Spring 2001

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From his desk in south central Indiana, Nyle Riegle ('67, EE) has an international perspective when dealing with the effectiveness and standardization of electrical modules, power systems and engineering practices.  Riegle is the chair of a sub-group on material and engineering practices standardization for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Brussels, Belgium. Riegle was elected to the post by a vote of the 19 NATO member nations. NATO's role is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members.

"The sub-group's aim is to increase operational effectiveness of the alliance and to improve the economic use of defense resources," says Riegle.

"More NATO nations are focusing on the use of commercial items to save money in the development of combat systems," said Riegle. "Because I've been heavily involved with the United States Navy's efforts in that same area, the principle member from the U.S. Office of Undersecretary of Defense approached me about becoming involved with NATO's activities," he explained.

Riegle is director of the Microwaves Systems Directorate at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, Ind. He's responsible for over 800 scientists, engineers, technicians and support personnel. The directorate staff works on technical devices related to night vision, surface and airborne electronic warfare.

Experience counts when trying to improve international engineering practices. "Many of the jobs I've held during the last 30 years at Crane have dealt with the same products and technical issues that the NATO sub-group is working on," Riegle noted.