By Capt. Jordan R. Yano, Test and Evaluation Officer, U.S. Army Operational Evaluation Command FORT IRWIN, Calif. – At the National Training Center, Black Jack Soldiers were reminded of a fundamental truth of modern warfare: the plan rarely survives first contact, and adaptation matters more than adherence. During NTC Rotation 26-02, Soldiers from the 2nd […]
equipment testing
Truth in Testing: OTC Command Sgt. Maj. Joe Johnson signs off after 30 years of service
By Mr. Michael M. Novogradac, U.S. Army Operational Test Command FORT HOOD, Texas — The U.S. Army Operational Test Command gathered to honor Command Sgt. Maj. Joe E. Johnson Jr.’s retirement after 30 years of service, in a ceremony here Dec. 16, marked by powerful tributes to his leadership and family. At the front of it […]
Operational Test Command marks senior enlisted transition at Fort Hood
By Michael M. Novogradac, U.S. Army Operational Test Command Public Affairs WEST FORT HOOD, Texas — The U.S. Army Operational Test Command bid farewell to one trusted senior enlisted leader and welcomed another during a change of responsibility ceremony here Dec. 9. Command Sgt. Maj. Joe E. Johnson Jr. relinquished responsibility as OTC’s senior enlisted […]
U.S. Army Operational Test Command to hold senior enlisted leader change of responsibility ceremony Tuesday
WEST FORT HOOD, Texas – The U.S. Army Operational Test Command (OTC) will host a Command Sergeant Major Change of Responsibility Ceremony Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 9:30 a.m. at its headquarters here. Command Sgt. Maj. David N. Sweeney, formerly the Command Sergeant Major of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Bliss, Texas, and the 1st Armored Division […]
MEDIA ADVISORY: From Test Officer to Hall of Fame — Killeen resident Sara Van Dusen to be honored at West Fort Hood Friday
WEST FORT HOOD, Texas — Local news media are invited to the 30th Annual Operational Testers’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony hosted by the U.S. Army Operational Test Command here at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15. 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee Ms. Sara Van Dusen, a longtime Killeen, Texas resident, will be honored for her […]
Revolutionizing Operational Testing: The Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) Expeditionary Operational Assessment at Fort Johnson
By Cpt. Simeon Blakely, Maj. Thomas Lorenson, and Mr. Thomas Mort, Maneuver Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command FORT JOHNSON, La. — Amidst the evolving landscape of military acquisitions and the Army’s renewed commitment to agile, rapid capability development, the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) has undergone a pivotal Expeditionary Operational Assessment (EOA) in […]






