Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
The Joint Reserve Directorate (JRD) recently held its inaugural executive session at the Pentagon, focusing on defining objectives to better support the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E). The organization updated its mission statement to "Flexible force accelerating innovation," highlighting its role as a reserve detachment composed of military reservists leveraging their civilian expertise for science and technology solutions.
Air Force Col. Reza Grigorian, JRD director, emphasized the importance of innovation within the department, stating, "The JRD has the expertise to achieve those goals." He highlighted the unique skills of reservists in research, industry, and acquisition, positioning them as valuable assets in supporting the department's objectives.
The JRD is expanding its team to include members from various military components, seeking individuals with expertise in a wide range of areas such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. Air Force Maj. Austin McKinney, JRD chief of strategic analysis, stressed the need for recruiting high-caliber Reserve officers to enhance R&E priorities, stating, "From short-term surge support to enduring partnership, the JRD delivers exquisite capabilities to R&E leaders through their distinctive backgrounds and knowledge."
One of the JRD members, Air Force Maj. Lindsay Cain, highlighted the opportunity to blend civilian expertise with military service within the organization, stating, "In the Joint Reserve Directorate, I have the unique opportunity to bridge my civilian expertise with military service, forging a unique synergy that enriches both worlds."
Dr. Aprille Ericsson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology, acknowledged the critical role of the JRD in advancing technology solutions for the warfighter, emphasizing the importance of modernizing science and technology amidst evolving global challenges.
The JRD invites individuals interested in contributing to S&T innovation to explore opportunities within the organization by visiting their website or contacting them via email.
