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The U.S. Army is substantially accelerating private defense contractor access to its military test facilities by implementing an expedited approval system that cuts traditional wait times by more than 95 percent. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced the initiative Friday, stating that companies submitting requests can now secure testing opportunities within 30 days rather than facing the typical 18-month delay.
Driscoll characterized the overhaul as removing bureaucratic obstacles that have accumulated over decades, emphasizing the urgent need for rapid innovation cycles that match private industry speed. He referenced Ukraine’s success in quickly developing combat technologies as a model the Army aims to emulate, noting the service intends to dismantle regulatory barriers established over the past two and three decades.
Four stateside military facilities are now open to industry testing: Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, West Cibola Range at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Mississippi, and Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center in Michigan. The Army is simultaneously coordinating with U.S. Africa Command to provide access to the Multidomain Training Area in Morocco for qualified applicants.
Companies can apply through a new online portal at testrange.army.mil without requiring an existing federal contract or prior government relationships. Each applicant will receive a dedicated “concierge” staff member to manage scheduling logistics and identify available testing windows, though capacity constraints may prevent guaranteed access to preferred locations or dates.
The initiative targets accelerated development of emerging technologies including drone systems, counter-drone capabilities, long-range weaponry, and low-cost interceptor systems. Driscoll stressed that innovative companies should not require extensive legal resources or established government programs simply to demonstrate equipment functionality at military ranges.
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