DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. — U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George recently stopped by the Detroit Arsenal to discuss advancements in ground vehicle systems, advanced manufacturing integration, and the future of manufacturing.
George’s Aug. 24, 2024, visit included conversations with DTA senior leaders, Department of the Army civilians and Soldiers. He listened to briefings, watched demonstrations of various platforms in the ground systems vehicle portfolio and viewed an advanced manufacturing integration display.
Program Executive Office Combat Support & Combat Service Support subject matter experts provided the general with the latest information on the Infantry Squad Vehicle, or ISV, and Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport, or S-MET.
The ISV is a “better boot” for infantry brigade combat teams, providing an additive lightweight vehicle to move Soldiers and their equipment quickly over complex terrain and across difficult cross-country terrain. ISVs provide greater mobility to IBCTs, as they are designed to move across restrictive terrain, allowing Soldiers to close in objectives with less fatigue and greater readiness. The Army can deliver ISVs to the battlefield by airdrop or helicopter, which increases the flexibility of Soldiers on the move.
The S-MET is a robotic “mule” — a platform that provides a small unit with an unmanned cargo transport and limited tactical resupply capability to carry equipment, reducing Soldiers’ loads and providing power generation directly supporting the expanding needs of units in dismounted operations. By removing the additional physical burden from a small maneuver unit, the S-MET enhances individual Soldier performance and effectiveness upon arrival to the objective by reducing fatigue.
In addition, George learned about the Robotic Combat Vehicle, the Stryker Control Vehicle, and the XM30 Combat Vehicle from the Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems.
The Robotic Combat Vehicle, or RCV, will deliver decisive lethality by enabling Soldiers to rapidly gain situational awareness. Commanders can employ external or onboard weapon systems while reducing the tactical risk to the formation. The RCV is remotely controlled or can operate autonomously.
The Stryker Control Vehicle is modified to control up to two RCVs. Armored Multipurpose Vehicles and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles are also being modified to work as possible control vehicles.
The XM30 is a minimally manned, open-architected combat vehicle that maneuvers Soldiers to a point of positional advantage to engage in close combat and deliver decisive lethality during combined arms maneuvers, while also controlling maneuver robotics and semi-autonomous systems.
XM30 can operate with or without a crew, as determined by the commander. XM30 is the U.S. Army’s first ground combat vehicle designed using modern digital engineering tools and techniques.
Also, George learned about the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command’s advanced manufacturing integration program at Rock Island-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center. Brig. Gen. Michael Lalor, TACOM commanding general, spoke to the general about how JMTC is working with the Ground Vehicle Systems Center to create point of need manufacturing. George and Lalor also discussed the future of manufacturing.
A tour of the Prototype Integration Facility rounded out the general’s two-hour visit, which concluded with a coin presentation. George gave coins to several members of the Detroit Arsenal team in recognition of their efforts to help ensure the Army continues to provide support for ready combat formations. The recipients were:
- Aaron Jarvi, U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM)
- Jillyn Alban, Ground Vehicle Systems Center
- Anthony Dolan, Ground Vehicle Systems Center
- John Hufstedler, PEO Combat Support & Combat Service Support
- Veronica Johnson, PEO Combat Support & Combat Service Support
- Erik Polsen, PEO Ground Combat Systems
- Maj. Ian Beil, PEO Ground Combat Systems
- Darnell Dunson, Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal
- Lisa Roulo, Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal
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