Despite a decrease in the number of cases from the highly-contagious COVID-19 variant Omicron, the virus claimed a casualty before it began to wane: one of the biggest symposiums the city was prepared to host.

The Association of the United States Army (AUSA), which had scheduled its Global Force Symposium and Exhibition for March 29-31 at the Von Braun Center, canceled the event in January when the virus was surging.

According to General Bob Brown, AUSA president and CEO, the decision was made for health and safety reasons as well as Department of Defense travel limitations.

“The continued spread of COVID-19 in the United States makes it impossible for AUSA to hold an in-person event that we are certain doesn’t pose a risk to attendees,” Brown said when announcing the cancellation. “We don’t like making this decision but know it is the right one for the Army, industry and members of the public who were planning to attend.

“We really wanted to have this important event focused on Army transformation and sustainment, but we don’t want to do this at any risk.”

AUSA is planning to return to Huntsville in March 2023.

According to AUSA, the symposium explores the capabilities outlined in the Army’s Modernization Strategy to drive transformational change. Special guest presentations, coupled with panel discussions from our senior military and industry leaders, addresses critical points of research and development, acquisition and contracting, force sustainment, strategic divestiture, and industry partnerships.

Furthermore, this means greater synergy with industry partners to ensure a modernized defense industrial base and an Army capable of conducting MDO. The Army must continue to streamline its acquisition processes, and continue to invest in the modernization of facilities and infrastructure, training, and skill sets required across the AME, with an eye towards the future, to maintain overmatch for great power competition.

AUSA says it’s a nonprofit, educational and professional development association serving the Army and supporters of a strong national defense. AUSA provides a voice for the Army, supports the soldier, and honors those who have served.