ARMY-PIT-Briefing-APBI APR2026.pdf

PATHWAY FOR INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY / Copyright © 2026 U.S. ARMY

Pathway for Innovation & Technology (PIT) Overview

COL SHERMOAN DAIYAAN / DIRECTOR

LTC EDWIN KOLEN / MILITARY DEPUTY

Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research & Technology

LAST UPDATED: 6 APRIL 2026

APR2026

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CONTENTS

Pathway for Innovation & Technology (PIT) Overview 3

Army FUZE Portfolio Overview 7

Operational Acquisition Detachments (OADs) Overview 12

Global-Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) Overview 16

Connect with the PIT 20

Questions? 21

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Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll

Letter to the Force: May 1, 2025

A NEW ERA OF ARMY INNOVATION

“Battlefields across the world are changing at a rapid pace.

To maintain our edge on the battlefield, our Army will transform to a leaner, more lethal force by adapting how we fight, train, organize, and buy equipment.”

PATHWAY FOR INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY (PIT) OVERVIEW

PIT PRIORITIES

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PATHWAY FOR INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY (PIT) OVERVIEW

US Army PIT serves as the Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAE) +1 under the Acquisition Reform construct by combining four previously disparate science and technology programs (FUZE) and embedding acquisition professionals in Corps (JIOP/OADs) and Army Service Component Command (G-TEAD) to meet commander’s intent and satisfy Army priorities.

Intent is to accelerate the requirements and procurement process by prototyping at the edge and serving as an immediate bridge to scale emerging at the speed of relevance.

INITIAL PRIORITIES OF WORK:

1. See, Share, Synchronize, & Scale

2. Ensure promising capability becomes a warfighting capability

3. Align w/ PAEs and other Innovation cells

INITIAL GUIDANCE FROM SENIOR LEADERS:

1. Scale, Scale, Scale at the speed of relevance

2. Stay in the dirt with Soldiers

3. Use Venture Capital

4. Challenge or elevate process & policy friction points

SCALING TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSITIONING TO A PAE IS PARAMOUNT TO SUCCESS

Early & Continuous Linkage to PAEs

Alignment to POM Cycles

In-Stride Documentation

Continued Vendor Engagement with Warfighters

Sustainment of Promising Tech

Leveraging Capital Markets

AUTONMOUS

BREACHING TACTICAL LOGISTICS

ASL Priorities

EXPEDITIONARY

POWER ARCTIC OPERATIONS

T2COM ASA (ALT)

THE PIT

ACQUISITION REFORM PAE 6+ 1 (PIT)

PIT

Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) Army FUZE

T2COM ASA(ALT)

Operational Acquisition Detachments (OADs)

Under the new PAE model (as of Nov 7, 2025), the PIT serves as the Army’s mechanism to integrate innovation into capability development and acquisition execution.

PATHWAY FOR INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY (PIT)

The PIT embeds acquisition professionals with warfighters to provide resources and authorities to convert tech to lethal capability AT-SPEED and SCALE.

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PATHWAY FOR INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY (PIT) OVERVIEW

G-TEAD synchronizes efforts to resolve capability gaps for the Army Service Component Commands (ASCC).

Army FUZE, operating in collaboration with the G-TEAD and JIOP, engages commercial and defense ecosystems to scout broadly for technologies with high relevance to Army modernization objectives.

OADs interfaces with warfighters at Army units to resolve capability gaps at the Corps level.

Army Applications Lab (AAL)

C2 / Counter C2 Adaptive Sustainment

Cross Domain FiresFormation Based Layered Protection

2. Network: insufficient secure, reliable, and survivable communications architectures

11. C2 Overmatch: lack of integrated mobile C2 systems and processes to manage data and information supporting shared understanding for effective and timely multi-domain decision making

10. CP Survivability: insufficient resiliency of Command Post (CP) and systems infrastructure

3. Information Advantage Activities: lack ability to seize, retain, and exploit an advantage over adversaries and enemies in information, cyber-space, and the EMS

5. Battlefield Visibility: insufficient deep sensing capabilities providing persistent multi-domain battlefield visibility

9. Counter C2: lack ability to deny/defeat/mislead persistent threats in all-domain ISR / observation / targeting

1. Force Preparation: inability to maintain a sufficient state of readiness for rapid transition to conflict in all domains

13. Protect the Force: limited ability to protect themselves and other dispersed forces in all operational areas to include the ability to blend in with surroundings

15. Maneuver/Lethality: inability to expand combined arms operational reach through endurance and lethality to exploit all-domain maneuver, both manned and unmanned

All Arms Maneuver

Note: FOE Gap Category numbering reflects ordering by Conflict Sequencing and does not reflect any prioritization

Army Formations (at echelon)….

6. Inter-Theater Lift: limited multi-domain ability to rapidly transport forces, supplies and/or casualties from the homeland to AORs/JOAs or between AORs/JOAs

7. Intra-Theater Lift: insufficient multi-domain ability to move units, personnel, cargo, and materiel within the AOR/JOA to point of need

8. Supply Operations: limited ability for conducting rapid supply (all classes of supply, energy, etc.), field services, and logistics operations for prolonged duration

17. Maintenance Operations: limited ability to maintain, repair, fabricate, and recover/reconstitute equipment in all domains for prolonged duration

19. Soldier Support Operations: limited ability to provide/receive personnel services to soldiers, both living and deceased, to include financial, and spiritual for prolonged duration

18. Mass Casualty Treatment: limited ability to provide/receive health services during large scale combat operations (LSCO) inside and outside of the AOR/JOA

14. Deliberate & Dynamic Targeting: inability to utilize pre-planned targeting and to rapidly exploit time sensitive opportunities for converging delivery of combined Joint/Multi-national lethal/non-lethal fires

12. Defend Airspace: limited ability to protect/defend airspace from manned and un-manned aerial systems and advanced cruise/ballistic missiles for extended durations

4. Space Operations: limited access and control of non-interrupted, protected assets in the contested space domain

16. Cross-Domain Fires Delivery: Army formations (at echelon) lack sufficient capability to synchronize employment of both kinetic (Fires) and non-kinetic (Cyber/EW) effectors in all operational domains to achieve desired effects in the FOE.

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ARMY GAPS

PATHWAY FOR INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY (PIT) OVERVIEW

MISSION THREADS GIVE SYNERGY TO MEET ARMY GAPS

MISSION THREADS GIVE SYNERGY TO MEET ARMY GAPS

C2 / Counter C2

Adaptive Sustainment

Cross Domain Fires

All Arms Maneuver

Formation Based Layered Protection Protect the Force: Prototype enhanced vehicle camouflage capability XVIII Airborne, ongoing (JIOP)

Network: Equip a family of converged (multi-net) network transport, PNT and compute capabilities (PAE C2/CC2)

Network: Prototype an autonomous cUAS MOSA (JIOP)

Info Advantage: Inject a scalable family of components for Electronic Warfare

Battlefield Visibility & C2 Overmatch: Prototype capability for deep sensing, visualization, and AI enabled decision support (JIOP)

Battlefield Visibility: Prototype capability that exploits space ISR

(PAE C2/CC2)

C2: Airspace Management and deconfliction iso PAE Maneuver Air to support 5-CABs. (PAE-MA)

Intra-Theater Lift: Prototype autonomous forward arming and refueling (GTEAD)

Conduct Equipment Repair Operations: Inject hybrid additive manufacturing and future power generation capability (GTEAD)

Expeditionary Power: Prototype enhanced energy generation, storage and distribution capabilities (AAL)

Expeditionary Power: Provide I Corps Command Posts with the low signature (audio and physical) capabilities that generate, distribute, and store power to reduce the risks of refueling logistical requirements

(AAL)

Mass Casualty Treatment: Equip autonomous triage and treatment capabilities (GTEAD)

Cold Weather Drone Battery prototyping (AAL)

Logistics: CASCOM to BSB Logistics Coordination Software (AAL)

Maneuver/Lethality: Prototype autonomous breaching and terrain shaping capabilities utilizing air and ground platforms (AAL)

Maneuver/Lethality: Equip autonomous ground and air capabilities (GTEAD)

Maneuver/Lethality: Equip autonomous mass with robotic breaching capability with 20TH ENG, XVIII Corps in 3QFY26 (Sandhills) (JIOP)

Maneuver/Lethality: Equip and accelerate ISV-M (81mm) Mortar- Scorpion Deliberate & Dynamic Targeting: Prototype containerized missile, rockets and cost-efficient munitions (GTEAD)

Cross-Domain Fires Delivery: Prototype a platform-less strategic strike capability (GTEAD)

Defend Airspace Prototype: Classified program to protect/defend airspace (PAE C2/CC2) Deliberate & Dynamic Targeting: Prototype an expanded cross domain seeker warhead capability (PrSM Inc 4)

PATHWAY FOR INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY (PIT) OVERVIEW

FY26-27 PIT PRIORITIES

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PATHWAY FOR INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY (PIT) OVERVIEW

Autonomous Breaching

Control vehicles with armored systems Sustain air and ground obscuration for mission duration Enable integrated networks to streamline breaching operations Deliver munitions autonomously Equip mounted volcano capabilities to operational units Accelerate protected lane proofing and marking processes

Tactical Logistics

Automate distant resupply and minimize Soldier exposure Empower brigade level logistics system modernization Deploy unmanned casualty evacuation platforms Deliver autonomous resupply capabilities for distributed operations

Expeditionary Power

Mobile Brigade Combat Teams (MBCT) independently Design scalable energy distribution networks without lift heavy solutions Lower the physical and auditory signature while reducing reliance on fuel resupply Standardize energy forecasting tools across units and echelons

Arctic Operations

Develop lightweight systems to enable over snow mobility for fire support Equip MBCTs with the ability to recover air dropped supplies autonomously Provide solutions for hot food, potable water creation, and mobile arctic sustainment systems

PATHWAY FOR INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY / Copyright © 2026 U.S. ARMY 9

Army FUZE Portfolio Overview

DR. MATT WILLIS / DIRECTOR

ONE ECOSYSTEM, ONE MISSION

Army FUZE accelerates the transition of innovative capabilities to the field by connecting programs, scaling impact, and reshaping acquisition through a unified, Soldier-centric approach.

ARMY FUZE PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW

xTech is the Army’s top prize competition for scouting and advancing dual-use innovation. Open-topic challenges engage startups, academics, and commercial firms, offering cash prizes, Army exposure, and transition paths.

xTech connects emerging tech with military needs through a low-barrier, high-visibility platform.

The Technology Maturation Initiative (TMI) bridges innovation with battlefield integration - accelerating transition by validating performance, reducing risk, and aligning with mission needs. TMI works with innovators, acquisition teams, and end users to test and refine technologies in realistic environments, ensuring they’re ready and relevant.

The Army Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program strengthens the industrial base by making defense technologies producible, scalable, and sustainable.

ManTech invests in advanced manufacturing, materials innovation, and supply chain resilience to transition new capabilities into affordable, resilient full-rate production.

The Army SBIR|STTR Program connects small businesses with non-dilutive funding, expert support, and Army stakeholders to develop dual-use tech for mission needs.

SBIR|STTR turns early-stage ideas into operational solutions, driving modernization and strengthening the industrial base.

TMIMANTECH

SBIR|STTRxTECH

Expanding the Industrial Base Driving Dual-Use Investments

Manufacturing at Scale and Speed Bridging the Valley of Death

PATHWAY FOR INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY / Copyright © 2026 U.S. ARMY 11

Operational Acquisition Detachments Overview

COL THOMAS R. MONAGHAN JR. / DIRECTOR

OAD ECOSYSTEM

OAD OVERVIEW

Vision: LTG James M. Gavin, JIOP, supports the XVIII Airborne Corps – America’s Premier Power Projection Force – by enabling rapid innovation and technology transition to ensure global readiness and operational dominance.

JIOP bridges the gap between operational needs and cutting-edge solutions by uniting government, industry, academia, and capital.

INNOVATION FOCUS AREAS

OAD OVERVIEW

Prioritization Methodology

Cost Effective:

Achieve affordable Total Price per Kill in protracted conflict through low-cost, attritable, and regenerable solutions.

Technology Forward:

Leverage unmanned, autonomous, and networked systems to maximize UGV and UAS capabilities, enabling precision and multi-domain operations while mitigating force structure limitations.

Scalable & Adaptable:

Develop global magazine depth to deter threats across theaters, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness in a rapidly changing environment.

Field Unmanned Direct and indirect fire systems Deploy unmanned systems to generate new forms of mass, mitigate force structure limitations, and enhance defensive and offensive capabilities.

Establish Persistent Network of ISR Collectors Enhance situational awareness with a modular, open systems network of all-domain sensors to detect, track, and target enemy formations.

Field Launched Effects Introduce new launched effects to defeat massed armored formations and increase lethality in the close fight.

Develop Cost-Effective KINETIC & non-KINETIC Munitions Create affordable, precision-guided munitions that achieve desired effects, leveraging commercial technologies and innovative manufacturing methods to reduce costs and increase availability of lethal and non-lethal options.

Establish Resilient, AI-Enabled C2, Sustainment, PED, & Protection Leverage AI-enabled C2 to improve decision-making, facilitate predictive logistics, additive/subtractive manufacturing, and next-gen power generation.

PATHWAY FOR INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY / Copyright © 2026 U.S. ARMY 14

Global-Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) Overview

COL CHRISTOPHER HILL / DIRECTOR

G-TEAD OVERVIEW

Direct commander alignment: Embedded with Armed Service Component Commands Commanders to translate top operational priorities into executable tech needs.

Rapid industry access: Design and run prize challenges with partners (e.g., xTech, Defense Innovation Unit) to push targeted solicitations to industry and quickly evaluate responses.

Operational validation: Execute live demonstrations with units in the area of responsibility (AOR) to test leading prototypes in real-world conditions.

Path to scale: Transition successful prototypes via OTAs to enable follow-on buys or scale through a PAE into formal acquisition programs.

G-TEAD Mission: Close the gap between rapidly evolving threats and the Army’s multi-year acquisition cycle, delivering capability at the speed of war.

G-TEAD's forward-deployed expert teams translate urgent ASCC Commander needs into affordable, warfighter-tested solutions, delivered within 90 days of an exercise.

INTRODUCTION TO G-TEAD

BLUF

G-TEAD Value Drivers

G-TEAD, empowered by the PIT, operates left of the Acquisitions process to accelerate fielding timelines, synergize efforts globally and integrate innovation directly into acquisition execution.

G-TEAD Accelerated Capability Events Process

VISION: The Army’s forward deployed hubs for rapidly translating ASCC Commanders’ needs into battlefield-ready capabilities demonstrated in-theater by Soldiers

G-TEAD OVERVIEW

GTEAD Delivery Timeline (days)

Delivered 3 c-UAS solutions <30 days after incursion, using bailments to deliver 50+ kits to international partners

Deployed six new c-UAS solutions to 52nd ADA within 90 days

Trained 52nd ADA platoon who continue to use new c-UAS capabilities in formation Engaged 200+ vendors and delivered direct Soldier feedback to help industry rapidly improve technologies

Impact Delivered to Date: G-TEAD orchestrates the best of Army in a unified, rapid, forward-deployed fashion

Understand tactical need

Engage industry to identify capabilities

Prove capabilities as solutions

Accelerate access to solutions

Deliver solutions to Soldiers

PAEsUSAUERAF SETAF USARPAC SOCOM FUZE-xTech DIU T2COM ATEC ACC (e.g 409th) 52nd ADA NATO Partners

0 30 90 180

Regionally aligned, globally focused teams define Tactical Needs Statements (TNS) through direct engagement with ASCC Commanders

ASCC Hosts Establish direct industry and consortium links for new tactical needs, and synchronize and leverage DoW enterprise for existing capabilities

Delivery partners Deploy leave-behind kit and new equipment (via MBAs/OTAs) to rapidly scale validated capabilities within 90 days

Delivery partners We will enable flexible options for delivery to U.S. government and foreign partners (e.g., via a marketplace solution, direct from vendor, FMS)

Delivery partners Conduct quarterly, Soldier-led demos to ensure combat viability prior to acquisition, delivering ASCCs 5+ innovative capabilities every 90 days

Embedded partners

Connect with the PIT pit.army.mil

ArmyPIT

@USARMYPIT

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https://pit.army.mil/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/armypit/posts/?feedView=all https://x.com/USARMYPIT

PATHWAY FOR INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY / Copyright © 2026 U.S. ARMY 18

Questions?