This article was originally published/aired by WJCL.com on Oct. 7 2024.
Marne Innovation Center wins national competition, ‘Dragon’s Lair’ for camo net invention
FORT STEWART, Ga. — In the ever-evolving landscape of warfare, the U.S. Army is turning to its own soldiers for innovative solutions. At the Marne Innovation Center, troops are developing creative ways to enhance military gear, driven by real-world challenges they face on the battlefield.
Sergeant First Class Nathan Lopez, a leader at the center, emphasizes the importance of their work. “Anything I can do today that will help them tomorrow is significant,” he said.
The Marne Innovation Center focuses on identifying and addressing soldiers’ needs, providing them with the tools and training necessary to tackle various issues.
Recently, Lopez and his team addressed a major pain point: the setup of camo nets used to conceal tanks during operations. Traditional methods were often cumbersome and time-consuming.
“By modifying the brackets that mount in the vehicle, soldiers can now set up the net anywhere, streamlining the process,” Lopez explained.
This innovative solution earned the team a top spot in the Army’s national competition, “Dragon’s Lair,” likened to the popular show “Shark Tank.” Out of hundreds of projects submitted, their idea was selected among the final nine to be presented to a panel of generals.
Specialist Bryce Simmons, a welder on the project, highlighted the collaborative environment at the center. “No matter your rank, if you have an idea, they’re going to put it out and execute it.”
About the Marne Innovation Center
The Marne Innovation Center at Fort Stewart is a collaborative U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory’s (ARL) and Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2) Design, Innovation, Research, and Technology (DIRT) Lab as part of the Army’s Pathfinder program. The Pathfinder program’s focus on soldier-inspired tactical innovation has allowed Soldiers to influence the design of prototypes and participate in CMI2-led experimentation events to challenge their effectiveness.
