Minimizing Friendly Fire. The Army Should Consider Long-Term Solution in Its Procurement Decision on Near-Term Needs.

摘要

The Army plans to spend up to $100 million on a near-term combat identification system that might be eventually discarded if it cannot be integrated into a long-term solution. The Army currently plans to begin producing a near-term system about 15 months before it decides what the cost-effective, long-term solution might be. The Army plans to buy 1,520 near-term systems to equip some first to fight forces, including ground vehicles and helicopters. However, this would not be enough for a larger-scale operation, leaving forces still subject to fratricide. Moreover, since the near-term system will not be used on fixed-wing aircraft, this system will not provide adequate coverage in any conflict involving them in close air support. Other combat identification and situational awareness systems developed in recent years have upgraded military's capability in this area and could serve as interim improvements until the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Army are certain that the near-term system can be integrated into the long-term solution. These systems could provide ground vehicle crews with an initial target identification and enhanced situational awareness capability to help reduce the risk of fratricide.