At American Rheinmetall Vehicles (ARV), innovation in military vehicle design doesn’t just stem from cutting-edge technology. It arises from the company’s unique combination of engineering excellence and a deep understanding of combat operations, fueled by the operational experience of its veteran employees. This powerful fusion sets ARV apart in the defense sector, offering the U.S. Army a partner who not only leads in vehicle engineering but also ensures that every design is informed by the very people who have lived through the rigors of military operations.
“One of the things that differentiates us from our competitors is that we put user input first,” said John Pope, American Rheinmetall Vehicles Field Service Manager and retired U.S. Army master gunner. His words echo the foundation of ARV’s approach to combat vehicle design: putting the needs and experiences of the end user—Soldiers—at the forefront of every decision. This user-first approach is no mere slogan; it is the guiding principle that shapes every stage of vehicle development.
At ARV, veterans like John Pope bring a unique and invaluable perspective, one that is grounded in real-world combat operations. This expertise informs the company’s commitment to designing vehicles that prioritize the Soldier’s needs. From ergonomics to system integration, every feature is tested against the insights of those who have been in the field. “The master gunners we work with really help us keep the Soldier’s perspective first in mind and focus on a user-centric design,” said Mikayla Ray, ARV Software Engineering Lead. “Having their voice keeps us on track.”
This close collaboration between ARV’s engineers and veterans ensures that ARV’s designs not only meet technical requirements but also align with the realities of battlefield operations. “The users are really the ones who understand what should happen and what the vehicle should do, so having access to their knowledge, their experience is super valuable,” said Ben Jackson, ARV Director of Systems Engineering. “When you take that input and turn it into a feature or a requirement, it really adds value.”
While many defense companies focus on cutting-edge technology, ARV stands apart because of its deep integration of operational experience into its engineering processes. This dual focus on innovation and practicality creates combat vehicles that are not only technologically advanced but also highly functional in the environments they are meant to operate in.
In an industry where technical requirements often drive development, ARV’s approach ensures that functionality and Soldier needs come first. This is a significant differentiator, making ARV more than just an engineering powerhouse. It is a company that understands that the ultimate goal is to create vehicles that Soldiers can rely on, vehicles that will keep them safe, enhance their combat capabilities, and allow them to succeed in their missions.
Ruben Burgos, ARV Director of Programs and an Army veteran, expressed his pride in being part of this mission. “I get to work with a team that is changing the way combat vehicles are designed, developed, and built,” he said. This drive for modernization, combined with respect for the insights of combat veterans, means that ARV vehicles are crafted with both cutting-edge technology and practical field experience in mind.
“There’s a lot of respect given to veterans here, and I think it’s very useful because the veterans are able to provide a voice for the customer that gives you a degree of insight that engineers might not have otherwise,” said Jim Schirmer, ARV VP and Deputy Managing Director, and Army veteran. This respect goes beyond formal recognition; it is woven into the company’s engineering ethos, where the input of veterans is integrated at every level of development.
“We have a core philosophy at American Rheinmetall, which is everyone’s voice matters. If you start with that open culture, then it lends itself to the collaboration between engineering and former users,” said Matt Warnick, ARV General Manager. “It’s that culture of sharing, that culture of team, and that we value each other’s inputs in terms of how we move forward from a design and engineering perspective.”
American Rheinmetall Vehicles stands out in the defense industry by seamlessly merging engineering excellence with the deep operational insights of its veteran employees. This combination ensures that ARV’s combat vehicles are not only technologically advanced but also optimized for real-world use. By fostering a collaborative, open culture and putting user input first, ARV ensures that its vehicles meet the needs of Soldiers in the field. As the company continues to innovate and modernize, its commitment to merging these two strengths will remain at the heart of its mission to support and empower the U.S. Army.