The Army still has an appetite for technology development, despite cancellation of the imperiled Future Combat Systems (FCS) by Gates/DoD. This is not excessive acquisition or an unnecessary system being cut to match the changing threat landscape (as one might label some of the Air Force cuts). The FCS became a monster on its own, stretching the Army’s modernization effort into one catch-all behemoth program that frankly never delivered and was maybe set up for failure from the beginning. Behind FCS is a major hunger for maximum survivability, mobility, and lethality, wrapped in a package ensuring integrated, networked communications (to the “squad level”) and interoperability across a joint fighting force.

From an article on DoD Buzz:

The larger Army modernization effort — above and beyond the GCV platform — will include capability packages every two years, broken into one year increments, according to Army briefing charts. The first package for fiscal 2011–2012 boasts four “urgent requirements: persistent surveillance; advanced precision mortar initiative, Ground Soldier System (what used to be Land Warrior) and Human Terrain Teams.”

Although there has been no decision yet on whether the IFV will be a tracked or wheeled vehicle, surely the proven combat performance of the Stryker platform will keep the Infantry in a wheeled platform. In recent remarks at AUSA, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli said the IFV must be “survivable, nimble, and quick in urban areas.” Contractors should be ready to deliver on “aggressive” fielding schedules over the next 5-7 years and that the Army expects a “modular” and “open architecture” approach from industry. In particular, industry expects requirements for modular armor kits, making the vehicle lighter during transport (and for training) and still capable of adding armor for tactical operations. (all quotes from DoD Buzz)

 The Army plans to release basic requirements and specs for the IFV by 25 Nov, with an RFP mid-2010 and award by end of the year. No kidding on the aggressive schedule remark (!).