Vision Products Welcomes Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General John Evans to Its Strategic Advisory Board, Bolstering Military Expertise and Innovation in Head-Mounted Display Technology
Vision Products, a recognized leader in high-performance head-mounted displays (HMDs) for both military and commercial use, has announced a significant addition to its leadership team. The company proudly welcomes Lieutenant General (Retired) John R. Evans Jr. to its Strategic Advisory Board. This appointment signals Vision Products’ continued commitment to integrating firsthand military expertise into its technological roadmap, especially as it expands its footprint in the defense and aerospace sectors.
With a distinguished 36-year career in the United States Army, LTG Evans brings a wealth of leadership experience, operational insight, and strategic acumen to the company. He most recently served as the Commanding General of U.S. Army North (Fifth Army), one of the Army’s most senior and vital operational commands, responsible for homeland defense, defense support of civil authorities, and security cooperation across the continental United States. His tenure in this role capped a military career defined by innovation, adaptability, and a focus on technological modernization.
Bridging Military Experience and Advanced Display Technology
As Vision Products continues to innovate in the fields of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and digital night vision technologies, the appointment of LTG Evans reflects the company’s deliberate strategy to ensure that its product development remains closely aligned with the needs and challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s military forces. His background, which includes leadership roles in Army aviation, special operations, and joint operational commands, will inform and guide Vision Products as it scales up the development of cutting-edge visual systems for warfighters operating in the most demanding environments.
“John’s deep knowledge of Army aviation and operational requirements will be instrumental as we continue developing next-generation head-mounted displays for military pilots and ground forces,” said Dr. Michael Browne, President of Vision Products. “His strategic vision and firsthand experience in complex operational environments—particularly during his tenure as the commanding general of the Army’s Special Operations Aviation Command—will provide invaluable guidance. We are thrilled to have his voice at the table as we enhance situational awareness and mission effectiveness for Soldiers and pilots alike.”
A Career Defined by Leadership, Innovation, and Technological Integration
LTG Evans’ distinguished military career includes a number of pivotal command roles that directly relate to the types of technologies Vision Products develops. His leadership of the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC), for example, placed him at the heart of efforts to integrate sophisticated aviation technologies into mission-critical operations. The command oversees some of the military’s most elite aviation units, including the famed 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), also known as the “Night Stalkers.” In this capacity, Evans oversaw missions requiring precise coordination, rapid deployment, and the use of cutting-edge aircraft systems—many of which benefit significantly from the kind of visual augmentation systems Vision Products now supplies.
He also served in roles that demanded coordination across various branches of the military, as well as with allied forces, positioning him as a strategic thinker capable of guiding industry partners on how best to align with military procurement strategies, evolving battlefield requirements, and future doctrine.
“Joining Vision Products is a tremendous opportunity to continue contributing to the mission, even after retiring from active service,” said LTG Evans. “The company’s expertise in high-resolution optics, digital night vision, and augmented reality solutions directly supports operational effectiveness. I look forward to collaborating with the team to ensure that today’s Soldiers and aviators are equipped with the most advanced, intuitive, and mission-ready visual systems available.”
Vision Products: Innovating at the Intersection of Human Performance and Situational Awareness
Vision Products has carved out a unique position in the defense technology sector by focusing on wide-field-of-view head-mounted displays that combine clarity, lightweight form factor, and integration with mission systems. The company’s HMDs are currently used in a variety of defense applications, including pilot helmets, ground vehicle crew displays, and dismounted Soldier systems.
Its portfolio includes augmented reality overlays that help operators visualize mission data in real time, night vision systems that deliver enhanced resolution and performance in low-light environments, and training simulators that offer immersive experiences for preparing troops and aviators for real-world scenarios.
By integrating Evans’ operational insights into its strategy, Vision Products is better positioned to address the increasing complexity of modern warfare—where speed, information dominance, and visual situational awareness are essential. From multi-domain operations to manned-unmanned teaming and AI-assisted targeting, next-generation HMDs will play a central role in ensuring effectiveness on the battlefield.
Strategic Advisory Board: Guiding the Next Chapter of Growth
The formation and expansion of Vision Products’ Strategic Advisory Board is part of a broader initiative to tap into a diverse range of expert perspectives as the company enters a new phase of growth. With increasing demand for wearable visual technologies across both military and commercial domains, the company is scaling its R&D, exploring new partnerships, and preparing to meet evolving regulatory and deployment challenges.
The advisory board comprises individuals with deep expertise in defense policy, technology development, program acquisition, and operations. By adding LTG Evans to this group, Vision Products strengthens its ability to bridge innovation with real-world applicability, ensuring that every new product is built with the user’s needs and environment in mind.
“Having John as an advisor allows us to test our assumptions, refine our product roadmaps, and think creatively about the future of military display systems,” said Dr. Browne. “His feedback will help us not only build better products but also communicate their value more effectively to decision-makers in defense and homeland security.”
A Vision for the Future
The appointment of LTG John Evans to the Strategic Advisory Board is more than just a personnel move it’s a signal of Vision Products’ forward-looking mission. As the defense sector becomes increasingly reliant on immersive technologies, artificial intelligence, and networked systems, companies like Vision Products are tasked with delivering hardware that is both technologically superior and mission-proven.
Whether for pilots navigating contested airspace, special operations forces conducting nighttime insertions, or vehicle crews maintaining situational awareness in complex urban terrain, Vision Products’ head-mounted displays offer a critical edge. With guidance from LTG Evans and other seasoned advisors, the company is poised to accelerate its contributions to national security while continuing to innovate in one of the most complex and fast-evolving technology arenas.
