SHOW DAILY EDITOR Michelle Tan [email protected]

SHOW DAILY EDITOR Michelle Tan Mtan@Militarytimes.Com

& RECAP SHOW AUSADAILY

AUSA 2018 IN REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ARMY'S BIGGEST SHOW #AUSA2018 ARMING THE WARFIGHTER IS OUR MISSION.

Northrop Grumman is the leading

provider of small-, medium- and

large-caliber ammunition to the

U.S. military. With thousands of

employees at the nation’s ammunition

facilities, we are dedicated to the mission

of arming the warﬁghter.

northropgrumman.com/ammunition

Retired Gen. Carter Ham speaks during the 2018 Association of the United States Army annual meeting.

SHOW DAILY EDITOR Michelle Tan [email protected]

EXECUTIVE EDITOR/DEFENSE NEWS Jill Aitoro [email protected]

EXECUTIVE EDITOR/MILITARY TIMES Andrew Tilghman [email protected]

MANAGING EDITOR/DEFENSE NEWS Chris Martin [email protected]

MANAGING EDITOR/ARMY TIMES Kathleen Curthoys [email protected]

SHOW DAILY STAFF WRITERS Joe Gould, [email protected] Valerie Insinna, [email protected] Karen Jowers, [email protected] Jen Judson, [email protected] David Larter, [email protected] Aaron Mehta, [email protected] Meghann Myers, [email protected] Mark Pomerleau, [email protected] Kyle Rempfer, [email protected] Shawn Snow, [email protected] Todd South, [email protected]

MULTIMEDIA, DESIGN & PRODUCTION AUSA 2018: Art Director, Philip Kightlinger Designers, Devan Feeney, Sarah-Catherine Smith Production Director, Deborah Stoken Production Manager, Mary Poston Video and Photo Editor, Ben Murray THE PRESIDENT'S REVIEW Multimedia Journalist/Producer, Jeff Martin BY GEN. CARTER F. HAM, USA RET. Multimedia Journalists, Jillian Angeline, Dustin Diaz, President and CEO, Association of the U.S. Army Alan Lessig, Rachel Rakoff, Daniel Woolfolk Multimedia Producer, John Bretschneider

Thanks to the more than 31,000 peo- We talked about operations, mod- processes, relentlessly hunt for the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BUSINESS ple who attended, this year’s Associa- ernization, future concepts and doc- talent they need, remove obstacles DEVELOPMENT AND SALES tion of the United States Army Annual trine, focusing on challenges for sol- from their path, and advocate and Jerry Foley, [email protected] Meeting and Exposition was extraor- diers of every component and their build momentum for them within the dinarily successful, one of the best in families. building, throughout the government, many years. We conducted professional forums on the Hill and throughout industry.” Higher attendance, more exhibits, for Army civilian workers. Finding the right people is import- over 80 participating nations, more We talked a lot about the partner- ant, the deputy defense secretary major weapons on display and more ship between the Army and industry, said. professional development forums and hosted a hiring fair for veterans “We need people who have success- SIGHTLINE MEDIA GROUP aimed at the widest of audiences con- and transitioning soldiers. fully given birth to something new, CHAIRMAN tributed to noticeable levels of energy One of the most important messages with the knowledge and experience to Michael A. Reinstein and enthusiasm on the exhibit floor we heard was the robust endorsement innovate, make decisions and execute PUBLISHER and throughout the Walter E. Wash- by Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick a successful program,” he said. David Steinhafel ington Convention Center in Washing- M. Shanahan of the Army’s modern- Calling for focus on output over CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER ton, D.C. ization efforts and the new U.S. Army process, Shanahan said the goal “is Doug Neiman There was a palpable buzz about the Futures Command. not about development of the per- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT, future of America’s Army. Urging Congress and the Defense fect weapons system. This is about Shawn Byers We were glad to be the hosts of this Department to fully embrace the delivering lethality to our soldiers as and many other events supporting reorganization, he encouraged the quickly as possible.” Headquarters: 1919 Gallows Road, Suite 400 the most powerful land force in the defense establishment to “integrate Vienna, Va. 22182

COVER PHOTO: SPC. ANDREW MCNEIL/ARMY; THIS PAGE: AUSA THIS PAGE: ANDREW MCNEIL/ARMY; SPC. PHOTO: COVER world. Army Futures Command into your See PRESIDENT Page 4

#AUSA2018 OCTOBER 2018 DEFENSE NEWS 3 & RECAP

PRESIDENT page 3 “The great thing about this confer- One Army for other reasons. ence is it helps us get a pulse on in- There was another important mes- It is the annual business meeting “The Army has more than a vision dustry and whether they understand sage. where we and the dedicated volun- and a strategy,” Shanahan said. “They us and where we are headed,” he said. At one of our nine contemporary teer leaders of our 123 chapters from have a plan and that plan gets better Gen. Mark A. Milley, at his fourth military forums, Command Sgt. Maj. around the globe meet to discuss how every day.” and final AUSA meeting as Army chief Michael A. Grinston of Forces Com- we can better accomplish our mis- of staff, had a similar message that re- mand made an important observation sions of being a voice for the Army ‘A renaissance’ form isn’t going to come easy or over- about the Total Army. and supporting our soldiers. Secretary of the Army Mark T. Esper, night but is essential. “We are never going to fight as one It is an exciting time for AUSA as making his first appearance at the “The key to future victory for us lays component,” he said. “We rarely fight our membership has grown from AUSA annual meeting in his current in modernization now,” he said. as one country.” about 75,000 at the 2017 annual meet- role, said the Army is at an important “Building our future forces is not a We at AUSA share that view. ing to more than 132,000 today. point in its history, which he called a weeklong, a monthlong or even a year- We are one Army and a global part- For the Army family, current and renaissance. long process,” the chief said. ner to other militaries. former soldiers, civilians and family “I am asking all of you to seize this By Milley’s count, the Army is al- We were also pleased that Home- members, and our many industry part- opportunity with us to embrace re- ready three years into a reform mis- land Security Secretary Kirstjen Niel- ners, the annual meeting also serves form,” Esper said. “Ten short years sion, and he’s a little worried about sen and Second Lady of the United as a family reunion. from now, in 2028, we will look back losing momentum. States Karen Pence spoke at our pro- We cherish the time to catch up with on this time as a pivotal moment for The Army is “on the mend after fessional forums, and that actor, hu- our friends and colleagues, and look our Army.” nearly two continuous decades of op- manitarian and musician Gary Sinise forward to seeing them again on Oct. There were other important messages. erations,” he said, but there may not and the Lt. Dan Band were on hand to 14, 2019, when we gather again in our It was heartening to hear Undersec- be a lot of time to be prepared for the perform a free concert for attendees. nation’s capital for the 2019 AUSA An- retary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy next major battle. “The faint clouds nual Meeting and Exposition. talk about the importance of our con- of a coming storm are visible on the Family reunion We look forward to seeing you ference to the Army. horizon.” Our annual meeting is important to us there! DN STAFF SGT. B. NICOLE MEJIA/ARMY B. SGT. STAFF

4 DEFENSE NEWS OCTOBER.2018 #AUSA2018 & RECAP 31,062 Visitors at AUSA 2018 84% 16% Civilian Military 9 82The number of foreign nations The number of Contemporary Military Forums hosted represented, with during the annual meeting with topics ranging from 3,929 total visitors. Multi-Domain Operations to Disruptive Threats.

1:37.76 The number of major The winning time for Capt. Peter 73 Doblar, the top finisher on the Battle weapons systems Challenge obstacle course. The fastest 724 finishing woman was Sgt. Casey exhibited. Lubiniecki, with a time of 3:04.42. CLOCKWISE: ARMY; SPC. P.J. SIQUIG/ARMY; ARMY; JOHN G. MARTINEZ/ARMY JOHN ARMY; SIQUIG/ARMY; SPC. P.J. ARMY; CLOCKWISE: Exhibits #AUSA2018 OCTOBER 2018 DEFENSE NEWS 5 & RECAP

The Army is pursuing virtual reality and simulated training environments in order to increase training opportunities for soldiers.

AROUND THE SHOW Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey kicked off the annual meeting at the Battle Challenge obstacle course.

The Warriors Corner featured discussions and presentations on several topics over the course of the three-day show. CLCOKWISE: MASTER SGT. ANDREW PORCH/ARMY; AUSA; STAFF SGT. B. NICOLE MEJIA/ARMY; MASTER SGT. ANDREW PORCH/ARMYA; DEVON L. SUITS/ ARMY ;MASTER SGT. ANDREW PORCH/ARMYA SGT. ARMY ;MASTER L. SUITS/ DEVON ANDREW PORCH/ARMYA; SGT. MASTER NICOLE MEJIA/ARMY; B. SGT. STAFF AUSA; ANDREW PORCH/ARMY; SGT. CLCOKWISE: MASTER

6 DEFENSE NEWS OCTOBER.2018 #AUSA2018 & RECAP

Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Army Secretary Mark Esper, Band performed a free concert left, checks out an exhibit on on Oct. 9. the show floor.

Soldiers participating in the opening ceremony march in the ballroom.

#AUSA2018 OCTOBER 2018 DEFENSE NEWS 7 & RECAP

Gen. Mike Murray, left, commander of the new The "pinks and greens" Army Futures Command, uniform made an appearance visits an exhibitor on the at this year's show. show floor.

The Army was out in full force at this year's AUSA annual meeting. CLCOKWISE: ARMY; JOHN G. MARTINEZ/ARMY; TAFF SGT. B. NICOLE MEJIA B. SGT. TAFF G. MARTINEZ/ARMY; JOHN ARMY; CLCOKWISE:

8 DEFENSE NEWS OCTOBER.2018 #AUSA2018 & RECAP NOTABLE QUOTES “AMID ALL THE HEADLINE NEWS, IT SEEMS LIKE WE HARDLY NOTICE WE ARE STILL A NATION AT WAR IN SOME PLACES, AND IN OTHERS, WE ARE PREVENTING WAR.” — Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, speaking two days after the 17th anniversary of the start of Operation Enduring Freedom

“IF THAT IS RUN BY A FLUX “YOU KNOW, LIEUTENANT, FAT CAPACITOR, HOVERS AND HAS A PEOPLE DON’T MAKE GOOD RAY GUN AND WE CAN MAKE IT SOLDIERS. ... THEY GET RUN AT A REASONABLE COST, THEMSELVES AND OTHERS WE’LL LOOK AT IT.” KILLED.” — Brig. Gen. Ross Coffman, director of the Next-Generation — Retired Lt. Gen. Sam Ebbessen, recalling the words of a Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team, on the Army’s master sergeant he worked with, when discussing a study that search for the future replacement for the M1 Abrams tank warns America’s obesity is threatening national security “WE’VE EXCEEDED THE “I HAVE TENS OF CAPACITY OF OUR THOUSANDS OF HOURS CIVILIAN COUNTERPARTS TO DO MOVING FOR OUR OF EXPERIENCE. I’VE SOLDIERS. IT’S NOT JUST MADE EVERY MISTAKE AN ARMY PROBLEM, IT’S THAT THEY’RE GOING A DEFENSE DEPARTMENT TO MAKE.” PROBLEM.” — Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan — Sergeant Major of the Army on the importance of putting experienced Dan Dailey, addressing concerns leaders in Army Futures Command about this year's brutal permanent change of station season CLOCKWISE: STEPHEN BARRETT FOR ARMY TIMES; STEPHEN BARRETT FOR ARMY TIMES; AMBER I. SMITH/DOD TIMES; ARMY FOR BARRETT TIMES; STEPHEN ARMY FOR BARRETT CLOCKWISE: STEPHEN

#AUSA2018 OCTOBER 2018 DEFENSE NEWS 9 & RECAP

Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan speaks at the Association of the United States Army annual meeting in Washington, D.C., Oct. 10.

said he believes Futures Command is We need a few more of the right folks in good hands under Gen. Mike Murray, to complement,” he said. describing the role of the Office of the Asked specifically about how the de- FUTURES COMMAND Secretary of Defense as supportive. partment was looking at Future Verti- “We’re not there to grade his paper. cal Lift, one of the six key focuses for We’re there to identify where there are Futures Command, Shanahan touched NEEDS EXPERIENCED risks and opportunities, then help him again on the idea that “experience has to go address them,” Shanahan said. a lot of value” for such complex pro- “People who are on the leadership grams, pointing to the kind of indi- LEADERS team have to have experience. People viduals who are buried inside the de- like myself, who’ve been involved with partment but have worked on multiple these kind of programs for 30 years, programs in the past. DEPUTY SECDEF SPEAKS AT it’s not that we’re smarter than any- “Those are the people who have all one else in the department,” Shanahan the experience and the knowledge. AUSA ANNUAL MEETING said. “I have tens of thousands of hours And they really need to be sitting with of experience. I’ve made every mistake these young colonels and brigadier BY AARON MEHTA that they’re going to make.” generals and other acquisition people [email protected] Below Murray, however, the depu- and helping them challenge their as- ty pointed to a lack of programmatic sumptions,” Shanahan said. The U.S. Army’s Futures Command is according to Deputy Secretary of De- expertise, as opposed to technical or “As we build out Futures Command, supposed to be a center of future capa- fense Patrick Shanahan. acquisition expertise, as a potential that’s the type of work that we’re going bilities and new thinking, but for that Speaking to reporters after a speech area to target when looking to hire to do, because we’re not going to do to flourish, a certain level of experi- at the annual Association of the Unit- new talent. miracles. We’re not going to put inven- enced leadership must remain in place, ed States Army conference, Shanahan “It’s not like we have the wrong folks. tions on the critical path,” he added. DN SGT. AMBER I. SMITH/ARMY AMBER I. SMITH/ARMY SGT.

10 DEFENSE NEWS OCTOBER.2018 #AUSA2018 & RECAP

An M1A2 Abrams tank fires during a combined arms live-fire exercise rehearsal Mohamed Naguib Military Base, near Alexandria, Egypt, on Sept. 17, 2018.

THE ARMY'S NEXT TANK MAY NOT BE A TANK AT ALL BY JEN JUDSON [email protected]

The Army’s future tank may not be a “We have to get away from these par- simply prevent it from being able to nition data link that will allow the tank tank, Brig. Gen. Ross Coffman, who is adigms that we created that decisive accommodate effective upgrades, the itself to talk to the new smart rounds it in charge of combat vehicle modern- lethality must come from a tank,” Coff- Abrams is going through an upgrade is fielding in order to optimize the ef- ization, told Defense News in an inter- man said. “It may be a tank in the end, program now. fect of those rounds. view at the Association of the United and that would be great, but we need The Army began accepting the M1A2 The variant rolling off the produc- States Army annual meeting. choices for our soldiers, so we can re- System Enhancement Package Version tion line essentially primes the pump While the M1 Abrams tank still has ally move into a position of lethal ad- 3 — or M1A2 SEP V3 — from General for the integration of future technolo- life in it yet, the Army is starting to be- vantage over the enemy.” Dynamics Land Systems a year ago. gy and improved lethality because of gin the thinking and planning process Coffman is spearheading that effort The service expects to begin fielding the new architecture and restoration for a future tank, “which is really ex- along with some more near-term plans the version in fiscal year 2020. of power to the vehicle. citing because it might not be a tank,” to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle The main intent of the upgrade is to The next round of upgrades — the Coffman said. “It is decisive lethality, with an Optionally Manned Fighting buy back size, weight, and power lost M1A2 SEP V4 — will fall in on the tail and what that decisive lethality is will Vehicle and bring online the Army’s during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan end of the M1A2 SEP V3 production be determined by academia, our sci- Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle and a as the Army focused on protective mea- and is focused on increasing the lethal- ence and technology community with- light tank called the Mobile Protected sures for the tank. The upgrade also in- ity of the system. The Army just award- in the Army, and industry.” Firepower system. cludes a modernized architecture. ed GDLS a contract over a year ago to The Army will choose a path in 2023 The one-star is in charge of the The modernized architecture al- develop the M1A2 SEP V4. on how it plans to replace the Abrams, Next-Generation Combat Vehicle lows for the inclusion of an ethernet The service will make a production and some of the ideas cropping up in Cross-Functional Team housed under connection that enhances processing decision in fiscal year 2023 and hopes discussions have been “everything the Army Futures Command, which is within the tank to accommodate an to field to the first brigade in 2025. from a ray gun to a Star Wars-like four- tasked with modernizing the force. updated fire control system that will The keystone technology is the in- legged creature that shoots lasers,” While the Bradley has a need for allow users to engage targets more corporation of the third generation Coffman said. “But the reality is that relatively immediate replacement be- quickly. Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) everything is on the table. cause of its power limitations that The Army is also installing an ammu- camera. DN SPC. JOVI PREVOT/ARMY PREVOT/ARMY SPC. JOVI

#AUSA2018 OCTOBER 2018 DEFENSE NEWS 11 & RECAP

A Stryker vehicle commander in a local training area interacts in VIRTUAL TRAINERS HEADED real time with the avatar of a soldier participating remotely from a collective TO ARMY, MARINE UNITS trainer. BY TODD SOUTH [email protected]

A new virtual marksmanship trainer But recent testing has put a four-sol- Right now, much of the virtual gog- It would make a secure, plug-and- for squads is headed to 26 Army lo- dier stack, wearing augmented reality gles require wiring and bulky power play virtual world in which units from cations early next year and will soon goggles, into room-clearing exercises sources that limit them to smaller in- squads to, some day, divisions or corps be followed by an early version of the at the “Tomato Factory,” an immersive door training areas like virtual studios commanders, could fight war at scale. squad immersive trainer. training facility at the Marine Corps’ or limited, room-clearing type exercis- Another effort that’s just as import- The squad advanced marksmanship Camp Pendleton, California. The gog- es. ant, Gervais said, is building recon- trainer is an immediate development gles allow troops to “see” augmented But both squad trainers and the figurable virtual trainers so that new that will feed into a complete overhaul items such as enemies, civilians or Heads Up Display, tactile assets that versions of vehicles, aircraft and other of how the Army and Marine Corps other characters and items in the re- low-level troops will see soon, are equipment can be quickly upgraded as combine the crush of new virtual and al-world environment. simply pieces of a large mosaic being the technology advances. augmented technologies with live Think Pokémon Go for close-quar- built by teams from the simulations Troops also need to have more ac- training events. ters battle. cross-functional team and Program cess to these trainers. At the Association of the United While a portable, lightweight device Executive Office Simulation, Training These types of trainers are only States Army’s annual meeting, Maj. that allows dismounted soldiers to and Instrumentation, as well as their available at a dozen locations, mostly Gen. Maria Gervais, who serves both move around a real/virtual combined Marine Corps counterparts. major installations or mission training as the director of the Army’s Synthetic battlespace is still the goal, the early The main objective in the near term complexes. Training Environments Cross-Func- version due next year will be a more is bringing One World Terrain to real- That means that units have very lit- tional Team and deputy commanding static station where soldiers link up ity. tle time on the simulators. New tech general of the Combined Arms Cen- and respond to scenarios presented to Right now, developers have 57 dif- should allow infantry squads, helicop- ter-Training, laid out some immediate them, Gervais said. ferent terrain formats for their virtual ter pilots or brigades to run exercises hits on the virtual training front while To make these trainers even more trainers. At times simply getting ter- virtually at home station. also talking about long-term goals for realistic, the Heads Up Display 3.0 rains matched up and having a variety The Heads Up Display, One World the programs. is under development and expected of systems talking with each other can Terrain, virtual trainers and software The squad immersive trainer has to be operating by late 2020 or early take longer than the actual exercise were used and evaluated by soldiers, been a concept the Army’s pursued 2021. That will lighten the hardware being planned. Marines and software engineers back since at least 2009, but much of the load on soldiers and allow for kits that But One World Terrain would give in March. Feedback from that event is hardware and software needed to can be taken to the field and incorpo- troops a unified, synchronized playing helping designers rework the items for make it a reality simply didn’t exist at rated in both training and real-world field, something akin to Google Earth another troop eval this coming March, the time, Gervais told the audience. scenarios. for warfighting. Gervais said. DN ARMY

12 DEFENSE NEWS OCTOBER.2018 #AUSA2018 & RECAP

Paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division recently airdrop tested the Family Weapons Sights-Individual, a combination night vision, thermal and targeting acquisition system for small ADVANCED arms. NIGHT-VISION GOGGLE ON ITS WAY TO SOLDIERS BY TODD SOUTH [email protected]

An as-yet identified unit will be the first will be fielded to Army units starting night vision being sported by soldiers School commandant, shared results of to field an advanced, binocular night vi- next fall and through 2021. now, the key change is the Rapid Tar- recent ENVG-B testing on the range. sion goggle that incorporates day/night The specific unit to first receive the geting Acquisition feature. Shooters using the ENVG-B saw 100 optics and thermal and targeting capa- new goggle has not been identified, but This is a wireless connection be- percent improvement with M4 carbine bilities, all in one package, by this time it will be a close combat-focused unit, tween the soldier’s weapon and the qualification, 300 percent improvement next year. likely infantry or cavalry scouts. vision device that allows the shooter on detecting targets, and a 30 percent Speaking at the Association of the The Marine Corps is scheduled to to line up the target via the weapon to 50 percent decrease in time to em- United States Army’s annual meeting, receive 3,100 systems over that same sight camera. Soldiers can shoot from ploy their weapon. three leaders tied closely to work on period, Potts said. the hip, around corners and in other Previous estimates about fielding the improving soldier lethality shared de- But first, in the coming months, some novel ways not available with current device suggested fielding was more tails of the goggle’s development and Army units will get an immediate up- systems. than three years away. Part of the rea- timelines. grade with the ENVG-III, which has And early data is proving promising, son fielding has been sped up is the Brig. Gen. Anthony Potts, who leads some of the same capabilities but in a officials said. additional funding and top leader pri- Program Executive Office Soldier, said monocular setup. Brig. Gen. Dave Hodne, direc- oritization of the program, which offi- that 10,000 pairs of the Enhanced Night While the day/night optic and thermal tor of the Army’s Soldier Lethality cials say makes an immediate impact Vision Goggle-Binocular, or ENVG-B, vision is an advance over much of the Cross-Functional Team and Infantry in marksmanship and lethality. DN NEW, LIGHTER HELMET OFFERS GREATER PROTECTION BY TODD SOUTH [email protected]

A new helmet by 3M offers high-level for both military and law enforcement cause standard bolts put into the helmet protection and lightweight durability applications. shell for items such as night vision devic- similar to the helmets worn by special The Ultra-Light Weight helmet comes es can weaken the structure and lessen operations troops. in at 1.73 pounds but only offers protec- the protection. The Minnesota-based company un- tion for 17 grain, .22 caliber projectiles at The Air Force Test Parachute Program veiled the new ballistic helmet F70 at the 2,200 feet per second. performed an evaluation of the 3M Bal- Association of the United States Army’s The F70 protects against those size listic Helmet F70 and determined it to annual meeting. projectiles at higher velocities as well be suitable for Air Force static line and The F70 comes in both high- and as against 9mm-sized projectiles at 1,400 military free fall operations, according to mid-cut versions. Each offers more pro- feet per second. a 3M release. tection than the company’s Ultra-Light The legacy Combat II helmet does offer Each F70 helmet comes with reverse Weight Ballistic Bump Helmet but also more protection, up to projectiles in the dovetail rails that accept common in- can be used as a lighter, modular option 7.62mm range, but it comes at a heavier dustry accessories. Optional accessories to the heavier Combat II Ballistic Helmet. weight, 3.31 pounds. designed for the helmet include ballistic Terry Griffith, defense business manag- The F70 weighs just 2.21 pounds for mandibles, visors, helmet covers, over er for 3M, told Army Times that there’s the high rise and 2.44 pounds on the mid- ear ballistic protection and counter- been more than a year’s development on rise version. weights. Also, the helmet works with 3M This new helmet gives soldiers the current version, and the company is And, Griffith noted, the “no thru-hole” PELTOR communications and hearing more options and greater already taking orders. The helmet works design maintains better protection be- protection solutions. DN CHRIS O’LEARY/ARMY; COURTESY PHOTO VIA 3M PHOTO COURTESY CHRIS O’LEARY/ARMY; protection at a lighter weight

#AUSA2018 OCTOBER 2018 DEFENSE NEWS 13 & RECAP KEY UPGRADES ON THE WAY FOR THIS 7.62MM

MACHINE GUN The newest model of the Mk 48 machine gun includes an adjustable buttstock and BY TODD SOUTH cheek weld along with other features [email protected]

An upgraded version of the mainstay The new version has a buttstock ad- In addition, feed claws on the feed to better hold it up vertically when of machine gun power in the Army’s justable to five settings that can short- tray were added to eliminate the age- loading so it doesn’t smack down on dismounted formations just got a few en down for transport and quickly push old belt-fed ammo problem of the first the shooter, especially when holding new tweaks. out for the right fit. round not seating and then not firing, a heavier optics. The FN Mk 48 Mod 2 was on display It has a wheel adjuster rather than problem that required another cycling The machine gun now includes 3-, 6-, at the Association of the United States the push-button style on the M4 car- to get going. and 9-inch rails for mounting lasers, Army’s annual meeting. bine. The gun also got a new charging han- range finders or a vertical grip. The Mk 48 itself was a project begun That buttstock also has an adjustable dle that has a release button to give A double notch sear adds another in 2002 to find ways to improve the Ar- cheek weld or comb to give the shooter it more purchase when racking, and safety layer to help prevent a “runaway my’s 7.62mm M240 machine gun. a better eye level for optics use. FN has beefed up the feed tray cover gun scenario.” DN THIS OPTIC GUARANTEES 'ONE SHOT, ONE KILL' — IS IT TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? BY KYLE REMPFER [email protected]

Israeli defense firm Smart Shooter fatigued,” said Nir Kaveh, Smart Shoot- showcased a new optical device for as- er’s marketing director. The SMASH fire control optic helps sault rifles that the company said virtu- “What we promise here is that al- dismounted infantry eliminate small ally guarantees rounds on target. most every bullet will be on target, by aerial drone threats and revolutionizes SMASH 2000 Plus is a ruggedized controlling the exact moment when small arms combat, according to the optical device that can be placed on the bullet is released,” Mazor added. system’s manufacturer. a wide range of legacy small arms, in- “So, if you’re not on target, you won’t cluding the M4 carbine. be able to fire.” The system works by tracking poten- In essence, the system adds digital SMASH 2000 Plus is the latest variant U.S. special operations forces and other tial ground and aerial drone targets us- precision to rifles and ammunition al- of the SMASH system. The new vari- military agencies, the company said. ing a day or night mode with a tradition- ready fielded to troops. ation is specifically designed to also The platform is also undergoing test- al red dot sight picture. Once found, it While the system is designed for the lock, track and accurately hit fast and ing with the Australian Defence Force, works out a firing solution even as a rigors of close-quarters combat, it’s maneuverable tactical drones during as a combined effort with Thales Aus- soldier’s natural breathing and fatigue also able to quickly revert back to free- the day and at night. tralia as part of the Australian Army’s draws his aim off target. All a soldier fire mode through the click of a button. “Drones are increasingly used by in- F-90 assault rifle upgrade program. has to do is hold the trigger down. During one trial, Kaveh said, the com- surgents to improve their situational Also of note, the SMASH system pro- When the solution is calibrated, the pany took a group of Israeli soldiers awareness and even drop bombs on vides an optional video recording func- round is let loose, hitting the target and and drastically increased the propor- patrols,” Michal Mor, CEO of Smart tion of engagements for training or af- nothing else, Smart Shooter officials tion of rounds on target. Shooter, said in a company release. ter-action debrief and analysis. Like all told Army Times at the Association of Indeed, SMASH 2000 has been in use “Their [drones’] small size and speed optics, it still needs to be “zeroed in” to the United States Army’s annual con- by the Israel Defense Forces since ear- make them hard for a normal shooter the rifle on which it’s mounted. ference in Washington, D.C. lier this year, according to the compa- to tackle effectively, but SMASH makes The company also offers a SMASH “The human factor is the main reason ny. However, Kaveh wasn’t allowed to it easy, denying enemy forces those ad- 2000M with a 4x increase in magnifi- soldiers and policemen miss the target specify which units and where the sys- vantages,” she added. cation, as well as a SMASH 2000N with

... because they are under stress and tem was being fielded. SMASH has been successfully tested by enhanced night capabilities. DN SHOOTER WARMER/SMART VIA FN; FRED PHOTO COURTESY

14 DEFENSE NEWS OCTOBER.2018 #AUSA2018 & RECAP WHAT THE ARMY NEEDS TO HELP GPS-DENIED TROOPS HAS THE SERVICE FINALLY FIGURED IT OUT? BY MARK POMERLEAU mpomerleau@c4isrnet.com The Army is nearing the finalization of to come up with a system-of-systems its first set of requirements for a vehi- approach for the entire Army that end- cle-based assured position, navigation ed up being too big and too expensive. and timing solution. Now, the approach is to break off The Army has finalized The six- to seven-page capabilities smaller chunks to be more manage- requirements for a mounted requirements document is awaiting sig- able. This includes a mounted require- position, navigation and natures from Army leadership, said Wil- ment, which is completed and awaiting timing solution in GPS- lie Nelson, director of the assured-PNT signature, a dismounted requirement, degraded environments. cross-functional team, at the Associa- which is also nearly complete, as well tion of the United States Army annual as others. igation and timing sectors as opposed areas. We’re all ears,” he said. meeting in Washington, D.C. The program managers are now us- to only something that addresses all of The Army is planning an industry Nelson described this feat as a some- ing rapid equipping contracting vehi- the above. day in Austin, Texas, for February or what watershed moment for the Army cles to get after solutions in this space “I break it down because I think ev- March where it plans to provide in- because the service has been trying for immediately. erybody has an area within that. May- dustry with technical and program years to complete a requirements doc- Nelson also said the plan for engag- be you’ve got a specialty area where of record roadmaps in the mounted, ument. ing industry is to ask for specific solu- you’ve got a unique or innovative ca- dismounted and aerial spheres of the Previously, the approach was trying tions within each of the position, nav- pability that can help in one of these assured-PNT realm. DN ARMY'S NEW INTEL, EW PLATFORM GETS HELP FROM INDUSTRY BY MARK POMERLEAU [email protected]

The Virginia-based IT and services for work on the new system. ing to leverage exercises and experi- company CACI is helping the Army Company leaders hope the Army’s mentation to inform this process. reduce risk on a major new platform program office and the requirements The more the Army can learn about that combines signals intelligence generators can figure out how to best the concepts of operation and how and electronic warfare. use these capabilities. to deploy these systems with tactical The Terrestrial Layer System, CACI’s demonstrator platform units, the more of those lessons they or TLS, is considered by some combines SIGINT, EW and cyber in can incorporate into final require- high-ranking Army officials to be a one vehicle. ments documents, he added. critical capability. The initial capabilities and require- “Our intent is to shorten the time- The system will provide a much-need- ments paperwork for TLS has been fi- frame that it takes to get this capabil- ed jamming capability that aims to re- nalized, with follow-on requirements ity out because we’re not advancing store electronic warfare capability back documentation still in the works. the state of the art, it’s really just an into units for one of the first times since According to an Army spokeswom- integration of things that exist today the Cold War and aims to offset Russia’s an, the service is awaiting analysis of that just have never been put togeth- highly sophisticated electronic warfare a variety of efforts prior to writing fi- er before,” Parker said. DN capabilities. nal capability documents and intends Jerry Parker, senior vice president to generate them over the next six to Sgt. Jessie Albert, an electronic of C4ISR and electronic warfare at nine months. warfare specialist with 3rd CACI, said Oct. 10 at the Association Parker said he expects the Army Brigade Combat Team, 25th of the United States Army annual won’t get its initial funds to test the Infantry Division, trains on the meeting that the company is using new system until 2020. Wolfhound Radio Direction Finding its Tactical RF Exploitation Vehicle, As the Army continues to refine the System at Schofield Barracks,

TECH. SGT. CHRISTOPHER MARASKY/AIR FORCE; STAFF SGT. ARMANDO R. LIMON/ARMY ARMANDO SGT. STAFF FORCE; MARASKY/AIR CHRISTOPHER TECH. SGT. which is funded through the Army, concept and requirements, it is look- Hawaii, on April 11, 2018.

#AUSA2018 OCTOBER 2018 DEFENSE NEWS 15 PAID ADVERTISEMENT Northrop Grumman is the Proud Operator of the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant

Northrop Grumman’s continued investments at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant are focused on modernization efforts to increase production, quality and plant safety.

For more than 75 years, members modernization efforts have increased of the U.S. Armed Forces and its allies production capacity ultimately ensuring have depended on the quality and we meet our operational demands. reliability of small-caliber ammunition During our tenure as the operator manufactured at the Lake City Army of the Lake City facility, through our Ammunition Plant in Independence, own efforts and in partnership with the Missouri, to defend freedom around U.S. Government, we have improved the globe. capacity and equipment by increas- Since 2000, we have produced more ing production by roughly 400%, while than 20 billion rounds of reliable, high- investing over $200M into the facility. quality, small-caliber ammunition for the As a leader in aerospace and defense U.S. Department of Defense, a testa- technologies, Northrop Grumman ment to Northrop Grumman’s commit- maintains the critical skills, personnel ment to arming the warfighter. and technical manufacturing capabili- We fully support the U.S. Army’s ties essential to enable the Lake City mission of readiness, and are continually facility to deliver high-quality, small- taking steps to minimize risks. Northrop caliber ammunition from development Grumman’s focus on safety, quality and to production.

“We at Northrop Grumman are unwavering in our commitment to ensure the U.S. Army’s state of readiness for today and tomorrow, with the highest quality ammunition for our soldiers.”

PAID ADVERTISEMENT