By Garry Haase, Chairman

Following up on the critical news shared in the last newsletter, the Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR; aka Eglin Gulf Test & Training Range, Joint Gulf Range) received tremendous support from our community to protect it from oil drilling and related activities. The EGTTR is the largest military test and training range in the Continental United States. It connects test & training ranges and capabilities across the eastern Gulf of America (previously Gulf of Mexico) extending from NW Florida to Key West. The range supports simultaneous multi-service air and sea domain training exercises to include sea-to-land transitions. The EGTTR provides unique capabilities to test, train with, and evaluate high-altitude supersonic air combat training, air-to-air missile testing, drone targeting, hypersonic weapons testing, space launches/landings, and other activities. 

Due to its tremendous capabilities, the EGTTR complex is an integral part of the National Defense Strategy, is vital for testing the next generation of air armaments, and for training in conditions consistent with those expected in actual conflict. Due to technological advancements, missions are being pushed farther from the coast into the Federal waters as a result of increased utilization, faster and longer reaching telemetry, and larger safety footprint requirements.

In late November, the Bureau of Energy Management (BOEM) released their draft five-year plan for oil drilling, which included the eastern Gulf of America and almost half of the EGTTR! This proposed leasing area would dramatically encroach upon military test and training capabilities. Oil drilling structures and activities are not compatible with military missions. The range of the future must provide for demanding, high-fidelity, next-generation environments for the development of relevant joint warfighting capabilities.

BOEM’s open public comment period closed on January 23. Much appreciation to everyone that took the time to submit a public comment on BOEM’s website and for writing letters of support. The DSI has received copies of two dozen letters from across the region; representing individuals, organizations and municipalities! The DSI leadership team composed an Eastern Gulf Test & Training Range Military Mission Line Sustainment Position Paper and included every one of these letters—demonstrating the overwhelming support our military has from its supportive communities.

By Travis Hill, Chairman

The Technology Coast Manufacturing and Engineering Network, TeCMEN, is the premier business advocate for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) industries in the Okaloosa County region. 

Nicole Gislason, University of West Florida Haas Center Executive Director provided an informative overview of the Florida’s Great Northwest Military Talent Analysis at the December meeting. This survey identified the local active-duty military talent transitioning into the civilian workforce annually from northwest Florida military installations; offering a highly skilled workforce pipeline.

• There are over 50,000 active-duty personnel
• Approximately 5,200 personnel leave the military each year
• 47%, or 2,250, exiting individuals plan to remain in the area and join the civilian workforce

The January meeting featured guest speaker John Hofstad, Okaloosa County Administrator. Mr. Hofstad provided an informative and detailed overview of the current and future County supportive activities. 

The TeCMEN Industry Day is scheduled for May 13, 2026. This event is the Gulf Coast’s leading one-day technology, engineering, and manufacturing expo offering a platform for networking and collaboration in the STEM industries. For additional information and registration: tecmenindustryday.com.