nation-free, environmentally controlled tive particles. The SCPE is an inflatable erations. Modernization is providing our working area for medical, combat service shelter which allows personnel to perform soldiers and leaders with cutting-edge and combat service support personnel to duties without wearing individual protec- technology and capabilities to fight the obtain relief from the need to continuously tion equipment. It can be used as a com- wars we are in today while simultaneously wear chemical-biological individual pro- mand, control, communication and intelli- preparing for future complex, dynamic tective clothing. Medical equipment and gence shelter or as a soldier rest-and-relief threats. The Army is improving capabili- crew gear are transported inside the LMS facility. ties in intelligence, surveillance and recon- and additional medical equipment is car- naissance; information sharing; and sol- ried on a towed high-mobility trailer. Information Systems dier protection to give our soldiers an An engineering change (EC) is being im- The Joint Warning and Reporting Net- unparalleled awareness of their opera- plemented to replace the hydraulic pow- work (JWARN) is based on a commercial tional environment, increased precision ered environmental support systems off-the-shelf software package developed and lethality, and enhanced survivability. (Model 1) components and eliminate the by Bruhn New Tech. JWARN hazard pre- The Army is addressing the capability need to use the Humvee engine. The EC diction warning and reporting procedures gaps in our current force by accelerating will incorporate a self-powered electro- for NBC attacks are based on standard delivery of advanced capabilities to all 73 mechanical environmental support system NATO A llied Technical Publication (ATP)-45 Army brigade combat teams (BCTs). Much (Model 2). A contract option has been exer- procedures. JWARN was designed to al- of this technology was derived from the cised to procure 26 CBPS (Model 2) sys- low warfighters to determine and display Future Combat Systems (FCS) program; tems. NBC hazard areas resulting from the use however, the Army is not limiting this new Chemically Protected Deployable Med- of NBC weapon systems and dissemina- modernization approach to technology ical Support (CP DEPMEDS) is a con- tion devices. JWARN has the ability to pro- only from that program’s efforts. As tainerized set that provides Army DEP- vide hazard estimates of onset times and needed capabilities mature, they will be MEDS combat support hospitals with a ca- duration of hazard. JWARN also provides fielded in an incremental manner accord- pability to sustain operations in an NBC database management to store information ing to which BCTs need them the most. environment. used to warn units and can generate the The Army conducted intensive reviews This modular system integrates environ- standard ATP-45 message set and over- of its acquisition programs, capabilities mentally controlled collective protection lays. The program operates in exercise and gaps, and warfighter requirements to de- elements into the hospital to reduce casu- operational modes. velop a strategy to balance the force and alties and enhance combat effectiveness. modernize for the future. The Army, work- CP DEPMEDS uses M28 collective protec- ARMY BRIGADE COMBAT ing with the Joint Staff and the Office of tion equipment, power, waste and latrine TEAM MODERNIZATION the Secretary of Defense, has developed a management assets to provide an ex- strategy and associated budget for up- tended hospital capability. The Army’s modernization efforts are grading and modernizing the force while The M20A1 Simplified Collective Pro- specifically designed to enhance and bal- allowing the Army to remain agile and tection Equipment (SCPE) provides a ance land force qualities by empowering globally responsive. The tough choices clean-air shelter for use against chemical soldiers with the decisive advantage that resulted from this series of meetings and biological warfare agents and radioac- across the continuum of full spectrum op- provide an acquisition strategy that will enable the Army to balance between to- day's fight and future capability require- ments while remaining adaptive to change. Intelligence, surveillance and reconnais- sance are capabilities that brigade- and bat- talion-level combatant commanders have asked for most often, and they need these capabilities brought down to the company and platoon levels. BCTs are structured around how the unit will fight as a system and how soldiers are trained to do so. The Army arms and equips the BCT accord- ingly. The way the Army will now field these capabilities to the BCTs is in align- ment with the way the BCT is formed, trained and will eventually fight. Brigade sets of equipment that address these capa- bilities have emerged from the FCS effort, and the fielding of these sets of equipment has led to a change in the Army acquisition strategy. This modernization effort is no longer about fielding 15 future BCTs; instead, crit- ical technology and capability enhance- ments, which include network elements as well as a robust set of unmanned hard- ware and sensors, will be incrementally fielded to all Army BCTs, starting with the Infantry brigade combat teams (IBCTs). This fielding schedule will mean more “What was your favorite war?” equipment for more soldiers, faster.

394 ARMY I October 2009 Army Evaluation Task Force (AETF) systems all using different waveforms or these layers provide seamless delivery of The Army Evaluation Task Force (AETF) software, which, at times, makes commu- information. (5th Brigade, 1st Armored Division) is a nication difficult. With uniform radios and U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Com- software, the network under development The Network Integration Kit (B-Kit) mand tactical unit organized and struc- will enable true unified battle command. The B-Kit provides initial network con- tured to support the evaluation of mod- Soldiers at every echelon will be connected nectivity to transfer sensor and communi- ernization technologies. AETF is currently to the proper sensor data and communica- cation data to and from existing tactical testing/evaluating equipment, allowing tion relays to ensure proper battlespace sit- wheeled vehicles. The B-Kit consists of an soldier feedback to take place early in the uational awareness. The network is also integrated computer system hosting the development process. This helps our de- being tested and evaluated in a joint ser- communications and radio systems, lim- velopers make the adjustments that sol- vice operating environment to ensure the ited battle command and systems-of-sys- diers want and helps to mitigate potential ability to integrate communications with tems common operating environment soft- costly and timely changes that typically joint service agencies and with our allies. ware, and will be initially integrated onto occur late in the development cycle. AETF The network is being designed with five the Humvee platform. soldiers are currently training on equip- layers of protection and redundancy for ment to be used during the technical-field- nearly seamless data collection and trans- Common Controller (CC) test/limited-user-testing cycles. Equip- mission: sensor/platform layer, applica- The Common Controller (CC) serves as ment is also in the process of being reset tion layer, services layer, transport layer a controller for many different BCT un- and tested in field and laboratory settings and standards layer. These layers provide manned systems. Today the Army does to support these upcoming tests. diversity in waveform, frequency and en- not have a networked central control de- vironment to ensure there are multiple vice for various unmanned platforms and The Network paths to transport data. Each network is sensors within the BCT. Still in develop- The network is a layered system of com- tailored to support the specific needs of ment, the CC will provide that capability puters and software, radios and sensors all the end users. Depending upon the com- and will be incrementally fielded to the interconnected within the BCT. The net- munication configuration, most users will BCTs as it technologically matures. work is essential to delivering unified bat- be provided with multiple layers of access. The CC consolidates control of numerous tle command and will be delivered to the Since full spectrum operating environ- systems into one integrated networked con- Army’s BCTs in increments. The first incre- ments are not forgiving, when a layer of troller, reducing the logistics footprint on ment is currently in testing and will be de- communication becomes unavailable to a the battlefield and empowering the soldier livered to the IBCTs in the form of network node (due to increased range, obstructions with enhanced intelligence, surveillance integration kits (B-Kits). and so on), the next best layer will be se- and reconnaissance capability. It will also Why is this network important? Cur- lected (with impacts on performance) to simplify training. The CC controls the Class rently, there are many radio and computer support the node’s connectivity. Together, I unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the multi- functional utility/logistics and equipment XM501 Non-Line-of-Sight Launch development effort and is transitioning to (MULE) vehicle, the small unmanned System (NLOS-LS) a ground combat vehicle (GCV) platform ground vehicle (SUGV) and urban unat- The XM501 Non-Line-of-Sight Launch informed by seven years of lessons learned tended ground sensors (U-UGS). The CC System (NLOS-LS) consists of a platform- in combat. The networked GCV will offer will communicate via the network in Spi- independent container launch unit (CLU) superior survivability while embracing ral 2/3/4, and will perform selected train- with self-contained tactical fire-control state-of-the-art developments in mobility ing, logistics/maintenance, medical and electronics and software for remote and and power management functions. The other soldier functions. unmanned operations. Each CLU consists Army is conducting analysis of available of a computer and communications system alternatives and developing requirements Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS) and 15 precision attack missiles (PAM). The for the ground combat vehicle program. The Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS) NLOS-LS provides a rapidly deployable The objective is to field the vehicle system program is divided into two major sub- and network-linked precision-guided mu- within the next five to seven years. groups of sensing systems: AN/GSR-9 (V) 1 nitions launch capability that is currently Tactical-UGS (T-UGS), which includes intel- not available within the Army. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) ligence, surveillance and reconnaissance PAMs are modular, multimission, guided The XM156 Class I Unmanned Aerial (ISR)-UGS and chemical, radiological and missiles with two trajectories: a direct-fire or Vehicle (UAV) is a platoon-level asset that nuclear (CBRN)-UGS; and AN/GSR-10 (V) fast-attack trajectory, and a boost-glide tra- provides the dismounted soldier with re- 1 Urban-UGS (U-UGS), also known as mili- jectory. The missile receives target informa- connaissance, surveillance, and target ac- tary operations in urban terrain (MOUT) tion prior to launch and can receive and quisition (RSTA) and laser designation. To- advanced sensor system (UMASS). respond to target location updates during tal system weight, which includes the air The UGS are used to perform mission flight. PAM supports laser-designated, vehicle, a control device and ground sup- tasks such as perimeter defense, surveil- laser-anointed and autonomous operation port equipment, is less than 51 pounds lance, target acquisition and situational modes. The missiles are capable of transmit- and is backpackable in two custom modu- awareness, including chemical, radiologi- ting near-real-time information in the form lar lightweight load-carrying equipment- cal, nuclear and early warning. A UGS of target imagery prior to impact. PAMs are type carriers. field will include multimode sensors for designed to defeat high-payoff light and The air vehicle operates in open, rolling, target detection, location and classifica- heavy armored targets, either moving or complex and urban terrains with a vertical tion, and an imaging capability for target stationary. The NLOS-LS, which has also take-off and landing capability. It is inter- identification. The sensor field also in- successfully completed airdrops from a operable with select ground and air plat- cludes a gateway node to provide sensor C130, is part of Spin Out 1 and will provide forms and is controlled by mounted or fusion and a long-haul interoperable com- superior organic, non-line-of-sight fire capa- dismounted soldiers. The Class I uses au- munications capability for transmitting bility and support for airborne units, special tonomous flight and navigation, but it will target or situational awareness informa- operations forces, and dismounted and interact with the network and soldier to dy- tion to a remote operator or the common mounted soldiers in any field. namically update routes and target infor- operating picture through the JTRS Net- The NLOS-LS is part of early IBCT field- mation. It provides dedicated reconnais- work. ing and is in current evaluation by the sance support and early warning to the The U-UGS provide a low-cost, net- AETF. Successful PAM launches and CLU smallest echelons of the BCT in environ- work-enabled reporting system for situa- evaluations have recently taken place. ments not suited to larger assets. tional awareness and force protection in an NLOS-LS will be fielded to IBCTs and is The Class I system provides a hover- urban setting. U-UGS also enable residual being used by the U.S. Navy on its Littoral and-stare capability that is not currently protection for cleared areas of MOUT envi- Combat Ships. available in the Army UAV inventory for ronments. They are hand-employed by urban and route surveillance. The Class I soldiers or robotic vehicles either inside or Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) system also fills known gaps that exist in outside buildings and structures. The Army has shifted from the Future force operations such as force protection in U-UGS support BCT operations by moni- Combat Systems’ manned ground vehicle counterinsurgency (COIN) operations, sol- toring urban choke points such as corridors and stairwells as well as sewers, culverts and tunnels. U-UGS gateways provide ur- ban situational awareness data, interfaced to JTRS networks. Soldiers involved in the testing of UGS have provided invaluable feedback, which was incorporated into new versions (form factors) that are now in final development and fielding. Both urban and tactical UGS are part of early IBCT fielding and are in current eval- uation by the Army Evaluation Task Force (AETF). They will be fielded to IBCTs starting in 2011. As additional sensor capa- bilities mature, they will be added during future incremental BCT fielding.

Unattended ground sensors (UGS)

396 ARMY I October 2009 design allows multiple payloads to be opment and will be incrementally fielded integrated in a plug-and-play fashion. to the Army’s BCTs. Weighing less than 30 pounds, it is capable The Countermine MULE Vehicle of carrying up to 6 pounds of payload (MULE-CM) (XM1218) will provide the weight. capability to detect, mark and neutralize The SUGV is part of early IBCT fielding antitank mines. The vehicle will be and is in current evaluation by the Army equipped with an integrated mine detec- Evaluation Task Force. As additional sen- tion mission equipment package from the sor capabilities mature, they will be added Ground Standoff Mine Detection System during future incremental SUGV fielding. (GSTAMIDS). The Multifunctional Utility/Logistics The ARV-A-L MULE Vehicle (XM1219) and Equipment (MULE) Vehicle is a 2.5- will feature an integrated weapons and ton UGV that will support dismounted RSTA package to support the dismounted and air assault operations. The MULE is soldiers’ efforts to locate and destroy en- sling-loadable under military rotorcraft emy platforms and positions. The ARV-A- and features a common chassis. As the L will support both antitank and antiper- program's centerpiece, the common mobil- sonnel weapons platforms that will be ity platform chassis provides superior mo- remotely operated by network-linked sol- bility built around an advanced propul- diers. sion and articulated suspension system. This system gives the MULE vehicle the Spin Out Early ability to negotiate complex terrain, obsta- Spin Out Early IBCT will provide en- cles and gaps, which dismounted BCT hanced warfighter capabilities to the cur- Class I unmanned aerial vehicle squads will likely encounter. rent force. The MULE’s unique, highly advanced Spin Out Early equipment provides en- dier protection in COIN environments, six-by-six independent articulated suspen- hanced situational awareness, force protec- joint urban operations abilities, enhanced sion, coupled with in-hub motors power- tion and lethality through the use of unat- ISR/RSTA capabilities, and hover-and- ing each wheel, provides extreme mobility tended and attended sensors and muni- stare operations. in complex terrain, far exceeding that of tions. In addition, the soldier is provided The Class I Block 0 UAV is part of early vehicles utilizing more conventional sus- improved communications through the B- IBCT fielding and is in current evaluation pension systems. It will climb at least a 1- Kit. by the Army Evaluation Task Force. As ad- ditional sensor capabilities mature, they will be added during future incremental Class I UAV fielding. The XM157 Class IV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has a range and endurance appropriate for brigade-level ISR missions. It supports the BCT commander with com- munications relay, long-endurance persis- tent stare and wide-area surveillance. Unique missions include dedicated manned and unmanned teaming with manned aviation; wideband communica- tions relay; and standoff chemical, biologi- cal, radiological, nuclear detection with onboard processing. In addition, the Class IV UAV has the payload to enhance the RSTA capabilities by cross-cueing multiple sensors. The Class IV can land without a dedi- cated air field. Development of this vehicle is shared with the Navy’s Fire Scout pro- Multifunctional utility/logistics and equipment (MULE) vehicle gram. meter step, far exceeding requirements, The Spin Out Early IBCT set will consist Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) and provides the vehicle with the mobility of the following systems: the Non-Line- The XM1216 Small Unmanned Ground performance and surefootedness required of-Sight Launch System (NLOS-LS), Urban Vehicle (SUGV) is a lightweight, soldier- to safely follow dismounted troops over and Tactical Unattended Ground Systems portable unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) rough terrain, through rock and debris (U/T UGS), Class 1 (Block 0) Unmanned capable of conducting military operations fields, and over urban rubble. This tech- Aerial System, and Small Unmanned in urban terrain, tunnels, sewers and caves. nology also allows the MULE to cross 1- Ground Vehicle (SUGV) Block 1. The Early The SUGV aids in the performance of ur- meter gaps, traverse side slopes greater IBCT systems will be fully integrated and ban intelligence, surveillance and recon- than 40 percent, ford water to depths over networked through a Spin Out Network naissance (ISR) missions, chemical/toxic 0.5 meters and pass over obstacles as high Integration Kit enabling the command and industrial chemicals (TIC), toxic industrial as 0.5 meters, while compensating for control of Spin Out systems, except for materials (TIM) and reconnaissance. varying payload weights and center-of- NLOS-LS, which is controlled through Ad- Working to minimize soldiers’ exposure gravity locations. vanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System directly to hazards, the SUGV's modular Today two MULE variants are in devel- systems. (

October 2009 I ARMY 397