Adapting to the Evolution: Interview with General (R) David Perkins

As conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza demonstrate the continued tactical and operational importance of armored capabilities in the modern battlespace, it is imperative that the US and allied nations continue to modernize their armored vehicle forces.

From June 25-26, leaders in the armored vehicles space will gather in Austin, Texas, for the Armored Vehicles USA Conference to discuss numerous US and allied armored vehicle programs, strategic issues to the threat environment, and the challenges of MRO. Over the course of our conference, military practitioners, research and development colleagues, acquisition managers and partners from industry will share thoughts on emerging technologies, changing CONOPS, and preparations for the challenges of the Army of 2030 and beyond.

Before the conference, IDGA sat down with General (R) David Perkins, the conference’s chairman, to discuss what he is looking forward to in this year’s event. General (R) Perkins last served as the 15th Commander of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) which is responsible for designing, acquiring, building and constantly improving the US Army which is one of the largest and most complex organizations in the world. Previously, General (R) Perkins also commanded at all levels in the US Army, from CPT to Major Army Command at the four-star level. He has multiple combat tours to include commanding a Brigade and later an Infantry Division in Iraq.