Future Combat Systems — Cornerstone of Army Modernization · 2012-05-03 · W ith this issue, we are showcasing the Army’s Future Combat Systems (FCS) in a series of articles

April - June 2008

Future Combat Systems — Cornerstone of Army Modernization

A_ALT_April-June 2008_V06_CC.qxp 3/27/2008 5:19 PM Page 1

With this issue, we are showcasing the Army’sFuture Combat Systems (FCS) in a series ofarticles designed to give you a better un-

derstanding of just how far this program has pro-gressed since System Development and Demonstrationbegan in 2003. One may think that FCS is only aboutproviding future capabilities to our Soldiers, but ”FCS-like” capabil-ities are protecting our Soldiers and giving them a decisive advan-tage on today’s battlefield. Let me provide a few examples.

The Frag Kit 5 armor protection for up-armored High-Mobility Mul-tipurpose Wheeled Vehicles protects our troops from powerful im-provised explosive devices. This technology comes from the light-weight composite armor being developed for the FCS family ofmanned ground vehicles (MGVs). The Micro-Air Vehicle, highly ef-fective in U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operationsin Iraq and planned for use by the Army’s 25th Infantry Division inurban warfare operations there, is a forerunner to the FCS Class 1Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The Packbot®, which is used by Soldiersand Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan during urban warfare and EODoperations, is the precursor to the FCS Small Unmanned GroundVehicle. And, the Excalibur artillery round that is having much suc-cess in Iraq is being adapted for use with the FCS Non-Line-of-SightCannon. These technologies, in development for the future, areproving their success in the current fight.

FCS is the materiel centerpiece of the Army’s transformation. Ourplan is to continuously upgrade and modernize our forces to putCold War formations and systems behind us. We continue to rapidlyfield the best new equipment to our forces that are fighting everyday, upgrade and modernize existing systems, incorporate newtechnologies derived from FCS research and development and,soon, will begin to field FCS. Ultimately, we are working toward anagile, globally responsive Army composed of modular units en-hanced by modern networks, surveillance sensors, precisionweapons and platforms that are lighter, less logistics-dependent andless manpower-intensive so we can operate effectively with Jointand coalition partners across the full spectrum of conflict.

The capabilities that FCS delivers will empower ourSoldiers with unparalleled situational awareness, sur-vivability and lethality. FCS sensors and robots will en-hance battlefield intelligence-gathering capabilitiesand allow Soldiers to see the battlefield as never be-fore and communicate in real time. The FCS network

will consist of layers that, when combined, will provide seamlessdelivery of both data and knowledge. This network will be embed-ded in a family of MGVs and extended to the Soldier.

MGVs are designed around a common chassis that will requirefewer spare parts and fewer mechanics to perform maintenanceand repairs. These vehicles will be powered by the military’s firsthybrid electric engine that is designed to provide a significant in-crease in onboard electric power. A lighter vehicle with the hybridelectric engine will yield remarkable fuel efficiencies. Less fuel andless manpower mean a shorter logistics tail and fewer Soldiers inharm’s way. It also represents a significant cost savings.

We have assembled a far-reaching and talented team to develop anddeliver FCS. In many ways, we are redefining weapon systems devel-opment. With more than 20 major defense industry partners, alongwith more than 600 suppliers — many small or minority-ownedbusinesses — in 41 states, FCS is truly a nationwide program.

It is this government and industry team, along with combat-experienced Soldiers of the Army Evaluation Task Force at FortBliss, TX, that will test and refine FCS systems, tactics, techniquesand procedures. In fact, the first FCS equipment set is currently inthe hands of these Soldiers. In all, the FCS program currently isundergoing roughly 70 tests, and each test is a precursor to thefielding of capabilities to our Soldiers.

That is what our work is all about — the Soldier.

From the Acting Army Acquisition Executive

Showcasing the Army Future Combat Systems

Dean G. PoppsActing Army Acquisition Executive


ARMY AL&T

1APRIL - JUNE 2008

Professional Publication of theAL&T Communityhttp://asc.army.mil/

PB 70-08-02

DEAN G. POPPSActing Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASAALT)and Army Acquisition Executive

EDITORIAL BOARDLTG WILLIAM E. MORTENSENDeputy Commanding General (CG), AMCLTG JACK C. STULTZChief, U.S. Army Reserve/CG, U.S. Army Reserve CommandLTG N. ROSS THOMPSON III Director, Army Acquisition Corps and Director,Acquisition Career ManagementLTG STEPHEN SPEAKESDeputy Chief of Staff (DCS), G-8DALE A. ORMONDActing Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) forPolicy and Procurement, Office of the ASAALTWIMPY PYBUSDAS for ILS, Office of the ASAALTLTG JEFFREY A. SORENSONChief Information Officer, G-6DR. THOMAS H. KILLIONDAS for Research and Technology, Office of the ASAALTDR. JAMES R. HOUSTONDirector of R&D, U.S. Army Corps of EngineersTHOMAS E. MULLINSDAS for Plans, Programs and Resources, Office of the ASAALTMARK D. ROCKEDAS for Strategic Communications and Business Transformation, Office of the ASAALTKARL F. SCHNEIDERAssistant DCS, G-1MG GEORGE W. WEIGHTMANCG, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command CRAIG A. SPISAKDirector, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center

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Army AL&T Magazine (ISSN 0892-8657) is publishedquarterly by the ASAALT. Articles reflect views of the authorsand not necessarily official opinion of the Department of theArmy. The purpose is to instruct members of the Armyacquisition workforce relative to AL&T processes, procedures,techniques and management philosophy and to disseminateother information pertinent to their professional development.

April - June 2008

A Look at the Future Combat Systems (Brigade Combat Team) Program — An Interview With MG Charles A. Cartwright

Page 2

ACQUISITION, LOGISTICS &TECHNOLOGY

Cover Story

Features

For more news, information and articles, please visit the USAASC Web site at http://asc.army.mil. Clickon the Army AL&T Magazine tab located on the bottom of the flash banner in the center of the page.

By order of the Secretary of the Army

GEORGE W. CASEY JR.General

United States ArmyChief of Staff

Official:

JOYCE E. MORROWAdministrative Assistant to the

Secretary of the Army0807807

This medium is approved for official disseminationof material designed to keep individuals within the Army knowledgeable of current and emergingdevelopments within their areas of expertise for the purpose of enhancing their professionaldevelopment.

DepartmentsCareer Development Update... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Contracting Community Highlights .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Delivering Future Combat Systems (FCS) While at WarLTG Michael A. Vane

Page 34

Lessons Learned From Product Manager Infantry Combat VehicleUsing Soldier Evaluation in the Design Phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14MAJ Todd Cline

Engineering the Army’s Next Generation Medical Vehicle for Rapid Responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18CPT Nicholas Song and SFC James E. Mentel

FCS Autonomous Navigation System Technology Will Revolutionize Warfare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Michael W. Price and Dr. Steven Munkeby

Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment Vehicle Will Improve Soldier Mobility, Survivability and Lethality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27MAJ D. Brian Byers

Developing the Class I Unmanned Aerial System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30LTC Win Keller and David L. Jones

FCS Mounted Combat System Provides Unique Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38MAJ Cliff Calhoun

FCS Creates Cannon and Mortar Synergy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42MAJ Kirby Beard, MAJ Jeff James and MAJ Vincent J. Tolbert

Safeguarding Against Organizational Conflict of Interest on the FCS Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Sandra T. Toenjes

FCS (Brigade Combat Team) Joint Multinational Experimentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51MAJ Troy Crosby, Charlene Deakyne and Scott Schnorrenberg

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2 APRIL - JUNE 2008

ARMY AL&T

A Look at the Future Combat Systems (Brigade Combat Team) Program —

An Interview With MG Charles A. Cartwright

The Future Combat Systems (FCS) Brigade Combat Team (BCT)

program is the cornerstone of the Army’s modernization effort. The

FCS(BCT) consists of a family of manned and unmanned systems,

connected by a common network, that provides Soldiers and leaders with

leading-edge technologies and capabilities they can use to dominate in

asymmetric and conventional warfare and complex environments. MG

Charles A. Cartwright, FCS(BCT) Program Manager (PM), recently took the

time to provide an FCS(BCT) program update by responding to interview

questions posed by Army AL&T Magazine staff.

Soldiers from the FCS, Evaluation BCT, employ an unmanned vehicle to clear a road during an exercise and livedemonstration Feb. 1, 2007, at Oro Grande Range, Fort Bliss. (U.S. Army photo by MAJ Deanna Bague.)


AL&T: How is the FCS(BCT) pro-gram using the Army Evaluation TaskForce (AETF) at Fort Bliss, TX, andSoldiers in testing, evaluation and pro-gram development? Will this becomethe new way of doing business for allof our PMs, program executive officers(PEOs) and project/product managers?

Cartwright: This is really a new way ofdoing business, as theArmy has made acommitment to havea full brigade dedi-cated to providingfeedback on FCS de-velopmental hardware.This is an important step in bringingthe end user into the design and devel-opmental phase to ensure an end prod-uct that Soldiers can use at fielding.The AETF, a Current Force HeavyBrigade Combat Team (HBCT) that isequipped with a mix of combat andtactical vehicles in the Army inventory,

evaluates PM FCS(BCT) spin out(SO) and core technologies/capabilitiesand provides feedback to the PMFCS(BCT) and platform PMs.

The AETF assists the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command[TRADOC] in developing and refiningdoctrine, organization, training, ma-

teriel, leader develop-ment, personnel andfacility (DOTML-PF) products to sup-port the SO and theFCS(BCT) core pro-gram for the CurrentForce and theFCS(BCT). The

AETF activated in FY07 with 971 Sol-diers authorized to support SO andcore training and test requirements inFY08 and FY09. Army leadership hasapproved a modest growth of AETF tosupport future SO technologies inFY10. The Army has not made any decisions about using AETF-type units

for other PMs or PEOs, but it has de-cided to expand the AETF’s role tocover Army modernization. In this newrole, they will help test and evaluatetechnologies such as Warfighter Infor-mation Network-Tactical (WIN-T).

In the next year, the AETF will partici-pate in the following:

• Technical Field Test. An event led bythe Lead Systems Integrator (LSI) —Boeing Co. and Science ApplicationsInternational Corp. (SAIC) — togain technical data on SO 1 systems.

• Force Development Test and

Evaluation. A TRADOC-led eventto develop DOTML-PF products.

• SO 1 Limited User Test. An Opera-tional Test Command event to gaindata that will support a Milestone[MS] C decision.

• Integrated Materiel Test 1. An LSI-led event to support core softwaredevelopment.

ARMY AL&T

3APRIL - JUNE 2008

The FCS(BCT) network

represents the greatest

advancement in tactical

C4ISR that the Army has

ever pursued.


In the coming years, the AETF willcontinue to support similar events forboth SO and core FCS(BCT) programtechnologies.

AL&T: What, specifically, is the AETFdoing and how will you integrate thefeedback they provide into FCSweapon platforms?

Cartwright: The AETF’s feedback willbe used to improve the full range ofDOTML-PF products. Some examplesof the products the AETF willaffect/improve are as follows:

• Man-machine interfaces.• Platform designs and software

designs/interfaces.• Interface control documents, doctri-

nal and technical manuals, unit standard operating procedures.

• Basis of issue plans and fielding plans.

• Unit designs and organizations.• System requirement documents.• Parts storage levels.• Maintenance allocation tables and

maintenance task validation.• Simulation designs and uses.• Training aid types/designs and special

tool types/designs.• Embedded training.

AL&T: What is the FCS(BCT) pro-gram’s overall status in areas such asunmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), un-manned/manned ground vehicles(UGVs/MGVs), sensors and network?

Cartwright: We have made significantstrides in hardware, software and networkdevelopment to thepoint of conductingfield demonstrations ofFCS(BCT) systemsand their capabilities.There are now morethan 68 ongoingFCS(BCT) tests andevaluations. We haveconducted numeroustraining and experi-mental activities withAETF Soldiers usingearly prototypes of ourClass I UAV, SmallUGV [SUGV], Non-Line-of-SightLaunch System [NLOS-LS] (XM 501)and Unattended Ground Sensors [UGS],both Urban [U] and Tactical [T],(AN/GSR-9 & 10). We continue withtest firings of our NLOS-Cannon[NLOS-C] (XM 1203), NLOS-Mortar(XM 1204) and Mounted Combat Sys-tem [MCS] (XM 1202), as well asdemonstrating the capabilities of the end-to-end hybrid electric drive that will be

used to maneuver these vehicles. We arein the midst of conducting our field testto support the SO program to the Cur-rent Force. These activities are a preludeto a series of design reviews, including anintensive network design review, to takeplace throughout this calendar year.These reviews will evaluate our FCS

(BCT) designs and de-termine our readinessfor proceeding intocritical design activities.We already held onesuch event for theMultifunctional Util-ity/Logistics andEquipment (MULE)(XM 1217), and weare applying those les-sons learned to subse-quent reviews that willtake place over thenext 8-12 months.

AL&T: Is the program maintainingcost, schedule and performance thathave been anticipated throughout theSystem Development and Demonstra-tion (SDD) phase?

Cartwright: The program continues toeffectively use our Earned Value Man-agement System to monitor and manageexpected cost and schedule performance.

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ARMY AL&T

Termed “Hot Buck,” the MGV Hybrid Propulsion Test Bed (shown here) at the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center(TARDEC) Power and Energy Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL) in Santa Clara, CA, is a one-of-a-kind virtual FCS test bed platform for full-load testing. TheHybrid Propulsion Engine improves mobility, reduces fuel consumption and enables use of future weapon technologies. (Photos courtesy of BAE Systems.)

The FCS(BCT) program

evaluates its needs through

a robust SoS requirement

process, aligns interfaces

and requirements with the

complementary

communication programs

and performs risk

management.


AL&T: What are the major challengeswith bringing such divergent systemstogether in a horizontally integratednetwork?

Cartwright: Integration, in simplestterms, is the major challenge facing anyprogram (FCS included) that goes be-yond the focus of singular platform orsubsystem development. In the contextof the FCS(BCT) program, integrationgoes beyond our ability to ensure thatthe FCS(BCT) core systems can inter-face with each other, with Current Forcesystems and with Joint, Interagency andMultinational Force systems. Integrationinvolves a shared understanding of re-sponsibilities for data transmission andutilization, and how a system-of-systems[SoS] comes together during a conflictto execute the assigned mission. TheFCS(BCT) program embraces this con-cept and uses our system engineeringprocesses and design reviews at the plat-form and network levels to clearlydemonstrate our understanding of howeach of our core systems must integrateas an FCS(BCT) member before we ap-prove critical design activities. It is thatcontext — bringing network perform-ance in as part of platform reviews andculminating in the SoS Preliminary De-sign Review — and focus that strength-ens our belief in the ability to resolvethe complex integration issues associatedwith network and SoS development.

AL&T: What is the status of the SoSnetwork development? How is it being developed?

Cartwright: The FCS(BCT) networkrepresents the greatest advancement intactical C4ISR [command, control,communications, computers, intelli-gence, surveillance and reconnaissance]that the Army has ever pursued. Thenetwork, from its initial conceptualstages, was envisioned to provide fullyintegrated, distributed information

management. The SoS network devel-opment is on track. The first incrementsof capability are currently under evalua-tion in Integrated Mission Test 1 and inthe field at Fort Bliss and White SandsMissile Range [WSMR], NM, for SO1. The FCS(BCT) network will havedemonstrated integrated battle com-mand [BC] capabilities that provide theunderpinnings for a unified BC for theArmy. The dynamic, self-healing com-munications have been synchronizedwith the Joint Tactical Radio Systems(JTRS) and WIN-T programs. TheFCS(BCT) program evaluates its needsthrough a robust SoS requirementprocess, aligns interfaces and require-ments with the complementary com-munication programs and performsrisk management.

AL&T: Why is the Army using aphased-development approach inbuilding FCS? How will it be used toincrease Soldiersurvivability, sus-tainability, ma-neuverabilityand lethality onthe modern bat-tlefield?

Cartwright:

FCS(BCT)phased develop-ment serves twoprimary pur-poses: alignmentof software/hard-ware develop-ment and focusof SoS capabilitymaturation overtime. We havedeveloped a soft-ware build strat-egy based onphased capabilityto prioritize development

around key BC mission execution andnetwork requirements and have linkedthat phasing with our hardware develop-ment and demonstration schedules to es-tablish a “design, test, build” paradigm.Phased development maintains focus onthe SoS by requiring each of our individ-ual platforms/systems to demonstrate itsability to integrate with each other andwith Current Force systems as a preludeto final designs. Our management execu-tion strategy does not allow for the finaldesign approval of an individual systemwithout understanding its effectivenessas a member of the SoS.

In phased development, we use multiple means (simulation, analysis, experimentation and test) to determineSoS effectiveness against our stated keyperformance parameters (KPPs), whichinclude the capabilities mentioned in thequestion. Our use of phased develop-ment requires us to analyze continuously

ARMY AL&T

5APRIL - JUNE 2008

Soldiers participating in anFCS Experiment 1.1 mockcombat exercise use theSUGV to clear a building. Theportable, robotic vehicles canbe used for high-risk activitiessuch as surveillance inbuildings, tunnels and caves,or detecting explosivedevices, without exposingSoldiers directly to thehazards. (U.S. Army photo.)


the FCS(BCT) systems and their capa-bilities to help optimize our approachto meeting the KPPs and gives us theability to influence both platform andnetwork designs at the earliest stages ofdevelopment before such changes be-come cost-prohibitive. The force effec-tiveness models, simulations in use atthe FCS(BCT) program SoS Integra-tion Laboratory (SoSIL) and the otherSILs for Integrated Mission Tests, aswell as our participation in experimen-tation exercises, all provide the earlyfeedback on KPP performance to pro-mote continuous improvement. Wehave structured these test objectivesaround SoS effectiveness and theKPPs, so we’re confident that theseevents, the feedback they provide andthe resulting design changes we makewill all contribute to increased Soldiereffectiveness.

AL&T: FCS is developing a family ofnew MGVs. What is the MGV pro-gram’s development status?

Cartwright: TheMGV team is finaliz-ing its preliminarydesign, which will becompleted by January2009. The MGV de-sign is being devel-oped to achieve theoptimal balance of ca-pabilities to ensurethat its lethality, sur-vivability, sustainabil-ity and force effec-tiveness attributes areequal to or better than those of Cur-rent Force vehicles.

Combat vehicle design has always beena delicate balancing act of these com-

peting priorities.Striking the rightbalance betweenthese constants is al-ways a challenge. Be-cause the FCS(BCT)is a radical paradigmshift in the conceptof how we fight, thevehicle systems wedesign to meet theFCS(BCT) programrequirements willnot always be tradi-tional in their de-sign. For example,the MGV is de-signed for facing themost likely threatand incorporates aflexible system tomeet the threat thatis anticipated butnot known. This isnot another 70-tonAbrams vehicle. Wecannot count on the

thickness of our armor to protecttroops as we have in the past. We mustdevelop systems that will destroy targets

beyond-line-of-sight(BLOS) as the normand line-of-sight(LOS) as the excep-tion. Our mission isto balance lighter andfaster with improvedsurvivability. As wemature advancedarmor solutions, weare developing andplanning for upgradesand changes to ourarmor solutions asthreats change. These

capabilities, coupled with an ActiveProtection System (APS) that defeatsincoming threats, provide MGVs withgreater survivability than that found inCurrent Force systems.

AL&T: What other exciting testing isongoing for MGV variants?

Cartwright: The NLOS-C (XM 1203)System Demonstrator fired more than2,000 rounds from 2005 to 2007 andthe NLOS-C (XM 1203) Firing Plat-form has fired more than 1,600 of thescheduled 5,000 rounds since its Octo-ber 2006 delivery to Yuma ProvingGround (YPG), AZ. The XM 1203Firing Platform’s primary objectives areto provide risk reduction for cannonand mount development, to advancesafety certification and manned ratingfor 2008 prototype deliveries, and toprovide reliability growth for weaponmodule components. Additionally, theMCS (XM 1202) 120 (XM360) Pri-mary Weapon Assembly has fired morethan 860 rounds to date. The gun isbeing developed to provide the per-formance of the current 120mm M256cannon on the M1A2 in a lighterweight, more compact design. This as-sembly will enable the XM 1202 to fire

6 APRIL - JUNE 2008

ARMY AL&T

Phased development

maintains focus on the SoS

by requiring each of our

individual

platforms/systems to

demonstrate its ability to

integrate with each other

and with Current Force

systems as a prelude to

final designs.

A Soldier performs an SUGVdemonstration at WSMR inJanuary 2008. (U.S. Armyphoto courtesy of FCS(BCT).)


120mm main gun ammunition from avehicle weighing roughly half theAbram’s weight. Successful testing andintegration are key factors that will en-able the XM 1202 to conduct full-spectrum operations and to “deliverprecision fires at a rapid rate to destroymultiple targets at standoff ranges.”

AL&T: Many new developments arebeing employed in robotic research forUGVs. What other platforms arebeing developed in addition to theMULE vehicle?

Cartwright: The FCS(BCT) UGVteam has been one of the first in theFCS(BCT) program to move from Mi-crosoft® PowerPoint to actual hardware.The SUGV (XM 1216) is participating

in experiments with the AETF thissummer. The MULE Engineering Eval-uation Unit [EEU] has conducted nu-merous demonstrations and is preparingfor Critical Design Review [CDR].Progress with the Autonomous Naviga-tion Systems [ANS] is progressing asscheduled. The ANS has integrated pro-totype systems on the MULE EEU,Stryker and Light Medium Tactical Ve-hicle (LMTV) truck in an effort calledthe Robotic Convoy Experiment and ona TARDEC platform called Crusher.We are excited about the progress theFCS(BCT) program has made to dateand look forward to greater accomplish-ments as we move to CDR in FY09.

SUGV (XM 1216) is a small, light-weight (30 pounds) robot that will

support the dismounted Soldier inurban environments to clear buildings,tunnels, caves or sewers. The Army hasmany small prototype systems in Iraqtoday that demonstrate the need forthe SUGV. The FCS(BCT) SUGV(XM 1216) capitalizes on that successand provides the lightest possible robotfor dismounted Soldiers. As the plat-form weight decreases, the mobilitymust stay the same. The lightweightXM 1216 can still take on steps foundin most buildings, operate in 6 inchesof water, tackle tough terrain and in-clines, and operate in various climates.

The ANS functions as the “brains” ofthe robotic platform for UGVs such asthe MULE (XM 1217). The ANS is acomplex integration of hardware and

ARMY AL&T

7APRIL - JUNE 2008

Soldiers prepare to unload the Container Launch Units(CLUs) for the NLOS-LSdemonstration held at FortBliss in January 2008. (U.S.Army photo courtesy ofFCS(BCT).)


software that interprets what is in frontof the XM 1217 and provides a safeand efficient path for it, taking speedand operational tempo into considera-tion. Ongoing ANS Laser Radar, LaserDetection and Ranging, data process-ing integration, and testing and evalua-tion work were successful in 2007 andwill continue at a higher level in 2008.

The three MULE variants offer interest-ing insights into the different situationsthat UGVs will encounter. The MULE-Transport (XM 1217) must follow thedismounted Soldier over complex terrainat a safe distance and react to the Sol-dier’s movement. The Armed RoboticVehicle-Assault (Light) (ARV-A(L)) (XM1219) must be capable of deliveringlethal effects on the enemy with itsM240 machine gun or Javelin missiles.The Soldier’s safety is paramount whenconsidering that the ARV-A(L) (XM1219) represents the first UGV to de-ploy firepower against an enemy by theU.S. Army. The MULE-Countermine[MULE-C] (XM 1218) demonstrates

the teaming of twoUGVs to clear a path ofanti-tank mines by de-tecting, marking or neu-tralizing the mine andmarking the clear path.The two MULE-C (XM1218) systems must be inconstant sync to ensurethat the path is cleared.

AL&T: The NLOS-Chas fared extremely wellin testing over the past2 years. What can youtell us about this newcannon system? Howwill NLOS-C technol-ogy revolutionize can-non and mortar fire inthe close fight?

Cartwright: TheNLOS-C (XM 1203) firing platformwas delivered to YPG in October 2006and fired its first round on Oct. 23,2006. The firing platform consists of aband-tracked surrogate chassis with athreshold missionmodule that has anautomated ammuni-tion handling system,automatic gun point-ing and an XM324,38 caliber, zone 4,155mm cannon. TheNLOS-C firing plat-form’s primary objec-tives are to providerisk reduction forcannon and mountdevelopment, to ad-vance safety certifica-tion and manned rat-ing for 2008 proto-type deliveries, and toprovide reliabilitygrowth for weaponmodule components.To date, 1,659 rounds have been fired.

AL&T: What have been some of thebiggest challenges with this system?

Cartwright: One of the system’s biggestchallenges was meeting the 27- to 30-ton weight requirement for all of theMGVs; this allows multiple MGVs tobe transported on a single C-17 aircraft.

AL&T: What are some of the mostsignificant technological breakthroughsassociated with NLOS-C?

Cartwright: Perhaps one of the mostimportant breakthroughs is the ad-vancement of hybrid electric propul-sion for our MGV fleet. This hybridelectric system is being integrated ontothe NLOS-C prototype to enable alighter-weight, higher-efficiencypropulsion system. The system canconserve fuel through the use of regen-erative braking to recover electricalpower while the batteries provide forpeak performance when required.

Another NLOS-C key component isits automated ammunition handling

and firing system.This system takes theSoldier out of theloop when firing. Thetask of manually han-dling projectiles andsetting fuzes, powdercharges and rope lan-yards to fire eachround is a thing ofthe past. The laser ig-niter system enablesautomated high ratesof fire while eliminat-ing the sustainmentburden of expendableprimers and providesincreased reliability.

Additionally, the Automated Cannon

Cooling System also enables high rates

8 APRIL - JUNE 2008

ARMY AL&T

Our use of phased

development requires us to

analyze continuously the

FCS(BCT) systems and

their capabilities to help

optimize our approach to

meeting the KPPs and

gives us the ability to

influence both platform

and network designs at the

earliest stages of

development before such

changes become cost-

prohibitive.

Soldiers set up the CLUs for the NLOS-LS demonstration at Fort Blissin January 2008. The NLOS-LS will provide warfighters with areliable, sustainable and dependable system. (U.S. Army photo.)


of fire by eliminating the Soldier taskof cannon swabbing while providingtube cooling to maintain rate of fire.The combination of these componentsallows an efficient,faster and less labor-intensive system.

AL&T: How willNLOS-C technologyrevolutionize cannonand mortar fire in theclose fight?

Cartwright: TheNLOS-C (XM 1203)will be able to im-prove its accuracyround by round andmission by mission,respond rapidly to calls for fire with itsnetworking and high rate of fire, andprovide a variety of effects on demand.It will be able to move rapidly, stopquickly and deliver lethal first roundfire for effects on target in record time.Last, it allows the commander the abil-ity to service more targets accurately,with fewer systems, and with rapid responsiveness.

AL&T: How will the MCS andXM360 Mid-Range Munition (MRM)change the face of armored warfare forU.S. forces? What are the system’smost awesome capabilities and whatare some of the key components thatwill make it an invaluable weapon sys-tem to the HBCT?

Cartwright: The MCS (XM 1202)with the MRM (XM 1111) will revo-lutionize the way the FCS(BCT) andthe U.S. Army conduct traditional“tank-on-tank” engagements. The den-sity of manned and unmanned sensorsin the FCS(BCT) will enable the for-mation to “see first” and detect enemyarmored vehicles while out of contact.The combination of FCS(BCT) Battle

Command and Sensor Fusion will en-able the FCS(BCT) to “understandfirst” and “act first” by developing or-ders that facilitate precision maneuvers

and fires. By usingthe robust FCS(BCT)network that linksthe off-board sensorswith the MCS (XM1202), FCS(BCT)leaders will retain theinitiative and theability to maneuverthe XM 1202 to areasof advantage and toengage the enemywhile safely out ofcontact. The MRM(XM 1111) roundwill provide the capa-

bility to expand significantly the en-gagement area with its extended rangecapabilities. While traditional tankrounds are designed to conduct LOSengagements at the 3-kilometer [km]range, the XM 1111 round will pro-vide the range and accuracy for theXM 1202 to conduct precision, BLOSengagements and destroy a range ofmoving or stationary targets out to 12km when the XM 1202 is stationary

or 8 km when it is moving. The XM1111 round will have a dual-modeseeking capability that allows it to ac-quire targets that are either laser desig-nated by a sensor or autonomously. Its warhead will have the ability to de-feat current and future high-payoff tar-gets on a complex battlefield to in-clude main battle tanks with explosivereactive armor, light armored vehicles,self-propelled artillery and air defense,trucks and bunkers. The increasedlethality of the XM 1202 at extendedranges through the MRM rounds willimprove this system’s survivability andexponentially decrease the number oftraditional LOS engagements. Al-though the XM 1202 will retain theability to fire current and future LOS120mm munitions, the XM 1202 inthe FCS(BCT) formation will makethe traditional tank-on-tank engage-ments obsolete.

AL&T: How are today’s warfightersbenefitting from the FCS technologyalready matured?

Cartwright: Today, the Army is makinguse of many FCS-developed technolo-gies. Navy and Army units are using the

ARMY AL&T

9APRIL - JUNE 2008

Soldiers test the FCS(BCT) network at the SoSIL. The network represents the greatest advancement intactical C4ISR that the Army has ever pursued. From its initial conceptual stages, the network wasenvisioned to provide fully integrated, distributed information management. (U.S. Army photo courtesy ofFCS(BCT).)

The MGV design is being

developed to achieve the

optimal balance of

capabilities to ensure that

its lethality, survivability,

sustainability and force

effectiveness attributes are

equal to or better than

those of Current Force

vehicles.


Micro-Air Vehicle (MAV) in explosiveordnance disposal operations. The MAVis a precursor to theClass I UAV. Also,armor technology de-veloped for FCS isbeing used in fragmen-tation kits placed onour tactical vehicle fleet in Iraq andAfghanistan. TheArmy has also success-fully used the Excaliburartillery round duringcounterinsurgency op-erations. This roundwill be the NLOS-C’schief ordnance.

The FCS(BCT) willbe optimized for counterinsurgencyoperations and the Army will accelerate

fielding of select FCS(BCT) capabili-ties (called Spin Outs) to reduce opera-

tional risk to the Cur-rent Force. The planexpands the scope ofthe program’s SDDphase by adding dis-crete SOs of capabili-ties at 2-year incre-ments for the CurrentForces. SO 1 willbegin this fiscal yearand consist of proto-types issued to theAETF for its use andevaluation. Followingsuccessful evaluationby the AETF, produc-tion and fielding ofSO 1 will commence

to Current Force units in 2011. SO 1is under development, program

acquisition controls are in place and allsystems within SO 1 are progressingthrough key engineering milestones.

AL&T: How will you spiral that tech-nology into the Current Force?

Cartwright: The Army will field se-lected FCS(BCT) capabilities to opera-tional forces in the SO fielding concept.The first FCS(BCT) capabilities will beprovided to Current Force BCTs begin-ning in 2011 as part of SO 1. The SOstrategy consists of prototypes fielded tothe AETF for testing and experimenta-tion. The SOs provide early capabilityin force protection, networked fires, ex-panded operational environment andBC in a series of SO capability releases.

AL&T: How will FCS strike the right balance between modernization,

10 APRIL - JUNE 2008

ARMY AL&T

The NLOS-C firing

platform’s primary

objectives are to provide

risk reduction for cannon

and mount development,

to advance safety

certification and manned

rating for 2008 prototype

deliveries, and to provide

reliability growth for

weapon module

components.

An MCS assembly firing fixture structure, race ring and ammunition handling system at General DynamicsLand Systems. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of FCS(BCT).)


recapitalization (recap) and reset whenU.S. forces begin returning home fromSouthwest Asia?

Cartwright: Modernizing the Army isnot an option, but a necessity. TheFCS(BCT) program is a key compo-nent to the Army modernization effortand will provide warfighters with capa-bilities never before used by a militaryforce. Our goal is to sustain the mo-mentum of Army modernization as werebalance current capabilities in theArmy to ensure that our warfightersmaintain a decisive advantage as thepreeminent power in the world.FCS(BCT) technology is being de-signed to work Jointly across all serv-ices to bring a new level of battlefieldawareness and Joint interoperability.

AL&T: How will this modernizationimprove tactical and strategic mobility?

Cartwright: The FCS(BCT) programsystems were designed from theground up with supportability andstrategic mobility in mind. PMFCS(BCT) has worked closely with

TRADOC, the Air Mobility Com-mand and the U.S. TransportationCommand during the design processto ensure that FCS(BCT) systems areeasier to deploy in ashorter time period.As a result, FCS(BCT)enhances agility, re-sponsiveness and sus-tainability by usingplatforms that arelighter, common andhave more robust interoperability capa-bilities than CurrentForce systems. Oneof the best examplesof this is the familyof MGVs, which usesa common chassis forall of its variants.FCS(BCT) forma-tions built aroundMGVs will have asignificantly smallerlogistic footprint be-cause of common re-pair parts stockage, tool kits and com-ponent replacement instead of repair

to lessen maintenance requirements atunit level. These formations will alsobe more lethal, more capable and moresurvivable through a combination ofarmor, enhanced situational awareness[SA] and APS. As a result, FCS(BCT)units will be able to handle operationsin a larger area with fewer Soldiers.This capability provides a greaterstrategic advantage when quick re-sponse is needed around the world.

AL&T: What new technology will bespiraled into Current Force weaponsystems as they go through recap/resetin Army depots?

Cartwright: The FCS(BCT) deploy-ment strategy consists of a series ofthree SO releases beginning this yearwith SO 1. Spinning out FCS(BCT)capabilities/systems when they areavailable will allow the Army to fieldthe FCS(BCT) network elements andsome individual FCS(BCT) systems

over time, thus reduc-ing the risk to theFCS(BCT) programwhile simultaneouslyadding capability tothe Current Force.SO 1 addresses Cur-rent Force capabilitygaps in SA, force pro-tection and lethalitythrough the use ofthe UGS (U&T)(AN/GSR-9 and -10)and NLOS-LS (XM501). Other tech-nologies include theFCS(BCT) networkcomponents, such asthe Integrated Com-puter System, SoSCommon OperatingEnvironment, BC,Network Manage-

ment Services and JTRS, which will beintegrated into Current Force Abrams,

ARMY AL&T

11APRIL - JUNE 2008

The ANS has integrated prototype systems on the MULE EEU, Stryker and LMTV truck as well as onTARDEC’s Crusher (shown here), an unmanned ground combat vehicle that was unveiled in May 2006 bythe Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. (U.S. Army photo.)

Our goal is to sustain the

momentum of Army

modernization as we

rebalance current

capabilities in the Army to

ensure that our warfighters

maintain a decisive

advantage as the

preeminent power in the

world. FCS(BCT)

technology is being

designed to work Jointly

across all services to bring

a new level of battlefield

awareness and Joint

interoperability.


Bradley and High-Mobility Multipur-pose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV)platforms during SO 1. This networkbackbone provides control of UGS(U&T) assets and SA of objects de-tected by these systems, while also pro-viding a start pointfor the application ofincreasing capabilityin subsequent SOs.The FCS(BCT) pro-gram has also acceler-ated to the AEFT forevaluation of theClass 1 UAV (gMAV[gasoline engineMAV] Block 0, earlyprototype) and theSUGV (Block 1, earlyprototype) as a resultof the overwhelm-ingly positive resultsin the testing of theircapabilities and the need for these sys-tems in theater. Both systems providereal-time video and pictures towarfighters and combatant command-ers while keeping Soldiers out ofharm’s way. Over the next few years,the FCS(BCT) program will equip the

centerpiece of our modernization pro-gram, the warfighter, with the mostadvanced systems in the world to be-come more lethal, more situationallyaware and more confident to deployanywhere in the world in defense of

our Nation.

AL&T: What acquisi-tion strategy is FCS(BCT) using andhow will this changeover the next 5 to 10years?

Cartwright: TheFCS(BCT) programacquisition strategyconforms to the DoD5000 framework forsystems acquisition.The FCS(BCT) PMis responsible for

FCS(BCT) SoS development, produc-tion, fielding and support. Addition-ally, the program will develop and position the SO of FCS(BCT) capabil-ities/systems for production and field-ing to the Current Force.

From its inception, the FCS(BCT)program acquisition strategy was de-signed to employ an LSI to supportthe Concept and Technology Develop-ment phase and continue through theSDD and Low-Rate Initial Production(LRIP) phases. This strategy was deter-mined to be in the government’s bestinterest. The Army’s partnering withthe best of industry allowed it to usecutting-edge technology, best businesspractices and performance objectivesin FCS(BCT) SoS development toprovide the Soldier with greater capa-bility at lower life-cycle costs. It is theArmy’s intent to maintain the relation-ship with its LSI (Boeing and SAIC)through the core program LRIP phaseto ensure that SoS operational verifica-tion, as demonstrated in the InitialOperational Test and Evaluation(IOT&E), is in compliance with theSDD’s contractual requirements.

The Army now uses this LSI arrange-ment for the FCS(BCT) programSDD acquisition phase, scheduled tocomplete with a successful MS C deci-sion for the core program in FY13.

In compliance with the FCS(BCT)program acquisition strategy, the pro-gram is preparing to enter into pro-duction contracts for the MGV InitialProduction Platform (NLOS-C) (XM1203) Special Interest Program andSO 1 beginning with advance procure-ment items in 2008 and productioncontracts in early 2009.

These 18 units will be delivered to theAETF in 2010, 2011 and 2012, re-spectively, at a projected rate of six vehicles per year.

SO 1 involves procurement of 17BCT sets providing enhanced SA andcommunication capabilities for theCurrent Force through technology in-sertions to the Abrams, Bradley and


ARMY AL&T

FCS(BCT) formations

built around MGVs will

have a significantly

smaller logistic footprint

because of common

repair parts stockage, tool

kits and component

replacement instead of

repair to lessen

maintenance

requirements at unit level.

Here (left to right), Joe Zinecker, Lockheed Martin, shows MG Cartwright, PM FCS(BCT), and DennisMuilenburg, Boeing Co., the EEU’s progress. The EEU was used in multiple tests and demonstrationsthroughout 2007. Looking on from behind is Chris Yuknis, a Lockheed Martin vice president. (Photo byGlenn Helm, Lockheed Martin.)


HMMWV. These technologies will bedelivered to the Current Force in FYs10-14.

The Army’s acquisition plan for thecore program LRIPeffort is on target tobegin in 2013. Theminimum core LRIPquantity of threeBCTs would be man-aged under the LSIarrangement that hasbeen used for the pro-gram’s entire SDDphase.

A Full Rate Produc-tion decision MS willbe convened in FY17,and will be basedupon demonstrationof supportability/producability andafter IOT&E substantiates FCS(BCT)effectiveness, suitability and KPPachievement.

AL&T: What is the most importantmessage you would like to convey to

the Acquisition, Logistics and Technol-ogy Workforce and Soldiers who readour family of publications?

Cartwright: The FCS(BCT) programis a commitment tomodernize our Army,not an option. TheFCS(BCT) is theArmy’s promise toprovide its Soldiersthe best availableequipment and tech-nology. This is notjust a technology de-velopment program;it is also the develop-ment of new BCTs.These new brigades,with more infantry,better equipment andunmatched SA and

communications, will change the waythe U.S. Army fights wars. TheseBCTs will prove invaluable duringasymmetric and stability operations byallowing for precision targeted fires tokeep civilians out of harm’s way andmore infantry on the ground to patrol

civilian populations. And through sen-sors connected to the BCT’s network,real-time situational updates will allowthe Army to neutralize targets beforethey strike military or civilian person-nel (see them first and take them out).Through a state-of-the-art network,the FCS(BCT) will have vastly in-creased SA, survivability and lethality— ensuring that our Soldiers can takethe fight to the enemy before heknows we are there and has time toreact. By reducing vehicle crew sizes,logistics and maintenance burdens, theFCS(BCT) will have 50 percent moreinfantry Soldiers in the fight.

The FCS(BCT) is happening now.AETF Soldiers are training withFCS(BCT) hardware and software sys-tems and will begin brigade-level eval-uations of SO equipment in earlysummer 2008. FCS(BCT) SO capabil-ities/systems will reach operationalbrigades in the 2010 timeframe. Thefirst MGV — the NLOS-C prototypes— are being built at locations in York,PA; Santa Clara, CA; Minneapolis,MN; Lima, OH; and Sterling Heights,MI, and will be completed in June2008. In December 2007, the ArmyChief of Staff directed the FCS(BCT)program to accelerate test schedules for the SUGV robot and the Class 1UAV. As a result, AETF training andevaluations of these platforms startedin mid-January 2008.

ARMY AL&T

13APRIL - JUNE 2008

A MULE drives over a ditch during a demonstrationat Fort Bliss in January 2008. (U.S. Army photocourtesy of FCS(BCT).)

The Army’s partnering

with the best of industry

allowed it to use cutting-

edge technology, best

business practices and

performance objectives in

FCS(BCT) SoS

development to provide

the Soldier with greater

capability at lower life-

cycle costs.



ARMY AL&T

Lessons Learned From Product Manager (PM)Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) Using Soldier

Evaluation in the Design Phase

MAJ Todd Cline

Soldiers from A Co., 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade CombatTeam, exit their M1126 Stryker ICV. PM ICV’s systems engineering approach to vehicledesign will ensure that Soldiers have better ingress/egress capability. (U.S. Army photoby MC1 Daniel N. Woods.)


ARMY AL&T

15APRIL - JUNE 2008

In September 2007, the PM for the Manned Ground Vehicle

(MGV) XM1206 ICV, Future Combat Systems (Brigade

Combat Team) (FCS(BCT)) conducted an ingress and egress

demonstration to optimize squad configuration and verify ICV

platform design characteristics. The demonstration was con-

ducted using Soldiers from the Army Evaluation Task Force

and a vehicle mock-up of the ICV mission module area.

Demonstrations using mock-ups or prototypes often prove to

be cost-effective ways to focus on certain requirements and

bring valuable data and a unique real-world perspective to

the design team. Mock-up demonstrations also assist PMs in

prioritizing limited resources to important system areas.


PM ICV is using the systems engineer-ing approach with this valuable Soldierfeedback to incorporate design changeswhile balancing any cost, schedule andperformance impacts. The objectivesof this demonstration were to evaluateICV mission moduleseating configurationand evaluate the timeit took Soldiers foringress/egress viaramp and door. Themock-up was con-structed with theability to reconfigureto different seatingarrangements, as wellas different ramp anddoor configurations.

The ICV is one ofeight MGVs beingdesigned for theFCS(BCT) and isbeing built centeredon the 9-man dis-mountable infantry squad. This Soldier-centric design allows for theICV to meet its mission requirementof transporting 11 personnel (2-mancrew and 9-man squad) on the battle-field. The ICV delivers the dis-mounted force to the close battle andsupports the infantry squad by provid-ing self-defense and supporting fires.

Soldiers from the 1st Combat ArmsBattalion, 5th Brigade, 1st ArmoredDivision, traveled to Santa Clara, CA,to take part in the demonstration. TheSoldiers’ time in service ranged fromonly 16 months to combat veteranswith about 12 years’ experience. TheSoldiers’ ages ranged from 18 to 38,and their heights and weights rangedfrom 5’4” to 6’5” and 140 pounds to250 pounds. During the demonstra-tion, Soldiers carried Rapid FieldingInitiative equipment and Mission-Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP)

gear, which provided realistic combatweight and added 100-120 pounds ofweight to each Soldier.

During the 2-week demonstration, thesquad conducted more than 200 trial

runs. Soldiers ran sce-narios wearing theirMOPP gear and pro-tective masks, andwith MOPP gearstored in their assaultpacks. Human factor,design and test engi-neers received and re-viewed more than 300questionnaires, whichencompass the bulk ofthe final report. ThisSoldier feedback,which ranged fromcomments on seat design, safety belts,seating arrangements,Soldier space, rampand door opening to

identifying obstacles in design andsafety-related issues, proved invaluablein optimizing the ICV design.

Lessons LearnedThe ICV ingress/egress demonstrationnot only provided the FCS(BCT) pro-gram useful data, but also emphasizedthe importance of demonstrations, testsand user juries early in the system de-velopment process. FCS ICV ingress/egress demonstration lessons learnedmay benefit other defense acquisitionprograms planning similar events. Suc-cessful demonstrations require writtenplans, identification of resources andinvolvement of the test and safety com-munities. Here are some of the impor-tant lessons learned during the ICV’singress/egress demonstration:

• Establish a written test or demonstra-tion plan. A written plan helps thefabricators, testers, human factor en-gineers, design engineers and usersunderstand the demonstration scopeas well as the objectives and enddata. The plan also helps to preventothers from adding scope to theevent without proper time or fund-ing resources.

• Identify and schedule required resources.Mock-ups may require the fabricationof surrogate items. The important


ARMY AL&T

During the 2-week ICV mock-up demonstration, an infantry squad conducted more than 200 trial runs.Soldiers ran scenarios wearing their MOPP gear and protective masks, and with MOPP gear stored in theirassault packs. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of FCS(BCT).)

Demonstrations using

mock-ups or prototypes

often prove to be cost-

effective ways to focus on

certain requirements and

bring valuable data and a

unique real-world

perspective to the design

team. Mock-up

demonstrations also assist

PMs in prioritizing limited

resources to important

system areas.


point is to strive to make the demon-stration as realistic as possible to enable best possible data collection.

• Don’t forget the Soldier. Soldier requests take timeto process, andsome units requireseveral months’ ad-vance notice fortheir approvalprocess. Ensure toplan for Soldierequipment becausesome equipment istoo bulky andheavy for commer-cial flights and mayrequire special ship-ping. Sensitiveitems, such as nightvision goggles, weapons, etc., may re-quire additional site security for stor-age. Contact your test communityfor required safety documentationbefore letting Soldiers use any devel-opmental equipment. The Develop-mental Test Center at Aberdeen Providing Ground, MD, provides

Safety Releases and is a valuable re-source in identifying additional ap-provals. Safety Releases provide com-manders and PMs important infor-

mation on risks ofusing the prototypeor mock-up equip-ment and establishany limitations to thetest or demonstration. • Review AR 70-25,

Use of Volunteers asSubjects of Research.Depending on thetest or demonstra-tion scope, aHuman Use Com-mittee (HUC) andInstitution Review Board (IRB) may

be required. Establish enough time inthe schedule for the board and com-mittee to review, comment on andapprove the demonstration or testplan. Additional rules govern Soldiersbeing used on nongovernmental testsites or at a contractor’s facility. Onekey point is that major changes to

the approved plan will require an-other set of reviews and could delaythe start of the event.

• Be prepared for equipment to break,causing unwanted demonstration ortest downtime. The key to keeping aschedule moving is to have noncriti-cal events that can fill space and donot require physical mock-up use.Examples include demographic questionnaires, measurements of Sol-diers and their equipment in variousconfigurations and design facility ortest range tours. If you plan ahead,other demonstration excursions canbe added, with prior approval from aHUC or IRB (if required), to collectadditional data.

The FCS(BCT) ICV ingress/egressmock-up has led to PM and engineer-ing design decisions that helped to op-timize seating configuration, identifyhazards and bring unforeseen designlimitations to light that have aided indeveloping a Soldier-centric vehicle.The key to running a successfuldemonstration is to have clear objec-tives with a desired end-state or out-come (the plan), identify the partici-pating Soldiers and equipment as earlyas possible, include outside organiza-tions or agencies and ensure that thedata being obtained will assist in thedesign (not just data of results).

MAJ TODD CLINE is the Assistant PMICV, FCS(BCT). He holds a B.A. in com-munication from Grand Canyon Univer-sity and an M.S. in material acquisitionmanagement from the Florida Institute ofTechnology. Cline is an Army AcquisitionCorps member and is certified Level II inprogram management and Level I in life-cycle logistics.

ARMY AL&T

17APRIL - JUNE 2008

Soldier feedback, which

ranged from comments on

seat design, safety belts,

seating arrangements,

Soldier space, ramp and

door opening to

identifying obstacles in

design and safety-related

issues, proved invaluable in

optimizing the ICV design.

A Soldier wearing MOPP gear and protective mask exits an ICV mock-up with its ramp open during ademonstration at the Santa Clara BAE Systems facility. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of FCS(BCT).)



ARMY AL&T

Engineering the Army’s Next Generation Medical Vehicle (MV) for Rapid Responses

CPT Nicholas Song and SFC James E. Mentel

HMMWVs serve as nonstandard ground medical evacuation vehicles in emergencies. The Army’s next generationMV will fulfill this medical evacuation capability gap. Here, medics use a HMMWV to evacuate a wounded Iraqisoldier to a combat support hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, on Jan. 7, 2008. (U.S. Army photo by SGT Kevin Stabinsky.)


ARMY AL&T

19APRIL - JUNE 2008

Amedical platoon leader for the 1st Battalion, 504th

Parachute Infantry Regiment, deployed in support of

Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), returned from his

battalion’s daily Battle Update Brief. He was dismayed by the

information he learned from the battalion staff and battalion

commander. He discussed the information with his platoon

sergeant before disseminating it to his squad leaders.


“Sergeant, per the Iraqi Theater Policy,and due to the increasing threat of improvised explosive devices [IEDs]and enemy tactics, techniques and pro-cedures [TTPs], soft-skinned vehiclesare no longer allowed off the ForwardOperating Base [FOB]. This means wecannot use our ambulances for groundmedical evacuation,” the lieutenant ex-plained. “How are we going to supportthe battalion?”

“Relax sir,” the sergeant replied.“Looks like we need to coordinatewith battalion for armored HMMWVs[High-Mobility Multipurpose WheeledVehicles] to be used as nonstandardevacuation. They only hold one litter,but it is a short-term fix for now. For along-term solution, we need to talkwith the AMEDD C&S [U.S. ArmyMedical Department Center andSchools]. The Army desperately needsto modernize its ground medical evac-uation capability. What we need is ahighly mobile, survivable, networkedMV with a Soldier-centric design in-corporating input from medics andproviders so these problems now canbe mitigated for the Future Force.”

Future Combat Systems (FCS) has de-veloped the next generation MV that

fills a capabil-ity gap desper-ately neededby the CurrentForce. The on-going conflictsin Iraq andAfghanistanhave proventhat the Armyis facing anadaptive andresilientenemy. Theenemy has ex-posed and ex-ploited vulner-

abilities in U.S. and coalition forces’equipment, particu-larly manned groundvehicles (MGVs).Depending on thesituation, Iraq theaterpolicies sometimeslimit or even prohibitnonarmored vehiclesfrom operating out-side of FOBs becauseof inadequate surviv-ability against IEDs and anti-tankmines. These limitations and/or pro-hibitions directly impact combatmedics and their ability to provideground medical evacuation on thebattlefield with currently fielded U.S.Army MVs: the M113 Tracked Am-bulance and M996/M997 Field LitterAmbulance. Medics supporting com-bat operations must resort to usingnonstandard vehicles with the appro-priate level of armor protectionneeded to operate outside of FOBs.The FCS MV has a Soldier-centricdesign that incorporates input andcontinual feedback from the user. Thisinvolvement early in the systems engi-neering process optimizes the MV’scapabilities and design, and ensures itmeets critical functionality and surviv-ability requirements.

FCS MVThe FCS MV is one of 14 MGVs, unmanned ground vehicles and un-manned aerial vehicles. The MVs are de-signed on a common chassis with com-mon parts to greatly reduce the FCS lo-gistical footprint and to ensure MVshave mobility, survivability and sustain-ability equivalent to other FCS (BrigadeCombat Team) (BCT) vehicles. There-fore, the new MVs will be able to keeppace with the Infantry Combat Vehiclesand Mounted Combat Systems they support.

The FCS MV has two separate vari-ants: MV-Evacuation (MV-E) andMV-Treatment (MV-T). MV-E has

the capability to evac-uate up to four litterpatients, six ambula-tory patients or acombination of threelitter and three am-bulatory patients.Some key MV designcharacteristics and ca-pabilities include:

• 3-person crew.• Medic workstation.• Reconfigured Litter Lift Handling

System (LLHS) with no tools.• Oxygen concentrators.• Vital signs monitors.• Rapid Automated Medical Process-

ing Systems (RAMPS).• Medical Equipment Sets (MES) for

ground ambulance.

The MV-T will replace the currentBattalion Aid Station and provide Ad-vanced Trauma Life Support anywhereon the battlefield. Some key MV-T de-sign characteristics include:

• 4-person crew• Treatment table with full body access• Blood refrigerator• Oxygen concentrators


ARMY AL&T

A 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division Soldier in an M113armored medical evacuation vehicle transports mockwounded Soldiers during a mission readiness exercise atFort Stewart, GA, in preparation for deployment to Iraq.(U.S. Army photo by MSG Johancharles Van Boers.)

The FCS LLHS can be

reconfigured from litter to

ambulatory configuration

with no tools or

removable parts in less

than 2 minutes.


• Medical lighting• Vital signs monitor• Quick deployable shelter• Medic workstation• MES for trauma and sick call

User InvolvementWhat separates the FCS MV from itspredecessors is that the MV is the firstmobile, survivable, networked combatmedical evacuation and treatment ve-hicle being developed around the com-bat medic and medical providers. ThisSoldier-centric design ensures that themedical community influences theMV’s design early in the developmentprocess. Every MV aspect is developedaround the medical community, forthe combat medics and doctors. Be-cause of the FCS MV’s importance tothe AMEDD, key billets within theFCS program are filled by medicalMilitary Occupational Specialty(MOS) personnel, who ensure thatAMEDD is represented during the de-velopment process. Within the Prod-uct Management Office (PMO), abranch-qualified field medical assistantserves as the Assistant Product Man-ager (APM) for MV. Collocated withthe PMO, a U.S. Army Training andDoctrine Command CapabilitiesManager (TCM) medical noncommis-sioned officer (NCO) serves as theuser representative and requirementslead. Together, the PM and TCMmedical personnel work to ensure thatappropriate coordination takes placeand that the medics/providers — thetargeted audience — are delivered avehicle that allows them to do theirjob more effectively and efficiently.

To capitalize on lessons learned, theMV development integrated productteam regularly interacts with opera-tional units returning from combatdeployments to discuss and receive up-dates on evolving friendly and enemyTTPs. The first step is identifying the

problems and issues faced by CurrentForce medics and medical providers.The next step is to use their input onhow to improve or fill the needed capa-bility. Interaction with Current Forcemedical units has been vital in identify-ing capability gaps and in developingthe MV’s design concept and function-ality. In September 2007, the PM andTCM coordinated to interview severalcombat medics, medical NCOs andmedical providers from the 4th In-fantry Division (4ID), Fort Hood, TX,who recently redeployed in support ofOIF. The interviews helped identifyproblems that medics, BCT providers

and lower echelons of health care facewhen capturing medical informationdigitally. A follow-up coordination session with 4ID providers was thenconducted in November 2007 to gainmore detailed information on how toresolve current issues. It is throughthese routine interactions with medicalunits that two critical pieces of equip-ment have been developed under theFCS MV: the LLHS and RAMPS.

FCS LLHSThe FCS LLHS resides on the MV-Eand is a motorized litter system withthe capability to transport up to four

ARMY AL&T

21APRIL - JUNE 2008

U.S. Army medic SGT MichaelDaugherty, 6th Battalion, 9thCavalry Regiment, 3rd BCT,1st Cavalry Division, helps lifta wounded Iraqi police officerinto an M996 HMMWVambulance at FOB Normandy,Iraq, March 24, 2007. Thenew FCS MV-E will provideenhanced medical capabilitiesand will be capable ofevacuating more patients inan emergency. (U.S. Air Forcephoto by SSGT Stacy L.Pearsall.)


litter patients, six ambulatory patientsor a combination of three litter andthree ambulatory patients. The FCSLLHS is designed with 3 litter birthsstacked vertically, with 22 inches be-tween each birth, and a fourth litteron the MV-E’s sponson that allows forfull body access of patients. It is pow-ered by a single motor that allows rais-ing and lowering of the top litter andminimizes physical strain on the litter bearers during the loading and unload-ing process. The single motor allowsfor a synchronized raising and lower-ing of the entire litter birth, reducingany mechanical jams as found withprevious litter lift systems. There isalso a manual function incorporatedinto the design so that, in the eventthe motor fails, the litter can be raisedand lowered manually.

The FCS LLHS can be reconfiguredfrom litter to ambula-tory configurationwith no tools or re-movable parts in lessthan 2 minutes. TheFCS LLHS containsa moveable litter traythat pulls out to thevehicle’s center aisleallowing the litter tobe loaded from theramp or door, in theevent of a ramp fail-ure, and allowing thelitter bearers to loadthe litter withouthaving to enter thevehicle, thereby sav-ing critical time. The litter is sup-ported and secured by the litter stir-

rups, providingmaximum secu-rity and overallsafety for the pa-tient. Placementof the medic’sworkstation andpatient move-ment items(PMIs) inside theMV-E maximizesspace, functional-ity and patientcare. The LLHSdesign improveson many cur-rently fielded sys-tems’ shortcom-ings. FCS LLHSdesign improve-ments are a directresult of userinput and in-clude: how pa-tient litters are se-cured to the plat-form; the abilityto reconfigure theLLHS from litter

to ambulatory with no tools; the abilityto load and unloadthe LLHS from theramp door withouthaving to enter thevehicle; and the stor-age of PMIs for im-mediate accessibility.

RAMPSRAMPS provides themedic with the capa-bility to digitally cap-ture medical treat-ment data performedon the patient andmedical status of aninjured Soldier.RAMPS also stores

the information on a local databasethat resides on the MV and possessesthe capability to send the informationthrough the FCS network to higherechelons of medical care for their situ-ational awareness on number of casual-ties, status and location. The ability tocapture this information on the MVand send the information prior to theMV’s arrival at the medical treatmentfacility will enable medical providers toproactively prepare for and receive crit-ically wounded Soldiers. In combat,where the cause of death and loss oflimbs routinely involves severe traumaand major blood loss, every secondcounts. Passing this accurate informa-tion empowers the medical providersand leaders, allowing them to beproactive rather than reactive in theirdecision making.

RAMPS also sends the medical informa-tion via the FCS network to the TheaterMedical Information Program to bestored in a patient’s medical record.RAMPS can send and receive criticalpatient information. Significant effort isbeing made to provide medics with auser-friendly interface for inputting andrecording patient information. User


ARMY AL&T

The MV-E Mock demonstrates thevehicle’s 4-litter patient configuration.Other configurations can accommodatesix ambulatory patients or a combinationof three litter and three ambulatorypatients. (U.S. Army photo courtesy ofthe MV Team.)

RAMPS stores

information on a local

database that resides on

the MV and possesses the

capability to send the

information through the

FCS network to higher

echelons of medical care

for their situational

awareness on number of

casualties, status and

location.


juries of physicians and physician assis-tants have helped validate and incor-porate critical medical functionalityinto the RAMPS userinterface. Medics’ andmedical providers’input provides soft-ware engineers withinsight on how tobest design the man-machine interface.This strong inter-action between thePM and medicalcommunity has re-sulted in a systemwith a Soldier-friendly interface forcapturing/enteringmedical data, maximizing patienttreatment care and minimizing medicinformation input. RAMPS incorpo-rates touch-screen technology, voicerecognition software and PMIs, in-cluding a vital signs monitor, oxygengenerator, intravenous pump and ul-trasound. RAMPS also interfaces withan Electronic Information Carrier, amemory card issued to each Soldier

that will contain a digital copy of hisor her deployment medical record.

The FCS MV, LLHSand RAMPS are first-hand examples oftechnology developedwith a medical com-munity focus. FromFCS program incep-tion, AMEDD C&Shas ensured properrepresentation, viamedical MOS billets,within the PMO andTCMs. AMEDD rep-resentation embeddedthrough the entiresystems engineering

process has been vital in ensuring thatthe operational requirements andneeded functionality are incorporatedinto the MV’s preliminary design to fillcapability gaps desperately needed bythe Current Force. Direct input andfeedback from medics and medicalproviders within operational units haspaid dividends during the design andearly build phases as documented

within the FCS LLHS and RAMPS de-sign and development. Maintainingopen communication with our cus-tomers has been vital in FCS’s successto date and is the key in deliveringequipment that makes Soldiers morecombat effective and survivable.

CPT NICHOLAS SONG is a MedicalService Corps Officer assigned to ProgramManager FCS(BCT) as an APM for PMFCS MV. Prior to that, he served as aBrigade Support Medical Co. (BSMC)Commander with 3rd BCT, 101st Air-borne Division (AbnDiv) Air Assault. Hehas deployed in support of OIF (twice)and Operation Enduring Freedom as a Med-ical Platoon Leader and as a BSMC Com-pany Commander. Song holds a B.S. inexercise science and sport studies fromRutgers, The State University of New Jer-sey. He is Level I certified in acquisition.

SFC JAMES E. MENTEL is an ArmyCombat Medic assigned as the TCM leaduser representative for the FCS MV-E andMV-T variants. Prior to that, he served invarious positions including Medical Evacu-ation NCO, Treatment NCO, EmergencyRoom NCO, Clinic NCO in charge,Medical Platoon Sergeant and as aPathfinder Medic with the 101st AbnDiv(Air Assault). Mentel is certified as anEmergency Medical Technician, Advanced Combat Life Support Providerand has earned the coveted Expert FieldMedical Badge.

ARMY AL&T

23APRIL - JUNE 2008

The ability to capture this

information on the MV

and send the information

prior to the MV’s arrival

at the medical treatment

facility will enable

medical providers to

proactively prepare for

and receive critically

wounded Soldiers.

Soldiers from the Army medical community provide feedbackto the MV Design Team to help influence Soldier-centricdesign elements early in the vehicle development process.(U.S. Army photo courtesy of the MV Team.)



ARMY AL&T

Future Combat Systems (FCS) AutonomousNavigation System (ANS) Technology Will

Revolutionize WarfareMichael W. Price and Dr. Steven Munkeby

It’s been a long day and Charlie Co. Soldiers are trying to rest before they resume oper-

ations. Out of the distance, a convoy arrives with rations, water, ammo and needed

medical supplies. The First Sergeant is pleased that the supplies arrived safely and that

his Soldiers weren’t needed to escort the convoy back. This convoy was the newest mem-

ber of Charlie Co., an unmanned Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE)

platform that autonomously travels back to the supply point and returns without a Soldier

escort. The MULE conducted this mission autonomously avoiding obstacles and navigating

rugged terrain using the latest autonomous navigation sensors and software developed for

the Army’s FCS. ANS performs the driving and navigation functions for all FCS unmanned

ground vehicles (UGVs) and indirect driving for the manned ground vehicles.

The ANS functions of move-on-route and detect and avoid obstacles were enhanced with leader-follower capabilities, which allow one UGVto follow another vehicle’s path in convoy-like operations. Here, during Phase I of the RCX, the ANS-equipped Stryker ICV is the leader andthe LMTV is the follower. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of FCS(BCT).)


“The capabilities that the UGV andANS provide to the warfighter willrevolutionize the way we conductcombat operations,” remarked LTCSteve Noe, FCS UGV Product Man-ager (PM). “They will reduce risk tothe Soldiers in hazardous situationsand reduce Soldier workload and man-power requirements, particularly withthe MULE family of vehicles duringcombat and convoy operations.”

Currently in the System Developmentand Demonstration phase, UGVs, withthe ANS fully integrated into theirconfigurations, will perform tasks de-signed to move the UGVs around thebattlefield with minimal human over-sight. Some of these tasks includemove-on-route, obstacle detection andavoidance, and leader/follower. Eachtask provides day and night navigationtactical behaviors capability in all typesof weather for survival on the battle-field. “ANS is the centerpiece of UGVtechnology, ‘the eyes and brains’ thatemulates the human skills to interpretits surroundings and plot a course,”said Dan Folk, FCS UGV Deputy PM.

RCX Phase IThe ANS demonstrated its robustnessrecently during Phase 1 of the RoboticConvoy Experiment (RCX) conductedat the White Sands Missile Range

(WSMR), NM, in August 2007.Through a series of test operations em-ulating a real-time tactical environmentwhile simulating combat amid ruggedterrain, wind and sand, the ANSproved itself as an effective navigationsystem for manned and unmanned ve-hicles. The RCX included experimentalmaneuvers to evaluate the system’s ca-pability to avoid obstacles and to navi-gate rugged terrainusing the latest au-tonomous navigationsensors and softwaredeveloped for theArmy’s FCS.

The RCX test vehi-cles were a StrykerInfantry Carrier Ve-hicle (ICV) and aLight Medium Tactical Vehicle(LMTV) equipped with ANS sensors,navigation and computing capabilities.The configuration allowed the test ve-hicles to be driven in teleoperationmode with a joystick. In addition tothis capability, the ANS demonstratedremote capabilities beyond teleopera-tion where test vehicles navigated in-dependent of direct Soldier control.Combining these two capabilitiesdemonstrated the required FCS func-tionality for UGVs to move-on-routeand detect and avoid obstacles using

varying speeds and distances, numbersof waypoints, obstacle patterns androutes. ANS’ cutting-edge autonomousnavigation technologies are also con-fronting relevant environmental issuessuch as heat, dust, wind and rain.

During move-on-route, the ANS drivesthe vehicle by issuing speed and steer-ing commands that maneuver the vehi-

cle along a preplannedroute. An ANS move-ment route is identi-fied by designatedwaypoints, or GlobalPositioning System(GPS) breadcrumbs,coordinates that deter-mine the route oftravel. During theRCX-conducted tests,

vehicle routes were conducted with andwithout obstacles.

Since the UGV maneuvers without ahuman making its decisions, an impor-tant function of unmanned vehicles isthe autonomous decision-making abil-ity to detect and avoid obstacles. Dur-ing the RCX testing, obstacles were po-sitioned on the vehicle’s proposed routeto vary the route and challenge theANS’ abilities. The ANS was presentedwith three different sets of obstacle pat-terns requiring it to appropriately de-cide whether to steer left or right.

Though robotic vehicles will nevertake the place of a Soldier, these vehi-cles will help reduce risk to Soldiersand possibly save lives at the sametime. According to Folk, “ANS tech-nology will revolutionize warfare on ascale comparable to the ironclads ofthe Civil War and the [German]Messerschmitt, the first jet fighter inWorld War II.”

The ANS exceeded initial test objectiveswith teleoperational speeds, even in

ARMY AL&T

25APRIL - JUNE 2008

The capabilities that the

UGV and ANS provide

to the warfighter will

revolutionize the way we

conduct combat

operations.

The ANS-equipped Stryker was used as the leader vehicle during the RCX atWSMR. The man-driven lead vehicle establishes the route for the unmannedvehicles by sending the waypoints or GPS breadcrumbs to the followers. (U.S.Army photo courtesy of FCS(BCT).)


move-on-route with obstacle detection.Patti Rose, U.S. Army government co-lead for ANS, added, “We werepleased with the initial results. Notonly were we able to move the vehiclealong the specified routes at highspeeds, we were able to detect andavoid obstacles while moving at thosegreater speeds.”

Leader-Follower CapabilitiesTaking on this challenge of near-termconvoy operations, the ANS functionsof move-on-route and detect and avoidobstacles were enhanced with leader-follower capabilities, allowing oneUGV to follow another vehicle’s pathin convoy-like operations. “Leader-follower,” a term sometimes used in-terchangeably with “robotic convoy,”evolved into the overall RCX goalwhile at WSMR. The leader-followercapability allows one man-driven vehicle to be followed by one or moreunmanned vehicles in a convoy-likeoperation. The man-driven lead vehi-cle establishes the route for the un-manned follower vehicles bysending the waypoints orGPS breadcrumb coordi-nates to the followers. Ad-ditionally, the follower ve-hicles are instructed to trailthe leader at a specifieddistance. In addition to

the key accomplishments for speedand distance for teleoperational andmove-on-route activities during RCX, the leader-follower “convoy operations” achieved high speeds withseparation distances between the leadvehicle and follower even in heavy dust environments.

“The ANS program is developing a sophisticated autonomous route-following capability with obstacle de-tection and avoidance that will providea future benefit to man-driven vehicles.The logistics implications are thatANS-equipped manned vehicles willalert drivers to hazards, allow drivers torest or allow vehicle operation withoutdrivers. We also see exciting opportuni-ties for early spin out of some ANS features such as basic driver’s aides andthe leader-follower convoy capabilitydemonstrated during our recent RCX,”said Jay Kurtz, ANS Program Manager,General Dynamics Robotic Systems.

RCX Phase IIPhase II of the RCX is scheduled forthe 3rd and 4th quarters of FY08. The objectives are to further emulate

military-like tacticaloperations through

additional

experimentation with various routes,obstacle patterns and higher speeds. Further emphasis will be placed onANS to demonstrate its ability toadapt and overcome unforeseen situa-tions. FY08 experimentation will ad-dress the sustained speeds for longerperiods of time and distances represen-tative of current and future convoy op-erations covering various scenarios andsituations. RCX successfully demon-strated more than 15 years of Pentagon-funded autonomous navigation workthat is showing signs of reducing Soldier risk as envisioned in the FCSconcept of operations. With prelimi-nary test results as promising as theyhave been, Army officials believe un-manned vehicles might be applied tocertain applications much earlier. Anearly potential application for theseunmanned vehicles would includeconvoy operations in combat. As Noesummarized, “Helping Soldiers withtheir everyday high-risk tasks is a clearreason for developing the ANS capa-bilities as quickly as possible.”

MICHAEL W. PRICE is an ANS Gov-ernment Systems Engineer at PM FCSUGV. He holds a B.S. in mechanical engi-neering from Loyola Marymount Univer-

sity and is an Army Acquisition Corpsmember certified Level III in both pro-gram management and systems planning,research, development and engineering.Price was recently accepted as a Competi-tive Development Group/Army Acquisi-tion Fellow – Class of 2008.

DR. STEVEN MUNKEBY is the LeadSystems Integrator PM ANS. He holds aB.S. in computer science from the Univer-sity of Montana, an M.S. in systems man-agement from the University of SouthernCalifornia and a Ph.D. in managementand organizational leadership from theUniversity of Phoenix.


ARMY AL&T

The ANS demonstrated itsrobustness during Phase IExperimentation of the RCXconducted at WSMR in August2007. Shown here is an ANS-equipped LMTV that was used inthe RCX. (U.S. Army photocourtesy of FCS(BCT).)


ARMY AL&T

27APRIL - JUNE 2008

Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE) Vehicle Will Improve

Soldier Mobility, Survivability and LethalityMAJ D. Brian Byers

We are on the cusp of a paradigm shift in the Army. It has been

mandated that one-third of Army vehicles are to be robotic be-

ginning in 2015. So what progress are we making? The Army is

using a wide range of small robots such as PackBot® and Talon for explosive

ordnance disposal, improved explosive device detection and clearance, and

reconnaissance and surveillance by dismounted Soldiers throughout the

U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. These machines are typical of

the rapid fielding mindset that we have embraced in our wartime setting.

Yet, these are small robots with limited payloads and limited functionality.

Just around the corner is a new breed of robots that will impact how we as

an Army move and fight. Get ready for an old friend, the MULE!

A fully loaded MULE EEU is put through its paces on the open road during mobility testing. (Photo by Michael Norman, Lockheed Martin.)



ARMY AL&T

The MULE is the multifunctional ve-hicle developed by Lockheed MartinMissiles and Fire Control (LM MFC)as part of the Army’s Future CombatSystems (FCS) program. The MULEis a family of unmanned ground vehi-cles (UGVs) that will be in the 7,000pound class of medium robots. Within20 years, the MULE will be common-place in every brigade in the Army.What makes these systems unique isthe mobility, processing power, net-worked connectivity and robot size.The MULE family consists of threerobotic vehicles: the MULE Transport(MULE-T), the MULE Countermine(MULE-C) and the Armed Robotic Vehicle-Assault (Light) (ARV-A(L)).

Each variant will lighten Soldier bur-dens in the near future.

The MULE family is based on a com-mon mobility platform that serves asthe vehicle’s backbone. The commonmobility platform is a 6-wheeled chas-sis housing power and propulsion sys-tems, computers, Autonomous Navi-gation System (ANS) hardware and ve-hicle cooling components. By usingthis common mobility platform, main-tenance will be simplified and com-mon across formations. This will easelogistics burdens for multiple spareparts as well as decrease the amount oftraining Soldiers will need to conductrepairs. Power and propulsion within

the common mobility platform willprovide a vehicle that has extreme ca-pabilities for its weight. With its engi-neering model, the Engineering Evalu-ation Unit (EEU), the MULE hasdemonstrated power to tow a vehicle3.5 times heavier than itself. This flexi-bility will allow the robot to supportlimited vehicle recovery operationswithin brigades, freeing Soldiers andequipment from these dull and some-times dangerous tasks.

MULE-TMULE-T is designed to be the Soldiers’“pickup truck.” With a payload of morethan 1,900 pounds, the MULE-T willtake loads off Soldiers’ backs. Designedto carry more than two squads’ worth ofequipment, it provides commanders aflexible platform to move supplies andequipment throughout the operationalenvironment, freeing Soldiers to focuson combat tasks. This ability to form ro-botic convoys will further take Soldiersout of harm’s way by letting these robustrobots carry loads instead of placingdrivers on the road. The capability of amedium robot to autonomously navigateon the modern battlefield frees Soldiersfrom having to “teleoperate” it as we dorobots today. By integrating ANS ontothe MULE, the robot is now able to

The MULE EEU can tow a vehicle 3.5 times heavier than itself. Here, the MULEsuccessfully tows a 5-ton truck. (Photo by Michael Norman, Lockheed Martin.)

The MULE EEU, configured as a MULE-T, is undergoing capability testing at Camp Gruber, OK. The MULE-T cancarry two squads’ worth of weapons, ammo and equipment. (Photo by Michael Norman, Lockheed Martin.)


ARMY AL&T

29APRIL - JUNE 2008

perceive its environment and act uponthat perception. This frees a Soldier fromhaving to “drive” the robot. It also allowsthe commander to plan routes through-out the operational environment,thereby increasing tempo throughout thespectrum of operations. Commandersare only limited by their imagination onhow to employ the robot.

MULE-CMULE-C uses the Ground StandoffMine Detection System (GSTAMIDS)for FCS to identify, mark and neutral-ize mines in support of mountedforces. Working within a networkedforce, MULE-C will move to an areaof interest that may contain land-mines. The unit commander wouldthen employ MULE-Cs to scan thearea using the GSTAMIDS to identifylandmines for neutralization. TheMULE-C would take the GSTAMIDSand place neutralizers on the groundautomatically to destroy/neutralize thelandmine threat. Additionally, theMULE-C provides a lane-marking ca-pability that identifies the “cleared”lane for following vehicles. This lane isvisible in both day and night condi-tions. This capability provided by theMULE-C removes Soldiers from thedangerous work of searching for andneutralizing mines, as well as markinglanes in minefields for follow-onforces. By automating these tasks, theMULE allows manpower to be usedon other combat-related tasks and not

remain “pinned down” in the slow anddangerous work of mine clearing.

ARV-A(L)ARV-A(L) is an armed robot that pro-vides support to dismounted operationsand can conduct reconnaissance mis-sions. The ARV-A(L) will be armed withan M240 machine gun and Javelin mis-siles. This firepower will greatly enhancethe survivability and lethality of dis-mounted Soldier formations. Whencoupled with its ability to conduct semi-autonomous navigation and networkedsensor array, the ability of dismountedSoldiers to see far beyond their currentcapabilities is exponentially enhanced.Dismounted Soldiers will have a small,highly mobile lethality platform that canbe used as a reconnaissance asset insteadof Soldiers in urban and other environ-ments. The platoon’s ability to have amobile “support by fire” asset increasesthat unit’s lethality, responsiveness andsurvivability. The ARV-A(L) sensors willalso be connected to the FCS network,providing higher echelons real-time tac-tical data that can be acted upon byother platforms/assets. By being able toleverage the network, the platoon doesnot have to engage the enemy “toe-to-toe.” This further increases Soldiers’lethality and survivability because of thisnew standoff capability.

The ability to leverage information iscritical to the MULE family’s success.This is already being seen in the LM

MFC MULE engineeringmodel, the EEU. The LM

MFC is setting standards in diagnosticand prognostic data collection that willinfluence not just the MULE designand implementation, but also theArmy work for diagnostics and prog-nostics. As Dr. Charlie Dawson, LeadSystems Integrator EEU Lead, ScienceApplications International Corp., ex-plained, “As the primary deliverable,the data collected from a year of exten-sive testing has proven to be valuablenot only to the baseline MULE pro-gram, but to the UGV community aswell. A wide range of data over anequally diverse range of conditions hasbeen captured and can be used formultiple benefits. As an example,being able to tie actual vehicle opera-tion data together with maintenanceand repair logs is allowing the creationof early hardware reliability and main-tainability projections. Also, data cap-tured from this vehicle provides a rareinsight into induced environments ona midsized UGV that complementarysystems, such as sensor suites, willneed to address.”

This means that early in the productdevelopment cycle we understandwhat data is available and how it istied to vehicle performance. This al-lows the Army to better project whenparts will fail, further reducing Soldiersustainment burdens due to a greatlyreduced logistics train. It also will re-sult in a lower life-cycle cost for sparesfor the MULE in the future.

MAJ D. BRIAN BYERS is the AssistantProduct Manager for FCS UGVs. He hasa B.A. in history from the University ofLouisville and an M.B.A. from the Univer-sity of Phoenix. Byers is Level III certifiedin program management and is an ArmyAcquisition Corps member. He is a U.S.Army Command and General Staff Col-lege graduate and has attended numerousmilitary schools.

The MULE EEU conductsANS integration testingusing a commonmobility platform.(Photo by Michael

Norman,Lockheed

Martin.)



ARMY AL&T

Developing the Class I UnmannedAerial System (UAS)

LTC Win Keller and David L. Jones

A gMAV undergoes testing during Experiment 1.1 at Schofield Barracks, HI, in October 2006.(U.S. Army photo courtesy of FCS(BCT).)


Class I UASThe Class I UAS is a platoon-level assetthat will provide an organic, real-timereconnaissance, surveillance and targetacquisition (RSTA) capability in alightweight air vehicle (AV). The ClassI UAS features a Heavy Fuel Engine(HFE) and an electro-optical (EO)/in-frared (IR)/laser designator (LD)/laserrange finder (LRF) sensor. The Class IUAS consists of a Class I UAV, a cen-tralized controller and a minimal set ofancillary and support equipment.

The Class I UAS provides dismountedSoldiers with RSTA. It uses au-tonomous flight and navigation andwill work within the FCS network. In-dividual Soldiers can dynamically up-date routes and target information. Itprovides dedicated reconnaissance sup-port and early warning to the BCTSoldiers in environments not suited forlarger assets. The Class I UAS providesa hover and stare capability, which isnot available to Current Force UAS,enabling RSTA in urban and complexterrain. The system, which includes

one AV, a control device and groundsupport equipment, will be trans-portable in two custom ModularLightweight Load-carrying Equipment(MOLLE) packs. The Class I UAS willalso be inaudible at 500 feet, haveabout 60 minutes of endurance and bedeployable in 5 minutes.

Micro-Air Vehicle (MAV) Ad-vanced Concept TechnologyDemonstration (ACTD)In May 2002, the Army, in coopera-tion with DARPA and the Office ofthe Secretary of Defense, fundedthe MAV ACTD project. MAVACTD’s purpose was to de-velop a UAV system that theplatoon could operate andmaintain, thereby enhancingthe platoon’s military effec-tiveness through greatlyimproved situationalawareness (SA) providedthrough organic aerial im-agery. The MAV ACTD’s pri-mary objectives were as follows:

• Establish the military utility of abackpackable, affordable, easy-to-operate and responsive reconnais-sance and surveillance systemthrough experimentation.

• Use EO/IR sensors on a small ductedfan AV, exploiting vertical flight ca-pability to provide improved SA forSoldiers in complex terrain.

• Gain insights into the MAV’s impacton doctrine, organization, tactics andmodernization plans.

Test MAV (tMAV) ExperimentationThe MAV system was then transitionedto the 25th Infantry Division (25ID) atSchofield Barracks, HI, for fielding. Themateriel manager for the project wasProject Manager UAS, PEO Aviation.After initial integration and flight test-ing, tMAV experimentation was con-ducted at the Army’s Infantry Center atFort Benning, GA, and also with the25ID at Schofield Barracks, where thefocus was on an initial assessment of thet-MAV system’s military utility. Four ex-perimentation scenarios were used: re-connaissance of military operations inurban terrain site; assault to clear abuilding in the Military Operations onUrban Terrain site; and route reconnais-sance and convoy escort.

Experimentation clearly demon-strated the MAV system’s potentialto become a combat multiplier. The

assessment identified both theMAV system’s positive aspectsand areas needing improve-ment. On the plus side, the

platoon leader gained SAand was able to confirm

enemy targets. Informa-tion gained by MAV

ARMY AL&T

31APRIL - JUNE 2008

Military leaders have been seeking the bird’s-eye view for

warfare long before the airplane’s invention. While the

hot air balloon was no doubt invaluable in the Civil War,

today’s Soldiers need a light and practical aerial vehicle that

watches without additional risk to their platoon. They need the

Class I UAS. The UAS team within the Future Combat Systems

(Brigade Combat Team) (FCS(BCT)) is capitalizing on the lessons

learned by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

(DARPA) and Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation, and using it

to develop and deliver the most effective Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

(UAV) as quickly as possible. In addition, FCS has implemented ex-

periments and user tests early on in development to incorporate

firsthand Soldier knowledge and experience into the Class I UAS

design. Soldier input in the development phase is essential to mak-

ing the Class I UAS what the platoon needs in combat.

Shown here is the Class 1SDD AV that AETF Soldiers

trained with to prepare forexperimentation in July 2008. (U.S.Army photo courtesy of FCS(BCT).)


resulted in changes to the course of ac-tion, demonstrated the ability to si-multaneously emplace two AVs anddemonstrated a 2-man team conceptfor deploying two MAV systems atonce. Soldier input for areas needingimprovement included AV endurance,Global PositioningSystem acquisitiontime, stronger datalink signal/greaterrange and improvedimagery/zoom capa-bility. The lessonslearned from this ex-periment led to en-hancements in thenext MAV iteration— the gasoline en-gine MAV (gMAV).

gMAVAfter upgrades and improvements, thegMAV was sent to Schofield Barracksin October 2006 for the formal MAVACTD Military Utility Assessment(MUA). The MUA was considered asuccess, as indicated by the followingfeedback received from Soldiers whoparticipated:

• “Provides significant military utilityto the lowest echelon.”

• “Very easy to operate.”• “Operating in conjunction with the

Stryker … the MAV significantly con-tributed to persistent surveillance.”

Follow-On Efforts to the MAV ACTDLessons learned from the MUA arebeing used to develop the Class I and

accelerate the Class IBlock 0 UAS to theArmy Evaluation TaskForce (AETF) forConcept of Opera-tions (CONOPS)and to develop thenecessary tactics,techniques and proce-dures (TTPs). TheClass I Block 0 UASwill be based on thegMAV airframe withnumerous upgrades,

including a sensor gimbal, networkedradios, improved user interface, remotestart and launch, and an electric refuel-ing. Additional congressional fundingprovided to the Program ManagerFCS(BCT) and the U.S. Navy (USN)was leveraged to make these criticalupgrades.

DARPA has funded a 5-horsepowerHFE for the Class I UAS. The enginehas completed more than 62 hours of bench operation. Four prototypeswere delivered in January 2008. The

4-stroke engine will provide safer oper-ation, reduced noise and improved endurance with a common fuel.

The gMAV has received an experimen-tal flight certificate from the FederalAviation Administration, allowing op-erations within controlled national air-space (NAS). Several civil law enforce-ment agencies are experimenting withthe gMAV. These efforts will expandthe understanding and application ofunmanned systems in the NAS.

A USN explosive ordnance disposalunit deployed with the gMAV andconducted an in-theater assessment.While official results are not available,initial indications are that the systemperformed well.

The 25ID continues to train with anduse the gMAV. The unit deployed withthe gMAV to the National TrainingCenter at Fort Irwin, CA, in late sum-mer 2006, while preparing for deploy-ment to theater. Their request to deployto Iraq with the gMAV was approved.

FCS(BCT) Experiment 1.1 FCS(BCT) Experiment 1.1, whichpaired the design engineers with combatveterans who had recently deployed toIraq and Afghanistan, was held in March2007. Bringing Soldiers into the devel-opment phase with live training has al-lowed essential user feedback early in thedesign phase. Along with the gMAV, theexperiment included the FCS network,Urban and Tactical Ground Sensors, andthe Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle.The gMAV was used within the FCSnetwork to perform reconnaissance andtarget identification, including sendingdata to FCS ground vehicles andmanned/unmanned teaming withApache helicopters. Soldiers stressed thatthis technology would be so beneficial intheater that they’d take it “as is.” Otherfeedback included the following:


ARMY AL&T

A USN explosive

ordnance disposal unit

deployed with the gMAV

and conducted an in-

theater assessment. While

official results are not

available, initial

indications are that the

system performed well.

A gMAV AV on display with its two custom MOLLE packs. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of FCS(BCT).)


ARMY AL&T

33APRIL - JUNE 2008

• “The IR sensor pinpointed theenemy even after the sun wentdown. We could have really usedthis in Iraq.”

• “The UAV helped usidentify a breechduring the exercise.If this had been realcombat, it wouldhave saved lives.”

• “Class I UAV wouldhave saved lives inIraq because wecould have seen overwalls. It would haveprotected our resup-ply squad.”

Class I Block 0 AccelerationAs both a risk reduction program forthe FCS Class I UAS System Develop-ment and Demonstration (SDD) and

a way to accelerate Class I to the field,the FCS program has begun an effortto accelerate Class I Block 0 UAS devel-

opment. The AETFat Fort Bliss, TX,began receiving train-ing on the systems inFebruary 2008, whichwill lead to an experi-ment scheduled forJuly 2008. The accel-eration effort’s focus isto get the system inthe hands of Soldiersto aid in the develop-ment of CONOPSand TTPs for the

Class I Block 0 system and for Class IUAS SDD risk reduction. This effortwill also provide a great opportunity togain invaluable insight from Soldiers onsystem operations and functionality.

The feedback can thenbe used to develop ve-hicle enhancementsand improvements rap-idly. During a demon-stration conducted inmid-January 2008 atFort Bliss, AETF Sol-diers had their firstchance to execute atactical scenario incor-porating sensor im-agery from the Class IAV. The Soldiers wereextremely impressed bythe imagery that pro-vided them a signifi-cantly increased SA level before dismounting their vehicles.

Originally, the Class IUAS was to have onlyan EO/IR sensor.With the deferment of Class II and ClassIII UAS to objective

requirement and the MAV ACTDMUA findings, the Class I UAS wasredesigned with an EO/IR/LD/LRFsensor and an increase in altitude. The Class I UAS propulsion system isalso being redesigned to use a largerHFE to accommodate the EO/IR/LD/LRF payload.

Key acquisition and test milestones forthe Class I are a Preliminary DesignReview in late 2008 and a Critical De-sign Review in late 2009. Risk reduc-tion flight of the AV will be conductedin late 2009, with a first flight of theintegrated Class I UAS in 2011. InitialOperating Capability and Full Opera-tional Capability are aligned with theFCS program and will be in 2015 and2017, respectively.

LTC WIN KELLER is the Product Manager Future Force (FF) UAS. He has aB.S. in business from Northeast LouisianaUniversity. Keller is an Army AcquisitionCorps (AAC) member and is Level III certified in program management.

DAVID L. JONES is the Class I UASLead for the FF UAS. He has a B.S. inelectrical engineering and an M.S. in in-dustrial and systems engineering, bothfrom the University of Alabama-Huntsville. Jones is an AAC member andis certified Level III in systems engineer-ing/systems planning, research, develop-ment and engineering; production, qualityand manufacturing; and program manage-ment; and Level I in test and evaluation.

The gMAV was used

within the FCS network

to perform reconnaissance

and target identification,

including sending data to

FCS ground vehicles and

manned/unmanned

teaming with Apache

helicopters.

A 25ID Soldier operates a gMAV during Experiment 1.1 testing. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of FCS(BCT).)



ARMY AL&T

Delivering Future Combat Systems (FCS)While at War

LTG Michael A. Vane

“I believe our ground forces are the center of gravity for the all-volunteer

force and that we need to make sure that force is correctly shaped and

sized, trained and equipped to defend the Nation.”

— ADM Michael G. Mullen, U.S. Navy, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

A strong team of government and industry personnel, including Soldiers from the 5th Brigade, 1st Armored Division, AETF,at Fort Bliss, TX, are delivering FCS today. Here, Soldiers prepare to clear a building using an FCS Small Unmanned GroundVehicle (SUGV) during Acceleration Testing in January 2008. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of FCS(BCT).)


In simple terms, Army modernizationdeals with equipping the Army’s FutureModular Force. The Chairman’s focuson “correctly” equipping ground forcesframes the Army’s approach to FCS.While upgrading current equipment tomeet Current Force needs, we are alsomodernizing the Army to deal with thecomplex and challenging future. Astrong team from government and in-dustry, including Soldiers from the 5thBrigade, 1st Armored Division, ArmyEvaluation Task Force (AETF), at FortBliss, TX, are delivering FCS today.The AETF recently completed newequipment training and began evaluat-ing the first set of FCS spin out (SO)capabilities. As MG Charles A.Cartwright, Program Manager (PM)Future Combat Systems (BrigadeCombat Team) (FCS(BCT)), so accu-rately stated, “The days of Microsoft®

PowerPoint slides are over.”

Since entering the System Developmentand Demonstration phase at MilestoneB in May 2003, the FCS program pro-gressed rapidly and evolved in numerousways. FCS increased from 14 to 18 sys-tems at one point, but returned to 14systems with the 2008 budget submis-sion. The fielding tempo also changed,especially with the July 2004 addition ofSOs for selected technologies across theforce beyond the FCS(BCT). We accel-erated selected FCS technologies whiledelaying others for further study and de-velopment. However, ongoing conflictsin Afghanistan and Iraq forced theArmy to balance current warfightingneeds with modernization by shiftingresources from FCS to support the cur-rent fight. The demands of war willcontinue to challenge the Army’s abilityto maintain the balance. The net resultis an FCS program that looks rather dif-ferent in terms of time and schedule,but remains true to the goal of provid-ing a strategically responsive, Joint inter-dependent, precision maneuver force

that is dominant across the full range ofmilitary operations.

Operational EnvironmentChallengesIn 2004, the Army jump-started thetransformation of direct combat unitsfrom division-based to brigade-based byleveraging the FCS Unit of Action or-ganizational design. Today’s modularunits were designed to better operateacross the entire spectrum of conflictwhile conducting full-spectrum opera-tions (offense, defense, stability andcivil support). This Modular Force hasperformed superbly across the globe,but faces an adaptive enemy and ever-changing environment. Since theAfghanistan invasion, combatant com-manders submitted hundreds of Opera-tional Needs Statements (ONS). Thesestatements identify Current Forceshortfalls and request materiel or othersolutions, such as doctrine, training, or-ganization, etc., to close those gaps.These ONS show that field com-manders are mainly requesting betterbattle command, lethality, survivabil-ity and sustainment. Interestingly,each of these capability areas co-incides with one of the sevenoriginal FCS Key Perfor-mance Parameters. Whilecommanders in contact re-quest things that are imme-diately available (i.e., not fu-ture capabilities), these ONSserve to ensure that the materielsolutions underway within the FCSprogram are on track to provide Sol-diers the types of capabilities they need.

The lessons learned from current oper-ations are also driving changes in FCSmateriel and the FCS(BCT) design.While the bulk of the FCS(BCT) unitdesign remains intact, we have changedthe FCS(BCT) to address capabilitygaps from current operations and newprojections of the future operational

environment. Adding the Army Light-weight Counter Mortar radar is a clearexample of the Current Force influenc-ing the Future Force. To maximize the embedded training and mission-rehearsal capabilities in FCS mannedground vehicles, master trainers wereadded to the FCS(BCT). Current op-eration nonlethal activities are alsoleading to organizational change. Weadded Judge Advocate General, CivilAffairs and Engineer, elements to ad-dress planning activities across thespectrum of conflict. AdditionalFCS(BCT) changes under considera-tion include more intelligence fusionand route clearance elements.

Through a continuing, disciplined as-sessment process, materiel require-ments are also adapting. For example,examining improvised explosive devicethreats led to upgrading armor for

manned vehicles to prevent penetra-tions. Another current opera-

tions example affecting prod-uct design is the addi-

tion of “floating”seats to prevent

the transmis-sion of blast

ARMY AL&T

35APRIL - JUNE 2008

A Soldier on themove with his

SUGV duringExperiment 1.1 held

at White Sands MissileRange (WSMR), NM.(U.S. Army photocourtesy of FCS(BCT).)


energy through the vehicle hull to aSoldier’s body. Development of parallelcapabilities helps to ensure that revi-sions are keeping pace through almostannual updates. Although change is al-ways difficult in terms of costs andschedule, the FCS program has madegreat strides to meet the challenges ofa changing operational environment.

The Army’s preeminent challenge is toreconcile expeditionary agility and re-sponsiveness with the staying power,durability and adaptability to carry aconflict to a victorious conclusion, nomatter what form it eventually takes.We must design, develop and resourceArmy forces for each unit to operateacross the entire spectrum of conflictwith little augmentation. Of course, thebreadth of this approach presents physi-cal and mental challenges. To achievefull-spectrum-capable land forces, we

are moving from a platform-centricmodernization strategy to one that fo-cuses on an organization’s overall capa-bilities. Fortunately, the FCS(BCT) wasborn of an organizational approachusing the collective FCS family of sys-tems as the foundation.

The campaign of learning continuesthrough multiple analytical efforts in-cluding the Capabilities Needs Analy-sis (CNA). The CNA process identifiesrequirements and capability gaps tosupport Joint-required capabilitiesacross doctrine, organization, training,materiel, leadership and education,personnel and facilities. The Army Ca-pabilities Integration Center (ARCIC)leads this analysis in its “thinking forthe Army” role — easy to say, but hardto do. It is especially important tohave a group of dedicated professionalslooking beyond today’s issues and ex-ploring how to best prepare the Armyto meet the Joint Force Commander’srequirements of tomorrow. Our linkswith academia, industry and labsaround the country are essential tohelping us learn and to developing andbringing capabilities into the force.Through our concept development,


ARMY AL&T

A Soldier places a U-UGS during Experiment 1.1at WSMR while another Soldier looks on. The U-UGS is already at Fort Bliss. (U.S. Army photocourtesy of FCS(BCT).)

Here, Soldiers prepare a Bradley B-Kit during SOexercises in January 2008. (U.S. Army photocourtesy of FCS(BCT).)


experimentation efforts and role as theArmy’s capability integrator, we workto make sure the Army remains a val-ued interdependent, Joint team mem-ber. We stress moving from the Cur-rent to the Future Force and not theCurrent versus the Future Force.

Future Force Integration Directorate (FFID)Key to the Army’s success in deliveringFCS while at war is ARCIC’s FFIDthat directs the AETF. Established inApril 2007, its mission is to synchro-nize the delivery, preparation and eval-uation of all FCS-related capabilities.The FFID represents a new way of de-veloping and fielding capabilities forthe Army. Building on the Army’s ex-perience with Stryker, the FFID bringstogether the materiel developers (PMFCS(BCT), FCS Lead Systems Inte-grator, etc.), the testing community(U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Com-mand) and the requirements commu-nity (ARCIC, U.S. Army Training andDoctrine Command (TRADOC)Schools and Centers, Center for ArmyLessons Learned, etc.). The goal is todevelop and field the best possible ma-teriel while simultaneously creating thedoctrine; tactics, techniques and proce-dures; organization; and training pro-cedures needed to deliver a completecapability package to units rather thansimply giving them new equipmentand letting them develop everythingelse on their own. In short, thereshould not be “drive-by” fieldings tounits in contact where they figure itout by themselves.

The FFID integrates modernization ef-forts in support of Army transforma-tion to provide FCS to operationalunits by FY10 and the first FCS(BCT)around the year 2016. The FFID willsustain an environment for the success-ful testing, evaluation and integrationof capabilities for the Current and Fu-ture Modular Forces. They will also ac-celerate the delivery of select FCS capa-bilities to the Current Force to reduceoperational risk before fielding the firstFCS(BCT). The FFID will develop or-ganizational training and leader devel-opment products, synchronize and co-ordinate plans for developmental activ-ities, develop doctrine and organizationproducts, apply lessons learned, andupdate and synchronize systems devel-opment documents. FFID employs theAETF to confirm that products areready for the fight.

AETF will build and train a combat-ready force, thoroughly grounded incurrent and emerging Army doctrine,and incorporate all FCS technologiesand capabilities to create the Army’s firstFCS(BCT) and complete all develop-ment and test requirements. To demon-strate the importance of FCS, the Armyhas already committed more than 1,000Soldiers to the AETF while prosecutingthe war. Seasoned combat veterans areputting FCS technologies through ex-tensive evaluations and tests to ensurethat we deliver complete capabilitypackages. We will have doctrine, leaderdevelopment and training products ar-rive along with the materiel as the Armyfields FCS to fighting units.

Critical Steps ForwardThis year represents a critical step for-ward for FCS. For the first time, theprogram is using procurement funds todeliver FCS systems and componentsfor evaluation. Non-Line-of-SightLaunch Systems, Integrated ComputerSystems for network, and Urban andTactical Unattended Ground Sensors(U-UGS/T-UGS) are already at FortBliss. Furthermore, the team will con-duct numerous evaluations of FCS SOcapabilities in 2008. The first TechnicalField Test began in late February, andwill be followed by the Limited UserTest in June and the Future Force Inte-grated Mission Test in July. This year iscritical to the Army’s plan for fieldingselected FCS capabilities to all BCTsbeginning with 6 BCTs in 2010, whileadding 15 FCS(BCTs) at a rate of 1per year beginning in 2016.

A strong team from government andindustry is delivering FCS today atFort Bliss, to ensure Soldiers of tomor-row have the correct equipment. Every-thing they do leads to a Soldier havingto close with and engage the enemy indirect and close combat. As we workthrough the challenges to bring theFCS(BCT) to fruition, this tenet mustremain at the forefront. Everything wedo must support the Soldier.

LTG MICHAEL A. VANE is the DeputyCommanding General, Future Director,ARCIC TRADOC. He holds a B.S. fromthe U.S. Military Academy and an M.S. injoint command, control and communica-tions from the Naval Postgraduate School.Vane is a graduate of the Signal OfficerBasic and Air Defense Artillery OfficerAdvanced Courses, the U.S. Army Com-

mand and General Staff College andthe U.S. Army War College.

ARMY AL&T

37APRIL - JUNE 2008

A Soldier trains with a T-UGS at WSMR. (U.S.Army photo courtesy of FCS(BCT).)



ARMY AL&T

Future Combat Systems (FCS) MountedCombat System (MCS) Provides

Unique CapabilitiesMAJ Cliff Calhoun

The FCS MCS mission profile calls for a 3-man crew similar to that of the

M1A1/2 Abrams main battle tank. The MCS, however, will be a more ver-

satile weapon system capable of conducting full-spectrum operations and

delivering greater deployability and lethality. The MCS is more deployable than

the Abrams, in part, because of its significantly lighter weight. Likewise, MCS

offers greater lethality than the Abrams family because of its beyond-line-of-sight

(BLOS) capability with the Mid-Range Munition (MRM). Together, these tech-

nologies will increase the MCS’s main gun range significantly.

The FCS MCS mission profile calls for a 3-man crew similar to that of the M1A1/2 Abrams main battle tank. Here, an M1A1Abrams main battle tank rumbles through Mosul, Iraq, during a security patrol. (U.S. Army photo by SGT Jeremiah Johnson.)


The FCS MCS will provide unique ca-pabilities to the FCS Brigade CombatTeam (BCT) through several new tech-nologies and advanced manufacturingprocesses. As compared to the CurrentForce, the MCS offers greater lethalityat a lighter weight. For the MCS tofulfill its mission, a tailored missionmodule is essential for the system tomeet transportability requirements, andnew ammunition is required to enableBLOS engagements.

MRMTo maintain survivabilitywhile being capable of de-feating enemy main battletanks, the MCS will stretchthe battlefield with the situa-tional awareness gained throughthe system-of-systems network andhigh density of sensors. With the120mm XM360 gun and the BLOS-capable MRM, the BCT commanderwill be able to maneuver “out of con-tact” to positions of advantage, helping

provide standoff from the enemy’slethality envelope. Through the inte-grated sensor network, the MCS will beable to process information about tar-gets throughout the FCS(BCT) opera-tional environment and destroy targetswith its main gun and MRM throughboth LOS and BLOS engagements.BLOS engagements are not a differentway to do indirect fire, but an extension

of close combat direct fire. BLOS em-ploys direct fire targeting

because the gunnerpulling the trigger

sees the target

directly through a sensor system. Thiswill enable future gunners to kill targetsat significantly greater ranges than theirAbrams gunner predecessors.

The MRM cartridge is a “fire-and-forget” gun-launched munition thatwill provide the MCS with BLOSlethality, and the MCS will be able tofully employ the MRM at its greatestrange. MRM operates in three modes:

• In autonomous mode, the fired roundsearches for and engages a target.

• In designate mode, the MRMsearches for a laser spot and engages.If the spot is lost or not found, it reverts to autonomous mode.

• In designate only mode, the MRMwill designate but not revert to autonomous mode.

Prior to firing, battlefield commandand control information from the net-work is transmitted through an Am-munition Data Link (ADL) that allows

ARMY AL&T

39APRIL - JUNE 2008

TheMCS offers

greater lethalitythan the Abrams

family because of itsBLOS capability with the MRM. (U.S. Army photo.)


the MRM to communicate with theMCS fire control system. In otherwords, the network signals the MCSand the ADL provides target informa-tion to the MRM. The ADL thentransmits the firing solution informa-tion that the MRM needsto guide itself to the target. Once fired, no further command from theMCS is required. The MRM and ADLcapabilities are key to the FCS(BCT),but must be delivered in a lighterweight gun than is currently available.

Lethality at a Lighter WeightSince the MCS is a much lighter plat-form than the M1 Abrams family, itrequires a lighter gun than the AbramsM256. This lighter gun must providelower recoil while offering the Abramsthe ability to fire 120mm ammuni-tion. To meet this challenge, the light-weight 120mm gun is being producedat Watervliet Arsenal, NY, and de-signed by Benet Laboratories under aCooperative Research and Develop-ment Agreement (CRADA) betweenthe U.S. Army Armament Research,Development and Engineering Centerand General Dynamics Land Systems. One requirement dictated under the

CRADA is that the primary weapon as-sembly (PWA) must be capable of firingall 120mm ammunition currently in the

Army’s inventory as wellas planned develop-

mental ammunition.The gun was developed to

replicate the current 120mm M256cannon’s performance on the M1A2 in alightweight, compact design. The mis-sion configuration for XM360 is 2,100pounds lighter than the M256, and thislighter weight requirement drives severalgun characteristics.

The PWA uses a high-efficiency muzzlebrake to reduce firing shock to the vehi-cle and crew and to provide reduced im-pulse for the MCS’s lighter weight.Through a series of holes at the end ofthe barrel (pepperpot), the muzzle brakeredirects some of the escaping propellantgasses. This redirection reduces firingimpulse and manages the blast field todampen recoil force. This system helpsthe MCS to fire 120mm main gun am-munition from a vehicle weighingroughly half the Abrams weight.

To achieve this reduced weight, thegun features a lightweight mount,compact cradle design, titanium recoil

rails, modular recuperators and recoilbrakes. The greatest potential forweight reduction in a large caliberweapon is in the barrel. In the PWA,ultra-high-strength materials are usedto reduce the wall thicknesses whencompared to the M256. The tube itselfis made from ultra-high-strength gunsteel with a composite wrap using thefilament wound process. To compen-sate for muzzle movement from thelighter barrel, the FCS program is de-veloping two new technologies to beused with the PWA: the DynamicMuzzle Reference Sensor (DMRS) andthe Advanced Fire Inhibit System(AFIS). DMRS and AFIS are both ex-pected to have prototypes demon-strated in relevant environment by theMCS Critical Design Review.

DMRS and AFISA consequence of reduced weight is in-creased gun tube flexure. This move-ment is amplified when the vehicle ismoving. The AFIS is being integratedto compensate for this movement andimprove MCS accuracy, especially dur-ing on-the-move engagements. TheAFIS provides an accuracy-enhancing,muzzle position prediction algorithm.The DMFS will measure the bendangle of the gun muzzle with respectto the gun mount and provide theAFIS with the data necessary to com-pensate for the muzzle movement.This measurement enables the AFIS to use its algorithms to inhibit thetrigger-pull initiated firing pulse untilthe optimal moment. The DMFS/AFIS enhanced fire control is expectedto reduce MCS impact dispersion bynearly one-third. This will significantlyincrease hit probability at extendedrange, increasing system lethality. Thislethality is also enhanced by the MCS’sability to deliver a high sustained rateof fire through its Ammunition Han-dling System (AHS).


ARMY AL&T

LTC Bob Hannah, MCS Product Manager, inspectsthe AHS at Meggitt Defense Systems Inc. in Irvine,CA. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of FCS(BCT).)


AHSThe roles on the MCS 3-man crew goto the vehicle crewman (whose dutiesmost closely resemble that of theAbrams driver), the mission specialist(gunner) and the crew chief (tank com-mander). The main gun is not loadedby a crew member, but instead throughthe fully automated AHS whose TurretTransfer Unit (TTU) interfaces with theTurret Basket Magazine (TBM) to loadthe XM360. By automating the loadingfunction, the AHS removes that burdenfrom the crew. With a 3-man instead ofa 4-man crew, the FCS(BCT) will real-ize significant military personnel savingsfor Future Forces.

Unlike a crew member, the autoloaderwill not physically tire, so the AHS-equipped MCS will be able to provide

the rate of fire required to destroy tar-gets throughout a wide sector. To meetthe MCS’s stretched battlefield de-mands, the AHS features a ready-round TBM that is compatible withboth current and developmental120mm ammunition (9 more readyrounds than the M1A2). Careful

handling is a concern with the Army’scaseless ammunition, so the TBM can-isters support the ammunition by boththe case base and the warhead to helpprevent ammunition damage.

The interface between the TBM andthe gun that is incorporated to upload,download, load, unload, stubcase ejectand misfire eject is the TTU. Throughtesting, the TTU proves to provide

positive control to accurately place am-munition in the PWA and preventdamage to the round. The system in-corporates the Round IdentificationCamera Unit to identify the type ofammunition being loaded. The camerareads the standard marking on themain gun ammunition’s case baseusing optical character recognition. Byidentifying each round as it is loaded,the system will place ammunition inthe TBM so that it remains balanced.One final safety measure is an ultra-sonic sensor in the TTU that will diag-nose the separation of a round duringoperation, should that occur.

Path AheadTo reduce risk and improve systemreadiness, the MCS team is integratingthe PWA and related technologies in afiring fixture, which is essentially a tur-ret on a test stand that will providevaluable data to alleviate productionrisks and provide new capabilities toSoldiers. Testing plans include devel-opment and safety testing of the gunsfrom 2007 to 2009, and integration ofthe guns into MCS preproduction ve-hicles in 2009-2010. Successful testingand integration are the key factors thatwill enable the MCS to conduct full-spectrum operations and to “deliverprecision fires at a rapid rate to destroymultiple targets at standoff ranges.”

MAJ CLIFF CALHOUN is the MCS As-sistant Product Manager in Warren, MI. Heholds a B.A. in business administration fromGeorgia State University and an M.B.A.from the Naval Postgraduate School. Cal-houn is an Army Acquisition Corps mem-ber who is Level II certified in contractingand Level I in program management.

ARMY AL&T

41APRIL - JUNE 2008

The 120mm XM360 gun shown here undergoing testing willenable the FCS(BCT) commander to better maneuver to positionsof advantage to avoid enemy direct fire. (U.S. Army photocourtesy of FCS(BCT).)

Lethality is enhanced by the MCS’s ability todeliver a high sustained rate of fire through itsAHS (shown here). (U.S. Army photo courtesy ofFCS(BCT).)

An XM360 test firing at AberdeenProving Ground, MD. (U.S. Armyphoto courtesy of FCS(BCT).)



ARMY AL&T

Future Combat Systems (FCS) CreatesCannon and Mortar Synergy

MAJ Kirby Beard, MAJ Jeff James and MAJ Vincent J. Tolbert

In June 2008, the first FCS Manned Ground Vehicle (MGV),

the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C), will be on display in

Washington, DC, marking the first new Army cannon in many

years. The NLOS-C is one of the eight MGVs. Program Manager

FCS (Brigade Combat Team) (PM FCS(BCT)) is leveraging previous

and current research and development efforts to create synergy

between cannons and mortars, without duplication of effort.

This is a quantum leap forward in fire support capabilities for

the Army.


The NLOS-C is the organic indirectfire support component of theFCS(BCT) System-of-Systems (SoS),with a high level of commonality withother MGV variants. NLOS-C pro-vides networked, extended-range, re-sponsive and sustained precision attackof point and area targets. It has a fullyautomated armament system firing asuite of conventional and special pur-pose munitions to provide a variety ofeffects on demand. The NLOS-C willbe able to move rapidly, stop quicklyand deliver lethal first round effects ontarget in record time.

The NLOS-Mortar (NLOS-M) is theorganic indirect fire support compo-nent of the FCS(BCT) SoS, also with

a high level of commonality with otherMGV variants. Likethe NLOS-C, theNLOS-M will trans-form mortars’ tradi-tional role on the bat-tlefield by providingdeadly, accurate andresponsive short- tomid-range fire sup-port critical to Sol-diers in the closefight. Very similar toNLOS-C, NLOS-Muses automation toindex, present andfire rounds with min-imal manual touchingor adjusting by the crew. Above all, the

crew performs its fire mission underthe protection of armored vehicles.

ImprovedLethalityThrough AutomationFor many years, the ar-tillery and infantry firesupport communitieshave worked towardautomating the firesupport chain links toimprove fire supportby increasing bothspeed and accuracy todeliver fires when and

where the maneuver commander desires.

ARMY AL&T

43APRIL - JUNE 2008

NLOS-C provides

networked, extended-

range, responsive and

sustained precision attack

of point and area targets. It

has a fully automated

armament system firing a

suite of conventional and

special purpose munitions

to provide a variety of

effects on demand.

The NLOS-C is one of eight FCS MGVs. Depictedhere is the NLOS-C Concept TechnologyDemonstrator firing its first live-fire round atYuma Proving Ground, AZ. The successful testmarked the first time a U.S. howitzer fired around using tactical software. (U.S. Army photocourtesy of FCS(BCT).)


Automation increases fire support re-sponsiveness by decreasing the time re-quired for computing technical firing so-lutions, and emplacing and displacingfiring platforms. Most importantly, au-tomation decreases manpower require-ments to facilitate smaller crews or al-lows crew members to focus on otherSoldier tasks. Lastly, automation makesmultiple-round, simultaneous-impactmissions possible, allowing a single firingplatform to create effects on target thatpreviously required several platforms fir-ing in coordinated unison.

During the late 1990s, the Crusaderprogram was envisioned as the greatestleap forward in completing the processof automating the fire support chain.When the program was terminated inmid-2002, a short-term bridge contractwas put in place to migrate the techno-logical developments and workforceinto the FCS program, which was

approaching Milestone B in mid-2003.This proved valuable as the NLOS-Chas remained the leader in terms of FCSMGV variant development.

NLOS-C FeaturesThe NLOS-C contains several auto-mated components that improve itsbattlefield effectiveness when com-pared to manual systems prevalenttoday in the Current Force. These au-tomated features allow the NLOS-C toachieve an accurate and unprecedentedsustained rate of fire of up to sixrounds per minute, including a 4-round multiple-round, simultaneous-impact capability, while also reducingthe self-propelled howitzer crew fromfour to two.

When the NLOS-C receives a fireorder, the Automated Fire Control Sys-tem (AFCS) onboard computer permitsthe real-time automated calculation of

accurate firing data, and the refinementof firing data to hone accuracy on sub-sequent rounds and subsequent mis-sions. The Projectile Tracking System isa phased array radar that measures themuzzle velocity and ballistic trajectoryof each round as it departs the cannon,then feeds the information back intothe AFCS, allowing the NLOS-C toadjust firing data to obtain greaterround-to-round and mission-to-missionaccuracy based on the minute ammuni-tion differences and the battlefield con-ditions experienced.

The NLOS-C uses a Global PositioningSystem and an Inertial Navigation Sys-tem to remain constantly informed of itsown location, permitting rapid and pre-cise emplacements and eliminating theneed for external aiming reference pointssuch as a collimator or aiming poles. The lack of external aiming referencesand the ability to move and rapidly


ARMY AL&T

NLOS-C firing platform initial assembly at BAE Systems in Minneapolis, MN. The NLOS-C will have a high level of common parts with the other FCS MGVs.This will be a long-term benefit in the NLOS-C’s sustainability. (Photo courtesy of BAE Systems.)


ARMY AL&T

In 2006, the NLOS-Cfiring platformcompleted integration atBAE Systems, Minneapolis.The firing platform featuresan ultra-lightweight, 38-caliber,155mm howitzer integrated with afully automated ammunition handlingsystem. (Photo courtesy of BAE Systems.)

reemplace also facilitates frequent survivability or tactical movement displacements.

The NLOS-C ammunition handlingsystem is fully automated and com-prised of several subcomponents thatenable firing without manual handling.The propellant and projectile storagemagazines make all onboard ammuni-tion combinationsavailable on any firemission. When the firemission data is calcu-lated, the propellantand projectile shuttlestransfer the fuzed pro-jectile and propellantto the loader/rammerassembly. Along theway, the EnhancedPortable Inductive Ar-tillery Fuze Setter au-tomatically sets theelectronic fuze to the desired setting. If arocket assisted projectile (RAP) is se-lected, the fuse is set and the RAP plugremoved automatically prior to loading.

The loader/rammer assembly loads theprojectile into the breach, uniformly andconsistently rams the projectile and loadsthe propelling change. The breech closesand the laser ignition system ignites thepropellant on cue. Following firing, thebreech opens and the Automated Cool-ing and Cleaning System (ACCS) spraysa water/glycol mixture to extinguishresidual propellant embers, clean thelaser window, wet the breech seal andcool the propellant chamber.

The NLOS-C system demonstratorbegan firing in August 2003 and hasfired more than 2,200 rounds, testingand validating that a 155mm cannoncould be fired from a lightweight

platform. It also demonstrated theconcept of a hybrid electric drivepropulsion system. (See Page 36 of theOctober-December 2007 edition ofArmy AL&T Magazine for a relatedstory.) This propulsion system will beused in all FCS vehicles. The systemdemonstrator was also used to maturethe ammunition handling system, thelaser ignition, the optimized muzzle

break and the ACCS.The NLOS-C firingplatform fired its firstround in October2006 and has firedmore than 1,200rounds, testing andvalidating the objec-tive ammunitionhandling system,platform stability,ammunition compat-ibility testing andsustained rate of fire.

In the leader/follower concept, when awork product is common to NLOS-Cand NLOS-M, NLOS-C provides thepersonnel to provide the product forboth variants. However, if the commonwork requires a modification for NLOS-M specific needs, personnel are sharedbetween variants to improve efficiencies.The leader (NLOS-C) provides:

• Common turret.• Common traverse bearing.• Structure/armor solution.• Traverse drive.• Elevation drive.

• Common recoil components.• Automated Mortar Cooling System/

Automated Cannon Cooling System.• Common components.• Electrical architecture.• Common installations (although

most are a result of the FCS commonality requirements).

• Kitted approach.

As noted above, common design groupsand common analysis groups are staffedby the same personnel by NLOS-C andNLOS-M to leverage learning and de-sign work that can be used by both vehi-cles. The follower (NLOS-M) modifies:

• Turret for NLOS-M-specific gunmount.

• Recoil elements for recoil length andquantities.

• Structure/armor solution (possibly).• NLOS-M-unique requirements for

kitted approach.

Both systems have two fully automatedcarousel-type magazines. The NLOS-Chas one magazine to hold 155mmfused projectiles and another to holdModular Artillery Charge System(MACS) increments. During firing, thehandling system retrieves one projectilefrom the projectile magazine and theappropriate number of MACS incre-ments from the charge magazine. Theprojectile is automatically uploaded

NLOS-M will transform

mortars’ traditional role

on the battlefield by

providing deadly, accurate

and responsive short- to

mid-range fire support

critical to Soldiers in the

close fight.

45APRIL - JUNE 2008


and rammed into the breech, followedby the MACS increments. The NLOS-M loading process is nearly identical tothe cannon, except for an additionalstep requiring the Soldier to set thefuse and charge on the mortar roundbefore it is automatically loaded intothe breech. The two NLOS-M maga-zines are very similar to the NLOS-Cin how they operate and, in manycases, the components are scaled ver-sions of the cannon design. No modi-fications to the 120mm mortar roundsare required to fire from an NLOS-M.The magazine is taller to accommodatefuture precision-guided munitions cur-rently under development. The au-tomation has made fire missions moreefficient, faster and less labor-intensive.Eliminating the physical handling ofammunition enables high rates of firedelivering ordnance at 16 rounds perminute for planned missions withminimal physical effort by the crew.

Another common capability designedinto the system that helps the NLOS-C and NLOS-M sustain high rates of fire is the ACCS for the NLOS-Cand the Automated Mortar Cooling

System for the NLOS-M. The two arepractically identical to one another indesign and function to keep the tubecool and clean, enabling high rates offire for long durations. Keeping thetube clean also prolongs the amount oftime NLOS-C or NLOS-M can stayin the fight until they have to pull off-line to do a thorough cleaning.With this capability, Soldier workload

is reduced and system lethality and responsiveness are increased.

The NLOS-C and NLOS-M struc-tures are comprised of the following:

• Turret structure• Traverse bearing• Top plate• Hull structure• Crew bulkhead and door• Rear door• Side egress door• Crew hatches• Turret and chassis armor panels• Gun cover assembly

With the exception of the differences inthe crew bulkhead and door due to thedifference in the number of crew, all ofthe structure components are the sameor nearly identical between the two vari-ants. This is because the structure’s basicbehavior when loaded under gun firingor mobility load cases is fairly consistentbetween the variants, allowing the turretstructure, traverse bearing, top plate andhull structure to use the same structuralload paths and interfaces. To ensurestructural integrity, collaboration with


ARMY AL&T

Here, the mortar firing platform fires its firstround on March 21, 2007, at Camp Ripley, MN.The successful firing confirms the reliability of itsadvanced armament technologies and proves thatthe program is on schedule. (Photo courtesy ofBAE Systems.)

The NLOS-M firing platformis the U.S. Army’s first breech-loaded mortar program andthe first step towarddeveloping NLOS-Mprototypes scheduled fordelivery in 2011. (Photocourtesy of BAE Systems.)


external centers of excellence allowed forthe development of load-carrying mem-bers that efficiently support either thecannon or mortar loads. Furtherleader/follower benefits have also beenpursued in ballistic survivability andcompartmentationsince the basic require-ments and behaviorsof the structural com-ponents for thosefunctions are so simi-lar. Additionally, sincea common structurallayout and similar in-terfaces were achieved,hatches, armor panelsand doors are all verysimilar between thevariants, further en-hancing leader/fol-lower benefits throughconsistent accessibilityand maintainabilityapproaches.

The NLOS-M firing platform was un-veiled in March 2007, just 6 monthsafter the NLOS-C firing platform begantesting. To date, the NLOS-M firingplatform has fired more than 600rounds, testing the functionality of the

firing platform and collecting engineer-ing data for further NLOS-M prototypedevelopment. Current testing will docu-ment residue build-up, interior ballisticsand tube heating. The testing is alsobeing used to mature the in-bore air reg-

ulation system(IBARS) to become amajor NLOS-M func-tion. IBARS will allowthe NLOS-M to firerounds at low eleva-tions and allow thecrew to eject a misfiredround from the tubewithout having to gothrough extensive andtime-consuming mis-fire procedures — aunique ability notfound on traditionalmortar systems.

The leader/followerrelationship betweenthe NLOS-C and

NLOS-M enabled the NLOS-C to define a path for all MGV vehicles.The NLOS-M benefited significantlyfrom early and accelerated NLOS-Cdevelopment, sharing engineeringtime, expertise and many common

components. Some NLOS-C compo-nents were directly incorporated intothe NLOS-M and some with onlyslight modification. The NLOS-C andNLOS-M are greater than 80 percentcommon across the two platforms andwith the MGV common chassis. Thehigh level of NLOS-C/NLOS-M hard-ware and software commonality dra-matically reduced the costs and risks ofmortar development while meetingschedule and performance goals. Thesebenefits are significant given the lim-ited resources and other military demands for funding, ensuring theprogram spends its resources efficientlyand effectively.

MAJ KIRBY BEARD is the AssistantProduct Manager (APM) for the FCS pro-gram’s MGV Initial Production (NLOS-C)effort at the U.S. Army Tank-automotiveand Armaments Command in Warren,MI. He holds a B.S. in accounting fromFranklin and Marshall College and anM.S. in management from the Naval Post-graduate School. He is Level III certifiedin contracting and is an Army AcquisitionCorps (AAC) member.

MAJ JEFF JAMES is the NLOS-M APMin the MGV FCS program, Minneapolis.He holds a B.S. in aviation managementfrom Southern Illinois University. This is hisfirst AAC assignment.

MAJ VINCENT J. TOLBERT is theNLOS-C APM in the MGV FCS pro-gram. He holds a B.S. in physical educa-tion from the University of Central Okla-homa. His last assignment was as theNLOS-C Project Officer in the U.S. ArmyTraining and Doctrine Command SystemsManager (TSM) Cannons at Fort Sill,OK. He also was the Test Officer for theLimited Users Test for the Mobile GunSystem in TSM Tanks, Fort Knox, KY.Tolbert is an AAC member.

ARMY AL&T

47APRIL - JUNE 2008

The NLOS-C and NLOS-

M are greater than 80

percent common across the

two platforms and with the

MGV common chassis.

The high level of NLOS-

C/NLOS-M hardware and

software commonality

dramatically reduced the

costs and risks of mortar

development while

meeting schedule and

performance goals.

NLOS-C firing platform being assembled atBAE Systems in Minneapolis. The firstNLOS-C prototype will be completed inJune 2008. NLOS-C prototypes will enterArmy evaluations in 2008 and 2009. (Photocourtesy of BAE Systems.)



ARMY AL&T

Safeguarding Against OrganizationalConflict of Interest (OCI) on the Future

Combat Systems (FCS) ProgramSandra T. Toenjes

It’s an average workday. You’re enjoying your first cup of coffee while leafing through

the newspaper. A headline demands your attention: Responsible Public Servant De-

nies Conflict of Interest. You quickly scan the article in an attempt to extract names.

Gratefully, it’s not related to your program or agency.

Here, participants are educated on source selection best-value trade-off methodology, processes and procedures in preparation for a fullyintegrated evaluation. (U.S. Army photo by Jill Nicholson, FCS(BCT) SP30 Directorate.)


The impact of a conflict of interest issignificant. Whether we view ourselvesas shareholders, citizens or casual ob-servers, the mere appearance of impro-priety is enough to undermine our con-fidence in individuals, corporations andthe reputations of entire professions.Government employees are all tooaware of the public scrutiny placed onthe acquisition process in an attempt toensure prudent expenditure of precioustaxpayer dollars.

To provide the best-value product orservice to meet customer needs, eachmember of an acquisition team has theresponsibility to exercise sound busi-ness judgment in selecting a primecontractor. The FCS program expandsthis responsibility by having estab-lished competitive trade-off source se-lection procedures and processes usedby the Lead Systems Integrator (LSI),the Boeing Co., in selecting subcon-tractors representing the best of indus-try to develop the FCS System-of-Systems (SoS).

The LSI used the Army Source Selec-tion Guide and the trade-off source se-lection procedures of Federal AcquisitionRegulation, Part 15, asthe model for estab-lishing its genericsource selection evalu-ation plan andprocesses to supportcompetitive trade-offsource selections dur-ing the FCS pro-gram’s System Devel-opment and Demon-stration (SDD) Phase.The LSI has success-fully implemented this plan leading tothe selection and awarding more than20 major/critical subcontracts.

OCI SafeguardsBoth the SDD contract and the LSI’sgeneric source selection evaluationplan incorporated language to safe-guard against OCI. The prime con-tract OCI clause includes two key prohibitions — both the LSI for FCS

SDD and its subcontractor, ScienceApplications International Corp.(SAIC), are prohibited from compet-

ing for work underthe SDD contract atany tier. Also, theclause prohibits sub-contractors frompreparing Request for Proposal (RFP)documents and fromconducting or partici-pating in a source selection if any partof its organizationsubmits a proposal.

The clause also requires the LSI toflow down an OCI provision in itssubcontracts at all tiers.

Since Boeing and SAIC are prohibitedfrom competing under the SDD con-tract, that eliminates all possible OCIissues at that level. At the subcontrac-tor levels, the FCS OCI safeguardswork as follows. Let’s assume an FCS

ARMY AL&T

49APRIL - JUNE 2008

ARMY AL&T

To provide the best-value

product or service to meet

customer needs, each

member of an acquisition

team has the responsibility

to exercise sound business

judgment in selecting a

prime contractor.

Here, a group discusses sub-tier source selectionissues, unique to the FCS program, to ensurecompetitive and fair selection and award ofcritical subcontracts. (U.S. Army photo by JillNicholson, FCS(BCT) SP30 Directorate.)


first tier subcontractor is planning toconduct a competition to select a lowertier subcontractor. If the FCS first tiersubcontractor intends to submit a pro-posal for that lower tier work, the sub-contractor submits a Notice of Intent(NOI) to the LSI and is considered “con-flicted.” In other words, the subcontrac-tor cannot prepareRFP documents orconduct or participatein a source selection.At this point, the LSItakes action to assumethe competitive sourceselection from the con-flicted subcontractor.Any documentationthat had been devel-oped by the conflictedsubcontractor prior tothe NOI is sanitizedby the LSI and government to preventany competitive advantage during the so-licitation and evaluation process.

From this point on, the LSI conductsthe source selection. Once the award ismade, the conflicted subcontractor as-sumes the contract back from the LSI,pursuant to an assignment agreementthat is executed between the LSI andthe conflicted subcontractor.

Overcoming ConflictsThe transfer of source selection respon-sibility from the conflicted subcontrac-tor to the LSI poses some interestingchallenges. For instance, frequently,proposals are received that contain dif-fering terms and conditions that requireresolution. Since our conflicted subcon-

tractor is both a com-petitor and the ulti-mate customer(buyer), the LSI is pre-cluded from contact-ing the conflicted sub-contractor during dis-cussions to resolvecompetitor term andcondition issues.Therefore, a neutralthird party is neededto contact the con-flicted subcontractor

regarding the terms and conditions atissue. A government acquisition teammember (who is also not on the sourceselection evaluation team (SSET)) ful-fills this third party role using a techno-logically savvy method of secure com-munication, known as FCS’s AdvancedCollaborative Environment (ACE).

Similar to Army Knowledge Online,one of ACE’s many capabilities is that

of a document storage system with theability to limit access to only selectusers. It is in this way that the re-stricted conversation between the government and the conflicted sub-contractor is accomplished. The gov-ernment then forwards the results tothe LSI, which completes a fully inte-grated evaluation, makes the final se-lection and awards the contract.

The LSI also established mandatorytraining for all SSET members that in-cluded elements of the subcontractOCI clause, firewall and procurementintegrity, and a focus on appropriatecommunication between the LSI andconflicted subcontractor. Prospectivecontractor SSET members must com-plete and sign a conflict of interestquestionnaire to screen out personnelwith potential conflicts. Proprietary In-formation Agreements are executed toensure the protection of proprietarydata of the parties and third party data.

In the FCS Source Selection Organiza-tion, the government and industry areworking together to maintain the in-tegrity of competitive processes andensure impartiality from the require-ments development phase to proposalevaluation and final selection decision.ACE’s successful integration into thesource selection process to mitigateOCI ensures maximum competitionfrom the best of industry and selectionof the overall best-value proposal andSoS solution.

SANDRA T. TOENJES is an Associate Director in the Acquisition Directorate ofProgram Manager FCS (Brigade CombatTeam (BCT)). She has a B.A. in psychologyfrom the University of Michigan and morethan 22 years experience in acquisition.Toenjes is an Army Acquisition Corps mem-ber who is certified Level III in contractingand Level II in program management.


ARMY AL&T

Here, conflict of interest screening and OCI training topics are being discussed. Source selection evaluatorsare required to complete this training. (U.S. Army photo by Jill Nicholson, FCS(BCT) SP30 Directorate.)

ACE’s successful

integration into the source

selection process to

mitigate OCI ensures

maximum competition

from the best of industry

and selection of the overall

best-value proposal and

SoS solution.


ARMY AL&T

51APRIL - JUNE 2008

Future Combat Systems (Brigade Combat Team)

Joint Multinational ExperimentationMAJ Troy Crosby, Charlene Deakyne and Scott Schnorrenberg

As the weather clears at the Nevada Test and Training Range,

Soldiers, government personnel and contractor partners begin

to bring the Future Combat Systems (FCS) equipment and net-

work online. The team works quickly getting the unattended ground

sensors, mobile ad hoc network and vehicles ready to execute the ex-

perimentation mission plan. Connections from the FCS Brigade Combat

Team (BCT) to the Combined Forces Land Component Command

(CFLCC), the U.S. Navy (USN) Maritime Operations Center and the

U.S. Air Force (USAF) Combined Air and Space Operations Center must

be ready to pass situational awareness (SA), Joint fires requests, and in-

telligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) information. This is

just another typical day for the FCS Experimentation Team during a

phase of the Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment (JEFX) 2008.

Here, two networked High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles are tested during FCS Experiment 1.1. (U.S.Army photo courtesy of FCS(BCT).)


The FCS Joint and Multinational Ex-perimentation Team is comprised ofrepresentatives from the U.S. ArmyFCS(BCT) Joint, Interagency andMultinational Interoperability (JIMI)Product Office, the Lead Systems Inte-grator (Boeing Co. and Science Appli-cations International Corp.) and theOne Team Partners — all working to-gether to accomplish FCS experimen-tation goals. The main focus for theFCS Experimentation Team is to pro-vide insight to one of the FCS pro-gram’s greatest assets to the Army —its integrated, interoperable and highlycapable network system. The FCS net-work will be a major component ofthe JEFX 2008.

The JEFX 2008 is the seventh in a series of USAF experiments providinga multidimensional, multinational,multiservice environment for the end-to-end exploration, assessment andtransition of Joint and coalitionwarfighter capabilities. The JEFX seriesof experiments focuses on Joint AirOperations including close air support,air defense, air operations planning,airspace management, target list gener-ation and sensor sharing. JEFX com-bines live air, space, naval and groundforces; operational concepts; and tech-nologies for enhancement of capabili-ties in a collaborative environment.

In March 2006, the FCSprogram submitted an ini-tiative titled “FCS Net-work Integration and JointInteroperability” to theUSAF-sponsored JEFX.The USAF identified sixoperational focus areas ad-dressed during the experi-ment. The FCS initiative islinked with two of these:Joint Forces ComponentCommander-ISR GlobalManagement and Global

Force Readiness Management.

FCS will exploit evolving enterpriseservices to provide near-real-time Soldieraccess to critical SA and effectors. Theteam will conduct Joint NetworkedFires using a family of networked sen-sors to provide enhanced Soldier protec-tion and lethality while preventing frat-ricide. Experimentation results will beused to assess the current state of FCSnetwork integration and interoperability,reducing related risks to the FCS Pro-gram of Record, and helping to refineevolving doctrine and training supportproducts. Proven FCS technology willbe provided to global war on terrorismwarfighters through scheduled spin outs(SOs) beginning in 2008.

The FCS initiative plan for JEFX2008 builds upon previous FCS exper-imentation in JEFX 2006, which in-volved dissemination of SA and sup-port to time-sensitive targeting. TheFCS initiative will improve networkintegration and Joint interoperabilitythrough warfighter collaboration andconnectivity. FCS experimentation in-cludes the network’s five layers, and in-tegrates distributed common groundSystem-Army, Army Aviation andSpace, and 10 to 12 networked nodeswith manned ground vehicles (surro-gates). It also includes unmanned air systems, integrating with USAF

platforms and networks focused on the“live fly.” The execution of technicalthreads includes Joint Networked Firesand Airspace Management, and em-ploys Net-centric Enterprise Services.

In JEFX 2008, FCS will focus on usingunmanned aerial vehicles as a sensorand communications relay in a Jointairspace constrained environment. TheFCS Experimentation Team will alsotest and demonstrate data and informa-tion transfer, communications interop-erability, operational procedures, operational situation understandingand warfighter machine interface func-tionality. JEFX 2008 also provides FCSinteroperability with the USAF, U.S.Marine Corps (USMC), USN andUnited Kingdom (U.K.) forces.

During JEFX 2008-1’s execution inNovember 2007, FCS operated systemsfrom a Boeing Facility in HuntingtonBeach, CA; Fort Monmouth, NJ; andLangley Air Force Base (AFB), VA.Distributed site connectivity wasachieved via secure domain. FCS dis-tributed SA via the Global InformationGrid, developed a Joint common oper-ating picture and conducted strike mis-sions using elements within theUSMC, USAF Tactical Air ControlParty, CFLCC and Air Support Opera-tions Center. JEFX 2008-1 was a lab-based demonstration but will transition


ARMY AL&T

Soldiers work with the network in a manned ground vehicle mock-up. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of FCS(BCT).)

A Soldier tests the network during Experiment1.1. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of FCS(BCT).)


to a field experiment focused on live flyin JEFX 2008-2 and 2008-3.

The FCS experimentation goal is to ex-plore the benefits of service-oriented ar-chitectures (SOAs) and to learn moreabout how different Joint/multinationalarchitectures can interoperate. To achievethis, FCS is participating in several ex-periments concur-rently, including JEFX2008, Joint LimitedTechnical Experiment(LTE) and the Coali-tion Warrior Interoper-ability Demonstration(CWID).

Joint LTEThe Army FCS(BCT)Network Systems In-tegration ProgramManager, U.S. NavalWarfare Development Command andthe USAF Electronic Systems Center(ESC) supported participation in aJoint LTE in August 2007. The LTEwas a distributed event executed by theNetwork Analysis Integration Lab fromFort Monmouth; Space and Naval War-fare Systems Command out of SanDiego, CA, and Charleston, SC; NavalAir Warfare Center, China Lake, CA;and ESC, Hanscom AFB, MA. TheSOA LTE’s overarching objective wasthe performance and interoperability ofthe Consolidated Afloat Network En-terprise Services and Consolidated Net-centric Data Environment reference im-plementations in a tactical environmentwith FCS. The LTE integrated the twoservice-oriented environments for Jointdata exchange. The lessons learned sug-gest numerous avenues for further FCSexperimentation.

CWIDIn October 2007, an FCS trial submis-sion was selected for participation inthe 2008 CWID that will be conducted

in June 2008. The CWID is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ’sannual event enabling civilian and military authorities to discover and investigate command, control, commu-nications, computers, ISR (C4ISR) so-lutions focusing on relevant and timelyobjectives for enhancing interoperabilityand information sharing between agen-

cies. The CWID fo-cuses on net-centricsolutions to identifyC4ISR gaps that thetraditional DOD ac-quisition process isnot addressing.

The FCS Interoper-ability Trial will support the CWIDobjective to improvecoalition and JointC4ISR architecture.

In its first CWID as a participant, FCSintends to exchange Blue and Red SAdata with the U.K. command and control systems and publish this sameinformation to higher headquartersechelons on the CWID network. Col-laboration applications will be em-ployed between FCS and U.K. systemsto aid in fires mission management.The initial demonstration builds afoundation for future experimentationand cooperation between FCS and theU.K. acquisition organizations.

The purposes of FCS experimentationare to assess program risk mitigation,prove out research and developmentprogress (maturity) of specific network-centric hardware and software items,and ensure interoperability betweenJoint, Current and Future Forces oper-ating in an ad hoc, mobile network.Participation in JEFX 2008, the JointLTE and CWID provides an early op-portunity to assess progress on a set ofFCS platforms and network productsintegrated for use in a laboratory and

field environment. These experimentsprovide high payoff in the form ofknowledge, insight and understandingin support of FCS program executionand the capabilities SO to the CurrentForce. The leveraging of experimenta-tion allows early integration of devel-opmental platforms, network hardwareand software, and tactical satellite com-munications for the program, allowingdelivery of FCS capabilities to theArmy. The bottom line for the FCSExperimentation Team is it providesinsight to one of the greatest assets ofthe FCS program to the Army: its inte-grated, interoperable and capable net-work system as a lethal weapon for ourcurrent and future warfighters.

MAJ TROY CROSBY is an FCS(BCT)program Joint Assistant Product Managerassigned to the JIMI Product Office. He isthe lead for the FCS(BCT) Network Sys-tem Integration Program Office for JEFX2008. Crosby holds a B.A. in business ad-ministration from James Madison Univer-sity, an M.B.A. from Webster Universityand an M.S. in information systems tech-nology from the George Washington Uni-versity. He is an Army Acquisition Corpsmember certified Level II in both informa-tion technology and program management.

CHARLENE DEAKYNE is a defense con-tractor working for the FCS(BCT) JIMIProduct Office and supporting the FCSJEFX 2008. She holds a B.S. in mathemat-ics from the University of Alabama and anM.S. in computer science from the Univer-sity of Alabama-Huntsville.

SCOTT SCHNORRENBERG is a de-fense contractor working for the FCS(BCT)JIMI Product Office. He is the lead techni-cal engineer for JEFX 2008. Schnorrenbergholds a B.A. in psychology from AuburnUniversity.

ARMY AL&T

53APRIL - JUNE 2008

The main focus for the

FCS Experimentation

Team is to provide insight

to one of the FCS

program’s greatest assets

to the Army — its

integrated, interoperable

and highly capable

network system.


On Jan. 3, 2008, Dean G. Popps be-came the Acting Assistant Secre-tary of the Army for Acquisition,

Logistics and Technology (ASAALT) andArmy Acquisition Executive (AAE). As theActing ASAALT, he serves as the Senior Pro-curement Executive, the Science Advisor tothe Secretary of the Army and the Army’s Senior Researchand Development Official. Mr. Popps also assumes principalresponsibility for all Army logistical matters and continuesserving as the ASAALT Principal Deputy, a position he hasheld since July 24, 2004. We wish Mr. Popps the very bestas the Acting ASAALT/AAE. Under Mr. Popp’s leadership,our workforce will continue to get the much-needed prod-ucts to our Nation’s Soldiers, as quickly as possible, as theybravely fight the global war on terrorism.

Human Capital Development Plan These are exciting times for Army contracting as the Armytransitions to an expeditionary force that will provide con-tracting support across the full spectrum of Army opera-tions. Contracting support’s future is a strong link betweenthe generating and operating forces that will support a widevariety of operations. Expeditionary contracting has evolvedto provide initial contingency and sustainment contractingsupport with a CONUS reachback capability. The ModifiedTable of Organization and Equipment will expand to sup-port expeditionary operations and combatant commanders’daily operations. By working closely with the Department ofthe Army G-3 Director of Force Management, we have bol-stered operational structure by adding 3 contracting supportbrigades, 5 contingency contracting battalions, 3 senior con-tingency contracting teams and 48 additional contingencycontracting teams. Furthermore, we are expanding our acquisition contracting to include the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers (Military Construction), the Defense LogisticsAgency (Material), the U.S. Army Materiel Command (System/Materiel/Base Operations) and the Special Opera-tions community. The end state is a strategically developedand employed acquisition structure that will support theArmy’s requirements across Joint operations.

The U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center continues towork closely with DOD and the Defense Acquisition Uni-versity (DAU) in addressing acquisition workforce issues.Recently, DAU has been focusing on competency assess-ments for all acquisition career fields (ACFs). Many of youmay have received e-mail invitations from the Center forNaval Analysis to participate in the competency assessmentfor your particular field of expertise. I encourage you tocomplete this assessment. It takes less than an hour to com-plete and it’s your opportunity to help identify workforcecapabilities and gaps that can be addressed by training orother means.

The Army continues to work closely with the Under Secre-tary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics(USD(AT&L)) in planning Section 852, 2008 National De-fense Authorization Act, Department of Defense AcquisitionWorkforce Development Fund. When implemented, this fundwill assist the Army and other services in supporting the re-cruitment, retention and development of our valuable acqui-sition workforce. More information on this topic will beshared in the future.

The USD(AT&L) Human Capital Strategic Plan isamended annually to reflect its strategic focus on people andthe goal to develop and maintain a “high-performing, agileand ethical workforce.” This plan provides a summary ofDOD and service accomplishments and initiatives that sup-port this goal. I suggest that you visit this document and itsupdates at http://www.dau.mil/workforce/hcsp.pdf to learnmore about DOD acquisition workforce characteristics aswell as some best practices that may be applied within yourown organization. For more information, contact MaryMcHale at (703) 805-1234/DSN 655-1234 [email protected].

Craig A. SpisakDirector, U.S. Army

Acquisition Support Center

CA

REE

R D

EVEL

OPM

ENT

UPD

ATE


ARMY AL&T

From the Acquisition Support Center Director


As many of you may know, I have ac-cepted a wonderful opportunity toserve as the Executive Director of the

AbilityOne Program. This column will bemy last opportunity to address you as theDeputy Assistant Secretary of the Army forPolicy and Procurement. It is difficult to be-

lieve that nearly 6 years have passed since I came onboard.Each year brought new challenges, new successes and muchprofessional satisfaction. You are the finest contracting pro-fessionals I have ever known.

The upcoming months will see unprecedented change forthe Army’s contracting community. Contracting will be rein-stituted as an acquisition core competency. General Officer(GO) billets for contracting positions are being considered.This will increase the community’s visibility and stature. Thenew GO billets will provide increased promotion potentialfor Army officers and enhance training and assignments forofficers as well as noncommissioned officers. We also antici-pate increases in the workforce and opportunities to bringinterns onboard. Organizational changes at the headquartersand commands will impact all levels of the community andworkforce. Change, especially rapid and far-reaching change,can seem overwhelming. All of us know these changes signalthe recognition and value being placed in Army contracting.This is clearly a positive change.

The Army contracting community’s future is full of poten-tial. I encourage you to seize every opportunity to improveyourself, the community and the world-class support youprovide the Soldiers. I ask that you be ever vigilant while up-holding the highest ethical standards. Continue to be “onecommunity serving our Soldiers, serving our Nation.” Thankyou for the opportunity to work with you, know you and bea part of the outstanding things you have done in this com-munity. I wish each of you continued success and rich bless-ings in your journey.

Ms. Tina BallardDeputy Assistant Secretary of the Army

(Policy and Procurement)

U.S. Army Sustainment Command (ASC)Stands Up Southwest Asia (SWA) Support Branch

Jake M. Adrian

Calling on experience and expertise, the Army has tapped ASCto bring its contingency contracting strength to bear forwarfighters in SWA. On Sept. 14, 2007, the ASC AcquisitionCenter CONUS-based Contracting Reachback Cell (CRBC)was established to support the 408th Contracting SupportBrigade (CSB). Its intent is to use CONUS contracting officestrengths to execute contracts on behalf of OCONUS warfight-ers. This CRBC has since been renamed the SWA SupportBranch under the ASC Acquisition Center’s Field Support Di-vision. The CRBC conforms with a Sept. 7, 2007, Secretary ofthe Army Operational Order that transferred authority of con-tracts exceeding $1 million from Army Contracting Agency-Kuwait to the U.S. Army Materiel Command, which assignedthe mission to ASC because of four important factors:

• ASC has extensive experience executing high-dollar servicecontracts with performance in SWA.

• ASC uses the Logistic Civil Augmentation Program’s Man-agement Structure in theater, a high-dollar service contractadministered by ASC.

• ASC has a 230-person Acquisition Center at Rock IslandArsenal (RIA), IL, which provides contracting experts, in-cluding cost/price analysts, policy analysts, property ad-ministrators and legal counsel.

• ASC has worldwide reach that is tied directly to thewarfighter through Army field support brigades and con-tingency contracting brigades that are aligned in every areaof operations.

Reachback ImplementationSince Sept. 11, 2001, there has been a massive increase in the408th CSB’s annual workload from approximately $150 mil-lion to nearly $1 billion. Requirements and contract com-plexity have increased and there has been a lack of a definedrequirements process. In addition, the organization faced per-sonnel challenges that include limited staffing, inexperiencedpersonnel dealing with more complex contracts and difficultyrecruiting for SWA deployments. Facing a huge increase involume and velocity, management control and oversight suf-fered, which allowed fraud to raise its ugly head.

On Oct. 1, 2007, ASC assumed control of most requirementswith remaining contracts following at logical transition points.

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Contracting Community Highlights

The SWA Support Branch was established with eight dedi-cated contracting personnel with more support to follow.

SWA Support Branch AccomplishmentsAt RIA, the group is split into two teams. One team is dedi-cated entirely to the Combat Support Services Contract-Kuwait (CSSC-K), a base-plus-9-option-year, cost-plus-award-fee contract valued at $1.9 billion. CSSC-K initiallyhad seven Undefinitized Contractual Actions (UCAs) issuedagainst it. With the help of ASC’s Financial Services Divi-sion and its assigned cost/price analysts, four UCAs are innegotiations with one comprised of five additional UCAs.The initial proposed price for the four UCAs is approxi-mately $500 million. The team has also negotiated sevennew actions against the contract, saving an additional $18.4million through intensive negotiations via teleconferencesand trips to SWA. For the first time in 6 years, a Contract-ing Purchasing System Review was conducted on the CSSC-K contractor in November 2007.

The other team has the remainder of the transferred con-tracts, including SmartZone, a communication systems con-tract shared with the Kuwait Ministry of Defense; dining fa-cilities; Standard Army Management Information Systems;and Bulk Fuel and Heavy Lift Six, a commercial line haulprogram. Kuwait Non-Tactical Vehicles (NTVs), a $145million base-plus-2-option-year contract, is the team’s firstmajor acquisition that resulted in four contract awards. Thecurrent value of all non-CSSC-K contracts is $2.1 billion.ASC has assumed responsibility for approximately $4 billionof SWA contracts.

With the Kuwait NTV contracts, ASC has shown that it caneffectively and efficiently solicit and award an OCONUSprogram with a value of up to $145 million in less than 90days from a CONUS contracting office. The award of the

Kuwait NTV contracts is estimated to save the U.S. govern-ment $36.6 million over the life of the program.

GoalsHanding off some of its workload to ASC should help theKuwait Contracting Office to provide better service towarfighters and improve administration and oversight. Tak-ing the concept a step further, ASC intends to show thatreachback contracting also has value for Principal AssistantsResponsible for Contracting in Europe, Korea and SouthAmerica. Ultimately, the reachback concept’s goal is to en-sure the best contract structure is used to deliver goods andservices to troops while reducing costs and getting a betterdeal for American taxpayers.

Jake M. Adrian is a Contract Specialist with the ASC SWAReachback Cell. He can be reached at (309) 782-6824/DSN793-6824 or [email protected].

AbilityOne Program and PRIDE Industries Start NewFort Bliss Base Facilities Support Operations

George Brian Foulkes

Can people with severe disabilities provide the level of servicerequired to maintain facilities on an Army installation transi-tioning from a U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Commandactivity with 9,000 Soldiers to a U.S. Army Forces Com-mand Power Projection Platform with 30,000 or more Sol-diers? The answer was “Absolutely!” when the Fort Bliss, TX,leaders committed to an AbilityOne (formerly Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act) solution for the Fort Bliss Directorate of PublicWorks (DPW) facility maintenance contract.

The question was first asked last year during a meeting with aNational Industries for the Severely Handicapped (NISH) representative who came to Fort Bliss to discuss contract opportunities for AbilityOne, a national program that createsemployment for people with severe disabilities or blindness, by securing federal contracts for its 600 nationwide community-based nonprofit agencies (NPAs). NISH, a national NPA, facilitates AbilityOne, which has created employment opportunities for nearly 48,000 Americans who are blind orhave severe disabilities.

After much research, numerous meetings with the installa-tion leadership and a NISH search for quality, capable

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ASC SWA Reachback Cell members (left to right): Joe Loftus, Cindy Ball, BarbVoss, Cynthia Pleasant, Amber Thompson, Tina Grove, Bob Pulscher, JakeAdrian, Dean Brabant, Jeremy Miller, Sue Phares and Mike Hutchinson. (ASCphoto by Sharon Crawford.)

NPAs, a partnership between AbilityOne and PRIDE Indus-tries Inc. was formed, creating nearly 150 jobs at Fort Bliss.PRIDE takes over the facilities support operations at FortBliss with experience in successfully managing Navy, AirForce and NASA facilities. The NPAs have maintained serv-ice contracts with DOD for 20 years.

After following AbilityOne protocols, Federal Register an-nouncements and reviews from the Purchases from PeopleWho Are Blind or Severely Disabled Committee, the workwas added to the Procurement List and announced in Au-gust 2007. The Directorate of Contracting (DOC) Team,along with the DPW and PRIDE leads, awarded a fixed-price contract that began Oct. 1, 2007, with a value esti-mated at $51.2 million over 5 years.

In preparation for the transition, PRIDE wrote, publishedand distributed an introductory welcome brochure for theFort Bliss community that features phone numbers and con-tact information for key services and management leads, “howto” instructions for work orders, and frequently asked ques-tions and answers. After a flawless transition, the PRIDE,DPW and NISH teams are now successfully engaged in man-aging the installation’s facility support operations.

“I think it [AbiltyOne] will be a model for the future,” saidCOL Robert Burns, Fort Bliss Garrison Commander, at aNISH award presentation last September. “There are a lot ofpeople with eyes on this and we have no other option but tosucceed. I honestly believe we’re going to hit a home run.”

George Brian Foulkes is the DOC Director at the Fort BlissArmy Contracting Agency.

North Atlantic Regional Contracting Office (NARCO)Helps Launch Military Advanced Training Center (MATC)

LTC John C. Pastino and Craig Coleman

NARCO at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC),Washington, DC, has made several major purchases for thenew $10 million MATC that opened Sept. 13, 2007, on thecenter’s campus. With sophisticated computer and videomonitoring systems and the latest prosthetics, MATC’s mis-sion is to enhance amputee and functional limb loss care forwounded warriors in transition, returning them to the high-est possible levels of activity using state-of-the-art technol-ogy. Designed for easy use, MATC offers rehabilitating Soldiers cutting-edge equipment in a single location.

NARCO supported the MATC launch by purchasing equipment costing more than $1.8 million, including aramp system, video system, a massive truss to support thevideo system and the Computer Assisted Rehab Environ-ment (CAREN) system.

LTC John C. Pastino, NARCO Director, saw the numerousinjuries suffered by Soldiers coming back from war when hewas serving as Chief of Logistics at Landstuhl Regional Med-ical Center (LRMC), Germany. At LRMC, Pastino was ableto provide assistance and now can see the complete medicaltreatment from end-to-end as the Director of Contracting.“It’s a sad day when any Soldier gets hurt or injured, butwhen we can provide the state-of-the-art equipment andmedical supplies to Soldiers in a fast and responsive mode, it makes the day a little better for all of us.”

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Left to right: LTC John C. Pastino, NARCO Director; David Johnson,Contracting Officer; Felipe Romo, Contract Specialist; Linda Giles, ContractSpecialist; Herb Suber, Contracting Officer; and Robert Shepherd, ContractSpecialist. (WRAMC photo by Winston Wilson.)

The 31,000 square-foot MATC houses more than 15 spe-cialists, including physicians, nurse case managers, thera-pists, psychologists, social workers, benefits counselors andDepartment of Veterans Affairs (VA) representatives.

Retired COL Charles Scoville, Chief of Amputee Service,said the building is designed to bring together the multi-disciplinary team that cares for warriors in transition. “Ourteam will provide care from initial surgery through reinte-gration of warriors to their units or a seamless transition toVA care.”

The MATC contains a myriad of clinical features and en-hancements. The Center for Performance and Clinical Re-search — known as the gait lab — measures strides, but ac-cording to Scoville, MATC researchers are measuring farmore than a runner’s gait. Scoville said data collected by en-gineers play a significant role in assuring proper prostheticfit and alignment and appropriate foot or knee selection.The gait lab contains six calibrated force plates, four forwalking and two longer plates for running. It also includes adual force-plate treadmill for running analysis and researchprotocols for prolonged activity. The system has 23 infrared

cameras mountedaround the room togather data. The currentsystem uses only eightcameras. “This makescollaborative researchopportunities within thisfacility virtually limit-less,” Scoville continued.

The CAREN system,designed to build a vir-tual environmentaround a patient per-forming tasks on atreadmill bolted to a hel-icopter simulator, uses avideo capture systemsimilar to the traditionalgait lab, but with an in-teractive platform thatresponds to the patient’severy move. “There areonly three CAREN sys-tems like this one in theworld,” Scoville re-marked. “Its platform is

so sensitive you can stand a pencil on its end and the plat-form will keep it vertical.”

CAREN also assists warriors recovering from Post-TraumaticStress Disorder by reintroducing patients to both simple andcomplex environments and measuring their performancewhile ensuring absolute safety. “We can continually addstressors,” Scoville explained. “We can start with patientswalking on an empty street and gradually add parked cars,traffic, pedestrians and noise. We’ll take patients to the edgeof discomfort, but not beyond what they can handle.”

Warriors in transition will be able to communicate via videoteleconference with units in Iraq or Afghanistan or with familyback home by reserving the Telemedicine Conference Room.

Scoville noted that doctors, nurses and medics in the combatzone and LRMC can also follow their patients’ progress. “Sol-diers can communicate with the people who took care of themat each step of their treatment,” he continued. “It gives themedical people in theater a chance to see how they [former pa-tients] are doing, which they normally wouldn’t have.”

Additionally, MATC features a rope climb and rock wall;uneven terrain and incline parallel bars; vehicular simulators;a fire arms training simulator; physical therapy, athletic andexercise areas; an occupational therapy clinic; prosthetictraining and skills training areas; prosthetic adjustment andfitting rooms; and separate exam rooms for all amputee-related care. The 225-foot indoor track surrounding the second floor interior boasts the world’s first oval supportharness. “It allows the Soldiers to walk or run without atherapist tethered to them,” added Scoville. “Patients can re-cover more quickly because the therapist is free to provideimmediate feedback to patients while observing their gait.We got a lot for the money.”

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The 31,000-square-foot MATC offersunprecedented medical care and servicesfor amputees and functional limb-losspatients. Here, a wounded warrior makesa “solo” step at the MATC media day inSeptember 2007. (WRAMC photo by SFCRoger Mommaerts Jr.)

MATC offers “one-stop-shopping” for warrior care that includes therapy andexercise areas and computer simulation training for military-specific tasks.Here, a wounded warrior lifts weights at the MATC media day in September2007. (WRAMC photo by SFC Roger Mommaerts Jr.)

The $10 million center augments the capabilities of existingWRAMC facilities and supports the goal of returning toduty multiskilled leaders who personify the Warrior Ethos inall aspects. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,the MATC was constructed 3 months ahead of schedule incooperation with the U.S. Army Health Facilities PlanningAgency and Turner Construction Co.

MAJ David Rozelle, MATC Project Officer, credited theearly completion date to teamwork. “This has been a balanc-ing act, which is why we could install equipment at thesame time we put in flooring and completed other elementsof the building.”

NARCO’s mission is to provide sound business advice andquality contracting support that is responsive to today’shealth care requirements while preparing for changes in con-tracting demands to support the health care environment ofthe future.

LTC John C. Pastino is the NARCO Director. He is Level IIIcertified in contracting and purchasing and is an Army Acquisi-tion Corps member.

Craig Coleman is the Assistant Editor for the Stripe newspaperat WRAMC.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Creates National Contracting Organization

Theresa M. Garnes

USACE continues to respond to the Nation’s call in peaceand war, consistently adapting to meet the country’s changingneeds. As the world’s premier public engineering organization,USACE supports Iraq and Afghanistan’s reconstruction effortsand responds to numerous recovery missions. To keep up withthe challenging pace of its contracting missions and to beginthe process of acting as one contracting corps, USACE cre-ated the National Contracting Organization (NCO). The onecontracting corps concept stems from DOD and Army guid-ance, which highlights the importance of contracting officialsretaining their functional independence to allow unbiasedcontract advice on sound business principles.

USACE’s NCO is an integrated network of contracting of-fices that spans the globe with 57 sites in CONUS, Hawaii,

Alaska, Korea, Japan, Germany, Kuwait, Afghanistan andIraq. These offices employ more than 1,100 contract special-ists, contracting officers and support personnel who awardcontracts and serve as advisors to decision makers. TheUSACE Headquarters (HQ) office includes three divisions:Contract Policy, Program Evaluation and Workforce Devel-opment. These divisions provide strategic focus and are re-sponsible for developing policy, handling workforce develop-ment issues and responding to program evaluation issues.Three field Principal Assistants Responsible for Contracting(PARCs) have been strategically located in Dallas, TX; Win-chester, VA; and Atlanta, GA; to handle mission executionand provide technical oversight. In addition, nine RegionalContracting Chiefs (RCCs) oversee contracting services andleverage regional contracting support. The PARCs, RCCsand the Center Contracting Chiefs now report directly to theDirectorate of Contracting. Previously, these assets reportedto the District and Center Commanders.

“I have been especially impressed by the commitment andperformance of the contracting workforce as we helpUSACE provide its world-class performance with the disas-ter response and the global war on terrorism [GWOT],while skillfully performing the normal work of USACE,” ex-plained Sandra R. Riley, former USACE Director of Con-tracting. “These are very visible and challenging times fornot only USACE, but for the Nation as well. But, while wehad been successful in this Herculean task, it had come atgreat individual and organizational cost.”

“USACE has not had clearly defined roles and responsibili-ties and has operated under resource constraints, which havebeen exacerbated by demands for assistance with [Hurricane]Katrina and GWOT, while simultaneously assuring the dailydemands remain operational,” continued Riley.

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USACE’s new NCO was established on April 24, 2007. Here, COL Norbert S.Doyle, Director of Contracting HQ, USACE, answers questions at theorganization’s first leadership conference held June 11-13, 2007. (USACEphoto by John Hoffman.)

“This shortage is further challenged with skill imbalances insome places, along with the inability to realign work to meetthe changing demands in other places. Add to these chal-lenges the absence of electronic tools, current policy, stan-dardized processes and training to expedite our work.”

To address the challenges, Riley stresses the importance ofmaking contracting a core competency, partnering internallyand externally, and building a world-class professional con-tracting branch.

Theresa M. Garnes is the USACE Contracting Chief of Work-force Development. She can be reached at (202) 761-8646/DSN 763-8646 or [email protected].

Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

Susan Nichols and Jennifer M. Thompson

The SBIR is a congressionally mandated Army program de-signed to provide small, high-tech businesses the opportu-nity to propose innovative research and development(R&D) solutions in response to critical Army needs, and toprovide “seed” money to a select group of U.S. small busi-nesses to conduct R&D in support of Army technology re-quirements. The Army SBIR program is carried out by theU.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Com-mand (RDECOM).

What’s New?The program has been in existence since 1984, but substantialnew program enhancements have taken place over the past 2years, creating objectives to increase technology transition andcommercialization success. These initiatives, the Commercial-ization Pilot Program (CPP) and Technical Assistance (TA),accelerate the fielding of capabilities to Soldiers and benefitthe Nation through stimulated technological innovation, im-proved manufacturing capability, increased competition andproductivity, and economic growth.

CPPCPP, established in response to the 2006 National DefenseAuthorization Act, is a 2-phase process as follows:

• Assess, identify and recommend SBIR Phase II firms thatstrongly align with CPP goals.

• Assist the recommended firms to achieve accelerated commercialization and transition success.

Phase I firms that have exceptional results and have identi-fied strategies or paths for transition from research to an op-erational capability are invited to participate in the SBIR asa Phase II project. Phase II represents a major R&D effortculminating in a well-defined deliverable prototype.

The CPP looks for Phase II SBIR firms that address high-priority Army needs, exhibit potential for accelerated transi-tion and offer high-commercialization potential as measuredthrough the CPP-defined return on investment metric.

The Army selected MILCOM Venture Partners (MVP) tomanage CPP. MVP supports CPP objectives, includingidentifying and recommending CPP firms, assisting withmarket research and business planning, matching CPP firmswith customers and facilitating collaboration, supportingtechnology transition plans and recommending funding lev-els from an FY08 $15 million allocation to CPP firms’ com-mercialization plans.

SBIR recently approved 25 small businesses to participate inthe current CPP FY. This year’s CPP firm spans a broadspectrum of the Army’s technology portfolio and end-userapplications including next generation night vision sensors,advanced unmanned vehicle control devices, medical diag-nostics to improve Soldier survivability, low-profile scanningarrays for satellite communications, improved personal

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CPP and TA accelerate the fielding of capabilities to Soldiers and benefit theNation through stimulated technological innovation, improved manufacturingcapability, increased competition and productivity, and economic growth.Here, PFC Kenneth Armbrister, Co. A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division (ID), scans for enemy activity during OperationBrowning in southern Arab Jabour, Iraq, Jan. 28, 2008. (U.S. Army photo bySGT Luis Delgadillo.)

armor, health and monitoring systems to increase aircraft effectiveness while reducing operational costs and high-performance, low-signature tactical generators.

TAFollowing the SBIR Reauthorization Act of 2000, Public Law106-554, Section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S. Code638), the Army is providing TA services to small businesseswith SBIR projects. Real success for an SBIR project goes be-yond solving a research problem. Ultimately, the Army wouldlike SBIR technologies developed into a useable prototypeand transitioned into a military or commercial product. TheArmy understands that for many small businesses and theirpotential customers, the path to successful transition can beextremely difficult and is therefore providing TA.

TA advocates (TAAs) assigned to five Army regions provideassistance to small businesses that have projects with the par-ticipating organizations. The TAAs are talented and experi-enced industry professionals with varied backgrounds. Theywork closely with small businesses to ensure their technolo-gies/products fit the company’s goals and Army require-ments. They assist small businesses in making better techni-cal decisions and solving technical problems, thereby mini-mizing the risks associated with the SBIR projects. Usingtheir experience, TAAs play an important role in commer-cializing new products and processes by identifying potentialmilitary and/or commercialization partners.

Coordinating with the government research manager, SBIRawardees and any stakeholder TAAs will provide Phase IIItransition plans for Phase II projects. The Phase III plan willtransition and document the strategy, requirements and re-sources to change the SBIR project into an acquisition pro-gram, larger science and technology (S&T) effort or a stand-alone product or service.

Another important TAA role is to work with the govern-ment on technology transition planning and developing in-tegration road maps. By participating in acquisition require-ments development, technology assessment and technologytransition planning and management activities, TAAs willidentify SBIR technology insertion points into an acquisi-tion program executive office (PEO)/program manager(PM) program or a larger S&T program. TA and morePEO/PM involvement in managing the yearly $270 millionin SBIR research will result in more relevant products/serv-ices to meet near-term needs, resulting in increased transi-tion opportunities.

Although both the CPP and TA are in their infancy, feed-back from the small business community and governmentresearchers has been overwhelmingly positive. Through thesetwo initiatives, SBIR can tap into the innovativeness andcreativity of the small business community and meet someof the Army’s most critical R&D requirements. Ultimately,this will provide our deployed Soldiers with world-class andstate-of-the-art technologies while also helping small busi-nesses to commercialize their products.

For more information on the Army SBIR program and these two new initiatives, visit their Web site at www.armysbir.com.

Susan Nichols is the Army SBIR PM. She has a B.S. in manage-ment/computer information systems from Park University.

Jennifer M. Thompson, Administrative Specialist for PhacilInc., works on the RDECOM Army SBIR.

Natick Contracting Division (NCD) Interns QuicklyAdapt to New Contracting Reports

Nathan Jordan

Beginning in FY07, reporting of contracts to Congresschanged from the Individual Contracting Action Report (DDForm 350) to the Federal Procurement Data System-NextGeneration Contract Action Reports (CAR) system. As thiswas a new procedure, there was a learning curve that delayedCAR reporting. This applied to the U.S. Army Research,

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This year’s CPP firm spans a broad spectrum of the Army’s technologyportfolio and end-user applications. Here, combat medics SPCs Aimee Collverand Vanessa Bolognese, 25th ID, pull security during a mission in Amerli, Iraq.(U.S. Army photo by SPC Mike Alberts.)

Development and Engineering Command Acquisition Center (RDECOM-AC) NCD at the U.S. Army SoldierSystems Center, Natick, MA, where more than $70 millionin obligations had yet to be reported.

With the end of the FY quickly approaching, NCD internsvolunteered for a tasker from the acting NCD Division Chiefto resolve all outstanding actions by Oct. 15, 2007. The teambegan the tasker in late August, addressing minor CAR is-sues. Despite the team’s efforts, by mid-September, outstand-ing actions increased from approximately 200 to more than350, totaling more than $70 million unreported.

From mid-September to the October deadline, the team in-creased its efforts and successfully decreased outstanding ac-tions to seven with a value of more than $580,000, with$500,000 unreportable because of a base contract issue. Esti-mates indicate that the team completed more than 500CARs during this short period.

Help in resolving these issues came from an NCD informa-tion technology contractor. Additionally, Standard Procure-ment System help desk support was crucial to successfullycompleting this task.

The NCD interns are creating a training briefing for theNCD contracting workforce on CAR. Once they brief thedivision, the number of unreported actions should decreaseand future issues should be minimized.

Nathan Jordan is an RDECOM-AC-NCD Contracting Division Army Civilian Training, Education and DevelopmentSystem Intern.

TACOM LCMC Acquisition Center Selects Trainer of the Year

Carrie English

The U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Com-mand (LCMC) Acquisition Center, Warren, MI, selectedKaren Forsgren as its 2007 Trainer of the Year at the secondannual award presentation on Oct. 9, 2007. Forsgren, Con-tract Specialist in the Tactical Vehicles Division for 7 years,has trained 11 buyers in 7 years and is currently training 2interns. She offers the following training tips:

• Find out how interns like to learn or what works best for them.

• Teach interns to use the Acquisition Center’s ElectronicResource Center and the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

• Have some fun once work is completed and the customeris happy.

Forsgren received a name-engraved Acquisition Center coinand a Certificate of Appreciation signed by Harry P. Hal-lock, Director, TACOM LCMC Acquisition Center.

The Trainer of the Year award, created by the New EmployeeFocus Group in 2005, recognizes excellence in knowledge/ex-perience, training ability, organizational skill, character andleadership. The Trainer of the Year award committee formed agroup of Acquisition Center interns to select the 2007 winner.The committee asked Acquisition Center employees, with amaximum of 3 years employment, to submit an essay describ-ing a trainer they thought was exceptional at his or her job.

Carrie English is a Contract Specialist in the Tactical VehicleContracting Division, TACOM LCMC Acquisition Center. Shecan be reached at (586) 574-8466/DSN 786-8466 [email protected].

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NCD Intern Coordinator Maria Dunton (second from left), with interns MarkMarchioli, Valerie DeAngelis and Judy Collier. Mark Marchioli is one of theNCD interns creating a CAR system training briefing. (Photo by MatthewFoster, Avatar Computing Inc.)

Karen Forsgren proudly displays her Trainer of the Year award. She is flanked byAssociate Director for Contracting Marty Green (left) and Associate Director forOperations Art Siirila. (TACOM LCMC photo by Elizabeth Carnegie.)

U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) Announces 2006 Frank S. Besson Jr. Award Winners

The AMC Frank S. Besson Jr. Award, established in honor ofAMC’s first commander for his lifelong acquisition achieve-ments, recognizes outstanding accomplishments in the AMCcontracting community. The Besson Award is one of the few

that exclusively honors the AMC contracting workforce foraccomplishments supporting the diversity of AMC’s con-tracting missions. AMC presents Besson Awards annually forexceptional achievements by an outstanding military officer(functional area 51), a civilian careerist, a civilian intern anda contracting team.

Jeffrey Parsons,AMC’s Director ofContracting, selectedthe following indi-viduals for 2006Besson Awards:

Civilian Careerist —John Kaddatz, U.S.Army SustainmentCommand (ASC)Military Officer —LTC Jay Carr, ASC

Civilian Intern — Mary Pasqual, U.S. Army TACOM LifeCycle Management Command (LCMC)Contracting Team — The World Wide Satellite Systems(WWSS), U.S. Army Communications-Electronics (C-E)LCMC

The AMC major subordinate commands presented the awardsto the recipients for their success as contracting professionals.

AMC is now seeking nominations for the 2007 Besson Awards.For additional information, contact April Miller at (703)806-8233/DSN 656-8233 or [email protected].

Italian Contracting Specialist Begins 36th Year of Customer-Focused Procurement

MAJ John Coombs

Giancarlo Zancan, a Local National (LN) Contract Special-ist and Contracting Officer (KO) at the Regional Contract-ing Office-Italy (RCO-I), U.S. Army Contracting Com-mand Europe (USACCE), has served more than 35 years ofgovernment service. What’s his secret to superior contractingsupport? “First, call the customer and establish a relation-ship,” said Zancan. “Don’t send a problem requirement backwithout working with the customer to make it right.”

RCO-I provides acquisition support to the U.S. Army Gar-rison in Vicenza, Italy, including Southern European TaskForce (SETAF), 173rd Airborne Infantry Brigade, and sev-eral military communities and units in northern Italy. TheRCO-I has been recognized 5 of the last 6 years as the bestcontracting office in USACCE. “Giancarlo has been a keycontributor to the continued success of this office,” saidFrank Petty, RCO-I’s Chief. “Our customer satisfaction lev-els continually exceed 99 percent and a lot of the positivefeedback from our customers includes personal thanks toGiancarlo.”

Zancan has an exceptional memory for contractors, theirprices and their performance. “He is an expert on the localmarket and is the workhorse of our commercial items con-tracting effort,” added Petty. “The bulk of our FY-end com-mercial item purchasing surge is handled by Giancarlo.”

Zancan began his career with the Army in 1973 as a supplyclerk for the Directorate of Engineering and Housing. In 1978,he was recruited by the contracting office because of his expert-ise in supply support of equipment and mechanical items. Hehas faithfully supported the Army through many tough times,including the kidnapping in 1981 of BG James Dozier, thenSETAF’s Chief of Staff, by the terrorist group Red Brigade.“Many Soldiers point to Sept. 11, 2001, and the attacks on the

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The WWSS C-E LCMC Contracting Team 2006 Besson Award winners (fromleft): Athena Loesch, John Onieal, Justin Filler, John Traversone and WilliamNewell. (C-E LCMC photo by Charles Ross.)

MG William M. Lenaers, TACOM LCMCCommanding General, presents Mary Pasqualthe Besson Award, Civilian Intern category, at anawards ceremony Oct. 4, 2007, in Warren, MI.(TACOM LCMC photo by Elizabeth Carnegie.)

Pentagon as aturning point,”said Zancan. “Butfor me in Italy,Sept. 11 was a re-turn to an Armythreatened world-wide, as I recalledthe Red Brigade.”Zancan procuredsupport for in-creased security

measures then, and has continued to support the Army for thelast 3 decades, purchasing supplies and services to support mul-tiple deployments to Africa, the Balkans and the Persian Gulf.

Zancan takes pride in providing superior contracting sup-port and notes it’s in his nature to work with others andsupport their needs. “I like the people, the customers. I likehelping everyone.”

MAJ John Coombs, formerly of the USACCE RCO-I, is anArmy Research Fellow at RAND Corp.

Farewell to Army AL&T Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief

Army AL&T Magazine’s editorial staff would like to extend aheartfelt “thank you” and “good luck” to departing Editor-in-Chief Michael I. Roddin as he takes on new opportuni-ties as the Strategic Communications Director for the U.S.Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engi-neering Center in Warren, MI.

Roddin served as Army AL&T Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief foralmost 5 years, providing consistent expertise and guidance onevery aspect of the magazine production process. He authorednumerous articles, conducted interviews and helped transformthe magazine into one of the Army’s most respected publica-tions. After assuming his duties as Editor-in-Chief, Roddininstituted a fresh look to the magazine — a change that wasmet with extensive positive feedback from readers and leader-ship, as evidenced by his selection as the 2005 Secretary of theArmy Editor of the Year. Roddin also adapted and updatedthe magazine accordingly when it was changed from bi-monthly to quarterly publication and from an individual-based to an organization-based subscription in 2006.

Roddin also initiated the launch of our sister publication, ArmyAL&T Online Monthly, in April 2006. This electronic maga-zine, which is sent to more than 50,000 subscribers, has be-come a valuable, timely source of information for the Acquisi-tion, Logistics and Technology (AL&T) Workforce. Roddin in-stituted the updated layout and format of Army AL&T OnlineMonthly that began with the January 2008 issue. This updatedlook and feel has also received optimistic and affirmative re-sponses from the AL&T community. The successes of bothArmy AL&T Magazine and Army AL&T Online Monthly aredue in great part to Roddin’s creativity, expertise and leadership.

Jointly serving as the Strategic Communications Director forthe U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center (USAASC), Roddinwas also responsible for the oversight, management and execu-tion of all USAASC strategic communication programs andprovided direction to communicating USAASC’s mission andvision to the acquisition community and the Army at large. Heinitiated the new USAASC Web site design and launch in2007, which resulted in a more user-friendly site and bettercommunication means to the field. Roddin oversaw and man-aged USAASC’s participation in the Association of the UnitedStates Army Annual Exposition and Meeting, and providedplanning and support to several Assistant Secretary of the Armyfor AL&T-sponsored events, including the Competitive Devel-opment Group/Army Acquisition Fellowship Orientation andGraduation; U.S. Army Acquisition Corps Annual Awards Cer-emony; Senior Leaders Conference; and Procuring ContractingOfficer and Intern Training Symposium, among others.

Roddin’s strong work ethic and expertise are supported byhis extensive education. He holds B.S. degrees in Englishand journalism from the University of Maine and an M.A.in marketing from the University of Southern California.He is also a U.S. Army Command and General Staff Collegeand Defense Information School graduate, as well as anArmy Training With Industry program alumnus. Roddin isa 3-time Army Keith L. Ware Journalism Award recipient.

The Army AL&TMagazine staff andthe entire USAASCorganization willgreatly miss hisoutstanding expert-ise, leadership andguidance and wishhim great successin his future profes-sional endeavors.

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ARMY AL&T

LN Giancarlo Zancan, RCO-I, USACCEContracting Specialist and KO, has more than 35years of government service. (Photo courtesy ofUSACCE RCO-I.)

Here, Michael I. Roddin (left) receives aCommander’s Award for Civilian Service fromUSAASC Director Craig A. Spisak. (U.S. Armyphoto by Richard A. Mattox.)

Searching for 2008’s brightest Acquisition Stars!

The time is quickly approaching for the U.S. Army Call for Nominations

for the Army Acquisition Excellence (AAE) Awards, Project/Product

Manager and Acquisition Director (PM/AcqDir) of the Year Awards,

and the David Packard Award. The winners of the AAE and PM/AcqDir of the

Year Awards will be presented at the 2008 AAC Annual Awards Ceremony on

October 5, 2008. The David Packard Award will be presented on another date.

The AAE Awards recognize Army acquisition workforce individuals or teams

whose performance and contributions set them apart from their peers. These

awards directly refl ect the outstanding achievements made in supporting

Soldiers and the Army’s Business Transformation efforts. The PM/AcqDir Awards applaud the PMs and Acquisition Directors whose

outstanding contributions and achievements merit special recognition and

provide a forum to showcase exceptional leadership within the AAC. The David Packard Award is given to DOD civilians and/or military organizations,

groups and teams who have made highly signifi cant contributions or demonstrated

exemplary innovations and best business practices in the defense acquisition

process. Call for Nominations will begin in April.

The nomination process begins in March. For more information on the awards and

upcoming Call for Nomination dates, please visit our Web site at

http://www.asc.army.mil.

U.S. Army Acquisition Corps(AAC) Annual Awards

Call for Nominations


ARMY ACQUISITION, LOGISTICS & TECHNOLOGY

ISSN 0892-8657

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY ARMY AL&T9900 BELVOIR RD SUITE 101FT BELVOIR, VA 22060-5567

http://asc.army.mil

Headquarters Department of the Army | PB-70-08-02 | Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited

IN THIS ISSUE:

• A Look at the Future Combat System (Brigade Combat Team) — An Interview With MG Charles A. Cartwright

• Delivering Future Combat Systems (FCS) While at War • Future Combat Systems (FCS) Autonomous Navigation System

(ANS) Technology Will Revolutionize Warfare
