In the white paper, “Soldier Battlefield Effectiveness,” PEO Soldier explores the complex array of factors that contribute to a Soldier’s performance on the field of battle.

To outline discussions surrounding this complex topic, the Army uses a simple framework:

Soldier + Weapon + Ammo + Optic + Training = Soldier Battlefield Effectiveness

This framework reflects the fact that no single thing accounts for how effective a Soldier is in engaging the enemy. Unfortunately, many discussions on the topic narrowly focus on the weapon platform and its corresponding ammunition. While these elements are important, they still represent just pieces to the overall puzzle.

This paper is the third installment in PEO Soldier’s “Dual Path Strategy Series.” The articles in this series are intended to educate and inform readers regarding the significant considerations relevant to the search for a new service rifle. The Dual Path is PEO Soldier’s strategy to provide Soldiers with a service rifle that is even more effective, accurate and reliable than the current family of M16/M4 individual weapons. The strategy pursues a rigorous M4 improvement program while simultaneously challenging industry in a carbine competition to deliver an entirely new weapon system that can outperform the combat-proven M4.

Related Documents:

Dual Path Strategy Series: Part III – Soldier Battlefield Effectiveness [PDF]

Related Links:

The Dual Path Strategy for the Next Generation of Army Service Rifles

Dual Path Strategy Series: Part II – Soldier Weapons Primer

PEO Soldier Blog Post on "Soldier Battlefield Effectiveness"