FORT BLISS, TX- Following the failure of a planned communications system that would help all military members communicate more effectively, the Army is now conducting research and development on a new system which leaders say "will take military communications into the future."

The Joint Tactical Radio System, or JTRS, a program designed to allow all four branches to communicate seamlessly, was cancelled late last year by the House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services. Costing $15 billion over 15 years, the JTRS was seen by many in Congress as a waste of taxpayer dollars.

Despite the setback, the Department of the Army has used the opportunity to explore better options for efficient communications on the battlefield.

Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno recently spoke with the Duffel Blog concerning the Army's new direction.