US Army

Rappel du premier message :

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« J'aime les USA, et je combats pour elle», c'est ainsi que Lamia Lahlou commente son adhésion à l'armée américaine, et sa participation à la guerre contre l'iraq- depuis déjà 8 mois-. Née au Maroc en 1986, Lamia Lahlou rejoint l'armée américaine 3 ans après les attentats du 11 septembre 2001.

Tempérée par sa propre volonté, «la marocaine», ne mâche pas ses mots pour affirmer que ce pas emboité s'inscrit dans le cadre d'un «vrai Jihad». Rapporte une idéo diffusée largement sur Internet (Voir ci-aprés).

Choquée par la mort de sa meilleure amie, Lamia croit dur comme fer que l'adhésion à l'armée américaine est le seul et unique moyen susceptible de calmer le feu de sa vengeance.

A noter que les USA continuent à «renforcer » son armée via le recrutement des marocains, à l'heure où ALQIADIA ciblent d'autres recrues du Maroc vers la Hollande et la Belgique, tout en passant par la Syrie, l'Espagne et l'Iraq.

source: emarrakech.info

Rafi

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Alion to support US Army’s project manager soldier weapons programme
29 November 2012
Alion Science and Technology has received an engineering research and development task order from the US Army to support its project manager soldier weapons (PM SW) programme, a unit within the military's Program Executive Office Soldier.

With an aim to provide soldiers with advanced military capabilities, the army's PM SW programme is responsible for the development, production and procurement of existing and emerging weapons systems and technologies.

Alion's Technology Solutions group senior vice president and manager Chris Amos said the task order would allow the firm to develop and quickly deliver accelerated solutions for weapons systems, including integrated ammunition and associated target acquisition and fire-control products.

This mission-critical work will support warfighter needs, giving our troops an edge in the battlespace," Amos added.

Under the $6m order, the company will perform research and development activities related to both individual and crew-served weapons to explore, understand and analyse their capabilities, effectiveness, project coordination and guidance.

In order to benefit other programme managers and associated Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center tasks, the company will provide support based on its experience in the development engineering, programme and acquisition support, logistics and materiel fielding planning fields.

Awarded through the Weapons Systems Technology Information Analysis Center (WSTIAC), the order's performance period runs through to December 2014.

WSTIAC is one of nine Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) Information Analysis Centers (IACs) operated by Alion.

Headquartered at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, US, DTIC serves the US Department of Defense (DoD) and offers scientific and technical information access to DoD personnel and contractors, as well as researchers, designers and engineers.
http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsalion-support-us-army-project-manager-soldier-weapons-programme

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Fire drill at Minnesota hangar leaves Black Hawks covered in 2m of foam

A routine fire drill in a hangar in Minnesota, America, went wrong and several Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk and the hangar were covered in 2m of foam.

The incident occurred at the Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF #2) at the St. Cloud airport.

The helicopters are believed to belong to the C Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment (Air Ambulance), a Minnesota Army National Guard aeromedical evacuation company.

The doors of the helicopters were left open, suggesting the possibility that the foam could have damaged the electrical components in the helicopters.

Online reports state that the error could end up chalking up multi-million dollar bills for clean-up and maintenance expenses.

singaporeseen.stomp.com

je me rappelle avoir publier des photo du même souci sauf que c’était dans un hangar de F-18

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A crew chief with the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (Griffins) pulls security for the UH-60 Black Hawk pilot during refueling operations in Regional Command North. U.S. Army Photo by Capt. Michael Barranti

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A Soldier with 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, watches the impact area as rounds are fired during a live fire exercise in eastern Afghanistan, Nov. 25. U.S. Army

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Army Spc. Richard Burton, crew chief with 2nd Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, provides security in a Black Hawk helicopter during a flight mission over Afghanistan's Kandahar province, Nov. 26. U.S. Army

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A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter lands in the mountains of Afghanistan to pick up the Pathfinders of F Company, 5th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. Pathfinders are specialists in navigating their way through foreign terrain and establishing safe landing zones for Airborne and Air Assault Soldiers or Army aircraft

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vendredi 30 novembre 2012
Les chiens militaires souffrent eux aussi de traumatismes
Si l'on a mené de nombreuses études, et beaucoup écrit au sujet des troubles post-traumatiques dont souffrent les soldats de retour de mission, les chiens militaires, envoyés en zones de guerre pour flairer les explosifs et détecter toutes sortes de danger, étaient jusqu'alors hélas bien souvent oubliés.
Des chiens métamorphosés
Pourtant, ils souffrent eux aussi. L'anxiété, les fortes émotions, les bruits et la mort toujours présente autour d'eux engendrent chez les chiens de vrais traumatismes.
Chose confirmée par une récente étude menée sur des animaux mobilisés en Irak par l'armée américaine.
Des chercheurs et vétérinaires se sont en effet penchés sur cette question alors que d'importants changements de comportement ont été observés chez nombre de chiens militaires.
Des animaux doux et calmes se sont réellement métamorphosés, devenant anxieux, agressifs, peureux.
C'est le cas de Cora. Après avoir passé des mois en Irak et participé à des dizaines de patrouilles de combat, la chienne a changé.
L'animal autrefois si gentil s'est notamment mis à grogner de plus en plus souvent, et a commencé à se battre avec d'autres chiens militaires.
Un mal enfin reconnu
Quand Cora est rentrée aux États-Unis, il y a deux ans, il n'existait pas encore de terme pour décrire ce dont elle souffrait. Mais aujourd'hui, il y en a un, médicalement reconnu : la chienne a développé des troubles de stress post-traumatique.
Comme les humains, les chiens militaires peuvent alors avoir besoin d'un traitement médical pour apaiser ces troubles.
Mais certains sont si affectés qu'ils ne sont plus jamais envoyés en zone de guerre. Ils sont réorientés vers d'autres départements d'Etat, tels que les douanes.
D'autres, particulièrement troublés, comme Cara, méritent simplement d'être traités et honorés comme des vétérans. Mis à la retraite et proposés à l'adoption, ils se voient offrir une fin de vie paisible.
Menée dans la base militaire de Lackland, installée à San Antonio au Texas, cette étude révèle que 10% des centaines de chiens mobilisés sur les fronts afghans et irakiens souffrent du syndrome de stress post-traumatique (SSPT) lorsqu'ils reviennent de mission.
Pour les maîtres chiens et autres spécialistes de la base de Lackland, il était urgent de reconnaître enfin cette réalité


http://journaldecheztine2012.skyrock.com/3128217866-vendredi-30-novembre-2012-Les-chiens-militaires-souffrent-eux-aussi-de.html

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US Army contracts Pratt & Whitney to develop variable-speed power turbine
30 November 2012

Pratt & Whitney has been awarded a contract for research and development of an advanced variable-speed power turbine (AVSPOT) for the US Army's rotorcraft.

Under the contract, Pratt & Whitney will develop a turbine technology that will efficiently address the range and lift requirements of the army's existing and future rotorcraft.

Pratt & Whitney Small Military Engines general manager Annette Jussaume said the company was confident that it would address the mission profile requirements needed for future rotorcraft engines.
We have the technology know-how that will allow us to develop an efficient high-power turbine that can operate over a wide range of engine speeds," Jussaume added.

Pursued jointly by the US Army's Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) and Nasa, the AVSPOT programme is focused to produce an advanced turbine technology that will enhance the performance, efficiency, and affordability of rotorcraft engines.

Turbines developed under the programme are expected to enable the future medium and large rotorcraft to hover at up to 10,000ft and cruise at up to 25,000ft altitude, with high-operating efficiency.

AVSPOT will also help the rotorcraft to operate in 55%-105% speed range, with reduced fuel consumption, cost, weight and durability, as opposed to the existing power turbines that enable performance in the 95%-105% speed range.

Posing significant challenges, the concept of enabling greater power and rotor speed for takeoff and climb, as well as slower optimised rotor speed at cruise will be addressed by the company using a technological approach that reduces power turbine speed while enhancing its efficiency.

Although the programme's future mission requirements are still in the discussion stage, the AVSPOT technology is expected to be evaluated by the army in a laboratory environment in 2016.

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsus-army-contract-pratt-whitney-develop-variable-speed-power-turbine

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Raytheon Company received a contract from the U.S. Army for a next-generation guidance section for Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM)

TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) received a contract from the U.S. Army's Aviation Missile Command to develop and deliver a next-generation guidance section for Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) continued technology development (CTD). During the first four months of CTD, Raytheon will update its design and complete a delta preliminary design review. During the next 24 months, the team will focus on a critical design review, guidance section qualification and testing, and delivery of JAGM guidance sections.

CTD will culminate with U.S. Army integration of Raytheon JAGM guidance sections to currently qualified and fielded missile components, including the warhead, rocket motor and control actuation system. The total value of both contract phases is approximately $65 million.

The Raytheon team will leverage its low-cost, proven, uncooled tri-mode seeker now in development for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) program.

"Our state-of-the-art seeker is a compelling technology because it offers our warfighters a new, game-changing capability -- hitting moving targets in all weather conditions. As our SDB II production contracts reflect, we can meet or exceed the performance demanded to outpace future threats for unit costs comparable to current weapons," said Tom Bussing, vice president of Advanced Missile Systems at Raytheon Missile Systems. "With our JAGM solution, capabilities will grow, but costs will not."

Based on current schedules, Raytheon's SDB II tri-mode seeker will be in its second year of production by the time JAGM CTD concludes. Because JAGM's seeker head has a high level of commonality with the SDB II seeker head, the JAGM program can potentially take advantage of some of the qualification testing already accomplished with SDB II. That could reduce risk and cost for JAGM CTD.

raytheon.mediaroom

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SAIC to provide software and systems engineering services to US Army
4 December 2012
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has been awarded a contract to deliver software engineering and scientific support services (SSES) to the US Army Communications Electronics Command's (CECOM) Software Engineering Center (SEC).

Awarded by the US Army Acquisition Center-Aberdeen Proving Ground, the multiple-award, indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract has a potential value of $7bn for all 12 awardees, and features a two-year base performance period, one two-year option, as well as an additional one-year option.

SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager John Thomas said the company would deliver advanced lifecycle software support and information technology solutions, enabling the army to maintain superiority in combat and information capabilities throughout the enterprise.
Under the contract, SAIC will provide full lifecycle software engineering and sustainment, field support, training and other services for post deployment software support/post production software support (PDSS/PPSS), in addition to command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) infrastructure.

Services will also be provided for logistics, business and enterprise resource planning systems, information technology infrastructure support, such as acquisition support, technical support, as well as software and application development, to help SEC sustain operational readiness of the deployed systems.

The company will also support SEC to maintain army/joint interoperability, supporting architecture products, protocols, standards and tools, providing information security and assurance services, as well as replication, distribution, installation and training.

Work under the contract will be primarily performed at the army's Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, Fort Lee in Virginia, Fort Sill in Oklahoma, Fort Hood in Texas, and Fort Huachuca in Arizona, US.

SEC provides SSES for a wide variety of US Army and Department of Defense (DoD) customers across the country, in addition to delivering timely direct software support to the soldiers during combat operations, contingencies and exercises.

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newssaic-provide-software-systems-engineering-services-us-army

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Pentagon to train hundreds of spies
03 December 2012

The Pentagon has unveiled ambitious plans for an espionage network to rival the CIA in size by sending hundreds of additional spies overseas.

The project is aimed at transforming the Defense Intelligence Agency into a spy service focused on emerging threats and more closely aligned with the CIA and elite military commando units.

When the expansion is complete, the DIA is expected to have as many as 1,600 "collectors" in positions around the world, an unprecedented total for an agency whose presence abroad has numbered in the hundreds in recent years.

The total includes military attachés and others who do not work undercover. But US officials said the growth will be driven over a five-year period by the deployment of a new generation of clandestine operatives. They will be trained by the CIA, but twill get their spying assignments from the Department of Defense.

Among the Pentagon's top intelligence priorities, officials told The Washington Post, are Islamist militant groups in Africa, weapons transfers by North Korea and Iran, and military modernisation underway in China.

"This is not a marginal adjustment for DIA," the agency's director, Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, said at a conference, where he outlined the changes. "This is a major adjustment for national security."

The Pentagon's plan to create what it calls the Defense Clandestine Service reflects the military's latest and largest foray into secret intelligence work.

The DIA overhaul — combined with the growth of the CIA since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks — will create a spy network of unprecedented size. The plan reflects the Obama administration's affinity for espionage and covert action over conventional force.

Unlike the CIA, the Pentagon's spy agency is not authorized to conduct covert operations that go beyond intelligence gathering, such as drone strikes, political sabotage or arming militants.

But the DIA has long played a major role in assessing and identifying targets for the U.S. military, which in recent years has assembled a constellation of drone bases stretching from Afghanistan to East Africa.
http://www.defencemanagement.com/news_story.asp?id=21606

rien ne peut remplacer l´HUMINT,meme pas dans la puissante armée US.
enfin c´est un mauvais signe pour quelques pays africains..

Yakuza a écrit:

rien ne peut remplacer l´HUMINT,meme pas dans la puissante armée US.
enfin c´est un mauvais signe pour quelques pays africains..

Yaku they know that but they have hard time to gather a team,it is big problem that they do not know where to start,still have some old guys who don't want to release the breaks

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By Army News Service on Tuesday, December 4th, 2012


The U.S. Army recently announced that the M2A1 .50 Caliber Machine Gun was among its top 10 “Army Greatest Inventions” for the 2011 calendar year.

The M2A1 includes new modern features and design improvements that make it easier and safer to use including a quick change barrel, fixed headspace and timing and a new flash hider that reduces the weapon’s signature by 95 percent at night.

“The M2A1 builds upon the legend of a phenomenal weapon system,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Ryan, Product Manager Crew Served Weapons.



Read more: http://www.defencetalk.com/m2a1-machine-gun-features-greater-safety-heightened-lethality-45803/#ixzz2EAOQKJ5f

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GDC4S to deliver additional AN/PRC-155 radios to US Army
5 December 2012
General Dynamics C4 Systems (GDC4S) has been awarded a $306m contract for delivery of additional AN/PRC-155 joint tactical radio system (JTRS) handheld, manpack, small form fit (HMS) radios to the US Army.

The company will supply 3,726 more PRC-155 radios, along with vehicle integration kits and associated accessories as part of the army's Capability Set 13 networking and communications gear that is scheduled to be deployed with brigade combat teams (BCTs) in 2013.

Commenting on the radio, General Dynamics C4 Systems president Chris Marzilli said the AN/PRC-155 radio would ensure that troops have access to lifesaving voice and data communications in the battlefield.

"This order, along with the 19,000 AN/PRC-154 Rifleman radios already under contract, moves the army one step closer to achieving its brigade modernisation strategy," Marzilli said.

General Dynamics C4 Systems assured communications vice president Chris Brady said: "The two-channel PRC-155 completes the army's tactical network by connecting upper to lower tiers, legacy to future waveforms and terrestrial to over-the-horizon links."

The AN/PRC-154 is a two-channel manpack radio designed to provide line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS), high-bandwidth waveforms for on-the-move voice, sensor, data and position-location capabilities to dismounted troops or those in vehicles during combat.

Certified by the National Security Agency to communicate classified voice and data at top secret level and below, the radio is capable of supporting all three of the army's non-proprietary networking waveforms, including soldier radio waveform (SRW), wideband networking waveform (WNW), as well as the mobile user objective system (MUOS).

GDC4S had already started AN/PRC-154 radio production in anticipation of this new order and also started shipments in November.

Around half of the radios under the latest contract will be manufactured by Rockwell Collins under an undisclosed subcontract from GD4CS.

An initial batch of 100 AN/PRC-155 manpack radios was purchased by the army in July 2011.
http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsgdc4s-deliver-additional-anprc-155-radios-us-army

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Lockheed Martin Delivers First U.S. Army Digital Range Training System, Begins Work on Third Range

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 3, 2012 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] delivered its first Digital Range Training System to the U.S. Army for live fire gunnery qualifications by armored vehicle crews and has begun development on a third range under a $13.8 million contract award.
The Digital Range Training System provides a realistic combat environment for Abrams, Bradley and Stryker crews. The initial range is now operational at Fort Bliss, Texas. A second range is on schedule for delivery to the Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, in early 2013.
The Army also awarded Lockheed Martin a contract for a third range in September 2012 for delivery to Fort Bliss by the end of 2013.
“The quality of feedback a soldier and platoon receive about their decisions can make the difference for survivability and mission success in the field,” said Jim Weitzel, vice president of training solutions for Lockheed Martin’s Global Training and Logistics business. “The Digital Range Training System is designed to capture imagery and audio inside and outside vehicles from multiple angles, providing commanders and soldiers with actionable data.”
Lockheed Martin won the five-year Digital Range Training System contract in 2011 to modernize training ranges with digital instrumentation, including cameras, targetry systems with audiovisual effects, scenario development technology and range control centers. During individual and crew qualification exercises and platoon-level collective training, the system integrates live fire with threat, neutral and friendly simulations.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.
Media Contact

Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a livré son premier système numérique de formation Gamme à l'armée américaine pour les qualifications en direct par le feu d'artillerie équipages de véhicules blindés et a commencé le développement sur une troisième plage sous un $ 13,8 millions l'attribution du contrat.

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2012/december/lockheed-martin-delivers-first-u-s--army-digital-range-training-.html

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TCS to supply Micro VSAT and baseband equipment for US Army
10 December 2012
The US Army has awarded an additional $2.8m funding order to TeleCommunication Systems (TCS) for the supply of X and Ku-band micro very-small aperture terminal (VSAT) satellite communications equipment.

TCS' government solutions senior vice president and general manager Michael Bristol said the current nation's military required secure and reliable satellite communications in order to perform modern operations.

"Micro VSAT and baseband equipment meets this need while providing warfighters with the flexibility built into the smallest, lightest man-portable SATCOM terminal available today," Bristol added.

The equipment procurements are funded by the US Army project manager for the warfighter information network-tactical (PM WIN-T) commercial satellite terminal programme, through the army's $5bn worldwide satellite systems (WWSS) contract vehicle.

Managed by the PM WIN-T joint program management office, the WWSS is an integrated effort to purchase six satellite terminals, as well as related support services to deliver timely, efficient and responsive support for deployed soldiers.

The configurations of the satellite terminals includes combat support service (CSS) VSAT satellite terminal.

It can be used on any military or commercial satellite in the C, Ku, X and Ka bands, depending on user requirements.

TCS has received a total of $500m of funded WWSS orders since 2006 and currently has more than $800m of not-yet-funded open orders under the contract vehicle.

The WWSS contract is a collaboration between the project manager, defence communications and army transmission systems (PM DCATS) and PM WIN-T.

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newstcs-to-supply-micro-vsat-and-baseband-equipment-for-us-army

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Un nouveau chef pour l’US Centcom, le commandement en charge du Moyen Orient et de l’Asie centrale
10 décembre 2012 – 15:26
Avec les problèmes en Syrie et leurs débordements au Liban et en Turquie, l’instabilité en Egypte et au Yémen, le dossier du nucléaire iranien et les menaces sur le détroit d’Ormuz qui en découlent sans oublier la situation dans la région Af/Pak (Afghanistan et Pakistan), il est toujours utile de connaître le prochain chef de l’US Centcom, c’est à dire le commandement américain pour le Moyen Orient et l’Asie centrale.

Ainsi, sur la proposition du secrétaire à la Défense, Leon Panetta, le président Barack Obama a nommé le général Lloyd Austin à la tête de ce commandement afin de remplacer le général James Mattis, alias “Mad Dog”, lequel avait succédé au général Petraeus en 2010 lorsque ce dernier avait été désigné pour prendre les rênes de la Force internationale d’assistance à la sécurité (ISAF) en Afghanistan.

Né en 1953 à Mobile (Alabama), le général Lloyd Austin est actuellement l’adjoint du chef d’état-major de l’US Army. Passé par l’académie militaire de West Point, il a été le commandant adjoint de la 3ème Division d’Infanterie au moment de l’opération Iraqi Freedom, en mars 2003 et a dirigé la 10ème Division de Montagne quand cette dernière a été engagée en Afghanistan.

Avant de devenir le numéro deux de l’US Army, le général Austin a commandé l’ensemble des forces américaines déployées en Irak de 2008 à 2011. De par ses fonctions, il aura eu à superviser le retrait de ces dernières.

Pour Leon Panetta, le général Austin apportera une “combinaison de réflexion stratégique, de connaissance de la région et de bon sens à l’un des postes les plus cruciaux” du Pentagone.

Sa nomination à la tête de l’US Centcom doit encore être confirmée par le Sénat américain. Si tel est le cas, il devrait prendre ses fonctions dans les premiers mois de l’année prochaine.

http://www.opex360.com/2012/12/10/un-nouveau-chef-pour-lus-centcom-le-commandement-en-charge-du-moyen-orient-et-de-lasie-centrale/

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U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers of the 3rd Special Forces Group

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A sniper team uses a buddy fire technique to shoot targets during the 4th annual United States Army Special Operations Command Sniper Competition at Fort Bragg, N.C., Dec. 3. The participants use their training and skills throughout 14 diverse lanes of competition in hopes that they will take first place.

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By Army News Service on Tuesday, December 11th, 2012


Knowing there’s a possibility the government will go over a “fiscal cliff” on midnight, Dec. 31, the Army recognizes some of the challenges it will face, but a senior leader said Thursday its priority will be to maintain readiness of the force.

Like its sister services, the Army faces repercussions and adjustments that would follow a nearly $500-billion cut to the Department of Defense over the next decade.

“It is all about readiness,” said Lt. Gen. William Grisoli, director, Army Office of Business Transformation. “It is all about as we take a look at the new strategy, we feel comfortable that there are some things we have to work as far as the readiness of the force.”

The general spoke as part of a panel of government executives titled “The Road Ahead: Senior Military Leaders Identify New Challenges.” It was hosted by the Government Executive Media Group.

It is uncertain now if the terms of the Budget Control Act of 2011 will go into effect come the end of the year — Congress may yet find a way to avoid the act’s effects. But Grisoli said if the Army is impacted by the cuts, it will have to look at what further adjustments will be necessary.

“As we adjust, if we are further impacted, and we have things that we are asked to do, you always have to take a look at what force structure do we have — no matter what service — and can you man, train and equip it properly — the hollow force issue — so that we can accomplish the mission,” Grisoli said. “Those are the things we take a look at when you say what are our challenges. Our challenges are we will take a look at meeting the new strategy with the resources we are provided … and we turn that dial of manning, training, and equipping to make sure we don’t have a hollow force.”

TRIMMING THE WORKFORCE
Budget cuts could also mean cuts to manning for the Army. Already, the Army is reducing the number of Soldiers in the ranks — a drawdown of the end strength is underway that aims to take the Army from a high-point of 570,000, down to about 490,000 Soldiers.

“As we draw down responsibly and look at that over a period of time — the key thing that we learned over 10 years of war — as all services have — [is that] the key part of what we have is our people,” Grisoli said. That includes, he said, Soldiers, civilians and contractors.

The Army will have to balance numbers of people with skills that it needs, he said.

“Human capital to all services is extremely important, and how you balance and grow that human capital is so important … so whether it is uniform, civilian or contractor, what is the right path to meet the strategy we have?” he said.

The Army will need to consider what size and type of the war-fighting force it needs, and what is needed to support that force, Grisoli said.

“It’s really a balancing act — making sure you’ve got the right skills in the right place, and if there are some reductions based on that overall strategy … then they might come in any of those particular areas, whether it is military, civilian or contractor,” he said.

Grisoli said the Army is “looking very hard” at its strategy for the civilian workforce and at its transformation efforts for that work force. “How do we manage that, a little more centrally than we have in the past, to make sure we grow the right folks for the right positions?”

STAYING RELEVANT
After the drawdown in Afghanistan, Soldiers will still have work to do and will still have opportunity to maintain their sharpness and readiness. The Department of Defense has spelled out a strategy that puts increased emphasis on the Pacific region, so Soldiers there will be engaged in partnership activities with some of the largest land forces in the world.

“In the Pacific, where we hope to keep peace and continue commerce and all those sorts of things, all the series have a role,” Grisoli said. “The Army has a role with those 10 largest other armies that are in the Pacific Rim, to engage them, to be on the ground, to understand [them].”

But Army leaders are also committed to strengthening commitments to all U.S. combatant commanders around the globe, by meeting their needs across a spectrum of options, including training opportunities, logistics support, engineering support — and when needed, combat support. The Army will do that through regional alignments, such as in Africa where the Army has now aligned a brigade with U.S. Africa Command.

Grisoli said in the past the Army may not have been able to provide to all combatant commanders the support it would have liked to provide — due to commitments in the Middle East. But now, with the drawdown, it is the Army’s intent to more effectively meet the needs of COCOMs.

“We want to be able to send those capabilities as required,” he said.



Read more: http://www.defencetalk.com/fiscal-cliff-would-challenge-army-to-maintain-readiness-45908/#ixzz2EjKUILq6

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BAE Receives $35 M US DLA Order for Tactical Vests


BAE Systems has received a $35 million order from the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for the production of tactical vests equipped with body armor.

Improved Outer Tactical Vests (IOTV) include both soft-armor ballistic inserts and hard-armor plates, which provide Soldiers with lighter weight, advanced features and increased mobility in the field.


The IOTV is the most widely deployed bullet and fragmentation protection soft armor system for the Department of Defense. Since 2007, BAE Systems has produced more than 800,000 outer tactical body armor vests for U.S. troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world.

DLA Troop Support ordered the vests as part of a four-year contract issued in March, which could reach a cumulative value of $267 million. BAE Systems has thus far received a total of $83 million under the contract. Production will occur at the company’s Jessup, Pennsylvania facility, and this order is scheduled to be complete by October 2013

.



Read more: http://www.asdnews.com/news-46632/BAE_Receives_$35_M_US_DLA_Order_for_Tactical_Vests.htm#ixzz2EmLuoxGp

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By Army News Service on Monday, December 17th, 2012

Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, from Fort Bliss, Texas, became the first troops to fire the Army’s upcoming near-precision projectile, the XM1156 Precision Guidance Kit, during tests in October, at Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz.

The Precision Guidance Kit, or PGK, is a global positioning system guidance kit with fuzing functions that turns the U.S. Army’s conventional stockpile of 155-mm high explosive M549A1 and M795 cannon artillery projectiles into near precision munitions, said Joseph Galyean, Test & Evaluation Integrated Product Team Leader.

The Program Executive Office for Ammunition at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is scheduled to begin fielding the Precision Guidance Kit to troops in spring 2013, via an Urgent Material Release, or UMR, Galyean said. Materiel releases signify that new and upgraded Army systems are fit for Soldiers to use.

The PGK corrects the ballistic trajectory of the conventional projectile to improve the round’s accuracy to less than 50 meters Circular Error Probable, known as CEP. Fifty meters CEP means that if you drew a circle around a target at 50 meters radius, the rounds have to fall inside the circle 50 percent of the time.

Its near-precision accuracy will reduce the number of projectiles required to hit targets, which in turn reduces collateral damage.

The Fort Bliss Soldiers helped Picatinny representatives successfully complete an Early User Assessment, or EUA, and Sequential Environmental Test for Performance, or SET-P, of the kit.

The SET-P component of the test demonstrated the reliability of the PGK after being subjected to tactical adverse environmental conditions, said Galyean. The EUA evaluated potential operational effectiveness and suitability of the system.

In total, the Fort Bliss unit fired 24 PGK-equipped projectiles, as part of digital fire missions from the forward observer, through the fire direction center, to the weapon system. Twenty of these rounds were in support of the EUA and SET-P.

In addition to the EUA/SET-P firings, an additional four PGK-equipped projectiles were fired by the Soldiers to support a Program of Instruction Excursion. This demonstrated a completely digital sensor to shooter call for fire, and resulted in 4 for 4 successful guidance and effects. It demonstrated that the PGK can be used by a downrange observer using a Lightweight Laser Designator/Rangefinder, sending target locations to the gun via Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System.

PGK is compatible with existing high-explosive, 155-mm M795 and M549A1 High Explosive projectiles fired from the 155mm M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer and the 155-mm M777A2 towed howitzer.



Read more: http://www.defencetalk.com/fort-bliss-soldiers-first-to-fire-armys-new-near-precision-artillery-rounds-45988/#ixzz2FImDPcUA

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US Army Operational Test Command concludes NIE 13.1 exercise
14 December 2012
The US Army Operational Test Command (OTC) soldiers have completed their fourth iteration of the semi-annual field exercises, Network Integration Evaluations 13.1 (NIE), at Fort Bliss in Texas, and White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, US.

The NIE exercises are aimed at integrating and maturing the army's tactical network, whilst also streamlining methods through what network technologies are provided to troops through integrated capability sets of communications gear.

Managed by the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), System of Systems Integration Directorate and Brigade Modernization Command, the NIE 13.1 featured multiple programme tests for record, additional tests for record and less formal assessments, dubbed 'systems under evaluations'.

US Army Operational Test Command commander colonel Joseph Martin said several lessons from NIE 12.2, including system of systems training for soldiers, streamlined testing, upfront integration of hardware and instrumentation among others, were applied by the army during the exercise
With one NIE executed every six months and others simultaneously in various stages of planning, the coordination of effort among the multiple army organisations and industry partners is monumental," Martin added.

Around 5,000 soldiers, Department of the Army Civilian employees and contractors participated in the exercises alongside the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division (2/1 AD) soldiers, who executed training scenarios to help army determine the equipment's effectiveness, suitability and survivability.

Equipment tested during the exercise included M109 Paladin integrated management (PIM), Nett Warrior, artillery system, Spider networked munitions system, and Joint Battle Command-Platform (JBC-P) communication system, as well as the rocket, artillery, mortar (RAM) Warn system.

The army officials will make acquisition decisions depending on the final report by the ATEC-AEC, according to ATEC public affairs officer Robin Boggs.

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsus-army-operational-test-command-concludes-nie-131-exercise

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17 décembre 2012 | Par Anja François RANDRIAVANIAINA - Source : Tom's Guide FR
L'armée américaine planche sur une mousse qui sauvera des vies

Comment survivre alors qu’on est blessé dans un champ de bataille ? En attendant l’arrivée des secours, cette invention pourrait changer la donne : une mousse injectable pour arrêter l’hémorragie.

Développée par la DARPA (l'agence de recherche de l'armée américaine) cette nouvelle technologie a été spécialement conçue pour sauver la vie des soldats et des civils blessés. Il s’agit d’une mousse à injecter dans l’abdomen pour stabiliser les organes endommagés. Fabriquée à partir d’un polymère polyuréthane, la mousse résulte de la combinaison de deux liquides, une fois administrée dans le patient. Quand les composants se mélangent, la mousse se dilate de trente fois son volume pour ensuite se solidifier. L’hémorragie interne stoppée, ce procédé offre suffisamment de temps pour évacuer le blessé en milieu hospitalier où la mousse pourra être retirée par chirurgie.

Si cette technologie est déjà sur la bonne voie, les tests effectués ont dénombré un taux de survie nettement en hausse après injection de la mousse. En tout cas, le projet semble être pris très au sérieux.

http://www.tomsguide.fr/actualite/sante-mousse,19422.html

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By Army News Service on Tuesday, December 18th, 2012

Tripping improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance in a controlled way to avoid Soldier injury has become an automated process now for Soldiers here and at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Soldiers are now training on the M160 MV4 DOK-ING, a remote-controlled, tracked mine clearance system to trip hidden improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, unexploded ordnance, known as UXOs, and anti-personnel mines. By sending the system out to look for explosive dangers, Soldiers can clear a route without putting themselves in danger.

“Never send a man to do a machine’s job,” said Mark Decker, a technician trainer and instructor with the Robotics Systems Joint Project Office.

The M160 MV4 is the first of its kind here and is the latest addition to the Mobilization Training Center, the route clearance training program at Fort Bliss.

Several Soldiers from First Army Division West’s 5th Armored Brigade’s “Task Force Rampant,” recently trained on the vehicle, along with joint warfighters who are training with Rampant in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan. Included among those units are the 321st Engineer Company (Route Clearance), of Conroe, Texas; the 704th Engineer Company (Route Clearance), of Hot Springs, Ark.; and the 402nd Engineer Company (Sapper), of Des Moines, Iowa.

The M160 MV4 is currently used in Afghanistan by route clearance units.

“Having this equipment available to train our reserve-component forces during their premobilization training will allow these units to arrive in their forward-deployed theaters with a unique and critical skill set,” said Lt. Col. Aaron Dorf, Task Force Rampant commander.

Fielding of the M160 MV4 has been a priority of Task Force Rampant for some time now, said Task Force Rampant Command Sgt. Maj. Leonard Meeks.

“We are constantly striving to acquire combat systems that emulate what these joint warfighters will encounter downrange,” Meeks said. “The more training we can provide to them in this environment the better. It’s our job to prepare them for success, and having the right tools of the trade is key for this mission.”

The M160 MV4 employs a rotating shaft with chains attached to disturb the surface of the ground in an attempt to detonate or unearth deadly mines and unexploded ordnance. The flailing action is designed to establish a safe path of travel for dismounted troops in the area.

During the first day of the two-day training event, Soldiers received familiarization of the system’s internal and external components, and training on the fuel system. This was followed by instruction on preventive maintenance checks and services and the proper methods to inspect the track area, engine compartment and its attachments.

“PMCS training and testing of the equipment is as important as operating it,” said Master Sgt. Warner Stadler, the Task Force Rampant senior mechanic. “Without formal training on the care of equipment, it is very likely the equipment will not be available and ready when required.”

Following PMCS, the Soldiers were taught to program the system and operate it using basic driving techniques. As part of the basic driving training, Soldiers were required to maneuver the system in forward and reverse, as well as negotiate left and right turns in a controlled environment.

Once proficient at maneuver, the Soldiers were taught methods for employing the robot to reducing obstacles. The flailing block of instruction was conducted on a 3,100-meter test lane that was used to simulate entering an unclear area.

The key to effective flailing was the ability to employ the M160 MV4 using a variable tool speed, the correct downward pressure and gear. Prior to entering the unclear area, Soldiers must perform a soil test to check the effectiveness of the settings, and then adjust as necessary.

“The M160 is definitely an asset to any deploying unit,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Denny, after two days of flailing. “I’m excited to be able to provide future training to engineer Soldiers.”

A practical exercise allowed Soldiers to get a better feel for the machine and its combat role. Each Soldier took turns holding the remote control to maneuver the M160 MV4 along the training lane.

“The remote-control-operated vehicle is actually fun to drive and maneuver, said Staff Sgt. Chamberlain Wolfe. “However, its mission is very serious and critical to our safe maneuver in what at times is a dangerous region.”



Read more: http://www.defencetalk.com/soldiers-train-with-remote-controlled-mine-clearing-system-46034/#ixzz2FOOLoyuX

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US Army orders SNAP VSAT satellite systems equipment from TCS
18 December 2012
TeleCommunication Systems (TCS) has been awarded a contract for delivery of secret internet protocol router and non-secure internet protocol router access point (SNAP) 1.2M Lite very small aperture terminal (VSAT) and IMPACT tactical satellite systems to the US Army.

The contract features a maximum potential value of $25m, if all options are exercised, and covers the supply of unspecified SNAP VSAT and IMPACT systems for deployment, as part of the small form factor (SFF) company command post (CoCP) terminals.

TCS government solutions senior vice president and general manager Michael Bristol said the company has been delivering the SNAP VSAT systems to Project Manager (PM) Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) for the past four years to bring connectivity to the brigade and battalion level.

Company Command Post is an extension of the SNAP programme in that our VSAT solutions will now be made available down the company echelons and below levels, and is the culmination of our vast experience with tactical communications support for the army," Bristol added.

Interfaced with the Impact baseband packages, the SNAP 1.2M Lite terminal is a rapidly deployable, pack-in-the-box VSAT solution designed to enable an extension of a common operating environment throughout a global network.

Capable of operating in harsh environments, the system can be field-upgraded to Ka or X-band terminals by swapping the feed boom assembly, and can be easily transported due to the reduced size and weight compared with current SNAP systems.

The TCS Impact Tactical IP Terminal is a small ruggedised communications kit offering size, weight and power (SWaP) reductions, while also delivering equal or enhanced capabilities than existing network solutions.

Contracted deliveries are scheduled to complete by the end of the first quarter of 2013.

The procurements are funded by the US Army PM WIN-T commercial satellite terminal programme, through the army's $5bn worldwide satellite systems (WWSS) contract vehicle.

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsus-army-orders-snap-vsat-satellite-systems-equipment-tcs