It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Aberdeen Historical Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best care is the best! Their caregiver is very nice with respective attitude. They”
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“I am a past client of this provider ABC Upper Chesapeake provided excellent and compassionate care”
“I met with Elaine Gill as we needed a secure place for my Dad. She”
“I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always”
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“I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in”
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“I interviewed this provider Elaine is professional, knowledgeable, and has a heart for people. Her recommendations”
“I interviewed this provider When we needed help getting our Father the proper care we were”
“Always Best care is the best! Their caregiver is very nice with respective attitude. They are all expert and knows their job very well in all ages. I never regret that their service to take care of my grandmother. They are trustworthy, respectful, honest and passionate to their work. I highly recommend them on their work.”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother passed away two months ago after nearly four years of coverage from the team members of ABC Upper Chesapeake. Mom and I were both very pleased with the coverage. ABC was most congenial to do their best to provide Mom with caretakers whom we found suited to Mom's personality and temperament. In the very few cases this was not so, we asked for someone else to care for Mom and this was promptly provided. All in all the caretakers were kind, friendly, competent and helpful, providing Mom with good care and company. Elaine G was very helpful in getting us in contact with the VA so that Mom was able to obtain a monthly benefit entitled to her because of Dad's service in the military. That was a great financial help to us in our particular situation. I strongly recommend this agency for the homebound and ill. They will work with you to do all they can to grant your reasonable requests. Thank you, Elaine and caretakers!”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC Upper Chesapeake provided excellent and compassionate care for my late father during his prolonged decline at age 95. The care enabled him to live in his home with my mom during his final months of life. Elaine worked with me diligently to match my parents' difficult situation with the perfect caregiver. My father was treated with dignity and gentleness when he was no longer able to care for himself at all. It gave our family great peace of mind knowing he was so well cared for.”
“I met with Elaine Gill as we needed a secure place for my Dad. She was very knowledgeable and professional. Fortunately, the second location she showed us was a good fit (Dakota Paradise). I heartily recommend Always Best Care if you want help finding a loved one the proper care.”
“I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always Best Care of Upper Chesapeake: Highly competent, Comforting, caring, extremely attentive, endlessly patient and reassuring. Elaine Gill has done an amazing job at ensuring that the staff she has are just as committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for every client, as Elaine! You are on the top of my list for any further care services that my family members may need going forward.”
“I interviewed this provider I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in another state. I met with Elaine (the owner) to discuss my options and determine the best caregiver service to meet my parents needs. She was a great help; addressed all my questions and concerns and gave me peace of mind that my parents were in good hands. Their caregiver is wonderful and very competent. I don't have to worry about them or become a detective to find out what is going on with them in Maryland. Although my parents were a little skeptical at first, Elaine and her staff have put their mind at ease and made them feel very comfortable about the entire experience. They both feel much safer now and happier that they are able to stay in the home that they love. I am comforted in knowing that my parents are receiving quality care and they are in the capable hands of Elaine and her staff at Always Best Care. Words can not express my sincere gratitude for the awesome care provided to my parents.”
“I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in another state. I met with Elaine (the owner) to discuss my options and determine the best caregiver service to meet my parents needs. She was a great help; addressed all my questions and concerns and gave me peace of mind that my parents were in good hands. Their caregiver is wonderful and very competent. I don't have to worry about them or become a detective to find out what is going on with them in Maryland. Although my parents were a little skeptical at first, Elaine and her staff have put their mind at ease and made them feel very comfortable about the entire experience. They both feel much safer now and happier that they are able to stay in the home that they love. I am comforted in knowing that my parents are receiving quality care and they are in the capable hands of Elaine and her staff at Always Best Care. Words can not express my sincere gratitude for the awesome care provided to my parents.”
“I am a past client of this provider I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always Best Care of Upper Chesapeake: Highly competent, Comforting, caring, extremely attentive, endlessly patient and reassuring. Elaine Gill has done an amazing job at ensuring that the staff she has are just as committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for every client, as Elaine! You are on the top of my list for any further care services that my family members may need going forward.”
“I interviewed this provider Elaine is professional, knowledgeable, and has a heart for people. Her recommendations have been invaluable. We are thankful for Always Best! It is a 5 Star Company!!”
“I interviewed this provider When we needed help getting our Father the proper care we were recommended to Elaine and ABC. It was the right move. Fortunately for us the second location she showed us was the right fit. It's been a difficult time and having their expertise eased our concerns.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting APG Medium Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Prost German Restaurant Aberdeen, MD or visit Aberdeen Proving Ground - Edgewood Area - South Gate, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – The command chief warrant officer for the U.S. Department of Defense’s premier Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) command was promoted to chief warrant officer 4 on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, Nov. 15.Chief Warrant Officer 4 Victoria RamageGarcia pinned on her current rank during a widely attended ceremony at the 20th CBRNE Command Headquarters.Brig. Gen. W Bochat, the commanding general of the 20th CBRNE Command, hosted the promotion ceremony....
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – The command chief warrant officer for the U.S. Department of Defense’s premier Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) command was promoted to chief warrant officer 4 on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, Nov. 15.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Victoria RamageGarcia pinned on her current rank during a widely attended ceremony at the 20th CBRNE Command Headquarters.
Brig. Gen. W Bochat, the commanding general of the 20th CBRNE Command, hosted the promotion ceremony.
A native of Pioneer, California, RamageGarcia has served in the U.S. Army for almost 20 years.
RamageGarcia became the second command chief warrant officer in the 20-year history of the 20th CBRNE Command during a ceremony where she assumed the charter from Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jesse S. Deberry, who took an assignment at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
RamageGarcia became the command chief warrant officer after serving as the CBRN technician for Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordination Team 1 in the 20th CBRNE Command.
WMD Coordination Teams provide combatant commanders, lead federal agencies and supported commanders with specialized support and subject matter expertise for overseas and stateside CBRNE and counter-improvised explosive device operations, accidents and incidents.
She has served around the world in a wide variety of staff and leadership positions.
RamageGarcia previously served as the division CBRN technician for the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea. She deployed to Mosul, Iraq, with the 1st Cavalry Division in 2008 – 2009.
RamageGarica earned her bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health with an emphasis in environmental science from Columbia Southern University and her graduate certificate and master’s degree in strategic studies with an emphasis on Weapons of Mass Destruction from the National Defense University CWMD fellowship program in coordination with Missouri State University.
As executive level professionals, warrant officers provide the U.S. Army with specialized technical and tactical expertise to advise the command. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) warrant officers’ area of focus is on the world’s most dangerous hazards.
The 20th CBRNE Command enables military operations around the world and supports domestic authorities across the nation.
Headquartered on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in the science, technology and security corridor of northeastern Maryland, the multifunctional and deployable 20th CBRNE Command is home to 75 percent of the active-duty U.S. Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians and CBRN specialists, as well as the 1st Global Field Medical Laboratory, CBRNE Analytical and Remediation Activity, Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordination Teams and Nuclear Disablement Teams (Infrastructure).
From 19 bases in 16 states, Soldiers and U.S. Army civilians from the 20th CBRNE Command confront and defeat the world’s most dangerous hazards in support of joint, interagency and multinational operations around the world.
Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD, is filled with dynamic skills-based job opportunities that value experience and know-how over formal education. Located in Harford County, this essential U.S. Army installation is a hub for research, development, testing, and evaluation. Today, APG’s bustling job market includes roles where practical skills, hands-on expertise, and a comm...
Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD, is filled with dynamic skills-based job opportunities that value experience and know-how over formal education. Located in Harford County, this essential U.S. Army installation is a hub for research, development, testing, and evaluation. Today, APG’s bustling job market includes roles where practical skills, hands-on expertise, and a commitment to excellence are the priority.
Here’s a closer look at some skills-based roles currently available at APG, where your expertise could be the key to success.
Clearance Required: Secret MAG Aero is on the lookout for a Senior Network Engineer SME to provide expert-level communications engineering for the PEO C3T team. This role emphasizes technical skills and policy understanding to support tactical communications—making it an ideal fit for network experts with on-the-ground experience in engineering solutions.
Clearance Required: Secret In addition to the SME role, MAG Aero is hiring a Senior Network Engineer who will also support the PEO C3T in technical and policy solutions. This position is designed for seasoned network engineers who can bring their extensive expertise to the table, providing robust support for tactical communication requirements.
Clearance Required: Secret Also at MAG Aero, the Intermediate Network Engineer role involves providing communications engineering support similar to the Senior Network Engineer position but at an intermediate level. This role is perfect for candidates with solid network engineering experience who may not have advanced degrees but possess the skills to develop technical solutions for tactical operations.
Clearance Required: TS/SCI with Polygraph CACI is hiring a System Engineer who will work on complex engineering projects. For this position, a strong foundation in engineering principles and the ability to work within a high-clearance environment is essential. This opportunity is ideal for candidates with a technical background looking to contribute to defense initiatives at APG.
Clearance Required: TS/SCI As a Warfighter Engagement Team Leader, you’ll work within training and operations to enhance mission readiness. CACI values practical leadership experience, making this a great fit for those who can demonstrate operational know-how. If you’ve led teams in military or similar environments, this could be your next career move.
Clearance Required: Secret SAVA, a part of Akima, seeks an Application Developer III to join their IT support team at APG. This role is open to IT professionals with hands-on development experience. If you’ve built applications and have a strong understanding of IT systems—even if you don’t hold a degree—this position is tailored for you.
Clearance Required: Secret Onyx Defense is searching for a Junior to Journeyman level Software Developer to support software maintenance and development. For candidates with coding experience, this is a fantastic role that values your practical software skills and offers a pathway into defense sector development work.
If you’re ready for a new challenge and want to see your skills make a difference, Aberdeen Proving Ground could be the place to look. Keep an eye on this series as we uncover skills-based, no-degree-required opportunities in other cities!
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — This year, the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center hosted a Soldier touchpoint event at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Edgewood, Maryland to test out new unmanned drones equipped with a set of microsensors developed in conjunction with the Republic of Korea’s Agency for Defense Development, or ROK ADD. Soldier touchpoints are one of the first major milestones in testing a potential technology to be fielded.The microsensor effort began as a partnership betw...
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — This year, the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center hosted a Soldier touchpoint event at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Edgewood, Maryland to test out new unmanned drones equipped with a set of microsensors developed in conjunction with the Republic of Korea’s Agency for Defense Development, or ROK ADD. Soldier touchpoints are one of the first major milestones in testing a potential technology to be fielded.
The microsensor effort began as a partnership between the Center and ROK ADD in 2018 to successfully meet the stringent form-factor requirements set forth by the customer. Kevin Wan, a DEVCOM CBC chemical engineer and project manager for the microchemical sensor effort, called in ROK ADD for assistance with the 3-gram sensor size requirement while his team focused on suitable use cases. Both centers pushed to complete their collaborative effort in time for this upcoming user assessment.
“The design space was quite limiting to begin with, so we worked with our Korean partners to get this working on a three-gram payload,” said Wan. “The hornet drones are great at intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, but adding chemical-sensing capabilities would further its use cases — this is what we primarily wanted to focus on.”
The effort came to a head on July 31, 2024, when the center hosted Soldiers from the U.S. Army Reserve’s 455 Chemical Brigade, headquartered in Sloan, Nevada, as well as their partners from ROK ADD, which serves as their DEVCOM equivalent, in an exercise where all participants could give concerted feedback on the drones and sensors.
Initial funding for the project came from DEVCOM Soldier Center in Natick, Massachusetts, which had the need for a sensor weighing no more than three grams. This form factor would specifically fit on the Black Hornet III, a currently fielded minuscule drone platform weighing in at 38 grams. The project received funding from the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy International Cooperation Office’s Coalition Warfare Program and other organizations.
Wan and his team shifted their focus on the sensor’s early warning detection capabilities against a chemical threat — whether it may be a nerve or blister agent. They then focused their efforts on redundancy and reliability to increase detection. “Having two independent sensors provide the same response would increase the confidence of detection,” said Wan. “That redundancy and reliability coupled with a low limit of detection for early warning is critical to us and our Soldiers.”
To test their prototypes, DEVCOM CBC invited CBRN specialists to learn how to fly these drones and run a simulated scenario involving piloting the Black Hornets into various tents in an enclosed space with one of the tents housing a simulated agent. Cpl. Brittney Batimana, one of the Soldiers involved, said that the new drones would increase Soldiers’ safety and mission success.
“It’s pretty simple — once you get comfortable with the camera’s point of view, it’s easy to identify your targets,” said Batimana. “Our job is to identify and decontaminate hazards: this is just another way for us to always stay prepared if a situation were to ever turn chemical.”
The collaborative effort between the two centers was evident throughout the Soldier touchpoint and mirrored the success of this joint development process. “We love to work together with our partners,” said Wan. “Highly competent and highly intelligent. What we both want to see going forward are more use cases and increasing the library of threats that can be detected.” This sentiment was further echoed by Dr. Myung Kyu Park, Wan’s ROK ADD counterpart and micro chemical sensor project manager: “We do very well together — [they] worked very hard to see that these sensors work.”
Increasing the library of substances to detect would include various explosives, narcotics or industrial chemicals, furthering the drone’s use cases significantly beyond the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance realm. With the success of the Soldier touchpoint exercise, Wan and his team know that the form factor lends itself to an even wider variety of scenarios.
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The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, is Army Futures Command’s leader and integrator within a global ecosystem of scientific exploration and technological innovation. DEVCOM expertise spans eight major competency areas to provide integrated research, development, analysis and engineering support to the Army and DOD. From rockets to robots, drones to dozers, and aviation to artillery, DEVCOM innovation is at the core of the combat capabilities American Warfighters need to win on the battlefield of the future. For more information, visit devcom.army.mil.?
The DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center is the primary DOD technical organization for non-medical chemical and biological defense. The DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center fosters research, development, testing and application of technologies for protecting our military from chemical and biological warfare agents. The Center possesses an unrivaled chemical biological defense research and development infrastructure staffed by a highly-trained, multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, technicians and specialists located at four different sites in the United States: Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland; Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas; Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois; and Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.
A Code Orange air quality alert is in effect for Maryland amid wildfires that are burning around the state, including one inside an Army installation on the Upper Bay.Maryland imposed a statewide ban on outdoor, open air burning on Friday, Nov. 1. That means campfires and charcoal grills are not allowed until further notice. The state has seen an “above average number of wildfires”, and the dry, windy conditions we’re experiencing are not expected to change in the near future. Fallen leaves are adding to the risk....
A Code Orange air quality alert is in effect for Maryland amid wildfires that are burning around the state, including one inside an Army installation on the Upper Bay.
Maryland imposed a statewide ban on outdoor, open air burning on Friday, Nov. 1. That means campfires and charcoal grills are not allowed until further notice. The state has seen an “above average number of wildfires”, and the dry, windy conditions we’re experiencing are not expected to change in the near future. Fallen leaves are adding to the risk.
Over the weekend, uncontrolled brush fires at Aberdeen Proving Ground sent a thick layer of smoke onto the waterfront, spotted by neighbors all over Harford County. The Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) Fire Department announced it was fighting multiple unplanned range fires on Sunday. By Monday, APG Fire, the Aberdeen Test Center and the Maryland National Guard were still monitoring hot spots within the testing area of the Army installation.
APG leaders say the fire poses no threat to the surrounding community, but smoke has been visible from several areas of Harford and Cecil counties. APG says it is taking “all necessary precautions” to ensure its personnel, residents and the surrounding communities stay safe.
The Code Orange air alert triggered by the smoke on Monday meant that certain groups at risk for air pollution were advised to avoid the outdoors. The Maryland Department of the Environment says the highest concentrations of lingering spoke are in Metro/Northern Baltimore and Northeast Maryland. Visit the Department of the Environment’s latest air quality information here.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says there have been several fires over the past month. “Since October 1, the Forest Service has responded to more than 24 wildfires that have burned 75 acres, more than triple the 10-year average of 7 wildfires burning 21 acres for the month.” The state Forest Service and other firefighters are still working to contain active fires in multiple counties in the Bay watershed.
The numerous fires come on the heels of an extremely dry month, with October only seeing 25 percent of the average precipitation for that month. And there’s little chance of rain for most of this week.
The outdoor burn ban applies to campfires, fire pits and charcoal grilling. Open-air burning includes “a fire where any material is burned in the open or in a receptacle other than a furnace, incinerator, or other equipment connected to a stack or chimney.”
DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz acknowledges the ban may not be convenient amid prime camping weather and fire pit season. “We do not make these determinations lightly and understand this may require some people to adjust their plans,” Kurtz says. “Given the significant risk, this is the only option available to us that will allow for statewide monitoring and enforcement to prevent wildfires due to the dangerous conditions.”
A first violation of breaking the burn ban could bring Marylanders a $300 fine. The Maryland Forest Service says the ban will be enforced with penalties, communicating how severe the situation is.
Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester counties already have local restrictions in place along the Bay. Outdoor fire restrictions are also in place for the entire State of Delaware and several Pennsylvania counties.
The ban will remain in effect until the Maryland Forest Service determines the state has received enough rainfall to reduce the threat of wildfires across the state.
With Monday morning skies that might look and smell smoky, the Maryland Department of the Environment issued a Code Orange and Code Yellow air quality alert for Baltimore and its surrounding counties due to “uncontrolled” fires at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Harford County.The air quality alerts will last until at least noon, according to the MDE.Code Yellow means the air quality poses a moderate risk for people sensitive to air pollution, ...
With Monday morning skies that might look and smell smoky, the Maryland Department of the Environment issued a Code Orange and Code Yellow air quality alert for Baltimore and its surrounding counties due to “uncontrolled” fires at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Harford County.
The air quality alerts will last until at least noon, according to the MDE.
Code Yellow means the air quality poses a moderate risk for people sensitive to air pollution, according to MDE. Code Orange means the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children and adults with respiratory and heart ailments.
Harford and Cecil counties, as well as the northern portion of Baltimore County, are under Code Orange. Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Carroll and Frederick counties are under Code Yellow, along with the northwestern portions of Montgomery and Howard counties.
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With the help of the National Guard, the Aberdeen Proving Ground Fire and Emergency Services were fighting multiple fires Sunday afternoon, according to a Facebook post from the emergency services.
The Aberdeen Proving Ground Public Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The wildfire began Thursday, a day before the Maryland Department of Natural Resources implemented a statewide burn ban. The dry and windy weather, coupled with foliage on the ground, make conditions conducive to wildfires.
“The ban is in response to significantly dry conditions over the last months,” department spokesperson A.J. Metcalf said. “And it has led to lots of dry leaves on the ground. If an open air fire goes sideways, there could be a wildfire.”
The fires at the Proving Ground spread to more than 100 acres, the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company said in a post on Facebook. The post explained that the Proving Ground is a United States Army testing facility used to evaluate weaponry.
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“By the very nature of these testing activities, fires are inevitable, especially during drought conditions like we have ongoing now,” the post read. “Because of the very large number of unexploded ‘live’ rounds down range, it’s far too dangerous to put personnel on the ground for fire suppression. APG has a ‘Let it Burn’ policy for range fires, unless the situation gets out of hand.”
The fires created a smoke plume that blew west toward Edgewood, White Marsh and greater Baltimore on Sunday evening, according to MDE. This led to some people seeing and smelling smoke into Monday morning, though it’s expected to disperse later in the day.
This past October was one of the drier on record for the Baltimore area, National Weather Service meteorologist Austin Mansfield said.
There is a slight chance of rain around Baltimore on Wednesday and Thursday, he said, but temperatures will reach near record highs of around 80 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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