Knowles is presented with CTIS Project Director Charter

20 Jun 08 -- Alexandria, Va. -- Col. Enrique Ramos, Director of the Army Space Program Office (ASPO), presented Robert B. Knowles Jr., Acting Director for the Combat Terrain Information Systems (CTIS) Program Office, with the CTIS Project Director Charter during TEC’s Engineer Day ceremony June 18.  This change of charter conveys authority to conduct the program within cost, schedule, and performance constraints approved by the Program Executive Office, Integrated Warfare Systems.

Knowles manages a $63 million budget developing geospatial services for Army Battle Command and Intelligence systems, while supporting the current force, Global War on Terrorism and Army Transformation.  His office plans, programs and coordinates assignments with other agencies and contractors to support and execute all program testing, training and fielding activities of the Digital Topographic Support System (DTSS), ENFIRE (digital reconnaissance capability), and Army Integrated Automated Survey Instruments.

CTIS provides digital maps and updates to commanders and weapons platforms in support of mission planning (e.g., Intelligence of the Battlefield, rehearsal (e.g., simulations) and execution (e.g., Common Tactical Picture).  CTIS also provides automated terrain analysis and visualization, terrain database development, update, management, distribution and graphics reproduction.

Knowles earned a bachelor’s in geological engineering from University of Missouri-Rolla.  He is also a member of the Association of the U.S. Army, Phi Beta Kappa, and the Army Engineer Association, which awarded him with the Bronze Order of De Fleury Medal in 2008.  Knowles served as commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Reserve for 28 years.