Courtesy Photo | Jade Janis, a test officer for U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground’s Combat and Automotive...... read more read more
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Few people can truly utilize their individual passions in their regular job.
Jade Janis, a test officer for U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground’s Combat and Automotive Systems Division is an exception.
The South Dakota native and mechanical engineering major never expected he would spend years working at the Army’s premier test and evaluation facility.
“I was fresh out of college and my internship ended,” he recalled. “I was unemployed working on the family ranch when I saw the job listing on Indeed.com and applied.”
Though he grew up in the Great Plains, he was familiar with the desert Southwest thanks to his family’s keen interest in off-road racing going back to the 1970s. His uncle, Monte Tibbitts, had competed in races in Las Vegas and Plaster City in Janis’ youth, and he admired the region.
“There’s a lot to do here. The outdoor desert-type stuff aligns with my hobbies.”
He made the trip to Arizona and was hired, quickly getting involved with bigger and badder vehicles than he had ever dreamed of.
“They took me out to see a Bradley, and I wasn’t aware of what a Bradley actually was until I started here,” said with a laugh.
He wasn’t alone, though: Janis credits the mentorship of Jake Obradovich, Sarah Hogan, and Eric Thomas from his earliest days working here. Soon he was involved with fascinating tests that evolved. When he tested Advanced Running Gear for potential use on the future Next Generation Combat Vehicle’s Operationally Manned Fighting Vehicle using a Bradley as a surrogate early this decade, the hydraulic suspension components informed Mobile Protected Firepower, which became the M10 Booker he is currently testing.
Off-duty, however, his devotion to off-road racing only increased. After years of serving in crews for racers in his family, he bought his own truck in 2018 and participates in regional races.
“It’s real competitive—it’s kind of what I live for.”
| Date Taken: | 04.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2025 13:34 |
| Story ID: | 492681 |
| Location: | YUMA PROVING GROUND, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 14 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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