FORT BENNING, Ga., (Oct. 15, 2014) -- With technology becoming an increasingly important factor on the battlefield, one Army organization is trying to make sure Soldiers are powering their devices the proper way.
Program Executive Office Soldier's Project Manager Soldier Sensors and Lasers recently launched the #PowerUpProperly campaign, which is designed to increase awareness among Soldiers on the benefits of using lithium batteries.
"Today's technology enables our Soldiers to see and engage, but in order for the equipment to be efficient and effective you really need to use the latest battery technology that is most efficient for use with our equipment," said Joe Pearson, PM SSL's Logistics Management Division director. "If they're using the best battery solution, Soldiers can immediately decrease their mounted load weight, get greater operational performance and reduce supply costs over time using lithium batteries. The bottom line is lithium batteries increase the operational effectiveness, lethality and maneuverability."
According to PM SSL, while lithium batteries initially cost more, they last two to 10 times as long, which means Soldiers carry less batteries for the same mission. Each lithium battery weighs 37 percent less, operates in extreme temperatures, and has twice the shelf life of standard alkaline batteries.
"In terms of upfront costs, you can see why you'd be drawn to alkaline batteries at first," Pearson said. "Alkaline batteries are about half the cost of lithium batteries on average, but in the long run ... you have to carry about three times as many alkaline batteries as you would lithium."
Staff Sgt. Jose Salcedo III, the tasking NCO for 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, said he saw firsthand the value of lithium batteries during a recent deployment.
"I was using alkaline batteries in my thermal weapon sights while we were on patrol," Salcedo said. "I scan maybe 25 to 30 percent of the time with that sight. I did a quick scan and I had about 50 percent battery life left. Usually, I'm pretty comfortable with that.
"Around 10 minutes later, my element was struck by an IED about 75 meters in front of me. I immediately brought up my weapon with my thermal sight and I started scanning in the event that there was a trigger man out there somewhere on the other end of a wire. Within seconds of activating my thermal weapon sight, it died. Being that it said I had 50 percent battery life left, I should have at least two more hours of use out of it."
Salcedo said thermal capabilities are key to a dismounted Infantryman, and lithium batteries provide a more accurate gauge of how much life is left for thermals.
"The battery indicators just aren't as reliable with the alkaline batteries, where with the lithium batteries, you have a really good idea of how much battery life you have left," he said.
PM SSL has sent our flyers and posters in support of the #PowerUpProperly campaign, and will continue to try to spread the word about the benefits of lithium batteries.
"I'm in constant communication with many unit sergeants major and I've received messages of appreciation for reiterating the importance of lithium batteries because they recognize that it's more cost effective and can reduce the weight on the Soldier as well," said Master Sgt. Reiko Carter, the PM SSL NCOIC and fielding operations NCO.
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