The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) became an official U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) major subordinate command on March 1, 2004. Established as a provisional command in October 2002, RDECOM was conceived to provide a single AMC command consisting of interdependent materiel research and development organizations with an improved focus on integrated and innovative science, technology, engineering, and analysis programs for the Soldier. RDECOM, headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., promotes and facilitates coordination and agility to stay ahead of ever-changing technological advances. RDECOM has expanded working relationships with other Army elements, industry, academia, other military services, other government agencies and international partners, by focusing on improving coordination and integration of cutting edge technological research, development and engineering in response to Warfighter requirements. RDECOM manages seven research, development and engineering centers, plus the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, the U.S. Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity, international technology centers, and several technology-focused integrated process teams. RDECOM has more than 17,000 military, civilian and direct contractor personnel, a multi-billion dollar annual budget and is responsible for 75 percent of the Army's science and technology objectives. RDECOM ensures the Army has the technology it needs for the 21st century and beyond.