Williamson to lead military’s joint radio system office

Army Brig. Gen. Michael Williamson has been appointed to serve as the joint program executive officer for the military's Joint Tactical Radio System, the Defense Department announced March 17. He replaces acting JPEO Howard Pace.

Williamson previously was deputy program manager for the Army Program Executive Office for Integration. In his new capacity, he will direct and guide the development, acquisition, product improvement, and fielding of JTRS capabilities for the military services.

JTRS is the next-generation voice and data radio system under development for use by all branches of the U.S. military. DOD will use the products being developed under the direction of the JPEO JTRS to shape long-term networking strategies and provide cyber-hardened joint and interoperable communications capabilities.

Williamson stressed the networking aspect of the program goals and objectives in a statement announcing his appointment. “JTRS is not just about radios or waveforms — it’s about networking capability,” he said.