Yuma Proving Ground impresses new ATEC commander
After spending a full day at YPG, listening to briefings and visiting a variety of test sites, Army Test and Evaluation Command Commander Maj. Gen. Joel Tyler met over dinner with a group of Yuma elected officials and business leaders. A friendly man, he had a good time meeting with everyone and exchanging ideas.
When it came time to make formal remarks, Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls introduced him. What he said brought about lighthearted laughter from the crowd.
“Major General Tyler graduated from the U of A,” he said, “but not the U of A you are thinking of. He’s a graduate of the University of Arkansas.”
Tyler, who has commanded ATEC for less than two months, spent two busy days at the proving ground in late July, mostly downrange at test sites. He witnessed artillery being fired, unmanned aircraft flying, personal parachutes being packed and cargo pallets being prepared for air drops, examined instrumentation, and much more. He went out of his way to meet with individual Soldiers and members of test crews, asking questions and shaking hands.
They were busy, fulfilling days, but also two of the hottest this year, with the outside temperature climbing above 116 degrees.
Over 70 individual test programs were taking place at the time, so he got a real taste of YPG’s complexity.
“I was astounded at the large variety and types of tests that take place at YPG,” he said. “Being here on the ground results in a much different view from
MAJ. GEN. TYLER, WHO
what you get far away in a headquarters building. The YPG workload is amazing.”
To reduce the number of PowerPoint presentations to allow him to spend more time downrange, formal overview briefings took place the morning of his first day. Since the bulk of his military experience has been in the operational rather than acquisition world, he brought along a unique, objective view based on his experience leading Soldiers in armored units. One of the points he emphasized was the importance of sharing detailed information with him and his staff.
“I will be your advocate to my dying breath,” he said, “so help me help you. I need to know details of work coming down the road so I can position resources properly.”
Given his operational background, as well as his broad range of skills and abilities, Tyler is very much aware of, and focused on, the importance of thoughtfully developed, rugged, reliable weapons systems and other equipment used by Soldiers in the field.
Although the details of YPG’s operation was the focus of his visit, he was impressed by the community support he witnessed downtown at a welcome dinner arranged by the Yuma 50 military support organization. About 30 people attended the dinner.
“When there is a call to action in the Yuma community to support the military, we are always there,” said John Courtis, director of the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce. “When a major general comes to town, we want to show him how much we support our military. This isn’t just words, its action.”
Mayor Nicholls said the many members of the community who attended the dinner showed its support and unit for our nation’s armed forces and, specifically, the mission of proving ground.
“Talking only goes so far,” he said. “It was important for him to see over 30 people actively participating in the event.”
The two also took time to discuss the importance of widening Highway 95, the main artery serving the proving ground, and the establishment of a higher university campus within the city.
“I look forward to working with Maj. Gen. Tyler in the years to come,” said Nicholls.