22 Proceedings Spring 2025 What is the DoD Lab Commander’s Sync? by Joe direNzo, ph.d. Sync Action Officer U.S. Coast Guard phyLLis peNNiNGtoN Sync Action Officer U.S. Air Force derhuN saNders Sync Action Officer U.S. Army retired mariNe corps maJ. miqueL BecerriL Sync Action Officer U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Jointness is not automatic, and it is perishable. It must be advanced through continual joint force development efforts. —Joint Publication 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States J oint Publication 1 (JP-1) is the capstone document for the armed forces of the United States and pro- vides fundamental principles and overarching guidance for the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force, and Marine Corps. The Department of Defense (DoD) Laboratory Commander Sync exempli- fies this joint team. The Lab Sync brings commanders of the Army Development Command, the Office of Naval Research, the Air Force Research Lab, and the Coast Guard Research and Development Center together regu- larly to address research issues of joint interest. On November 19, 2019, commanders and senior leaders from the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Air Force Research Laboratory, Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, and the Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This memorandum works to enhance collaboration on science and technology (S&T) programs. This was an important step for the Coast Guard as it formalized the service’s relationship with the National Security Research Enterprise. RDML Greg Rothrock, then a captain and the RDC’s commanding officer, said, “We get the opportunity to col- laborate with a world-class military lab that shares a lot of common interest areas with us, and it helps both of our services explore and adopt technology, hopefully, faster.” The MOU facilitates sharing S&T and research and development (R&D) data, including contracts, to increase collaboration, reduce redundancies, and improve the armed forces’ S&T and R&D portfolios. Since the ini- tial sync, the group has benefitted from access to subject J matter experts and tackled issues like talent recruitment, management, and retention, as well as data, experimen- tation, and parts provided by other services. For exam- ple, the Coast Guard’s counter-uncrewed aerial vehicle system was developed through cooperation with other DoD Lab Sync members. Dr. Eric Moore, deputy to the commanding general of U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) added: The U.S. Army and DEVCOM values its collaboration with the Coast Guard because it brings together our unique capabilities and perspectives to solve complex challenges. Working with the Coast Guard allows us to leverage their expertise in maritime operations while they benefit from our advancements in land and aerial technologies. This partnership not only strengthens our respective missions but also enhances the overall readi- ness and effectiveness of the joint force. By combining our efforts, we ensure that both services remain at the cutting edge of technological innovation, which is essen- tial for maintaining national security. Technological advancements are crucial for maintain- ing a competitive edge in modern warfare. Collaboration allows each lab to leverage the strengths of their counter- parts, ensuring rapid progress and innovation. “This is a great example of how ONR partners with our fellow services to ensure we develop capabili- ties to support the joint fight,” said Navy RADM Kurt Rothenhaus, the chief of naval research.
