Download or read book Improving the Future of the Army s Future Combat Systems Program written by and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page 67 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Future Combat Systems (FCS) program is the U.S. Army's ambitious attempt to modernize its forces in a systematic way, so that everything interoperates properly. This "system of systems" approach contrasts with the "stove-pipe" solutions of the past in which individual systems were designed to meet specific requirements, but with much less thought about how they would interact in the overall force. The "stove-pipe" approach has worked well enough in the past because the self-contained requirements were more important than how well a platform could interact with other platforms. But as we move further in the digital age where information superiority and speed of action are such key enablers of the force, it has become increasingly critical to tie the entire force together. The Army has gambled that the best way to do this is to design the future force holistically, fielding a sum that is greater than its parts. However, the enormity of the task was not originally apparent to its designers. This fact is becoming increasingly clear to Congress as the Army has been forced to increase funding requests and extend timelines several times. In reaction, Congress is considering a number of actions including the cancellation of the program. This paper examines the status of the FCS program and provides several recommendations on how the FCS program office could reduce risk while still bringing critical new technology to the U.S. Army in a timely manner.
Download or read book Lessons from the Army s Future Combat Systems Program written by Christopher G. Pernin and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Defense Acquisitions the Army s Future Combat Systems Features Risks and Alternatives written by Paul L. Francis and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 2008-12 with total page 27 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: To become a more responsive and dominant combat force, the U.S. Army is changing its strategy from bigger and stronger weapons to faster and more agile ones. The Future Combat Systems (FCS) -- which the Army calls the ¿greatest technology and integration challenge ever undertaken¿ -- is expected to meet the Army¿s transformational objectives. For FCS¿ first developmental increment, the Army has set aside a 5-1/2-year timetable from program start (May 2003) until the initial production decision (Nov. 2008). This testimony is about FCS¿ key features, whether the program carries any risks, and, if so, whether there are alternatives for developing FCS capabilities with fewer risks. Illustrations.
Download or read book Defense Acquisitions written by Paul L. Francis and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 2008-07 with total page 43 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Army¿s Future Combat System (FCS) requires a software-based advanced information network to meld people, sensors, and weapons into a cohesive fighting force. As software controls 95% of FCS¿s functionality, it determines the success or failure of the program. The Army contracted with the Boeing Co. as a lead systems integrator to define, develop and integrate FCS, including software development. This report addresses risks facing the development of network and software, the practices being used to manage software, and the timing of key network demonstrations. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.
Download or read book Future Combat Systems written by Michael B. Glenn and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 30 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The current Army modernization strategy is at risk due to increasing pressures to cut investments in Future Combat Systems (FCS). The Army faces an age-old dilemma: arriving at the right investment balance between current demands and relevant future forces. Although the Army firmly intends to avoid sacrificing future capabilities in order to fund near-term operations, the strategy to accomplish this balance is failing. Widely criticized as an unsustainable strategy, the FCS program is at the center of the current debate. This SRP explains why FCS, the centerpiece of Army modernization, is placing this strategy at risk. The Army's failure to effectively communicate its strategic goal is a big part of the story. How, then, should the Army improve its communications plan in order to assure full support for FCS? The SRP attempts to answer this question by projecting FCS beyond its performance as an acquisition program and accounting for current sources of resistance to the program. An effective strategic communications plan must counter this resistance in order to effectively support the current plan for Army modernization.
Download or read book The Army s Future Combat Systems Program and Alternatives written by United States. Congressional Budget Office and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 116 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Army s Future Combat System Program written by Christian N. Feliciano and published by Nova Science Publishers. This book was released on 2009 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides information on the issue of the capabilities and affordability of the FCS program. The Future Combat System (FCS) is the U.S. Army's multi-year, multi-billion dollar program at the heart of the Army's transformation efforts. It is the Army's major research, development, and acquisition program consisting of 14 manned and unmanned systems tied together by an extensive communications and information network. The FCS program exists in a dynamic national security environment which could significantly influence the program's outcome. The primary issues presented to 110th Congress are the capabilities and affordability of the FCS program, and the likelihood, given a myriad of factors, that the Army will be able to field its first FCS-equipped brigade by 2014 and eventually field up to 15 FCS-equipped brigades. This book will address a variety of issues including the program's timeline, budget, program management issues, current program developmental progress and challenges, and FCS's relevance in the current and potential future security environments.
Download or read book US Future Combat Weapon Systems Handbook Volume 1 US Army Future Combat Systems Development written by IBP, Inc and published by Lulu.com. This book was released on 2015-07-27 with total page 338 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 2011 Updated Reprint. Updated Annually. US Future Combat & Weapon Systems Handbook
Download or read book Issues Facing the Army s Future Combat Systems Program written by United States Government Accountability Office and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2018-02-03 with total page 46 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Issues Facing the Army's Future Combat Systems Program
Download or read book Analysis of the Army s Transformation Programs and Possible Alternatives written by Frances M. Lussier and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 2010 with total page 77 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Army has initiated two programs designed to transform itself from a force focused on fighting the Cold War to one better designed to face the challenges of the 21st century. Those two programs, the Modularity Initiative and the Future Combat Systems (FCS) program, would change the way the Army is organized and equipped, respectively. This study considers the near- and long-term implications of those two programs. It also examines three alternatives for modernizing the Army¿s combat forces using modified versions of the FCS program and estimates the costs and savings of those options as well as their effects on the Army¿s ability to introduce new technologies into its combat brigades. ¿An objective, impartial analysis.¿ Charts and tables.
Download or read book Exploring Advanced Technologies for the Future Combat Systems Program written by and published by . This book was released on 2002 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report summarizes the research findings of a short-time-frame study conducted by RAND Arroyo Center to support the Army Science Board (ASB) Summer Study 2000 "Technical and Tactical Opportunities for Revolutionary Advances in Rapidly Deployable Joint Ground Forces in the 2015-2020 Era. The purpose of the RAND research was to explore a range of advanced technologies for potential contribution to the Future Combat Systems program; it is intended to be a think piece and is not a guide to the contractors charged with designing the Future Combat Systems. This research represents only one part of the ASB study, focusing specifically on force effectiveness in a notional small-scale contingency and on the associated spectrum of challenges that such a situation might entail. In conducting the study, the research team interacted with various members of the ASB, drawing extensively on their forward-looking ideas and ultimately integrating many of them into the research. High-resolution combat modeling and simulation was used to assess many key aspects of force performance, environmental factors, and system-of-systems interactions within the context of the scenario. This work should be of interest to defense policymakers, military technologists, and concept developers.
Download or read book Gao 03 1010r Issues Facing the Army s Future Combat Systems Program written by United States Government Accountability Office and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-10-19 with total page 46 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: GAO-03-1010R Issues Facing the Army's Future Combat Systems Program
Download or read book Issues Facing the Army s Future Combat Systems Program written by Paul L. Francis and published by . This book was released on 2003 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Exploring Advanced Technologies for the Future Combat Systems Program written by and published by . This book was released on 2002 with total page 99 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report summarizes the research findings of a short-time-frame study conducted by RAND Arroyo Center to support the Army Science Board (ASB) Summer Study 2000 "Technical and Tactical Opportunities for Revolutionary Advances in Rapidly Deployable Joint Ground Forces in the 2015-2020 Era. The purpose of the RAND research was to explore a range of advanced technologies for potential contribution to the Future Combat Systems program; it is intended to be a think piece and is not a guide to the contractors charged with designing the Future Combat Systems. This research represents only one part of the ASB study, focusing specifically on force effectiveness in a notional small-scale contingency and on the associated spectrum of challenges that such a situation might entail. In conducting the study, the research team interacted with various members of the ASB, drawing extensively on their forward-looking ideas and ultimately integrating many of them into the research. High-resolution combat modeling and simulation was used to assess many key aspects of force performance, environmental factors, and system-of-systems interactions within the context of the scenario. This work should be of interest to defense policymakers, military technologists, and concept developers.
Download or read book Delivering Future Combat Systems FCS While at War written by and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 5 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In simple terms, Army modernization deals with equipping the Army's Future Modular Force. The Chairman's focus on "correctly" equipping ground forces frames the Army's approach to FCS. While upgrading current equipment to meet Current Force needs, we are also modernizing the Army to deal with the complex and challenging future. A strong team from government and industry, including Soldiers from the 5th Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Army Evaluation Task Force (AETF), at Fort Bliss, TX, are delivering FCS today. The AETF recently completed new equipment training and began evaluating the first set of FCS spin out (SO) capabilities. As MG Charles A. Cartwright, Program Manager (PM) Future Combat Systems (Brigade Combat Team) FCS(BCT), so accurately stated, "The days of Microsoft PowerPoint slides are over." Since entering the System Development and Demonstration phase at Milestone B in May 2003, the FCS program progressed rapidly and evolved in numerous ways. FCS increased from 14 to 18 systems at one point, but returned to 14 systems with the 2008 budget submission. The fielding tempo also changed, especially with the July 2004 addition of SOs for selected technologies across the force beyond the FCS(BCT). We accelerated selected FCS technologies while delaying others for further study and development. However, ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq forced the Army to balance current warfighting needs with modernization by shifting resources from FCS to support the current fight. The demands of war will continue to challenge the Army's ability to maintain the balance. The net result is an FCS program that looks rather different in terms of time and schedule, but remains true to the goal of providing a strategically responsive, Joint interdependent, precision maneuver force that is dominant across the full range of military operations.
Download or read book Technology Based Pilot Programs written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1999-10-01 with total page 94 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As the twenty-first century approaches, the number of full-time, active duty personnel in the U.S. military (excluding the Reserves and National Guard) is about 1.4 million, the lowest level since before World War II. Nevertheless, the U.S. military is supposed to be prepared to fight two major-theater wars almost simultaneously while conducting peacekeeping operations and other assignments around the globe. To fulfill this wide range of missions, the U.S. military must continue to rely on the Reserves and National Guard, which are known collectively as the reserve components. The current number of reserve components is almost equal to the number of active duty personnel. In the case of the U.S. Army, the number of reserves is double the number of active personnel. This study addresses how technology can be used to improve the readiness and effectiveness of the reserve components and their integration with the active components. Many technologies are expected to enhance the capabilities of the U.S. military in the twenty-first century, including precision weapons, high-fidelity sensors, long-range surveillance, enhanced stealth characteristics, and advanced communications and information systems. This study reaffirms the importance of improved communication and information systems, for improving comprehensive training and accelerating the mobilization of reserve components for military missions in the coming decade. Although programs using these technologies are already under way in both the reserve and active components of the military, this study focuses on the effectiveness of reserve components and active-reserve integration.
Download or read book Too Baroque to Fix written by and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 440 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This paper aims to demonstrate what the FCS program can teach the Army about its ability to manage its acquisition efforts and how the program's history may inform the broader study of defense procurement.
