23 Spring 2025 Proceedings The sync has underscored that technologi- cal advancements are crucial in maintain- ing a competitive edge in modern warfare. Therefore, the ability to quickly progress and innovate in this area is vital for the success of each military service. Collaboration allows each lab to leverage the strengths of their counterparts and build upon exist- ing innovations, rather than starting from scratch, accelerating progress and ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancements. The RDC has been able to link elements of its approved national portfolio with work that is ongoing at the Navy, Army, Space Force, and Air Force laboratories. Secondly, personnel retention is a critical issue in the military, and the ability to attract and retain top talent is essential for success. Collaboration and a supportive working environment can greatly improve staff morale, job satisfaction, and retention. By working together and leveraging each other’s strengths, labs can create a more productive and fulfilling work environ- ment, leading to a more stable and effective workforce. Lastly, collaboration fosters a more connected and unified military community. By actively working together and sharing resources, each individual lab is strengthened along with the broader military commu- nity. This collaborative approach leads to greater coor- dination, faster progress, and greater success for all involved. This was demonstrated last September with the RDC’s OPS Demo Coqui which flexed elements of autonomy in the Puerto Rico area of responsibility. For example, the Army Research Laboratory provided acous- tic sensors for the demo and the Air Force Research Lab offered a command-and-control system. “The Lab Commanders Sync is a powerful forum where we break down service barriers to accelerate high- impact S&T to the joint force,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Bartolomei, commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory and the newest commander to the sync. “I am looking forward to working with our joint partners to remove blockers and find solutions to our biggest tech- nical challenges.” With any collaboration, the importance of contact cannot be underestimated. So, how often do the com- manders and their deputy/executive directors meet? The answer is every three months. The quarterly formal leader meetings are divided between live and hybrid. The action officers work with their parent commands to tee up agenda items and the meetings support engagement through detailed plan- ning efforts. Actively pursuing collaborative opportuni- ties is essential for both the individual military service senior leaders and the future of the National Security Enterprise. It helps maintain a competitive edge over potential threats, improves personnel retention, creates a more connected and unified military community, and ultimately enhances overall national security in the long term. Heading into the next year, the DoD Lab Sync will continue to cultivate transparency, collaboration, and opportunities for all the members of the armed services and their research capabilities. The American taxpayer is the big winner here as commands and services can share efforts and enhance effectiveness and efficiency. A model for collaboration, the DoD Lab Sync will get more important over time. About the authors: Joe DiRenzo, Ph.D., is the Coast Guard liaison to the DoD Lab Sync. He is a career cutterman, has held cutter command, and has been a division chief at Atlantic Area. The five-time winner of the Coast Guard’s Chief Journalist Alex Haley Award is a graduate of both the Marine Corps University and Naval War College. Phyllis Pennington is the Air Force action officer to the Department of Defense Laboratory Commanders Sync. Derhun Sanders, a Michigan Technological University (MTU) gradu- ate, is the chief of domestic partnerships for the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities and Development Command. With extensive experience in defense technology, strategic planning, and budget management, he is a key leader in the defense industry. He also serves as a board of trustees member at MTU and is the Army action officer to the Department of Defense Laboratory Commander’s Sync. Miguel Becerril served for 20-plus years in the Navy and Marine Corps. A 1978 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he served in the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration and in the governor of Puerto Rico’s Washington, D.C., office, as director of federal programs. He serves as a senior program manager with the Office of Naval Research and is the Navy action officer to the Department of Defense Laboratory Command- er’s Sync. References: Joint Publication 1 (JP-1), Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States (Washington, DC: U.S. Government Publishing Office [GPO], 12 July 2017), VI-1. Quarterly Lab Sync meetings bring 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 to collaborate on opportunities that benefit the National Security Enterprise. Coast Guard photo
