SUBJECT: FY24-35 Maneuver Support modernization of current and future technologies requiring enhanced focus on technical certifications and training to accommodate OC/T partnership Collective Training Event (CTE) validation.
1. Purpose: Provide 1A, 4 CAV an overview of emerging technologies and the training needed to accommodate partnership validation requirements.
2. EXSUM: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the United States Army’s equipment modernization strategy and how this strategy incorporates multiple technologies requiring enhanced OC/T training to instruct Soldiers on proper employment of these systems. The Javelin CROWS System (M153J), Ballistic Low Altitude Drone Engagement (Counter UAS), Global Forensics Information System and Force Protection Solid State Active Denial System is being integrated into the United States Army’s Physical Security strategy and within maneuver support formations in FY28. Validation of partnership units will necessitate OC/T proficiency in the operation and employment of these systems within the next decade. Additionally, the recruitment and retention of both technically skilled and legacy equipment trained OC/Ts remains a requirement as the Army implements the equipment modernization strategy across active duty, reserve, and national guard formations.
3. Case Study 1: From 15-26 March 2021, the 759 Military Police Battalion stationed in Fort Carson, CO executed a “CROWS Academy” to validate 22 Soldiers on the Javelin CROWS System (M153J). This process required instructors to attend an external Train-The-Trainer course and required Soldiers to complete technical instruction, marksmanship, and maintenance validation on their assigned system. Five months following this training, 6 of 22 Soldiers and instructors executed a combined MMG Gunnery. System problems caused four of their six CROWS to consistently become non-mission capable (NMC). After evaluation by Fort Carson Range Control SMEs, all systems performed without issue following the implementation of specific guidance not addressed in either TM or CROWS manual. The CROWS system’s optical lens, oriented down range during vehicle crew firing iterations caused the system to shut down. The exposure of direct sunlight to the lens and sensor module caused an Error “1114: FCU/MPU high temperature change” that initiated a protection override in between firing iterations. CROWS systems require lens caps and covers during storage but implementation in an environment with direct sunlight caused the optical sensors to overheat. This small technical detail rendered 66% of the systems NMC and would impair the crews in a combat situation. Additionally, start-up procedures for the system required small pintle pins be removed before automated calibration of the system can occur. A CROWS locking pin inserted during the calibration resulted in the pin being sheared off and rendered four of the systems NMC. Prior to Soldiers obtaining this knowledge or training, several Soldiers attempted to PMCS the CROWS and damaged several systems.
4. Case Study 2: From 23-29 May 2023, 379 Chemical Company validated their teams on the Biological Integrated Detection System (BIDS) during their company Pre-MOB CTE. OC/Ts from 1A East and West completed the Company’s BIO detection MET evaluation. During the assessment, 1A OC/Ts received instruction on the system’s employment and detection functions from the senior CRBN NCO on site. Without proper filter installation and system calibration BIDS do not function correctly. Failure to properly install a filter exposes the sensor module to exhaust from the vehicle’s exhaust port. CPU modules often degrade over time and show system errors that require specific knowledge to diagnose. The decommissioning of the BIDS platform is being pushed back and is now projected for FY25. All manufactured parts have been discontinued. SMEs on the system are minimal within AC formations as the system exclusively exists in a reserves components MTOE. Without school slots or exceptions to policy, 1A OC/Ts will not be effectively capable of decerning technical issues with these older systems.
5. Mitigating modernization challenges to enhance OC/T evaluation proficiency: The above case studies illustrate the high degree of technical knowledge required to operate and debug systems currently in operation. Future systems will incorporate multiple current technologies listed above as well as far more advanced systems. Based on previous historical data, these systems will likely bring about unique operational challenges due to their complex nature. Technologies implemented by the military are only becoming more complex and require a greater amount of technical knowledge to employ. Active duty and reserve component forces optimize technologies during modernization. These systems are now passed down in a cycle from AC to RA forces. OC/Ts must maintain Knowledge and training on two simultaneous generations of technology to effectively evaluate units currently in addition to when these technologies are passed down. The highly complex nature of emerging technology during the FY20-35 modernization period necessitates OC/Ts to receive hands-on training from SMEs to effectively complete evaluations on units during collective training. Sending OC/Ts TDY to train on upcoming technologies as well as current systems is essential to ensuring partnership units certify during Post-Mobilization CTEs.
6. Conclusion and Recommendation: 1A OC/Ts should regularly attend annual conferences for their specific MOS or supported partner and develop UTPs to accommodate OC/T training on upcoming technologies and modernization changes. Engineer, Military Police, Transportation, CRBN, and other highly technical MOS OC/Ts should attend annual training events as part of the training audience to develop specific MOS proficiencies and train on uncommon or specialized unit functional capabilities. Based upon modernization, OC/Ts should attend technical courses on the systems listed above and those projected for implementation.
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