Defender introduces device that consolidates and eases access to gear

  • Published
  • By Courtney Combs
  • AFIMSC Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – Security forces Airmen depend on their equipment to execute their mission to protect, defend and fight. Tech. Sgt. Bryan Trumet understands the mental and physical demands of the job and the importance of accessing gear quickly when needed.

After attending an innovation expo, Trumet recognized the benefit of having a single device that consolidates all tactical gear into one location on the forearm, rather than various areas across the body. Calling his device the Wearable Defender, he’s one of eight finalists for the 2022 Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Innovation Rodeo Aug. 19.

Born in Cleveland, Georgia, Trumet is an action officer for the Air Force Security Forces Center’s concepts and innovations branch. He helps vendors find customers and navigate the small business innovation research and small business technology process. 

We asked him a few questions about his idea, innovation and his thoughts about the AFIMSC Innovation Rodeo.

Q: What is the name of your idea? 
Wearable Defender.

Q: What is the problem you’re solving? 
Security forces Airmen carry Tasers, pepper spray, an android tactical assault kit device, a flashlight and a dazzler — all of which adds to the weight on the vest and leg. Furthermore, the gear set up is often configured differently person to person and base to base.

Q: What is your solution to that problem? 
The Wearable Defender consolidates all those pieces of gear into one location on the wearer’s forearm, removing pounds of gear in multiple locations to standardize location and weight.

Q: How did you come up with the idea? 
I've always thought there was a more effective way to carry my multiple gear items. I ran across this item during an innovation expo and realized we could conform it to the security forces enterprise.

Q. How will your idea help the Air Force deliver installation and mission support capabilities, improve installations or support families in a better way? 
My idea will help with wear and tear, and promote fiscal responsibility by enabling law enforcement professionals to focus on more affordable individual pieces of equipment.

Q. How does it feel to be selected as a finalist for the 2022 Innovation Rodeo? 
It feels fantastic!

Q. You’ll be spending a week in San Antonio, learning from leading innovators, collaborating with industry partners and networking with peers, senior leaders and innovation teams. What are you hoping to gain from that experience? 
This will be a great way for me to network with other Air Force innovators, learn from their experiences getting AFIMSC Innovation Rodeo and small business innovation research and small business technology transfer ideas to the finish line, and learn to effectively communicate with leaders and peers.

Q: Why do you think innovation and a culture change that empowers Airmen and Guardians is important in today’s Air and Space Forces? 
Innovation is lethality. As the leading Air Force in the world, the only way for us to ensure we stay that way is to push the boundaries and innovate.

Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
I’m just excited to be here and, as a finalist, have the opportunity to talk to leadership and others about this innovation in real time.

The 2022 AFIMSC Innovation Rodeo will be streamed live on Aug. 19. For more information on the rodeo, visit https://www.afimsc.af.mil/innovationrodeo/