FCS spinouts will go first to infantry units
Posted : Wednesday Jun 25, 2008 16:37:51 EDT
New Future Combat Systems technologies will go first to Army Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) instead of Heavy Brigade Combat Teams (HBCTs) as planned, said an Army source familiar with the program.
In the past week, Army leaders also approved the acceleration of these so-called spinout technologies, aiming to deploy them with soldiers by October 2010, about two years earlier than once planned. The Army is now working with Congress to reprogram at least tens of millions of dollars, the official said.
Army leaders briefed Defense Secretary Robert Gates on the new plan on June 25.
The spinouts, now being tested and prepared at Fort Bliss, Texas, are the Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System, Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle, Tactical and Urban Unattended Ground Sensors, Increment 1 of the FCS network and the Class I UAV — an improved, networked Micro Air Vehicle with a gimbal-mounted sensor.
The switch is intended to send the new gear to the deployed units that are requesting it, several Army officials said.
“The requests from in theater are coming from infantry guys,” a second Army official said. “The operational needs statements are all coming from IBCTs. Also, we are disproportionately using the IBCTs rather than HBCTs in the current war. The IBCTs are the most heavily deployed, so if you are trying to address current force requirements, you are going to address the IBCTs.”
Leave a Comment
Most Viewed Stories
- Marine scout snipers used Nazi SS logo
- Pentagon opens more military jobs to women
- How’s the PT uniform? Army wants to know
- Dining hall food to get healthy makeover
- Tricare pharmacy merger worries lawmakers
- PTSD counselor accused of faking war honors
- Miss. guardsman dies in Afghanistan
- Officer wants humanism officially recognized
- The ‘Stan: An officer’s unvarnished view
- Congress OKs 2nd warship for Philippines
- 3 arrested in pregnant spc.’s shooting death
- Amos sorry for Marine use of Nazi SS logo
Contests and Promotions
Enter our 2012 Red Carpet Contest!
Predict who will get the statues on Hollywood's big night and win a $200 Fandango Gift Card!
Click Here To Enter.
Win Tactical Night Vision Goggles!
Enter to Win the Military Times Sweepstakes!
Click Here To Enter.
Free Stickers
Click here and we'll send you a FREE AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, VIETNAM, or DESERT STORM sticker.
Marketplace
Mil-Mall
VALOR and VISION: Heroes * Leaders * InnovationThis commemorative Military Times magazine, tells, in pictures and short essays, the story of our past decade at war.
Military Discounts
Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.







