Army Science Board FY2000 Summer Study. Technical and Tactical Opportunities for Revolutionary Advances in Rapidly Deployable Joint Ground Forces in the 2015-2025 Era. Voume II: Operations Panel Report

Abstract : The Army Science Board was tasked to seek revolutionary possibilities for improving deployability as well as effectiveness of future joint ground combat forces. The study focused on the possibilities inherent in the Future Combat System (FCS) and also considered enhancements possible through the Future Transport Rotorcraft (FTR). Study efforts were conducted by four major Panels analyzing: Operations, Information Dominance, Sustainment and Support, and Training. The study concludes: 1) the FCS concept is sound, but senior level attention is required to ensure technologies are ready for 2006 FCS EMD; and 2) Key technologies will significantly improve force projection and combat power. The Operations Panel was tasked to: 1) Examine the feasibility of synchronizing Future Combat System, Joint Transport Rotorcraft and Comanche requirements to provide revolutionary mobility and tactical benefits; 2) Assess capabilities gained by exploiting robotics; 3) Propose an optimized suite of smart munitions and sensor combinations; 4) Determine areas of the force demanding "24/7" manning and analyze manning arrangements; 5) Identify the optimal organizational structures to best exploit future information technology. Findings include: 1) FCS concept is solid, it addresses critical mobility, insertion and survivability issues; 2) FCS 20-ton vehicle is not a stand-alone program, must be developed with: robotic companions; appropriate munitions suites; operational, theater and strategic lift; and simulation tools. Recommendations include: 1) Press forward vigorously with FCS, develop CONOPS, develop man-in-the-loop simulations, restructure munitions priorities, expand robotics programs; 2) In the long-term, work with DoD to develop in-theater and strategic lift for FCS and develop access to commercial lift.