Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) secured money for defense research at three post-secondary institutions in Tallahassee.
Florida State University is to receive $8.5 million and Tallahassee Community College will receive $800,000 for military research.
Florida A&M University is to receive the most money with $12.4 million.
The money will be used for three different parts of the program, according to a press release posted on FAMU’s website.
About half the allotment, $6.4 million, is going toward the Future Affordable Multi-Utility Materials for the Army Future Combat Systems.
The funding will help to continue research and develop advanced systems in unmanned vehicles used by the United States. The unmanned vehicles are vital to the U.S. military because they gather intelligence and carry out various missions on the land and in the air.
About a third of the grant, $4.8 million, is going towards the Standoff Improvised Explosive Device Detection Program. This will allow the military to create new imaging and sensory technology in the detection of improvised explosive devices. Hopefully, with the help of the funding, they will create the technology that can help service members identify IEDs without having actually be physically near them. The grant money is giving FAMU an opportunity to explore new technology that support enhancement in these key areas.
The remaining $1.2 million will be put towards the Advance Standoff Technologies for National Security. The funding will help with researching and developing sensor systems capable of detecting nuclear, chemical and biological attacks.
“The military tries to work closely with academia because of the importance of research, development and new technology that supports U.S. military operations,” said Maj. Jeffrey Williams, professor in military science at FAMU. “It’s important to understand when you say military operations that you understand that this term does not only refer to wartime, but to military operations other than war,” Williams said.
“Our defense program is looking forward to the enhancement of technology that we will receive to provide support for human relief, casualty assistance and diplomatic relations to host nations across the world,” Williams said. “This will make FAMU a key essential leader in the development and research of these multi-million dollar projects.”
“I’m excited to see what the money will add to our already successful program,” said Antonio Brown who is the Gold Bar recruiter at FAMU. “We needed these funds for our program to obtain more equipment and will also help attract more students to the program,” said the Cocoa Beach native.
Anthony Harvey, FAMU alumnus, said he appreciates the contribution.
“As a Florida A & M University graduate and Sergeant in the U.S. army I’m happy to see FAMU defense research program given the funds to contribute to our countries safety,” said Anthony Harvey.
“With FAMU already a well-established military program and the new funds from Congressman Boyd, the sky is limit with what new information our program can contribute to this country’s defense,” Harvey said.