Fielding the elements remaining intact, as the FCS is restructured into the BCT Modernization, will include the Honeywell Class I UAV (T-Hawk), iRobot SUGV mini-robot and the family of Unmanned Ground Sensors (UGS) developed by Textron Systems. Other FCS systems continuing as planned, include the Raytheon Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) Launch System and its associated ‘Precision Attack Missile’ (PAM), which are staying on track for early deployment.
In addition, the Army issued development contracts for the Ground Soldier Ensemble (GSE), slated for fielding with the first unit, 1-7 infantry BCT by 2011. TRADOC is currently developing the Tactics, Techniques and Plans (TTP) addressing these enhanced capabilities. The GSE will provide better situational awareness to dismounted commanders, through the use of wearable computers and distribution of position locators and personal radios, deployed with each team member. The system involves graphic displays, access to mapping information.
Testing of these systems has become more important in recent months as the program is restructured to meet current and future Army requirements. Where in the past the plan had been to supply FCS technology primarily to brigade combat teams organized on the FCS model, it has now been decided that FCS technology will be integrated into all BCTs. As a result, the tactics techniques and procedures developed by the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion will be utilized by even more soldiers than previously expected.
Our BCT Modernization Update covers these topics in four parts:
- New Equipment to Modernize Combat Brigades
- U.S. Army Reshapes its Requirements for the
Future Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) - New Networking for the Brigade Combat Team
- Introducing New Technologies to the Warfighter
