This book provides the reader with a unique opportunity to understand the basic and applied research and technology areas that support applications to enable Transformational capabilities for US Soldiers. The research papers are in line with the theme of the 24th Army Science Conference: “Transformational Science and Technology for the Current and Future Force,” emphasizing the critical role of Science and Technology in addressing the significant challenges posed by Global War On Terrorism while simultaneously developing Transformational capabilities for the Future Force.

This book presents distinctive perspectives and voices concerning the nature, utility, and limitations of science and technology in national security, as well as outlining the nature of science and technology’s interdependency with military operations. These dialogues are particularly timely during this period of transition for the US military in which these implicit ideas are molding the Army Futures Command and similar other service agencies. The design decisions being made to equip, train, educate, deploy, and lead the future force need wisdom from experienced scientists, engineers, and innovators. This book addresses fundamental issues such as the relationship between scientific advances and technological innovation and the roles of science and technology in a modern society and the military.

The 20th Army Science Conference was held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott and Convention Center in Norfolk, Virginia, 24-27 June 1996. The work in this document was authorized under Contract No. DAALOI-94-C-0051. This work was started and completed in June 1996. Topics discussed included advanced materials and manufacturing, microelectronics and photonics, sensors and information processing, high performance computing and simulation, advanced propulsion technologies and power generation.

The 20th Army Science Conference was held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott and Convention Center in Norfolk, Virginia, 24-27 June 1996. This report contains the proceedings of the conference. Topics include advanced materials and manufacturing, microelectronics and photonics, information processing, high performance computing and simulation, biological, chemical and nuclear defense, life, medical and behavioral sciences, environmental sciences and geosciences, and engineering.