages over adversarial intelligence and capability. Leading a diverse, multi-disciplinary research group comprised of more than 140 personnel, he is driving his group in collaborative S&T research thrusts in Human-System Adaptation that are critical to realizing future Army capabilities.

Dr Nathan Sharpes

Research Mechanical Engineer, US Army C5ISR Center
Dr Nathan Sharpes

Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Davies

SO1 Soldier Systems, Tommyworks, British Army
Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Davies

Lt Col Gareth Davies took over as SO1 Soldier Systems in Jan 2019. His main role is to deliver new Dismounted Close Combat capabilities to service across the Defence Lines of Development. He is the lead in setting up TommyWorks, a new organisation focussing on Soldier System Integration and more agile and iterative delivery of future capabilities. Career wise, he has completed 5 operational tours as an infantry commander including Iraq and Afghanistan twice and has previous experience as a Requirements Manager for the FIST programme and Chief of Staff of Soldier, Training and Special Projects team within DE&S.

Lieutenant Colonel Trond Ruud

Product Manager, Small Arms Fire Control, PM Soldier Lethality, PEO Soldier, US Army
Lieutenant Colonel Trond Ruud

LTC Trond S. Ruud is a native of Saint Joseph, Missouri and served with A Company 189th Ordnance Battalion under the Simultaneous Membership Program with Missouri Western State University Reserve Officer Training Corps, from 2001 to 2003.
LTC Ruud received his Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery through the Reserve Officers Training Corps program at Missouri Western State University in 2003, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.
His past officer assignments include: Fire Direction Officer, Platoon Leader, C-1/377th AFAR, Fort Campbell, KY; Executive Officer, HHC-2/320th FAR, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and FOB Warrior, Iraq; Fire Support Officer, Border Transition Team 4351, Zurbatiyah Port of Entry, Iraq; Targeting Officer, Operations Fires, G-3, United States Army Europe, Heidelberg, Germany; Operations Officer to The Commanding General, United States Army Europe, Heidelberg, Germany. Company Commander, USAG Baden-Wurrtemburg, Heidelberg, Germany.
LTC Ruud transitioned to the Acquisition Corps immediately following his company command and was first assigned to the 644th Contingency Contracting Team, 903rd Contracting Battalion, 409th Contracting Support BDE where he was a contracting team leader between 2012-2015. He would then serve as an Assistant Product Manager for Product Manager Ground Soldier Systems at Fort Belvoir, VA. Following his first APM assignment he was recruited and selected to go work in support of a special mission unit as a developmental APM under Product Manager Communications and Intelligence Support Systems under Special Operations Command before leaving to work as a Department of Army Systems Coordinator for Soldier Weapons in the Pentagon. LTC Ruud was assigned as the Deputy Chief of Staff to ASA(ALT), in support of the CoS, PDEP, MILDEP and AAE.
LTC Ruud has completed Command and General Staff College and the Acquisition Intermediate Qualification Course. LTC Ruud is Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Level III trained in Program Management, and Level III in Contracting. He completed his MBA in 2012.
LTC Ruud recently completed a fellowship program under Training with Industry at Sig Sauer in Newington, New Hampshire.
LTC Ruud’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.
LTC Ruud has two children, Carter (18 years) and Nolan (9 years).

Lieutnant Colonel Arthur Dawe

Commanding Officer, Infantry Trials and Development Unit (ITDU), British Army
Lieutnant Colonel Arthur Dawe

Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Dawe joined the Army in 2001, commissioning into the Scots Guards. Initially posted to London on ceremonial duties, he then served as a Platoon Commander in the Guards Training Division, Catterick. Further postings included Poland, Canada and Germany where he was an Armoured Infantry Platoon and Company Commander. He worked in Joint Capabilities in the MoD during SDSR15 and is experienced in several other key Staff appointment roles, both in the MoD and in the Field Army. He has completed multiple tours of duty in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan and overseas short-term training tasks (STTT).

Major General Martin F. Klein

Commanding General, 75th Innovation Command, United States Army Reserves
Major General Martin F. Klein

Major General Martin F. Klein assumed command of the 75th Innovation Command, headquartered in Houston, TX, on 7 August 2021. General Klein was born in Richmond, Virginia. He entered the U.S. Army upon graduation from Lenoir Rhyne University in 1991 and was commissioned in the Infantry.

Prior to his current assignment, General Klein served as Director, Army G-3/5/7, Strategic Operations, the Pentagon, from 2020 to 2021; Commanding General, Deployment Support Command in Birmingham, Alabama and Deputy Commander for Operations for the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois from 2017-2020; Commander, Army Support Activity- Fort Dix and Deputy Commander, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey from 2016-2017; Executive Officer to the Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of the United States Army Reserve, the Pentagon, from 2014-2016.

Other assignments include Reserve Component Analyst, Army G-8, Plans Analysis and Evaluation Directorate, the Pentagon; Chief of Operational Assessments, J-5 (Strategy) United States Forces-Iraq, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn; Manning Analyst, Army G-1, the Pentagon; Chief, Training Branch, Plans Analysis and Evaluation, Office of the Chief of Army Reserve; Executive Officer, Georgetown Army ROTC, Washington, District of Columbia; Executive Assistant to the Director of Logistics (J-4), the Joint Staff; Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General, 1st Corps Supporting Command (ABN), Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Commander, HQ/A Company, 407th Forward Supporting Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. General Klein served in multiple staff and leadership positions in the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina and the 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York.

General Klein is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course; the Quartermaster Officer Transition Course and the Combined Officer Advanced Course; the Operations Research Systems Analyst Military Application Course; the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. He holds a Bachelor's of Business Administration from Lenoir Rhyne University, North Carolina; a Master's of Business Administration from Webster University, Missouri; and a Master's of Strategic Studies from the Army War College.

Personal awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (2), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (6), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (4), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (2), Humanitarian Service Medal (2), Ranger Tab, Senior Parachutist Badge, Rigger Badge, and the Joint and Army Staff Identification Badges. Foreign awards include the Venezuelan Basic Parachutist and Thai Parachutist Badges.

Mr Andrew Murdoch

Business Development Manager & STAR-PAN Subject Matter Expert, Glenair
Mr Andrew Murdoch

Andrew Murdoch has been with Glenair since 2018 working as the Business Development Manager and Subject Matter Expert on the STAR-PAN product line. Initially based in the UK, Andrew relocated to the United States in 2020 where his STAR-PAN and Interconnect responsibilities cover USA, Brazil, Canada, Australia, New Zealand , Asia and Israel. Prior to this position, Andrew served 15 years as a Royal Marines Commando and a member of a specialist military unit with multiple tours of Iraq, Afghanistan and other Global operational theatres under his belt. As a communications specialist and qualified JTAC, Andrew spent his final years of military employment developing and testing soldier worn situational awareness and DACAS systems.

Mr Christopher Woodburn

Deputy Branch Head, Maneuver Branch, Ground Combat Element Division - Fires and Maneuver, US Marine Corps
Mr Christopher Woodburn

Mr. Woodburn was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps in 1987 and graduated from The Basic School and the Infantry Officers Course in 1988. As an infantry officer, he held the billets of Rifle Platoon Commander, Heavy Machine Gun Platoon Commander, 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander, Company Commander, Battalion Logistics Officer, Battalion Operations Officer, and Battalion Executive Officer. He also served as the Deputy, Current Operations and Future Operations Officer at the Marine Expeditionary Force level. Mr. Woodburn’s combat deployments include OPERATION DESERT SHIELD/STORM and two tours to OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.
Mr. Woodburn also served as a training company commander at the School of Infantry and commanding officer for a Marine Corps Recruiting Station. He is certified in Program Management from a tour at Marine Corps Systems Command and earned a Master’s Degree in Military Studies from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in 2003. He completed his military career as a lieutenant colonel while serving as the Infantry Combat Equipment and Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad Capabilities Integration Officer, Ground Combat Element – Fires and Maneuver, Capabilities Development Directorate at Quantico, VA.
Upon retirement in 2013, Mr. Woodburn joined the U.S. civil service and continues to work at the Capabilities Development Directorate. He worked initially as the requirements officer for Marine Corps small arms and combat optics and now supervises capabilities development for the infantry and reconnaissance communities as the Deputy for the Maneuver Branch.

Mr David Ahmad

Product Manager, Small Caliber Ammunition, PM MAS, JPEO A&A
Mr David Ahmad

Mr. David Ahmad is the Product Manager for Small Caliber Ammunition responsible for life cycle management of direct fire small caliber ammunition from 5.56mm to .50 Caliber for the Army, other services and agencies under the Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition mission. He oversees efforts in the modernization of the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant while maintaining production.
Prior to becoming the PdM SCA, he served as the Systems of Systems Integration Manager for the Directorate of Integration, JPEO A&A focusing on supply chain risk. Earlier leadership roles included Future Weapons Division Chief for Individual Weapons, and Product Director for Heavy Machine Guns.
 

Mr Eric Shields

Senior Battery Advisor, Assistant Secretary of Defence, Industrial Base Policy
Mr Eric Shields

Mr. Eric Shields is a Senior Battery Advisor in the Industrial Base Policy office in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He formerly held the position of Department of Navy’s Deputy Director for Operational Energy and has led operational energy and lithium battery safety efforts for the Navy and Marine Corps at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock. Mr. Shields has experience with lithium battery safety and performance, expeditionary renewable energy systems, hybrid and microgrid systems, and human energy behaviors. Mr. Shields holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland.

Mr Jason Regnier

Technology Management Director, PM IVAS, PEO Soldier, US Army
Mr Jason Regnier

Mr. Jason Regnier has 30+ years of Army R&D and Acquisition. After completing a BSEE at UT Knoxville, and an MSEE at the George Washington University, he began his federal career at Fort Belvoir in Countermine and Night Vision. In 2003 he moved to PEO Soldier to work systems engineering, international and the Nett Warrior program as the Deputy Product Manager in 2007. In 2018 he was selected to be the Technical Director for the IVAS program.

Mr Joe Alexander

Deputy Director, Army Research Directorate, DEVCOM - Army Research Lab
Mr Joe Alexander

Mr. Joe Alexander has over 24 years of experience as a leader in the U.S. government and serves as the deputy director for the Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Lab (ARL) Army Research Directorate (ARD). ARD focuses on exploiting concept development discovery, technology development, and transition of the most promising disruptive science and technology to deliver to the Army fundamentally advantageous science-based
capabilities. ARD executes research in 11 research competencies that provide the Army foundational expertise and specialized capabilities grounded in scientific excellence and driven by unique Army challenges. The scientific knowledge created and exploited in the competencies is leveraged to develop new opportunities, build programs, align people and funding, and advise on future operational concepts. In this role, Mr. Alexander: provides organizational leadership and vision; communicates executive direction; aligns competencies and resources with director’s priorities; and establishes program priorities, levels of funding, and allocates resources to accomplish the ARD mission. Mr. Alexander has published in area of military sensors. He has authored papers in the Military Sensing Symposium (MSS) and The International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE).
 

Mr Joshua Castrey

Senior Product Manager, Glenair
Mr Joshua Castrey

Mr. Josh Castrey joined Glenair in 2009, with primary focus on Small Form Factor connector solutions. Josh is currently the Senior Product Manager for Series 80 Mighty Mouse Connectors and Cables. His extensive knowledge of the miniature product lines and the applications they are used in, makes him a recognized Subject Matter Expert in this field of interconnect.

Mr Joshua Smith

VP, Autonomous Robotic Training Ground Combat, NATO Programs, Marathon Targets
Mr Joshua Smith

 Joshua Smith served 30 years in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman in both the enlisted and officers ranks. He recently retired as 2nd Marine Division Gunner (CWO5). Previous titles included Jungle Warfare Instructor, Drill Instructor, Foreign Weapons Instructor, Small Arms Instructor. Infantry Platoon Commander and Infantry Weapons Officer. Deployments include Operation Stabilize East Timor, Indonesia, OIF 5-7, 6-8, and 9-2, and OEF 10-1. He is now Vice President Autonomous Ground Training, NATO Programs for Marathon Robotics.

Mr Mark Richter

Program Manager, Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad, US Marine Corps Systems Command
Mr Mark Richter

Mr Mark Roberts

Deputy Director, TAK Product Center
Mr Mark Roberts

Mr Matthew R. Moeller

JSSAP Project Engineer; DEVCOM Lethality LoE Lead, US Army DEVCOM Armaments Center
Mr Matthew R. Moeller

Mr. Matthew R. Moeller is a Department of the Army Civilian currently serving as the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Lethality Line of Effort Lead, DEVCOM Armaments Center Lead for the Soldier Lethality Cross Functional Team, and Technology Officer for the Joint Service Small Arms Program. In these roles and responsibilities, Mr. Moeller supports DEVCOM, DEVCOM AC, Soldier Lethality CFT, and the Joint Services by in Science & Technology (S&T) strategy development, investment prioritization, and alignment amongst the three pillars for and toward small arms weapons, ammunition, fire control, and enablers advancement.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Moeller has served as the acting Small Arms Fire Control & Optics Technology competency manager. During which, his primary focus was supporting the Army with its small arms fire control and optics technology development. In 2018, Mr. Moeller worked within the DEVCOM AC in the Weapon Systems and Technology Directorate as the project officer for the science and technology effort Next Generation Squad Weapon Technologies. In 2017, Mr. Moeller was selected to work in ASA (ALT) Soldier and Maneuver Systems as a Department of Army Systems Coordinator for the Soldier Weapons Portfolio.
Prior to 2017, Mr. Moeller spent his career focused on engineering and development of Small Arms and Remote Weapons Stations within Armaments Research Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) across the life cycle. First focusing S&T, Mr. Moeller progressed to supporting Program Manager Soldier Weapons (PMSW) in their acquisition of Common Remotely Operated Weapon Stations (CROWS) as an engineer during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Mr. Moeller became the PMSW Technical Integrated Product Team lead for the CROWS program from 2009-2013 and then began focusing as the Technical Lead on inter-service efforts in 2013 developing remote weapons solutions for the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and SOCOM. In 2014, he took focus on full program level work as Product Director for the Air Force M153 remote weapon programs and Assistant Product Director for the MK50 Navy variant remote weapon station.
Mr. Moeller graduated from Bucknell University and has taken courses at Stevens Institute of Technology. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. He is a member of the Army Acquisition Corps.

Mr Michael T. McCarthy

Deputy Director/ Chief of Staff, US DOD Close Combat Lethality Task Force (CCLTF)
Mr Michael T. McCarthy

Mr. Michael T. McCarthy is a Department of the Army Civilian currently serving as the Deputy Director of the Close Combat Lethality Task Force, one of five Secretary of Defense Cross Functional Teams. Prior to his current assignment, Mike served as the Chief of Future Operations and Requirements Integration. His prior included serving as the Plans Officer to the Commanding General of for the Army Futures Command Task Force and as the Deputy to the Commanding General of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. From 2009 to 2016, Mr. McCarthy led the U.S. Army’s “Connecting Soldiers to Digital Applications” project for assessing the military utility of mobile technologies across the Army. Mr. McCarthy served various command and staff positions in the United States, Germany, and Korea following his commission into the Field Artillery upon graduation from the Virginia Military Institute. Mr. McCarthy is a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College receiving a Master of Arts in Operations, Tactics, and Training. He is a 2015 graduate of the Air War College, earning a Master of Arts in National Security Studies and Theory from The U.S. Air War College Grand Strategy curriculum. Mr. McCarthy is a 2016 graduate of the prestigious Defense Senior Leader Development Program.

Mr Robert J. Wolfinger

Acting Deputy Program Executive Officer, Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation
Mr Robert J. Wolfinger

Mr. Robert J. Wolfinger is currently the Acting Deputy for the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation (PEO STRI).

Mr. Wolfinger has been serving as the Project Lead for TADSS Support Operations since February 2020. From December 2016 to January 2020, he served as the PEO STRI G3. During this time, Mr. Wolfinger served as the Acting Deputy PEO STRI from January 2018 until Apilr 2018. Previously, Mr. Wolfinger was the PEO STRI Deputy Project Manager Training Devices (PM TRADE) from 2008 to 2016 and the PM TRADE Deputy Product Manager for Live Training Systems, 2004 to 2008. His assignments in program management included his role as PM ITTS-IMO Project Director and the PM TRADE CSTS Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) Project Director.

Mr. Wolfinger began his government career as an Electronics Engineer at the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Research and Engineering Department. He was born in Orlando, Florida and has 34 years of federal service in the program management and systems engineering fields. Mr. Wolfinger holds a Bachelor’s in Engineering (Electrical) and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering (Simulation Systems) from the University of Central Florida. Mr. Wolfinger is a graduate of the Defense Systems Management College and the Army Acquisition Corps Executive Leadership Program. Awards include three Superior Civilian Service Awards, Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, and the coveted PEO STRI Employee of the Quarter in 1999. He is a Noble Patron of Armor in the US Cavalry and Armor Order of St George.

Mr Seth Spoenlein

Assistant Director of Systems Integration, US Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center
Mr Seth Spoenlein

Mr. Seth Spoenlein serves as the Assistant Director, Systems Integration Portfolio within the Engineering and Systems Integration Directorate (ESI) under the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM); Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Maryland.

In this capacity, Mr. Spoenlein supports the ESI Directorate within the C5ISR Center. He provides strategic guidance for the S&T community with an emphasis on integration of technologies. In his role supporting the C5ISR Center, he assists the ESI Director in providing the strategy for the organization in Soldier-centered design, evaluating C5ISR systems in lab and field environments and a unified C5ISR Prototype Integration Facility.

Mr. Spoenlein previously served as the Senior Scientific Technical Manager, Integrated Networks, Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate (S&TCD), supporting both the Network-Cross Functional Team (N-CFT) and the C5ISR Center and Associate Director, Office of Science & Technology within DEVCOM C5ISR Center as the Directorates’ Chief Engineer forming the organization’s strategic technical vision and responsible for planning the Directorates’ S&T investments. In addition, Mr. Spoenlein led the establishment and guidance of cooperative partnerships with other U.S. defense services, international defense partners, and research laboratories.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Spoenlein has held various technical and leadership positions in the areas of satellite communications, terrestrial networking, Systems Engineering, and Modeling & Simulations that resulted in changes to the Army and Joint Network. Additionally, Mr. Spoenlein served as a government advisor to the Army Science Board for four consecutive years.

Mr. Spoenlein is a graduate from Lehigh University and Stevens Institute of Technology. He holds a B.S. in Computer Engineering and M.E. in Systems Engineering. He is a member of the Army Acquisition Corps and is a graduate of the APG Senior Leader COHORT program in 2017.

His awards include the Department of the Army – Dr. Wilbur Payne Memorial Award – For Excellence in Analysis, 2016; the U.S. Army Achievement and Commanders Medals for Civilian Service 2018, 2009; and CERDEC Employee of the Year awards in 2006, 2009, and 2017.

Senior Representative (Name Withheld for Security Reasons)

, Israeli Ministry of Defence
Senior Representative (Name Withheld for Security Reasons)

sponsors

Conference agenda

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7:30

Registration & Coffee

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8:20

Chairman's Opening Remarks

Colonel (Ret.) Richard Hansen , Former Program Manager, Soldier Warrior, PEO Soldier, US Army

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8:30

PEO Soldier: Knowing Soldier's Challenges. Delivering Solutions. Defeating Future Threats

Colonel (Ret.) Jim Mingo, Futures LOE, Assistant Program Executive Office (APEO), PEO-Soldier

  • PEO Soldier: Mission, Vision and Priorities
  • Overview of the PEO Soldier focus areas: Organizational Structure and efforts
  • PEO Soldier Modernization Plan: Project Polaris
  • PEO Soldier’s attempt to synchronize current and future Soldier capability development to ensure combat overmatch now and in the future in support of our community of interest
  • Future priorities for PEO Soldier and working with industry, academia and Joint and multinational partners to meet them
  •  

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    9:00

    IVAS: Increasing Lethality, Mobility, and Situational Awareness to Achieve Battlefield Advantage

    Mr Jason Regnier, Technology Management Director, PM IVAS, PEO Soldier, US Army

  • Increasing lethality through advanced and rapid target acquisition
  • Optimizing situational awareness with next generation communication capabilities and HUD’s
  • Integration IVAS technology into vehicle platforms and UAS to ensure success in all future Multi-Domain Operations
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    9:30

    Marksmanship vs Lethality in Training

    Mr Joshua Smith, VP, Autonomous Robotic Training Ground Combat, NATO Programs, Marathon Targets

  • Current training is about marksmanship and not lethality
  • Autonomous robots create new ways to train
  • Conduct training previously considered too dangerous for humans
  • Zero Infrastructure Range Modernization (ZIRM)
  • New ways to contract without locking in a vendor
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    10:00

    Leveraging AI to Support Dismounted Soldier Missions and Generate Decision Advantage

  • The CDAO and its key priorities to develop AI and data analytics capabilities for the joint services
  • Providing decision advantage for battlefield commanders using AI and autonomous systems
  • Coordinating with industry, academic and other DoD partners to advance AI for defense
  • Future requirements to optimise AI for US ground forces
  • Colonel Thomas Kilbride, Principal Director of the Algorithmic Warfare Group, Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO)

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    10:30

    Morning Coffee

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    11:00

    Developing Medical Capabilities to Ensure US Armed Forces Remain in Optimal Health on the Battlefield

    Brigadier General Anthony McQueen, Commanding General, US Army Medical Research and Development Command

  • Establishing and maintaining the capabilities the US Army needs to remain ready and lethal on the battlefield
  • Conducting effective R&D to address the US Military’s unique medical readiness requirements
  • Deploying wearable sensor technology to monitor health metrics in the field
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    11:30

    Series 80- Mighty Mouse Interconnect and Cabling

    Mr Joshua Castrey, Senior Product Manager, Glenair

  • Overview of Glenair Series 80 Mighty Mouse connectors and cables.
  • Synergies of Glenair Mighty Mouse connectors and STAR-PAN products.
  • Interconnect systems providing network data access, peripheral connectivity, and smart battery power management for dismounted soldier.
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    11:45

    STAR-PAN – Bridging the gap from Dismounted to Mounted and back again

    Mr Andrew Murdoch, Business Development Manager & STAR-PAN Subject Matter Expert, Glenair

  • Overview of the problem
  • Introduction to STAR-PAN X
  • How dismounted users can interact with STAR-PAN X
  • Current and Future CONEMPS
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    12:00

    TAK: The Allied Forces Platform for Information Dominance

    Mr Mark Roberts

    Mr Mark Roberts, Deputy Director, TAK Product Center

  • TAK Product Center Vision, Mission, Strategy, and Products
  • Leveraging TAK software for precision targeting, surrounding land formation intelligence, situational awareness, navigation, and data sharing
  • TAK product and plugin composability to enable any mission and create decision superiority
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    12:30

    Army Research Lab: Designing Army 2040 and Preparing the Next Generation of US Warfighters for the Future Operational Environment

    Mr Joe Alexander, Deputy Director, Army Research Directorate, DEVCOM - Army Research Lab

  • An overview of the ARL’s Army Research Directorate, its key research programs and R&D priorities for dismounted soldier modernisation
  • Exploiting concept and technology development to deliver advantage to the US Army
  • Key challenges faced by the Army Research Directorate to deliver desired outcomes
  • Industry and academic collaboration to advance capability development

     

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    13:00

    Networking Lunch

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    14:00

    Army Research Lab: Delivering Army 2040 and Optimising Dismounted Capabilities for the US Warfighter Army

    Dr Jeremy Gaston, Division Chief, Humans in Complex Systems Division, Army Research Directorate, DEVCOM - Army Research Lab

  • Discussing the ARL’s early foundational research and key science to transform future dismounted Solider capabilities
  • Key disruptive science and technology trends which will define the US Soldier of 2040
  • Updates from the Humans in Complex Systems Research Competency and developing the potential of Soldiers operating in contested environments
  • Future concepts and priorities for ARL Soldier research and development

     

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    14:30

    Decision Dominance with AI

    Colonel (Ret.) Art Sellers, Senior Director, Business Development for US Army, SOCOM, DoD, SparkCognition Government Systems (SGS)

  • Data Analytics is not AI
  • Multi-Domain Operations and AI – from Competition to Crisis
  • AI vs. Humans in Decision-making
  • AI’s Role in Contested Logistics
  • Overview of SGS and its capabilities
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    15:00

    Developing and Delivering Innovative and Relevant Small Arms Lethality to US Warfighters

    Lieutenant Colonel Trond Ruud, Product Manager, Small Arms Fire Control, PM Soldier Lethality, PEO Soldier, US Army

  • Overview of the new Product Manager Small Arms Fire Control portfolio
  • Enhancing solider lethality through the Family of Weapon Sights-Individual clip-on infrared weapon sight
  • Increasing target acquisition and hit accuracy with next-generation fire control systems
  • Future efforts to augment joint warfighter lethality with thermal and laser capabilities
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    15:30

    Enabling Warfighters Overmatch in the Battlefield with Lethal Small Fire Ammunition Effects

    Mr David Ahmad, Product Manager, Small Caliber Ammunition, PM MAS, JPEO A&A

  • Developing and fielding capabilities to exceed Warfighter requirements
  • Managing production capabilities to meet current and future requirements
  • Overcoming supply chain challenges through industry collaboration
  • Supporting Next Generation Squad Weapon fielding
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    16:00

    Small Arms Science and Technology Activities

    Mr Matthew R. Moeller, JSSAP Project Engineer; DEVCOM Lethality LoE Lead, US Army DEVCOM Armaments Center

  • Joint Service Small Arms Updates
  • Lethality Line of Effort Update
  • Discussion of the future of Lethality in Small Arms S&T
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    16:30

    Afternoon Tea

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    17:00

    Providing Advanced Solutions for Dismounted Soldier Power Demands

    Dr Nathan Sharpes

    Dr Nathan Sharpes, Research Mechanical Engineer, US Army C5ISR Center

  • Overview of the US Army’s current Soldier tactical power capabilities
  • R&D efforts into future power technologies
  • Update on small handheld battery standardisation efforts
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    17:30

    Strengthening the U.S. Supply Chain for Advanced Batteries

    Mr Eric Shields, Senior Battery Advisor, Assistant Secretary of Defence, Industrial Base Policy

  • Review of efforts to secure the battery supply chain
  • Summary of battery standardization, and analytics initiatives
  • Summary of ongoing battery policy developments
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    18:00

    Chairman’s Closing Remarks and Close of Day One

    Colonel (Ret.) Richard Hansen , Former Program Manager, Soldier Warrior, PEO Soldier, US Army

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    8:20

    Registration & Coffee

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    8:50

    Chairman's Opening Remarks

    Colonel (Ret.) Richard Hansen , Former Program Manager, Soldier Warrior, PEO Soldier, US Army

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    9:00

    Advancing Dismounted Soldier Modernisation and Readiness Through US Army Reserves Innovation

    Major General Martin F. Klein, Commanding General, 75th Innovation Command, United States Army Reserves

  • An overview of the 75th Innovation Command and driving soldier modernisation
  • Key dismounted soldier programs being developed by the 75th Innovation Command and the US Army Reserves
  • Providing a ‘screening force’ to enhance army innovation and provide access to the private sector
  • Future cooperation between the 75th IC, the wider US Army Futures Command ecosystem and industry to develop dismounted soldier capabilities
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    9:30

    Increasing Lethality, Protection, and Target Acquisition Capabilities in Support of USSOCOM Operations

    Colonel Anh Ha, Program Executive Officer - SOF Warrior , US Special Operations Command

  • Overview of the PEO SOF warfighting focus areas
  • Leveraging next generation technologies to support the future SOF warfighter and enhance situational awareness
  • Achieving decisive overmatch at the tactical level with advanced weaponry and ammunition
  • Vision for the future
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    10:00

    Morning Coffee

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    10:30

    CCLTF: Ensuring Overmatch Against Pacing Threats (Virutal)

    Mr Michael T. McCarthy, Deputy Director/ Chief of Staff, US DOD Close Combat Lethality Task Force (CCLTF)

  • Accelerate the development of solutions through pan-DoD collaboration
  • CCLTF’s 5 Lines of Effort: Human Performance, R&D, TacticalPower, AI, and Training
  • Adjusting to focus on the future horizon
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    11:00

    USMC Infantry Battalion Modernization Update

    Mr Christopher Woodburn, Deputy Branch Head, Maneuver Branch, Ground Combat Element Division - Fires and Maneuver, US Marine Corps

  • Collaborating with DOD partners to pursue infantry modernization objectives
  • Improving lethality through rifle and small arms upgardes whilst maintaining mobility
  • Maximising low-light lethality with the Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle (SBNVG)
  • Ensuring survivability with upgrades armor and helmets
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    11:30

    Experimentation: Supporting the Army Modernization Enterprise

    Mr Seth Spoenlein, Assistant Director of Systems Integration, US Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center

  • Experimentation strategy
  • Rapid maturation of operationalized and integrated  networked capabilities
  • Technology integration
  • Partnering mechanisms
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    12:00

    Networking Lunch

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    13:00

    Squad Virtual Trainer: Ensuring Warfighters Are Prepared for Future Operating Environments

    Colonel Greg Pavlichko, Director, National Simulation Center

  • Overview of the US Army’s training strategy and future plans
  • Exploiting technology to optimize human performance
  • Utilising Synthetic Training Environments for replicate complex operating environments
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    13:30

    PEO STRI – Delivering New Training and Simulation Capabilities to Enhance Future US Dismounted Soldiers

    Mr Robert J. Wolfinger, Acting Deputy Program Executive Officer, Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation

  • Providing relevant integrated modeling and simulation capabilities to achieve US Army readiness
  • Preparing the future dismounted soldier for IVAS using the Squad Immersive Virtual Trainer (SiVT) Capability to rapidly conduct and repeat squad-level training in a mixed reality-based synthetic environment
  • Leveraging new technologies at pace to modernize capabilities
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    14:00

    Developing Advanced Virtual Training Capabilities to Prepare the USMC to defeat an Ever-Evolving Adversary

    Colonel Marcus J. Reynolds, Program Manager for Training Systems, US Marine Corps Systems Command

  • Creating a live, virtual and constructive all-domain combat training environment to meet the demands of multi-domain operations
  • Improving Marine Corps training with live, virtual and synthetic technologies to operate in the Live Virtual Constructive-Training Environment
  • Working with industry partners to develop and field the concepts, systems and capabilities needed to fulfil the tenants of the LVC-TE
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    14:30

    Afternoon Tea

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    15:00

    Delivering Dismounted Close Combat (DCC) for the British Soldier

    Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Davies, SO1 Soldier Systems, Tommyworks, British Army

  • Integrating RAS, AI and Drones through Human Machine Teaming (HMT)
  • Collaborating with US Army partners for greater delivery of capability
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    15:15

    Integrating New Capabilities Into the British Soldier System

    Lieutnant Colonel Arthur Dawe, Commanding Officer, Infantry Trials and Development Unit (ITDU), British Army

  • Army Warfighting Experiment: discovering and leveraging emerging technologies 
  • Updates and lessons learnt from the Russia-Ukraine war
     
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    15:30

    Joint British Army Q&A Session

    Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Davies, SO1 Soldier Systems, Tommyworks, British Army

    Lieutnant Colonel Arthur Dawe, Commanding Officer, Infantry Trials and Development Unit (ITDU), British Army

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    15:45

    Developing Advanced Power and Energy Solutions to Support Israeli Forces

    Senior Representative (Name Withheld for Security Reasons)

    Senior Representative (Name Withheld for Security Reasons), , Israeli Ministry of Defence

  • Combining system engineering with advanced S&T solutions
  • R&D from basic stages (low TRL) with true operational need in mind
  • Enables energetic continuity and reduction of weight, while supporting the growing energetic demands of modern battlefield
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    16:15

    Chairman’s Closing Remarks and Close of Day Two

    Colonel (Ret.) Richard Hansen , Former Program Manager, Soldier Warrior, PEO Soldier, US Army

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    16:30

    USMC Gruntworks Facility Tour

    Mr Mark Richter

    Mr Mark Richter, Program Manager, Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad, US Marine Corps Systems Command

  • Meet and hear a comprehensive presentation from Mr Mark Richter, PM Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad and the MERS team to gain unrivalled insight into testing and integration of equipment for the modern dismounted Marine
  • Exclusive tour of the Gruntworks Facility, led by the MERS team, showcasing the latest Marine equipment modernizations with a distinct focus on how human factors can enhance these developments
  • Unique opportunity for detailed Q&A with Mark Richter and the MERS team to discuss how you can collaborate for the future development of USMC equipment
  • Attendance and travel to and from the conference venue included, for free, as part of your registration
  • NEW FOR 2023: the MERS team will be joined by PEO Soldier, who will be exhibiting some of their next-generation soldier equipment at the facility

     


  • Commanding General
    US Army Medical Research and Development Command
    Senior Director, Business Development for US Army, SOCOM, DoD
    SparkCognition Government Systems (SGS)
    Futures LOE
    Assistant Program Executive Office (APEO), PEO-Soldier
    Former Program Manager, Soldier Warrior, PEO Soldier
    US Army
    Program Executive Officer - SOF Warrior
    US Special Operations Command
    Director
    National Simulation Center
    Program Manager for Training Systems
    US Marine Corps Systems Command
    Principal Director of the Algorithmic Warfare Group
    Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO)
    Division Chief, Humans in Complex Systems Division, Army Research Directorate
    DEVCOM - Army Research Lab
    Research Mechanical Engineer
    US Army C5ISR Center
    SO1 Soldier Systems, Tommyworks
    British Army
    Product Manager, Small Arms Fire Control, PM Soldier Lethality, PEO Soldier
    US Army
    Commanding Officer, Infantry Trials and Development Unit (ITDU)
    British Army
    Commanding General
    75th Innovation Command, United States Army Reserves
    Business Development Manager & STAR-PAN Subject Matter Expert
    Glenair
    Deputy Branch Head, Maneuver Branch, Ground Combat Element Division - Fires and Maneuver
    US Marine Corps
    Product Manager, Small Caliber Ammunition, PM MAS
    JPEO A&A
    Senior Battery Advisor
    Assistant Secretary of Defence, Industrial Base Policy
    Technology Management Director, PM IVAS, PEO Soldier
    US Army
    Deputy Director, Army Research Directorate
    DEVCOM - Army Research Lab
    Senior Product Manager
    Glenair
    VP, Autonomous Robotic Training Ground Combat, NATO Programs
    Marathon Targets
    Program Manager, Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad
    US Marine Corps Systems Command
    Deputy Director
    TAK Product Center
    JSSAP Project Engineer; DEVCOM Lethality LoE Lead
    US Army DEVCOM Armaments Center
    Deputy Director/ Chief of Staff
    US DOD Close Combat Lethality Task Force (CCLTF)
    Acting Deputy Program Executive Officer
    Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation
    Assistant Director of Systems Integration
    US Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center
    Israeli Ministry of Defence

    Gold Sponsor

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    Exhibitors

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    60 SECOND'S WITH OUR CHAIRMAN

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    Speaker Bio's 2023

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    Short Programme

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    Long Programme

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    Future Soldier Technology USA - 2022 Attendee List

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    Sponsors and Exhibitors


    Glenair

    Gold Sponsor
    https://www.glenair.co.uk/

    Glenair is a global manufacturer of interconnect technology for high-reliability applications. Our lightweight/miniature connectors are used on a wide variety of platforms from fixed wing and rotor aircraft, to ground vehicles and every class of UAV. Glenair pioneered the original 6-pin Nett Warrior connector, as well as a second generation 7-pin series with USB-C power integration and delivery. Now Glenair is introducing a signature 12 Amp contact equipped version for higher-current applications that easily integrates into US/NATO, Nett Warrior, and STAR-PAN hub and cable systems. Our Series 804 Mighty Mouse tactical soldier interconnects have become industry standards and are used on more JTAC and DACAS systems than all other miniaturized connector series combined. Glenair multiport STAR-PAN™ USB hub and power distribution systems are designed for maximum open-system compatibility incorporating Ethernet and USB data interfaces. GSA compliant USB 2.0. STAR-PAN™ is both Nett warrior and NATO compatible. The STAR-PAN™ System is capable of smart charging and power distribution utilizing the broad range of current in-service military batteries, as well as Direct Current (DC) power sources. Newly released STAR-PAN™ Mission-Manager adds on-the-fly device integration and hardware management to complex C4ISR systems. The STAR-PAN™ product line is an open architecture system and is compliant with the UK MOD/NATO standard



    Marathon Targets

    Gold Sponsor
    http://marathon-targets.com

    Marathon Robotics provides Lethality Today to US, NATO, and Coalition Partners on four Continents. We’ve been selected by USMC to provide mobile trailers of Intelligent Robotic Targets at all key CONUS and OCONUS sites. We reinvent Live Fire Training with Intelligent Robots that look, move, and behave like real people. It’s the world’s most realistic live fire training: shoot one robot, the rest autonomously scatter for cover, or self-organize a swarming counterattack.

    The 2022 National Defense Authorization Act describes our Autonomous Robotic Targets as “a vast improvement to training modality over existing systems and was value added in all training events/scenarios.”

    Trevor Nash of Shepard Defence says: “The Marathon argument is very persuasive, but its challenge is to change a mindset - present for many centuries – that the aim of the range is to ‘train marksmanship.’ That mentality is wrong” overmatch and winning the firefight are more important.”

    Marathon also cuts Range Modernization costs and time by 85% through ZIRM (Zero Infrastructure Range Modernization). No need to buy robots: use ZIRM cost avoidance to fund Technology-as-a-Service (TaaS) to rent robots for a week or year, with robot operators – 95% of them military veterans. Offices and rental fleets on 4 continents.


    Sponsors


    SparkCognition Government Systems

    Sponsors
    http://www.sparkgov.ai.

    SparkCognition Government Systems' (SGS) award-winning AI solutions solve the most critical challenges for government, national security, and defense. Using its patented AI, machine learning, and natural language technologies, SGS analyzes complex and diverse data in real time to inform and accelerate decision making, predict future outcomes, prescribe next-best actions, and augment human intelligence. We partner with organizations to ensure mission readiness, national security, and operational excellence. For in-depth information about SGS and its offerings, visit www.sparkgov.ai.

    Exhibitors


    OTTO Engineering

    Exhibitors
    http://www.otto-comm.com

    OTTO Engineering designs and manufactures innovative two-way radio accessories for high-precision applications. OTTO specializes in tactical communication headsets, push-to-talk (PTT) systems, multi-port hubs, speaker microphones, cable assemblies for interfacing accessories to radios, tactical surveillance kits, and wireless intercoms for virtually all radio platforms. Visit otto-comm.com



    Point Blank Enterprises

    Exhibitors
    https://www.pointblankenterprises.com/

    Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. (PBE) is the worldwide leader in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of high-performance, protective solutions for the U.S. Military and Department of Defense, Federal Agencies, and both domestic and international law enforcement and corrections professionals. The Company has the strongest portfolio of product brands in the industry including Point Blank Body Armor, Protective Products, PARACLETE®, Advanced Technology Group, The Protective Group (TPG), First Tactical, Point Blank Duty Gear, United Shield International Limited, and Protective Apparel.

    We are committed to producing the most technologically advanced protective solutions that offer superior protection and optimum comfort in the most challenging environments. With multiple state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Florida, we consistently deliver the world's highest-quality body armor systems by driving innovation and continuously exceeding customer expectations.

    Point Blank’s capabilities extend beyond ballistics to innovative security surveillance and wireless communications technologies through the Advanced Technology Group (ATG). Point Blank has developed a complete line of IRIS In-Car Video, IRIS Covert Mobile Surveillance Systems, and other wireless products to meet the growing needs of law enforcement, as well as schools, transit, public safety, and transportation customers.

    Using innovative and cutting-edge technologies, coupled with unique systems integration capabilities, Point Blank is developing survivability solutions for personnel, ground vehicles, shipboard systems, and aviation platforms through The Protective Group (TPG). From protecting aviators with crashworthy armor systems to lightweight torso armor to land vehicles and protecting personnel at sea against small arms threats with robust solutions, Point Blank’s survivability systems ensure our Warfighters have the best protection possible… yesterday, today, and tomorrow.


    Media Partners


    Unmanned Systems Technology

    Supporters
    http://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com

    UST is the largest ecosystem for unmanned systems, technology and innovation. We provide global exposure for +200 industry-leading technical and engineering organisations, allowing them to gain maximum visibility of their innovations, products and capabilities in front of an audience of +1.2million visitors each year. We do this via a winning combination of intelligent digital marketing and advertising techniques, high exposure in search engines for relevant technology. Get in touch to find out how we can support you.


    Armada International

    Supporters
    http://armadainternational.com

    ARMADA INTERNATIONAL is leading defence magazine which reports on and analyses defence systems, equipment and technology. Together with its Compendium supplements, ARMADA provides defence planners in the militaries, in government, in procurement and in the defence industry itself with the information they need to plan their strategies.


    21st Century Asian Arms Race

    Supporters
    https://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/

    21st Century Asian Arms Race (21AAR) is an online resource for conflict and security related information specific to Eurasia. 21AAR's editorial style and open source approach to gathering public intelligence ensures a unique and independent presentation of events in real-time.


    Soldier Modernisation

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    http://www.soldiermod.com

    Soldier Modernisation (SoldierMod.Com) is an authoritative policy and technology publication for the international defense community, serving the integrated equipment needs of the dismounted soldier and marine in operations today and the fielding of Soldier Modernisation Programmes over the next few years. SoldierMod.Com is designed to provide insights into how decision makers plan to transform operations in the areas of survivability, sustainability, C4I, lethality and mobility; managing the balance between the promise of 'leap-ahead technology balance and mature cost effective solutions. SoldierMod is distributed in many formats which will include an 50 page journal 10,000 copies BPA Audited, twice annually , in January and June Our Website www.soldiermod.com , Has a 24 hour news service , anytime ( currently at over 20,000 individual visits per month ) . We also have an online technical forum where anyone in the industry can ask us strategic or technological questions , our partners and experts will respond directly back.


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    Connecting security and technology professionals to the latest events, education and technology across a global security domain.


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    RoboticsTomorrow.com is an Online Trade Magazine featuring Products, Companies, News, Articles and Events for the Industrial Automation, Robotics and Unmanned Vehicle industries. With an emphasis on the state of the art and on the horizon technologies that have strong prospects of commercialization, our philosophy is to create an outlet where the industry can share information and report on itself.


    Asian Military Review

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    Asian Military Review is ABC audited publication, read & discussed by key decision makers & advisors to Asia Pacific militaries. Published since 1993 it’s widely recognised as authoritative provider of unbiased & objective information to Asian military. Editorial content comprises capability analysis, special reports & relevant news coverage from the region. AMR provides information, opinion & facts allowing military professionals to track & understand defence developments worldwide, concerning equipment, training, organisation & doctrine issues. The magazine is a proven source keeping military professionals up to date on national & international defence & security issues.


    Uncrewed Systems Technology Magazine

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    Uncrewed Systems Technology magazine focuses entirely on the innovative engineering that's successfully pushing boundaries on land, at sea, in flight and even through the universe. The magazine is unique - the first ever publication to focus entirely on providing independent coverage of the engineering at the heart of uncrewed vehicles. It applies the same rigorous scientific approach to this brave new world as critically acclaimed Race Engine Technology has brought to the subject of racing powertrain technology. Published 6-times a year, we probe today's cutting-edge projects to provide in-depth research insights - rigorous investigation is backed by professional peer review and critical analysis.


    Global Military Communications

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    Global Military Communications is a publication that tracks the trends, drivers and technology that fuel the military communications sector. Communications continue to be the lynchpin of modern warfare and is crucial to any military campaign. The sector is going through unprecedented change as militaries and governments across the world move towards a network centric approach to their communications. From operations in war zones to homeland security and disaster recovery operations, Global Military Communications provides you with the latest communications developments on land, sea, and in the air.


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    Defence Global provides an essential link between the Defence & Security Manufacturers and Suppliers, Government and Military sectors globally. Defence Global is a quarterly, tri-service publication providing articles and informative analysis from respected journalists and writers worldwide to attract a sophisticated and broad audience. Defence Global is published in February, May, August and November, with a professional and stylish design in both printed copy and digital format. The printed copies are perfect bound, full colour throughout with high quality art and photography. Defence Global is used as a reference tool providing a professional and intelligent read. We work with industry experts and corporate clients to include Defence and Security Manufacturers and Suppliers, as well as Governments, MoDs, Military Authorities and Senior Management Teams.


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    WHAT IS CPD?

    CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development’. It is essentially a philosophy, which maintains that in order to be effective, learning should be organised and structured. The most common definition is:

    ‘A commitment to structured skills and knowledge enhancement for Personal or Professional competence’

    CPD is a common requirement of individual membership with professional bodies and Institutes. Increasingly, employers also expect their staff to undertake regular CPD activities.

    Undertaken over a period of time, CPD ensures that educational qualifications do not become obsolete, and allows for best practice and professional standards to be upheld.

    CPD can be undertaken through a variety of learning activities including instructor led training courses, seminars and conferences, e:learning modules or structured reading.

    CPD AND PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES

    There are approximately 470 institutes in the UK across all industry sectors, with a collective membership of circa 4 million professionals, and they all expect their members to undertake CPD.

    For some institutes undertaking CPD is mandatory e.g. accountancy and law, and linked to a licence to practice, for others it’s obligatory. By ensuring that their members undertake CPD, the professional bodies seek to ensure that professional standards, legislative awareness and ethical practices are maintained.

    CPD Schemes often run over the period of a year and the institutes generally provide online tools for their members to record and reflect on their CPD activities.

    TYPICAL CPD SCHEMES AND RECORDING OF CPD (CPD points and hours)

    Professional bodies and Institutes CPD schemes are either structured as ‘Input’ or ‘Output’ based.

    ‘Input’ based schemes list a precise number of CPD hours that individuals must achieve within a given time period. These schemes can also use different ‘currencies’ such as points, merits, units or credits, where an individual must accumulate the number required. These currencies are usually based on time i.e. 1 CPD point = 1 hour of learning.

    ‘Output’ based schemes are learner centred. They require individuals to set learning goals that align to professional competencies, or personal development objectives. These schemes also list different ways to achieve the learning goals e.g. training courses, seminars or e:learning, which enables an individual to complete their CPD through their preferred mode of learning.

    The majority of Input and Output based schemes actively encourage individuals to seek appropriate CPD activities independently.

    As a formal provider of CPD certified activities, SAE Media Group can provide an indication of the learning benefit gained and the typical completion. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the delegate to evaluate their learning, and record it correctly in line with their professional body’s or employers requirements.

    GLOBAL CPD

    Increasingly, international and emerging markets are ‘professionalising’ their workforces and looking to the UK to benchmark educational standards. The undertaking of CPD is now increasingly expected of any individual employed within today’s global marketplace.

    CPD Certificates

    We can provide a certificate for all our accredited events. To request a CPD certificate for a conference , workshop, master classes you have attended please email events@saemediagroup.com

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    UK Office
    Opening Hours: 9.00 - 17.30 (local time)
    SAE Media Group , Ground Floor, India House, 45 Curlew Street, London, SE1 2ND, United Kingdom
    Tel: +44 (0) 20 7827 6000 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7827 6001
    Website: http://www.smgconferences.com Email: events@saemediagroup.com
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