The secret is out…now do you want to be friends?

by Christopher Zember, Deputy Director, Information Analysis Centers

No, we’re not talking about Facebook friends, but real friends, who have a problem to solve and simply don’t have time to sift through mountains of data to uncover the answer they need. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry – you have a friend in the Department of Defense (DOD) Information Analysis Centers (IACs).

IACs routinely provide tactical information straight to the Warfighter, through our growing network of “friends” – scientists, engineers, and other technical experts in various fields. We are also constantly uncovering new information through cutting edge studies and analysis. And the best part: up to 4 hours of research is free of charge.

Hosted by government, industry, and academia, with strategy and policy oversight coming from the Office of DoD’s Chief Technology Officer, the Centers offer research and analysis in a number of cutting edge fields: advanced materials; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense; chemical propulsion; data and software analysis; information assurance; modeling and simulation; systems reliability and interoperability; military sensing; survivability/vulnerability; and weapon systems technology.

And IAC scope is continuing to expand, with planned new areas to include non-kinetic weapons, biometrics, medical research, cultural studies, and alternative energy.

What makes the IACs unique? Here’s what our customers are saying:

I like knowing I’ve consulted all available sources through one central contact at the IAC.

It’s the speed and ease of use; they’re the most efficient way I know to get results.

They understand their customers. When I call, I get an expert who understands my problem – often better than I do myself.

Over the last few years, the IACs started to work their way into the spotlight, having played an important role in a number of high-profile projects including improving the reliability and survivability of the MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles, support for IED (Improvised Explosive Devise) defeat, and improving helicopter survivability.

For more information on these and other examples of where the IACs are supporting the Warfighter, check back on Armed with Science, where an IAC will be featured once a week for the next several weeks. And be sure to visit our website at: http://iac.dtic.mil.

IACs bring the “think tank” to the battlespace.

This article was sponsored by Police Technology.