Togo D. West, Jr.
Secretary of the Army

In light of the changing threat, the Army is placing increased emphasis on developing a more flexible, combat–ready military force that can respond quickly to any crisis situation and that is capable of deterring aggression and, should deterrence fail, defeating the enemy throughout the operational continuum. The cornerstone of this flexible force is the Army’s light forces. The light forces comprise combat, combat support, and combat service support units that participate in and support the close battle. Their mission is to defeat threat forces in a low–intensity conflict, while retaining a capability for employment in mid– to high–intensity conflicts and OOTW.

Light forces, as well as all other elements of future land combat forces, must be highly deployable, able to execute missions outside the operational envelope of opposing forces, and survive against myriad lethal antiarmor weapons and other nontraditional, nonlethal weapons. Light forces are the option of choice for peacetime engagement and conflict prevention. They must show the advantage of new technologies and field equipment that is more lethal, survivable, maintainable, smaller, lighter weight, and easily transportable.

It may be necessary for light forces to conduct military operations under a variety of conditions generated by a wide range of threats. We must, therefore, continue to leverage technology in the following key areas to ensure our capabilities exceed those of our current and potential threats:

A major Army initiative, designed and geared toward achieving U.S. light forces superiority, is the RFPI ACTD. This ACTD explores new tactics and technologies via a system–of–systems approach providing a path to an air–deployable, early entry light force that is significantly more capable of destroying a heavy armored threat beyond traditional direct fire weapons range. The RFPI concept includes a variety of advanced sensors (air and ground, manned and unmanned); several precision–guided, non–line–of–sight weapons; responsive command and control mechanisms; and automated targeting. Target handover will be facilitated by tactical digital data transfer systems now being developed as part of the U.S. ABCS program. Specifically, this ACTD will provide the opportunity to explore the integration of new technologies with modified tactics, technologies, and procedures to improve the survivability of our early entry forces.

The light forces are key elements of the U.S. forward–deployed, crisis–response, and reinforcing forces. Light forces provide versatility in two ways: they are rapidly deployable and they are most suited for fighting in close terrain. These characteristics enable light forces to be used in all of the Army’s roles and missions. Some examples of these are:

Table III–15 represents close combat light S/SU/ACs capabilities and their relationship to the Army modernization objectives. This table also provides highlights of capabilities provided by other Army modernization programs discussed in detail throughout this chapter.

The Combat Maneuver annex to the AMP, of which close combat light is a part, reviews the requirements placed on the light forces over the entire spectrum of potential future conflicts and is the Army’s strategy for modernization of its strategically flexible light forces. The close combat light modernization strategy focuses on new materiel that increases lethality, mobility, and survivability while correcting deficiencies and providing the necessary "tailorability" across the spectrum of conflict. Priority is given to equipment that significantly increases flexibility and survivability.

Early entry forces will gain increased lethality and survivability against heavy forces through application of the hunter–standoff–killer concept—use of advanced forward sensors (hunters) and standoff weapons (killers) that will be demonstrated in a system–of–systems engaging enemy forces at ranges beyond their ability to counter.

Close combat light extracts those portions of all other modernization plans and mission areas that are applicable to light forces, examines them from the perspective of the light forces roles and missions, and ensures that the light forces are provided adequate resources.

This plan is the result of a thorough examination of the threat, the nature and imperatives of the future battlefield, a recognition of the need to reduce significantly the time required to develop and field advanced technology systems, and the recognition of time–constrained resources. The plan uses technology and systems that will make a significant contribution to the deterrent value of light forces or provide leap–ahead capabilities. The objective is to ensure that the Army light forces meet the future battlefield requirements of increased firepower, flexibility, mobility, survivability, and sustainability.

Table III–16 is a summary of close combat light demonstrations and systems.

Because close combat light is primarily an integration plan, the applicable S/SU/ACs, along with the majority of appropriate ATDs and TDs that provide capabilities to the close combat light mission, are shown on the existing roadmaps throughout the rest of Chapter III and are not repeated here.

The RFPI, however, is unique to close combat light and is displayed in Figure III–9. It depicts the Army ATDs and technology demonstrations that support the RFPI ACTD in the form of capabilities provided by systems or system upgrades.

In addition to the RFPI demonstrations, there are other technology demonstrations that are unique to the close combat light mission. These are shown in the roadmap on Figure III–10.

Figure III-10. Roadmap - Demonstrations Unique to Close Combat Light
Click on the image to view enlarged version

Aerial Scout Sensor Integration TD (1995–98). This TD will demonstrate technology to provide light forces with accurate, timely, "over–the–hill" reconnaissance, surveillance,  and battle damage assessment capability through use of aerial sensors enhanced with ATR and smart workstation technologies. A variety of imaging sensors will be used on a surrogate aerial platform as well as a ground–based image exploitation workstation. Candidate sensors include FLIR, IR line scanner, day TV, and MTI radar. The goal is to demonstrate a reduction in data timelines, from tasking to output of tactical information. Supports: RFPI ACTD.

Integrated Acoustic System (IAS) TD (1996–99). This TD will demonstrate acoustic sensor technology in both hand–emplaced and air–droppable variants. Advanced acoustic sensor efforts from the Intelligent Minefield ATD (completed in FY97; see the section on Technology Transition Strategy (above), which will provide the hand–emplaced system. The air–deployable acoustic sensor (ADAS) system will be developed to provide a helicopter–deployable variant. Both systems will be demonstrated during the RFPI ACTD large–scale field experiment. Supports: RFPI ACTD.

The RFPI large–scale field experiment includes several advanced concepts that will demonstrate the system–of–systems concept of hunters and standoff killers. During this timeframe, the newly configured and upgraded EFOGM, HIMARS, and 155–mm automated howitzer (with automated fire control system) will be demonstrated. Other new hunter or killer technologies will be considered during this phase.

Enhanced Fiber–Optic Guided Missile (EFOGM) ATD (1994–99). This ATD will develop and demonstrate a remotely directed (fiber optically guided) missile system (EFOGM), modified with an imaging IR (I²R) seeker, inertial navigational system, and other datalink modifications. It will defeat armor out to ranges of 15 km and permit the operator, through a fiber–optic guidance link to the missile seeker, to search for targets in the extended close battle area. The system has the unique ability to operate from defilade and to engage targets that are also in defilade. Friendly target recognition capability and fratricide avoidance is enhanced with a gunner operator in the loop. The EFOGM ATD will provide the advanced, non–line–of–sight weapon to be demonstrated under the RFPI ACTD. This ACTD will integrate light force organic weapons, the EFOGM, RFPI sensors, other RFPI standoff killers, and C². Supports: RFPI and JPSD Precision/Rapid Counter MRL ACTDs.

155–mm Automated Howitzer TD (1994–00). The program will develop an advanced digital fire control system for towed artillery. See Section III–N "Fire Support" for more detailed information. Supports: RFPI ACTD.

Precision–Guided Mortar Munition (PGMM) ATD (1994–01). The ATD will demonstrate, through live fire and simulation, the ability of a guided mortar munition to defeat armored as well as high–value point targets. It will also demonstrate longer range, more accurate and more timely response to requests for fire through the integration of a lightweight fire control system. As part of the RFPI, the PGMM and fire control will be an advanced concept standoff killer in the RFPI ACTD. The ATD program consists of a 120–mm PGMM capable of finding and defeating enemy armor and other high–priority targets in an autonomous role, and a lightweight fire control to improve the accuracy and response time of fielded mortar systems. An initial test bed is being integrated on a HMMWV, with a follow–on effort to reduce the size and weight of the components. The program will focus on the azimuth reference unit and the software required to integrate the components completely and fire a PGMM against moving targets. Supports: RFPI ACTD.

Guided MLRS ATD (1995–98). This ATD is discussed in detail in the section on Fire Support.

High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) TD (1995–99). The HIMARS TD will provide a lightweight, C–130 transportable version of the M–270 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) launcher. Mounted on a 5–ton family of medium tactical vehicles (FMTV) truck chassis, it will fire any rocket or missile in the MLRS family of munitions. The HIMARS uses the same command, control, and communications, as well as the same crew, as the MLRS launcher but carries only one rocket or missile pod. It will roll on and off a C–130 transport aircraft and, when carried with a combat load, will be ready to operate within minutes of landing. Supports: RFPI ACTD and MLRS Family of Munitions.

Future Missile Technology Integration (FMTI) TD (1994–98). This technology demonstration is discussed in detail in Section III–D "Aviation" (above).

Multimode Airframe Technology (MAT) TD (1995–98). This technology demonstration is discussed in detail in Section III–N "Fire Support."

The Objective Crew–Served Weapon TD (1996–01). This TD is part of the objective family of Small Arms described in the section on Soldier and is unique to the Close Combat Light section. It will support the two–man, crew–served weapon outlined in the Army Small Arms Master Plan and the Joint Service Small Arms Master Plan. This demonstration will establish the feasibility of a lightweight, two–man portable, crew–served weapon system with a high probability of incapacitation and suppression out to 2,000 meters against protected personnel targets. It will also have a high potential to damage light vehicles, lightly armored vehicles, water craft, and slow moving aircraft beyond 1,000 meters. The fire control system will include a laser rangefinder, environmental sensors, ballistic computer, day and night channel, and adjusted aimpoint to provide the full ballistic solution. The weapon will fire bursting ammunition to provide decisively violent target effects to overmatch threat systems and will have the ability to defeat defilade or non–line–of–sight personnel targets. The fire control system will be modular in design, eliminate the need to estimate range, provide a full solution aimpoint, and include embedded training. This weapon would be utilized by mounted and dismounted combat soldiers. Supports: Objective Crew–Served Weapon.

Precision Offset, High–Glide Aerial Delivery of Munitions and Equipment TD (1994–99). This TD will demonstrate revolutionary technologies for the reliable precision–guided delivery of combat essential munitions and equipment using high glide wing technology and incorporating a low cost, modular GPS guidance and control system. This technology will provide a 6:1 or better glide ratio. A modular GPS guidance package was developed and a precision high–glide capability of 500–pound payload using semirigid wing technology was demonstrated in FY96. By the end of FY99, the effort will demonstrate precision high glide of a 2,000–pound payload, with a goal of a 5,000–pound payload, using an advanced guidance package and high glide wing. An optional glide augmentation system will also be demonstrated, providing an offset range of 75 to 300 km. High–glide wing technology will significantly enhance the military aerial delivery capability through substantially higher glide ratios than are possible with ram air parachutes, and will directly benefit the initial deployment of Early Entry Forces. Supports: Depth and Simultaneous Attack (DSA), Maneuver Support Battle Laboratories, and Advanced Precision Airborne Delivery System.

Advanced Personnel Airdrop TD (1998–00). This effort will demonstrate improved performance characteristics and enhanced safety of existing personnel parachute capabilities. Details can be found in Section III–I, "Soldier." Supports: Airborne Insertion for Operations in Urban Terrain and the Advanced Tactical Parachute System development effort.

Advanced Cargo Airdrop TD (1998–00). Technologies to provide an improved cargo airdrop capability will be demonstrated. Details can be found in Section III–O, "Logistics." Supports: Aerial Delivery and Mobility Requirements.

Counter Active Protection Systems (CAPS) TD (1996–99). The CAPS TD will develop and demonstrate technologies/methods that can be applied to antitank guided weapons (ATGWs) for improving effectiveness against threat armor equipped with APSs.

Current technology development is concentrated in the following three areas:

Supports: Close Combat Antiarmor Weapon System (CCAWS), Advanced Missile System–Heavy (AMS–H), Javelin, and BAT.

Automated Target Recognition for Weapons TD (1998–01). This technology demonstration is discussed in detail in Section III–D "Aviation" (above).