Product Manager Ground Soldier builds upon Land Warrior as an integrated Land Warrior is a first-generation, inte- dismounted soldier situational awareness grated, modular fighting system for sol- system for use during combat operations. diers engaged in close combat operations. The system will provide unparalleled situ- Land Warrior combines computers, navi- ational awareness and understanding to the dismounted soldier, allowing for faster and more accurate decision making in the Land Warrior tactical fight. This translates into soldiers being at the right place at the right time with the right equipment, making them more effective and more lethal in the exe- cution of their combat mission. The centerpiece capability of GSS is the ability to graphically display the individ- ual soldier location on a digital map. Addi- tional soldier locations will also be graphi- INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT cally displayed through the Army battle AND WEAPONS command system connected via a secure radio that will send and receive informa- The soldier is the Army’s most de- tion from one to another. The system also ployed combat system and the most essen- connects the combat soldier to higher-ech- tial weapon in the Army’s arsenal. Pro- elon data and information products to as- gram Executive Office (PEO) soldier was sist the soldier in decision making and sit- activated in October 2001 to equip the sol- uational understanding. All of this will be dier as a system through centralized devel- integrated on a graphic user interface that opment, acquisition, fielding and sustain- is user-defined, allowing soldiers to easily ment of virtually everything the soldier see, understand and interact in the method wears or carries. The mission of PEO Sol- that best suits the user and his particular dier is to ensure that soldiers are lethal and mission. survivable in any operating environment. The physical subcomponents of GSS in- PEO Soldier views the individual sol- clude a display to provide the soldier’s in- dier as the center of the Army, the corner- formation; a computer to process and pop- stone on which all Army operations are ulate the information on the screen; an built. PEO Soldier is committed to meeting interface device that allows user interac- the needs of individual soldiers in order to tion with the system; a power source; an support this larger view of the Army. To operating system to provide the system accomplish its mission, PEO Soldier solic- functionality, run tactical applications, and its and uses soldier feedback to guide the battle command; and a networked radio development and fielding of new equip- transmitter/receiver device to send and re- ment. ceive information. As a worn system on As the demands of warfighting change the combat soldier, size and weight must and new technologies evolve in response, gation technology and radios with other be kept to a minimum with the rugged- PEO Soldier stands ready to equip soldiers mission equipment to substantially im- ness for combat operations, including wa- with the best gear, in the shortest time pos- prove individual situational awareness. ter immersion. The GSS must have a slim sible, to support the deployment of sol- The systems approach optimizes and inte- and flexible form factor that can accommo- diers wherever our global interests dictate. grates multiple capabilities with minimal date the “shooter’s preference” method of The technologies PEO Soldier develops impact on combat load and logistical foot- employing the system in accordance with and the equipment PEO Soldier fields are print. During the surge phase of Operation the variety of different mission profiles crucial components in meeting the strate- Iraqi Freedom, the 4th Battalion, 9th In- and soldier personnel equipment configu- gic, operational and tactical challenges of fantry Regiment (4-9 IN), of the 4th Brigade, rations. GSS entered the technology devel- today’s soldier and the soldier of the fu- 2nd Infantry Division, was equipped with opment phase in February 2009. It is ex- ture. For all their wide-ranging technologi- 229 Land Warrior ensembles, which were pected to achieve Milestone C in fiscal cal capabilities, PEO Soldier products rec- worn by the unit’s leadership down to the year 2011. ognize that the soldier is, and will remain, team leader level, and 133 Mounted War- Product Manager Mounted Soldier System the center of our strength. rior ensembles for Stryker crewmembers. The Mounted Soldier System (MSS) is The 4-9 IN became the first unit in the his- the next generation of Mounted Warrior. It Project Manager Soldier Warrior tory of warfare to employ a digitally net- will provide combat vehicle crew members Project Manager Soldier Warrior (PM worked combat soldier in theater. The sol- and platform commanders with increased SWAR) supports soldiers through the ac- diers who used the system from May 2007 mission effectiveness on the network-cen- quisition of integrated soldier systems. to June 2008 reported that the reliability in tric battlefield. Like its predecessor, MSS Current systems include Land Warrior, combat situations surpassed all expecta- will focus on the areas of command and Ground Soldier, Mounted Soldier and Air tions and that the added capabilities are control, situational awareness, communica- Warrior. Project Manager Soldier Warrior invaluable. Since that time, a Stryker bri- tions, force protection, survivability, mobil- product managers develop and integrate gade combat team has taken the system to ity and sustainability. The MSS provides the components into complete systems de- . They were to be replaced by combat vehicle commander increased capa- signed to increase combat effectiveness, another Land Warrior-equipped unit in bilities to conduct offensive and defensive decrease combat load and improve mis- mid-2010. operations. MSS consists of three systems sion flexibility. The Ground Soldier System (GSS) (cooling, cordless communications and dis-

364 ARMY I October 2010 play) that allow the crew member to reduce heat stress, communicate wirelessly with Air Warrior (AW) the vehicle’s intercom and radios, and re- motely display the vehicle’s displays for Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Be- low (FBCB2), remote weapon sight, driver’s enhanced vision system and other plat- form-centric video assets. Product Manager Air Warrior Air Warrior (AW) is a modular, inte- grated, rapidly reconfigurable combat air- crew ensemble that saves lives and maxi- mizes Army aircrew mission performance. More than 18,000 Army aircrew members have been equipped with the system. Air Warrior increases personal protection and mission performance while decreasing weight and bulk. The system consists of: a primary survival gear carrier that includes first aid, survival, signaling and communi- cations equipment; body armor tailored for the unique requirements of the aircrew member; the aircrew integrated helmet sys- tem; over-water survival equipment, includ- regulator unit that automatically provides Soldier-borne sensors and lasers enhance ing an underwater breathing device and life on-demand oxygen regulated to altitude the soldier’s ability to see in all battlefield raft; and the microclimate cooling system based on detected barometric pressure. and lighting conditions, to acquire objects (MCS), which includes a cooling garment More than 1,800 PHODS have been fielded of military significance before the soldier worn under chemical protective and duty to Army aircrew members. is detected, and to target threat objects ac- uniforms that increases mission endurance The Survival Kit, Ready Access, Modu- curately for engagement by soldiers or under extreme heat by more than 350 per- lar (SKRAM) gives aircrews an airworthy guided munitions. These systems provide cent. The MCS has been adopted for use by and readily accessible carriage for a 72- critical, on-the-ground direct support to ground forces including Stryker, Abrams, hour suite of life-support equipment and U.S. forces. Bradley, M9 ACE, Navy, Marine Corps and mission water in a flame-retardant, modular Product Manager Soldier Maneuver foreign militaries, with more than 16,000 and configurable backpack. The SKRAM Sensors systems fielded to date. components improve mission endurance Soldier maneuver sensors (SMS) is the The Electronic Data Manager (EDM) is a by providing drinking water to the aircrew branch of SSL responsible for the products touchscreen kneeboard computer that en- and supplemental survival gear for an es- that enhance the operational capabilities of ables the aircrew member to quickly plan cape-and-evade scenario. The SKRAM soldiers with night-vision aiming devices. missions and react to mission changes in components are mounted on the aircraft, The AN/AVS-6 Aviator’s Night-Vision flight. The EDM, compatible with night-vi- improving access to mandatory and mis- Imaging System (ANVIS) is a helmet- sion goggles and readable in direct sunlight, sion-essential survival gear. During an mounted, direct-view, third-generation im- features a moving map via global position- emergency exit, the SKRAM components age-intensification piloting device that en- ing system (GPS), Blue Force Tracking-Avia- can be quickly released and retained for ables flight operations under very low tion capability, and Windows-compatible use in survival, evasion, resistance and es- ambient light conditions. The latest version, software. More than 2,700 EDM systems cape situations. AN/AVS-6(V)3, is capable of operating have been fielded to Army, Navy, Marine down to near-starlight conditions. The sys- Corps and foreign militaries. PM Soldier Sensors and Lasers tem incorporates 25 mm eye relief; dual- The Aircraft Wireless Intercom System Project Manager Soldier Sensors and span adjustment knobs; gated power sup- (AWIS) provides wireless aircrew commu- Lasers (SSL) provides soldiers with im- ply; either filmless or thin-film tube nications. AWIS allows hands-free voice proved lethality, mobility and survivabil- designs; fine-focus objective lens; and a communication between crew members ity in all weather and visibility conditions. low-profile battery pack. The low-light and provides the first true aircraft intercom capability for medical evacuation helicopter personnel during rescue hoist missions. The AWIS consists of an aircraft-mounted inter- face unit and mobile equipment units worn by each member of the aircrew. The AWIS enables omnidirectional simultaneous com- munications among crew members within AN/AVS-6 aviator’s the aircraft network out to approximately night-vision imaging 200 feet of the center of the aircraft. system (ANVIS) The Portable Helicopter Oxygen Deliv- ery System (PHODS) is a soldier-worn oxygen system that delivers compressed oxygen from a lightweight steel oxygen bottle via a nasal cannula up to 18,000 feet and via a mask at altitudes above 18,000 feet. PHODS uses a pulse-demand oxygen

October 2010 I ARMY 365 sensitivity is a 10 percent improvement forms including the M4/M16, the M107 The system is designed to operate with over its predecessor and a 35 to 40 percent sniper rifle, the M110 sniper rifle, the sniper Army standard-issue protective eyewear, improvement over the earliest ANVIS. tripod and the Stryker remote weapons sta- providing a minimal visual obscuration, The AN/PVS-14 Monocular Night-Vi- tion. It combines the functionality of a laser thus maintaining or enabling the soldier’s sion Device (MNVD) is a lightweight rangefinder, infrared aiming laser, infrared overall situational awareness. head- or helmet-mounted image-intensifi- laser illuminator, digital compass and visi- Soldier-borne Sense Through the Wall cation device that can also be mounted to ble pointer into one package. STORM can (STTW) provides soldiers with the capa- the M16/M4 receiver rail. It is designed to be connected to an external GPS device to bility to detect, locate and “sense” person- be used in conjunction with rifle-mounted determine distance to targets. On crew- aiming lights. The AN/PVS-14 provides served weapons, STORM provides the criti- soldiers with the ability to conduct night- cal range component to the fire control for time operations including driving, maneu- achieving high probabilities of first-shot vering, first aid, map reading and mainte- kills. nance. The latest AN/PVS-14 operates on The AN/PSQ-20 Enhanced Night-Vi- a single AA battery. sion Goggle (ENVG) provides the soldier Multifunctional Aiming Lights (MFAL), with enhanced mobility and situational including AN/PEQ-2A, AN/PEQ-15 and awareness in all weather and battlefield AN/PEQ-15A, are used in conjunction with obscurant conditions. ENVG is a helmet- night-vision goggles to engage targets. mounted device that combines long-wave MFAL devices contain infrared (IR) aiming infrared sensor data with passive low- lights and illuminators as well as visible light-level image-intensification into an in- Soldier-borne sense through the wall (STTW) pointers in a single, lightweight, compact tegrated display. The resultant image takes package. When zeroed to the weapon, these advantage of each sensor’s strengths while nel with concealed weapons or explosives devices provide an invisible, continuous in- minimizing individual sensor limitations. behind obstructions from a stand-off dis- frared beam along the weapon’s line of fire The AN/PAS-13 Family of Thermal tance. Currently in development, STTW that is effective to the maximum firing range Weapon Sights (TWS) enables soldiers will be employed by soldiers in military of the weapon. with individual and crew-served weapons operations on urban terrain and subter- The AN/PEQ-14 Integrated Laser/White to see deep into the battlefield, increase ranean environments to locate and classify Light Pointer adds the functions of a flash- surveillance and target acquisition range, threats. light into a MFAL device for an effective and penetrate obscurants day or night. Gunfire Detection Systems (GFDS) are small-arms lightweight integrated target- The TWS uses forward-looking infrared lightweight soldier-wearable sensors that ing system. technology and provides a standard video accurately locate and engage enemy snip- The AN/PVS-10 Night-Vision Sniper output for training, image transfer or re- Night Sight (SNS) is a lightweight, weapon- mote viewing. Light, medium and heavy mounted, passive image-intensification de- variants provide viewing to the maximum vice designed primarily for use by snipers effective range of the designated weapon. for day and night operations. A select lever The TWS Head Mounted Display permits the user to change the mode of op- (HMD) integrates with the AN/PAS-13 eration between day and night. The SNS TWS to provide a remote viewing capabil- employs a black-line reticule that can be il- ity for TWS and vehicle-mounted imagery. luminated for night operation. A rail It allows a more comfortable firing posi- mounting interface allows quick mounting tion of the TWS on the M2/MK19 weapon or dismounting from the weapon. systems. The HMD operates on four AA The AN/PVS-26 Clip-On Sniper Night batteries and weighs less than 8 ounces. Sight is a lightweight, clip-on, image-in- tensified night sight for the M110 Semiau- Gunfire detection systems (GFDS) tomatic Sniper System that mounts in front of the day optic sight. The AN/PVS-26 ers. The sensor locates the enemy gunfire employs a variable gain image tube that through the acoustic signatures associated can be adjusted by the sniper depending with the fired round to produce a range on ambient light levels. The AN/PVS-26 and bearing back to the threat. This infor- provides the sniper the capability to accu- mation allows the soldier to conduct bat- rately acquire and engage targets at low tle drills in response to the sniper’s actual light levels without the need to remove the location. day optic. The Weapons Mounted Light (WML) is The AN/PSQ-23 Small Tactical Optical one of the four components of the family Rifle Mounted (STORM) Micro-Laser of flashlights (FoF) that include the WML, Rangefinder (MLRF) is a lightweight, mul- the tactical handheld light, the hands-free tifunctional laser system designed to oper- helmet light and the crew-served weapons ate on a variety of individual weapons, light. The WML is a small (7 inches or crew-served weapons and weapons plat- less), lightweight (10 ounces or less with batteries) white light that can be weapon- mounted or handheld. The WML is em- ployed on small arms including the M16A4 modular weapons, M4/M4A1, M249 and AN/PSQ-23 small tactical M240B. The WML has dual activation con- optical rifle mounted (STORM) trols, includes an IR capability and is de- micro-laser rangefinder (MLRF) signed to operate on two DL123 batteries.

366 ARMY I October 2010 Product Manager Soldier Precision observer to targets of interest. The Mark ments and improves their survivability, Targeting Devices VII and Viper systems can compute and health, safety, mobility and sustainability Product Manager Soldier Precision Tar- display target location when connected to by providing safe, durable and opera- geting Devices (SPTD) is the branch of PM a GPS device. The Mark VII E has a built- tionally effective individual and unit SSL that supports the research and devel- in GPS device and an uncooled FLIR for equipment. PM SCIE enhances survivabil- opment of target designation systems. improved night capability. ity through technologically advanced tacti- cal and environmental protective clothing, individual chemical protective gear, load- carrying systems, and personnel para- chutes and other airdrop equipment. Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) provides today’s sol- dier with a modular, flexible, load-carrying system that can be tailored to meet mission needs. MOLLE consists of a rucksack with removable pockets and a fighting load car- rier that can accept removable pouches for the rifleman, pistol, grenadier, squad auto- matic weapon and medic items. For short- duration missions, there is an assault pack and a waist pack. For medium-duration missions, the Army is developing an addi- tional pack. This modularity allows indi- viduals or commanders to tailor the load to the needs of the mission. The (ASU) is being introduced to provide a basic set of components that allows soldiers to dress (AN/PED1) Lightweight laser designator rangefinder (LLDR) from the lowest to the highest end of ser- vice uniforms with little variation re- The AN/PED1 Lightweight Laser Des- Project Manager Soldier Protection quired, thus reducing the need for numer- ignator Rangefinder (LLDR) enables fire- and Individual Equipment ous uniforms and reducing the clothing support teams and forward observers to Project Manager Soldier Protection and burden on soldiers. The ASU is based on accurately locate targets, digitally transmit Individual Equipment (PM SPIE) develops the Army blue uniform, and the men’s and target location data to the tactical network and fields advanced soldier protection women’s coats from that uniform are un- and laser-designate high-priority targets products, comfortable uniforms to en- changed. for engagement with precision munitions. hance mission effectiveness and improved The belted trousers and slacks with a tra- The two primary components are the Tar- parachute systems. These products are de- ditional low waistline will be available for get Locator Module (TLM) and the Laser signed to protect soldiers and allow them daily wear. The high-waist men’s trousers Designator Module (LDM). The TLM can to operate in any conditions. traditionally worn with suspenders will be be used as a stand-alone device or in con- retained for wear with the Army blue mess junction with the LDM. The TLM incorpo- Product Manager Soldier Clothing uniform. The fabric of the coat, trousers, rates a thermal imager, day camera, elec- and Individual Equipment slacks and skirt is a 55 percent polyester and tronic display, eye-safe laser rangefinder, Product Manager Soldier Clothing and 45 percent wool blend that does not require digital magnetic compass, selective avail- Individual Equipment (PM SCIE) supports special care. A new white herringbone shirt ability/antispoofing module, GPS elec- soldiers in multiple operational environ- will be for daily wear, and a commercial tronics and digital export capability. white shirt will be worn for ceremonial and The Laser Targeting Locating Systems formal occasions. Officers and noncommis- Mark VII and Viper (V21), as well as the sioned officers will wear gold stripes on the Mark VII E Laser Targeting Locating trousers/slacks. Junior enlisted soldiers Module, provide fire-support teams and (specialist and below) will have trousers/ forward observers with daylight and lim- slacks without stripes on the legs. The beret ited night capability to observe and accu- will be the standard headgear worn with rately locate targets for voice transmission the ASU. Officers and noncommissioned of- of target data to the fire-support com- ficers (corporal and above) may wear the mand, control, communications, comput- service cap as an optional item. Officers and ers and intelligence system. They can be enlisted soldiers will be authorized to wear handheld or tripod-mounted. Each incor- overseas stripes on the right sleeve. Enlisted porates an eye-safe laser rangefinder and a service stripes have been reduced in size digital magnetic compass to determine and will be worn on the left sleeve. The new range, azimuth and vertical angle from the Combat Service Badge will be worn in place of the Former Wartime Service Shoulder Sleeve Insignia to represent combat service. Several uniforms being fielded by PM SCIE now offer a fire-resistant capability. These include the Fire Resistant (FR ACU), the Army Mark VII E Laser targeting locating module Aircrew Combat Uniform (A2CU), the Im-

October 2010 I ARMY 367 proved Combat Vehicle Crewmember commodate a higher jumper weight than 12-component, versatile, multilayered sys- Coverall (iCVC), the the T-10D it is designed to replace. tem that soldiers can tailor to mission and (ACS), and the Fire Resistant Environ- The Maneuverable Canopy 6 (MC-6) environmental requirements. The GEN III mental Ensemble (FREE). provides the airborne soldier with a new ECWCS system consists of lightweight un- Starting in summer 2010, PM SCIE also static line-deployed, steerable parachute dershirt and drawers; midweight shirt and offered these uniforms, or elements of them, system. The MC-6 has several improve- drawers; fleece cold weather jacket; wind in an alternative camouflage pattern for ments designed to reduce soldier injury cold weather jacket; soft shell jacket and soldiers serving in Afghanistan. Following rates. The MC-6 has a lower opening trousers; extreme cold/wet weather jacket and trousers; and extreme cold weather parka and trousers. The new materials of- fer a greater range of performance and en- vironmental protection and reduce overall bulk and weight, providing greater versa- tility in meeting soldiers’ needs. GEN III ECWCS has proven to be a combat enabler in Afghanistan. The Fire Resistant Environmental En- semble (FREE) is a multilayered, versatile all-climate system that allows combat ve- hicle and aircrew members to adapt to vary- ing mission requirements and environ- mental conditions. Most importantly, it is fire-resistant. The FREE is comfortable and ergonomically efficient for wear in the con- fines of aircraft and armored vehicles. The system consists of a lightweight base, fire- resistant layers, midweight underlayer, light weather outer layer, intermediate out- er layer, and an extreme/wet weather par- ka. The tops and bottoms come in 15 sizes. The FREE also includes cold-weather gloves, a rigger belt and wool socks. Fire resistant environmental ensemble (FREE) The FREE will replace the aviation cold- weather clothing system. The FREE is a rigorous four-month period of in-theater shock, reduced oscillation, a lower rate of color-compatible with ground soldier uni- assessment and soldier evaluation, the descent for greater safety, increased for- forms. New materials offer a greater range Army decided in February 2010 to provide ward drive and better turn ratio than the of breathability and environmental protec- soldiers in Afghanistan with fire-resistant MC1-1C. The MC-6 parachute system tion, providing greater versatility in meet- uniforms in MultiCam, as an alternative to combines a new main canopy with a com- ing soldiers’ needs. the standard universal camouflage pattern. pletely redesigned reserve parachute and The choice of camouflage improves sol- an integrated harness assembly both of Product Manager Soldier Protective diers’ concealment in Afghanistan’s highly which are common to the T-11. The MC-6 Equipment variable environments and reflects PEO can accommodate a higher jumper weight Product Manager Soldier Protective Soldier’s ongoing commitment to provid- than the MC1-1 series it is designed to re- Equipment (PM SPE) develops and fields ing soldiers with the best uniforms avail- place. state-of-the-art force-protection equipment able. Other uniform initiatives include the The Generation III Extended Cold that defeats ballistic and fragmentation FR ACU trouser product improvement Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) is a threats in theater. PM SPE provides supe- program to provide soldiers with a more durable seat and crotch and integrated hard-shell knee pads. The T-11 Personnel Parachute System provides the airborne soldier with the next-generation tactical personnel para- chute system and represents the first com- plete modernization of the tactical para- chute system since the early 1950s. The T-11 parachute system includes a newly designed main canopy as well as a com- pletely redesigned reserve parachute (T- 11R) and an integrated harness assembly. The T-11 parachute system is designed to reduce soldier injury rates with a slower rate of descent, reduced opening shock and reduced oscillations. The T-11 can ac-

The maneuverable canopy 6 (MC-6) T-11 Personnel parachute system

368 ARMY I October 2010 Concealable body armor (CBA) The nape pad attaches to the retention sys- tem, improving comfort and stability and providing protection against small-arms and fragmentation threats to the nape area of the neck. The ACH weighs 2.9 to 3.8 pounds, depending on size. The helmet rior body armor, helmets and other gear cover is available in the universal camou- that greatly reduce the threat of serious in- flage pattern and in MultiCam for soldiers jury. in Afghanistan. Interceptor Body Armor (IBA) is a joint The Helmet Sensor (HS) is a small, service item designed and developed to in- lightweight, low-power sensor suite that corporate the requirements of the Army and mounts to the or Marine Corps. Interceptor is the model the combat vehicle crew-member helmet. name for a modular, multiple-threat body The helmet sensor detects, measures, and armor system consisting of a base tactical records impact accelerations and blast vest and modular components, with small- overpressure associated with improvised arms protective inserts designed to defeat explosive devices (IED) and other high-en- multiple ballistic hazards across the battle- ergy events that may cause concussions in field continuum. The Outer Tactical Vest an operational environment. The Army is (OTV) is a first-generation, center-opening analyzing data collected from nearly 7,000 vest that provides fragmentation and hand- helmet sensors deployed to Operation gun protection. The OTV consists of a Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring groin protector, back yoke and collar, and Freedom. The sensors continuously and throat protector. In addition, it can accom- automatically collected data, recording peak modate the deltoid and axillary protectors. overpressure from IED blasts, crashes, blunt The OTV is functionally integrated with impact and ballistic events. The helmet sen- modular lightweight load-carrying equip- sor program is continuing with a second- ment (MOLLE). The Improved Outer Tac- vide additional ballistic protection against generation helmet sensor that expands the tical Vest (IOTV), a replacement for the more lethal small-arms rounds. data gathered and introduces wireless capa- OTV, is donned over the head and has a The Soldier Plate Carrier System (SPCS) bility as well as other functional improve- cummerbund. The vest provides fragmenta- is a new, lighter-weight form of body ar- ments. The data gathered by the two gener- tion and handgun protection. The IOTV mor for use in certain missions in Opera- consists of a groin protector, back yoke and tion Enduring Freedom where mobility is collar, front yoke and collar, lower back pro- key. The plate carrier reduces the weight of tector and deltoid protector. The IOTV is fully equipped body armor by a little more functionally integrated with MOLLE and than 9 pounds. The vest carries standard incorporates a quick release for emergency hard armor plates for vital ballistic protec- doffing. The IOTV, the Army’s second-gen- tion, but covers less of the soldier’s body eration tactical vest, has been further im- than the interceptor body armor system. proved in 2010 with more than a dozen en- This allows the soldier to carry less weight hancements to form, fit and function. The yet maintain equal amounts of hard armor Deltoid and Axillary Protector (DAP) is a protection with less area of coverage of component of IBA that provides additional soft armor. fragmentary and handgun protection to the The Concealable Body Armor (CBA) is upper arm and underarm areas. DAP was intended to be worn by soldiers in military developed as an add-on to the OTV to pro- police units, corrections, confinement and tect soldiers from the threat of improvised law-enforcement operations, Department explosive devices in current operations. This of Defense investigative and security com- auxiliary protective capability is already in- ponents, and other U.S. military forces. The tegrated into the IOTV. The Enhanced CBA offers two protection levels: ballistics Small Arms Protective Insert (ESAPI) protection NIJ Level IIIA and stab/spike plates provide multiple-hit protection to the resistance NIJ Level 3. The CBA provides chest and back against various small-arms maximum torso coverage while maintain- threats. The Enhanced Side Ballistic Insert ing comfort and concealability. (ESBI) plates provide additional ballistic The Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) protection for the soldier’s sides, which are comes in five shell sizes (small, medium, not covered by ESAPI. The ESBI can with- large, extra-large and extra-extra large) stand small-arms hits. ESBI plates are at- and includes a modular pad suspension tached to the OTV with a carrier assembly system, retention system and nape pad. that employs webbing on the front and The modular pad suspension system im- back. ESBI plates can be further secured proves blunt-force impact protection, sta- through incorporation with the DAP. The bility and comfort. The cotton/polyester IOTV includes integrated ESBI plate carri- retention system, a four-point design, al- ers, which reduces redundant overlapping lows for quick adjustment for head size. soft armor protection and decreases overall weight. The X-Threat Small Arms Protec- tive Insert (XSAPI) plate was designed to meet near-term emerging threats and pro- Advanced bomb suit (ABS)

370 ARMY I October 2010 ations of helmet sensor will help the Army capabilities on the battlefield. PM SW sup- medical community to establish a body of ports soldiers through the development, knowledge for accelerated research in the production, fielding, and sustainment of development of an objective head exposure current and future weapons systems, and monitor and rapid head injury screening associated target-acquisition/fire-control tool in order to support the diagnosis and products. As a result of PM SW’s efforts, treatment of mild traumatic brain injury. soldiers benefit from continuous improve- The Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH) ment programs and are equipped with enhances ballistic protection, stability and systems that enhance both survivability comfort without adding weight or degrad- and lethality. Two product managers un- ing the soldier’s field of vision and hear- der PM SW drive the mission to provide ing. The ECH, which is in development, soldiers battlefield superiority: Product promises to provide increased protection Manager Individual Weapons and Product against ballistic and fragmentation threats. Manager Crew Served Weapons. The ECH uses advanced thermoplastic Product Manager Individual Weapons materials that require different manufac- Product Manager Individual Weapons turing processes than those associated (PM IW) is responsible for current and fu- with resin-impregnated para-aramids. The ture rifles, carbines, pistols, shotguns, materials are ultrahigh molecular weight grenade launchers and related target-acqui- polyethylene. sition/fire-control products. The Military Combat Eye Protection The XM25 Counter Defilade Target En- (MCEP) program is an umbrella program gagement System (CDTE) is the Army’s geared toward protecting soldiers’ eyes latest developmental weapon designed to from external threats/hazards such as bal- address the problem of defeating enemies listic fragmentation, lasers, electromag- netic radiation, sand, wind, and dust dur- ing daytime and nighttime missions. The MCEP provides eye protection for both prescription and nonprescription wearers in a variety of commercial styles and sizes. Given this variety of eyewear, soldiers can choose the best items for their needs while still maintaining military standards for eye protection. The Advanced Bomb Suit (ABS) pro- tects explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) XM25 Counter defilade target soldiers against ordnance and improvised engagement system (CDTE) explosive devices. This system leverages new materials technology and design to behind cover and exposed targets at provide protection, comfort and ergonomic ranges and accuracies not seen with to- efficiency. The ABS ensemble consists of day’s small arms. The XM25 fires 25 mm the EOD 8 bomb suit and EOD 9 Genera- munitions including high-explosive air- tion 2 Bomb Helmet. The bomb suit is a burst (HEAB), armor-piercing, nonlethal, full-body ensemble that protects from frag- training and breaching rounds. The XM25 mentation, blast overpressure, impact, heat incorporates full-solution target acquisi- and flame. To minimize weight and maxi- tion/fire control that integrates a thermal mize flexibility, fragmentation protection is sight, 2x direct-view optics, a laser range- provided at various levels specific to body finder, compass, fuze setter, ballistic com- regions, based on wounding potential. puter and internal display. Blast overpressure protection is provided The M4 5.56 mm Carbine increases the to the front of the thorax. Impact protection lethality and operational flexibility of the is provided to the head and spine. Heat soldier with a carbine-length version of the and flame protection are provided by resis- M16 rifle. Designed for lightness, speed, tant materials. The suit includes an ice- mobility and firepower, the M4 carbine re- based cooling system to extend mission places the M3 submachine gun, select M9 duration. A hand-protection module pro- pistols and M16 rifles for operators who vides increased protection. The system can require a more compact weapon system. be taken off in less than 30 seconds. All bal- The weapon allows mounting of the latest listic inserts are removable to facilitate generation of fire-control accessories with- laundering and repair. The system is equipped with provisions that allow for fu- ture communications, performance and ca- pability upgrades.

Project Manager Soldier Weapons Project Manager Solder Weapons (PM SW) ensures that soldiers have overmatch in individual and crew-served weapons M4 5.56 mm Carbine

October 2010 I ARMY 371 out tools as well as the M26 shotgun. More commercial off-the-shelf, countersniper, drop compensated reticle, provides accu- than 93 percent of soldiers rate the M4 as semiautomatic weapon. It can complete rate target engagements out to 800 meters an effective weapons system in postcom- missions out to 2,000 meters that cannot be for trained operators. bat surveys. The weapon incorporates accomplished with current sniper rifles. Product Manager Crew Served Weapons more than 62 refinements developed since The M107 improves sniper survivability Product Manager Crew Served Weapons its inception. by precisely engaging high-value targets (PM CSW) is responsible for current and The M16A2/A4 Series 5.56 mm Rifle is with greater firepower at long standoff future light and heavy machine guns, the most prevalent combat rifle in the ranges. grenade launchers, related target-acquisi- Army inventory. It is a gas-operated, air- The M110 Semiautomatic Sniper Sys- tion/fire-control products and remote cooled, shoulder-fired weapon that can be tem (SASS) is the U.S. Army’s latest weapons systems. fired either in automatic three-round medium-caliber sniper rifle that supple- The XM153 Common Remotely Oper- bursts or semiautomatic single shots. The ments the sniper’s role to support combat ated Weapon Station (CROWS) provides M16A2 has an integral rear sight, while the operations with greater firepower and ver- soldiers with the ability to acquire and en- M16A4 includes a mil-standard 1913 up- satility. The 7.62 mm SASS brings a semi- gage targets while protected inside an ar- per receiver and forward rail system with automatic capability to sniper teams and is mored vehicle. CROWS is a stabilized a backup iron sight. Both systems can ac- particularly effective in urban areas where mount that contains a sensor suite and commodate modern optics and accessories there are multiple targets and frequent fire-control software, allowing on-the- as well as configurations that incorporate close-combat situations. The M110 comes move target acquisition and first-burst tar- M203 and M320 40 mm grenade launchers. with a suppressor and incorporates a get engagement. Capable of target engage- The M320 Grenade Launcher enables 3.5x10 scope with illuminated mil-reticle. ment under day and night conditions, the soldiers to accurately engage the enemy in It also comes with the M151 Enhanced CROWS sensor suite includes a daytime daylight or total darkness with 40 mm low- Spotting Scope, which allows recognition video camera, thermal camera and laser velocity grenades. The M320 will replace all and identification of targets at long dis- rangefinder. CROWS is designed to mount M203 series grenade launchers mounted on tances. With powerful and bright optics, on any tactical vehicle and supports the the M16/M4 series of rifles and carbines. the spotting scope has 12-40x magnifica- MK19 grenade machine gun, .50-caliber The weapon has a side-loading unrestricted tion with a 60 mm objective lens diameter. M2 machine gun, M240B machine gun and breech that allows the system to fire longer The scope has a Leupold mil dot (round M249 squad automatic weapon. 40 mm projectiles (NATO standard and non- dot) reticle for both range estimation and The MK19 40 mm Grenade Machine tactical collaboration with the shooter. The Gun (GMG) is an air-cooled, belt-fed, blow- scope is weatherproof and fog-proof. back-operated, fully automatic weapon sys- The M14 7.62 mm Enhanced Battle Ri- tem. It has a maximum effective range of fle (EBR) provides infantry squads with the capability to engage enemy targets be- yond the range of M4 carbines and M16 ri- fles. The weapon is air-cooled, gas-oper- ated and magazine-fed. It is a modern M14 rifle mated to an enhanced aluminum bil- let stock, tactical scope and cantilever mount. The rifle is effective in close-quar- ters combat and in the squad designated marksman role. The M9 9 mm Pistol enhances lethality, survivability and situational awareness in close-combat situations via an improved pistol with rail-attachment capabilities. The weapon is a semiautomatic, double- M320 Grenade launcher action pistol that is lighter, more lethal and MK19 40 mm Grenade machine gun (GMG) safer than its predecessors. It is the pri- standard) and also features the enhanced mary sidearm of crew-served weapon 2,200 meters for area targets and 1,500 me- safety of a double-action trigger/firing crew members and others who have a per- ters for point targets. It fires standard high- system. The M320 can also be converted to sonal defense requirement, such as law-en- velocity 40 mm grenade cartridges, includ- stand-alone mode without the need of tools. forcement personnel, unit leaders and avi- ing M383 high-explosive antipersonnel The M26 12-Gauge Modular Accessory ators. rounds, high-explosive dual-purpose (an- Shotgun System (MASS) provides sol- The M68 Close Combat Optic (CCO) is tipersonnel and armor-piercing) rounds and diers with a 12-gauge shotgun accessory a red-dot aiming device that enhances tar- training practice rounds. The MK19 sup- attachment with lethal, less-than-lethal get acquisition speed, allowing soldiers to ports the soldier in offensive and defensive and door-breaching capabilities. The sys- engage targets up to 300 meters with both roles by delivering a heavy volume of accu- tem attaches underneath the barrel of the eyes open to maintain situational aware- rate and continuous firepower against en- M4 carbine and provides a capability ness. The sight has no magnification and emy personnel and lightly armored vehi- equivalent to a stand-alone shotgun with- can be used with all current night-vision cles. It can be mounted on a tripod or on out carrying a second weapon. The M26 enhancements. multiple vehicle platforms and is the pri- can also be converted without tools to op- The M150 Rifle Combat Optic (RCO) is mary suppressive weapon for combat sup- erate in a stand-alone mode. a rugged, battery free, 4x magnified optic port and combat service support units. The M107 Semiautomatic Long-Range that provides full mission profile optical The M2 .50-Caliber Machine Gun is an Sniper Rifle (LRSR) is a .50-caliber rifle capability for use on M4/M16/M249 weap- automatic, belt-fed, recoil-operated and that employs greater destructive force than on systems. Enhanced capabilities pro- air-cooled weapon system that has been in other U.S. sniper rifles against light ma- vided by the M150 RCO include range es- service since the 1920s. It mounts on the teriel and personnel targets. The LRSR is a timation, which, along with the bullet M3 tripod and on most vehicles, while also

372 ARMY I October 2010 serving as an antipersonnel and antiair- M249 Squad automatic weapon (SAW) craft weapon. It is highly effective against light armored vehicles, low- and slow-fly- ing aircraft, and small boats. The M2 pro- vides automatic weapon suppressive fire for offensive and defensive purposes. The weapon meets all of the reliability and op- M2E2 quick-change barrel (QCB) kit cur- erational characteristics of the M240B. It is rently in development will enhance the M2 rugged and reliable and has a minimum with new features and design improve- 50,000-round receiver life. ments that make the weapon easier and The M240H 7.62 mm Machine Gun safer to use, including fixed headspace (Aviation Version) is designed for aviation and timing, flash hider that reduces muz- The M240B 7.62 mm Medium Machine application and demonstrates reliability zle flash, and quick-change barrel with re- Gun is a ground-mounted, gas-operated, equal to that of the M240B. It delivers two movable carrying handle. crew-served machine gun. The M240B de- minutes of continuous suppressive fire The XM806 Lightweight .50-Caliber livers more energy to the target than the and is removable for use in a ground role. Machine Gun is a lightweight variant of smaller caliber M249 SAW. The cyclic rate is It replaces the M60D machine gun for the the M2 .50-caliber machine gun. Weighing 550 to 650 rounds per minute, and the UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook less than 70 pounds with tripod, the XM806 weapon’s maximum effective range against helicopters as part of their defensive arma- weighs approximately half as much as a area targets is 1,800 meters. It comes with ment systems. similarly configured M2 and reduces the re- an accessory rail integrated with the top The M249 5.56 mm Squad Automatic coil by at least 60 percent. This lighter cover that is used to attach sighting devices. Weapon (SAW) serves as an automatic ri- weight permits easy dismount and ground It is issued to infantry, armor, field artillery fle and light machine gun for infantry transportability when necessary, and the re- and combat engineer units that require squads, as well as providing light ma- duced recoil permits the mounting of an medium-support fire. chine-gun capabilities in combat service optic for greater lethality through increased The M240L 7.62 mm Medium Machine and combat service support units. The first-burst accuracy and control. The XM806 Gun (Light) reduces the weight of the ex- M249 SAW is a lightweight, air-cooled, can fire all of the .50-caliber ammunition in isting M240B without compromising relia- belt-fed 5.56 mm weapon with fixed head- the current inventory and is capable of de- bility. The M240L incorporates titanium space and a quick-change barrel. The weap- feating personnel and lightly armored tar- construction and alternative manufactur- on can be fired from the shoulder, bipod/ gets out to 2,000 meters. It is designed to ing methods to achieve its weight savings. tripod-mounted or vehicle-mounted posi- augment the M2 .50-caliber machine gun These improvements reduce the soldier’s tions. It replaced the M16 rifle in the desig- but can also be used to replace the M2 in se- combat load while allowing easier han- nated automatic rifle role and the M60 ma- lect operational locations. dling and movement of the weapon. The chine gun in the light machine-gun role.

October 2010 I ARMY 373