OTO Melara North America, a subsidiary of OTO Melara S.p.A, a Finmeccanica company, Washington, D.C., has appointed R. Scott Rettig chairman and chief executive officer.

Maj. Gen. Lynn A. Collyar, USA, has been assigned commanding general, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

Maj. Gen. Raymond P. Palumbo, USA, has been nominated for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as deputy undersecretary of defense (intelligence) for joint and coalition warfighter support, Washington, D.C.

QinetiQ North America, McLean, Virginia, has appointed  John Sutton general manager and executive vice president of its Mission and Information Solutions Business Unit.

John J. Evans has been assigned deputy director, naval warfare, Office of the Undersecretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics), Washington, D.C.

Protecting any nation’s citizens and institutions is difficult under any circumstances, but today’s economic limitations make this task even more challenging. Government and business leaders will meet at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center February 28 to March 1 to tackle this topic during AFCEA International’s 11th annual Homeland Security conference.

Conference discussion topics include cloud computing, cyberwar, procurement, wireless broadband and social media. Small businesses’ interaction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also will be explored.

Speakers and panelists include Jim Flyzik, president, The Flyzik Group; Peter Tseronis, chief technology officer, U.S. Department of Energy; Cathy Lanier, chief of police, District of Columbia; and Bruce Walker, acting vice president, homeland security, Northrop Grumman Information Technology.

Although the first day of DHS IT strategy sessions is not affiliated with the AFCEA conference, coverage of the sessions will be featured on the Coverage and Collaboration: Homeland Security 2012 Web page.

Argy, Wiltse and Robinson P.C., McLean, Virginia, promoted Mark Andersen to assurance and business advisory services partner.

Maj. Gen. John W. Nicholson Jr., USA, has been assigned deputy director, Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, Arlington, Virginia.

The U.S. Defense Department has awarded $18 million to six programs to reduce the energy demand of future expeditionary outposts. The assistant secretary of defense for operational energy plans and programs will administer the funds, which are granted programs aimed at developing and rapidly transitioning energy technologies for the combat force. Defense Department-led teams representing the military services and the Department of Energy will receive the money but are seeking support and innovation from small businesses. In March, the military and Small Business Administration will host an information session for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Additional information about the teams can be found at http://energy.defense.gov.

Perseus Telecom, New York, has appointed Wendell Kadunce executive vice president of Global Sales.