By Garry Haase, Chairman

The Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR; aka Eglin Gulf Test & Training Range, Joint Gulf Range) 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. A 2012 Air Force Long Range Stand-Off Weapons study identified the EGTTR as the only U.S. continental range capable of supporting future technologically advanced weapons testing. 

Due to its tremendous capabilities, the EGTTR complex is an integral part of DoD’s Training Resources Strategy, is vital for testing the next generation of air armaments, and for training in conditions consistent with those expected in actual conflict. It is utilized by multiple users, including DoD, other government agencies, foreign partner countries, and private companies. Due to technological advancements, missions are being pushed farther from land into the Federal waters of the EGTTR as a result of increased utilization, faster and longer reaching telemetry, and larger safety footprint requirements.

In January 2025, President Trump released his Unleashing American Energy Executive Order. This EO specifically identifies outer continental shelf lands for energy exploration and extraction. It does not reference the EGTTR OCSL specifically however this outer continental shelf reference opens the eastern Gulf drilling for interpretation since it contains an outer continental shelf.

Last week, BOEM released their draft five-year plan for oil drilling, which does include the eastern Gulf of America and almost half of the EGTTR! This proposed leasing area will 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.

The Defense Support Initiatives Committee executed a letter of support for the EGTTR and has distributed that letter to Congressional and state leaders as well as the Department of Interior.



BOEM has opened public comment on the proposed lease sale with the 60 day comment window scheduled to close on January 23. The DSI will be submitting a public comment in support of the Eastern Gulf Test & Training Range. Please consider submitting comments opposing the proposed Eastern Gulf of America oil lease sale using the public comment portal found here:

https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/BOEM-2025-0483-0001

By Travis Hill, Chairman

I'm honored to serve as TeCMEN Chair for FY 2025-2026 after Nathan Pierpoint. At our November meeting, it was announced that Miranda Adams will serve as Vice Chair—thanks to Miranda.

The Technology Coast Manufacturing and Engineering Network, TeCMEN, was established by One Okaloosa Economic Development Council in 1989 to be the premier business advocate for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) industries. The TeCMEN membership meetings are held on a monthly basis. We have had two informative meetings (October and November).



At our October TeCMEN meeting, the Member Spotlight featured Melanie Newton (COO) of JBS Solutions. JBS Solutions is an engineering services firm operating nationwide, supporting NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense with mission-critical solutions in operations, engineering, logistics, and transportation planning. The company specializes in spaceflight planning, systems engineering and integration, as well as mechanical design and analysis. Thank you to Rocky Bayou Christian School for sponsoring the meeting.

David Coyle (CEO) of Disruptive Electronic Warfare Machines was featured in November's TeCMEN Member Spotlight. DEWM, founded by USAF veterans skilled in SEAD, air combat, and EW, develops agile and affordable electronic warfare systems to address current operational needs. Their technologies, such as the DART system, provide realistic, flexible, and rapid solutions for both battlefields and training ranges. Thank you to Northwest Florida State College for sponsoring the meeting.

The confirmed speakers for the TeCMEN meetings in December and January include Nicole Gislason, representing the UWF Haas Center Talent Survey, and John Hofstad, Okaloosa County Administrator.

Early Bird Exhibitor Registration for the 9th Annual TeCMEN Industry Day (May 13, 2026) is open until December 31, 2025. General Attendee Registration begins January 5, 2026. More details are available at tecmenindustryday.com.