Survivability, Vulnerability, Assessment Directorate performs variety of tests
An electromagnetic radiated susceptibility test on the M1A2S, which is the latest version of the Abrams tank, is performed. The Abrams tanks are SVAD’s biggest program and the directorate has been testing their survivability since January 1976. Courtesy photo
WSMR Public Affairs:
WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. – The Survivability, Vulnerability, Assessment Directorate is vital to testing done at White Sands Missile Range, but it can also be its very own entity.
SVAD is responsible for the test and evaluation of nuclear weapons effects, electromagnetic environmental effects, space effects, applied environmental effects, high-energy lasers, high-power microwave, electromagnetic pulse and more. The directorate is also heavily involved in missile testing and Network Integration Evaluation support at WSMR, and although they work with other organizations that support these programs, most of the directorate’s testing is performed on in-house facilities by directorate personnel.
WSMR has recently made a reform to ensure the range does more than just missiles. The SVAD tests everything the Army produces and has more than 100 programs that involve their organization. SVAD has the ability and resources to perform many different types of tests simultaneously within their directorate alone.
“Every aspect on most programs is done within the directorate; from start to finish or cradle-to-grave,” said SVAD Director John Okuma.
The directorate has more than 100 test officers and team members as well as more than 40 facilities available to execute test programs and assist the various customers through the entire testing process. These new customers bring publicity to the range and make it a diversified place to work.
“It is a very interesting place to work because of all the different types of programs and facilities, and the many technical challenges,” Okuma said.
He believes that the true success of the directorate lies within the co-location of facilities capabilities, the specialized experience of personnel and the ability to cross utilize that experience to support the warfighter with test and evaluation of his equipment.
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