The U.S. Army has launched a new program offering private defense firms rapid access to military test ranges, reducing typical wait times from 18 months to 30 days under a system described as "concierge" access.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced the initiative on Friday, stating that companies can secure testing opportunities within 30 days of submitting a request through a new online portal at testrange.army.mil. The program applies to four domestic locations: Dugway Proving Ground (Utah), West Cibola Range at Yuma Proving Ground (Arizona), Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center (Mississippi), and Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center (Michigan). Additionally, the Army is facilitating industry access to the Multidomain Training Area in Morocco in partnership with U.S. Africa Command.
Speeding up modernization efforts
The move is part of a broader Army effort to accelerate the development and deployment of emerging technologies, including drones, counter-drone systems, long-range fires, and low-cost interceptors. Driscoll emphasized the urgency of the initiative, citing global military innovations—particularly those demonstrated in Ukraine’s drone production and deployment—as a catalyst for reform.
"If you look at what is occurring all over the world today, if you look what Ukraine has done so incredibly well, it's this innovation through necessity and it's innovation at the speed that is near or close to matching the commercial sector," Driscoll said. "And so what we, the Army, are trying to do is break down every single barrier that we have put up over the last 20 and 30 years."
How the program works
Companies seeking to test weapons or technologies must submit requests via the online portal. Upon approval, they are assigned a dedicated "concierge" representative to coordinate scheduling, logistics, and compliance with military protocols. The Army has framed this as a shift from bureaucratic delays to streamlined access, with Driscoll stating: "We just had to get out of our own way."
Broader implications for defense innovation
The initiative reflects a broader Pentagon push to reduce regulatory hurdles for defense contractors, aligning with calls from lawmakers and industry groups to modernize procurement processes. The Army’s decision comes amid rising concerns over competing military advancements by adversarial nations, including Russia and China, which have accelerated their own defense technology development timelines.
Defense analysts note that faster testing cycles could shorten the gap between prototype and deployment, potentially giving U.S. forces a tactical edge. However, the program’s long-term impact on military readiness and operational security remains under discussion within defense circles.
Next steps
The Army has not disclosed a timeline for expanding the program to additional test ranges or international partners. Companies interested in participating are directed to the testrange.army.mil portal for further details on eligibility and requirements.