Advanced Manufacturing Symposium Bootcamp
Fort Campbell, Kentucky | August 3–14, 2026
The Advanced Manufacturing Symposium brought together the University of Tennessee’s Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility (FCMF), EagleWERX, and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) for a manufacturing-focused bootcamp designed to strengthen technical skills and expand knowledge of modern manufacturing processes.
Throughout the symposium, participants explored manufacturing methods that support maintenance, repair, and operational readiness through instructor-led activities, demonstrations, and collaborative training.
Bootcamp Highlights
- Sand Casting
- Investment Casting
- Metal Manufacturing
- Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
Program Objectives
The Advanced Manufacturing Symposium was designed to:
- Introduce participants to advanced manufacturing technologies.
- Demonstrate manufacturing techniques used in defense and industry.
- Strengthen technical knowledge through instructor-led activities.
- Encourage collaboration between academia, industry, and the military.
- Support workforce development and manufacturing readiness.
FCMF’s Role
The FCMF team provided instruction and demonstrations throughout the symposium, sharing expertise in advanced manufacturing, composites, and manufacturing processes while working directly with soldiers participating in the bootcamp.
The event highlights the value of partnerships between universities, industry, and the Department of Defense in preparing the workforce and developing innovative manufacturing solutions.
Event Highlights
Day 1 – Introduction to CAD
Participants were introduced to the Advanced Manufacturing Symposium, its goals, and the manufacturing capabilities that would be explored throughout the program.
Day 2 – Sand Casting Bootcamp
Soldiers explored the fundamentals of sand casting, building practical manufacturing skills through demonstrations and guided instruction from the FCMF team.
Participants learned how sand casting is used to produce durable metal components and discussed its applications in maintenance, repair, and manufacturing operations.
