JUST RELEASED – The Summer/Fall 2024 edition of Special Warfare Journal, “How ARSOF Fights, Future Integration of the SOF-Space-Cyber Triad“ is available for download now at: www.swcs.mil/Special-Warfare-Journal/Special-Warfare-Archive
Special Warfare Journal is The Official Professional Journal of U.S. Army Special Operations Forces.
On 10 July 2024, the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) and the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) demonstrated the project Wideband Selective Propagation RADAR (WiSPR) at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Developed in collaboration with MIT Lincoln Laboratory since the fall of 2021, WiSPR is an advanced, low-observable, multi-function Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and communications system that operates at novel frequencies and modulations.
A significant advantage of WiSPR is its capability to counter adversary Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) by detecting and locating armored vehicles with Active Protection Radar Systems (APS). The adoption of WiSPR mitigates this threat due to its inherent low probability of detection.
An innovative feature of WiSPR is its specialized cooling system, which efficiently removes the large amounts of heat produced by the 1,000 WiSPR transmit elements. This effective cooling system expels heat generated by the array’s components via specially designed thermal radiators.
After five years of development, WiSPR’s unique Low Probability of Detection/ Low Probability of Intercept (LPD/LPI) APS capabilities and inter-vehicle communications will transition to the production cycle in the coming months. Lt. Gen. Robert A. Rasch, Jr., Director of RCCTO, stated, “WiSPR is a classic example of how RCCTO does business, a testament to our success, and why we as an Army can adapt to future threats.”
By Venetia Gonzales
On 13 September 2024, the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) hosted its first Human Machine Integrated Formation (HMIF) Industry Day event focusing on the complex network architecture of the HMIF robotic capability at Aberdeen Proving Ground’s Myer Auditorium.
The in-person event was limited to U.S. vendors that are either members of the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) or have an active business registration on SAM.gov. During the Industry Day event, representatives from RCCTO; the Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Center; the Ground Vehicle Systems Center; and the Armament Center shared insights into the strategic approach for the HMIF network requirements. The event attracted over 125 industry representatives from 75 different companies, along with more than 25 personnel from government, military, and contractor support roles.
The objective of this one-day event was to inform vendors about the technical aspects of the HMIF Network, which is crucial for the command-and-control systems that connect Warfighters with tactical robotic formations. This Industry Day marked the beginning of the next phase in the procurement process—the accelerated drafting of the final Network Statement of Work (SOW), by 30 September 2024. In October 2024, the SOW will be released as a Request for Proposals to the National Advanced Mobility Consortium through the Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal. The selection of the best proposed solution from industry proposals will take place in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025, with an award expected by early in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2025.
The Army has designated the RCCTO as the materiel and acquisition lead for the HMIF program, employing an enterprise approach that utilizes previous science and technology investments in robotics to establish, test, and validate a combat use case for offensive robotic operations. RCCTO, along with elements of Army Futures Command, continues to pursue synchronized solutions across joint service domains to detect, track, identify, and engage enemy combatants, employing offensive machines in risky scenarios while ensuring that human operators remain safely distanced from direct and indirect fire.
The success of the HMIF Networks Industry Day and the benefits derived from it are expected to inspire similar events in the future as the RCCTO continues to collaborate with industry to secure the best materiel solutions and equipment for the Army and its Warfighters.
“Events like this help to communicate our top priorities for both the instant Network requirement as well as future HMIF capability as we look to leverage emerging technology to defeat current threats,” said Mr. Rob Monto, Director for RCCTO’s Advanced Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.
By Venetia Gonzales
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii — To provide leaders and the combined joint force a lethal division, the 25th Infantry Division’s primary focus is tailored to employ large-scale combat operations, commitment to readiness, and deployment of combat credible forces.
Consistent building and deployment of readiness are achieved through four points: Transformation in Contact, Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) Hawaii, Operation Pathways and JPMRC X (Exportable).
JPMRC is the Army’s newest combat training center and generates readiness in the environments and conditions where our forces are likely to operate. JPMRC 25-01 includes training participants from the U.S. joint forces, all Army components and multinational allies and partners.
The Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. James J. Mingus, observed JPMRC training events on Oahu with the 25th Infantry Division and the 196th Infantry Brigade, where he was hosted by the division’s commanding general, Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans.
Evans emphasizes the importance of the JPMRC exercise in fostering joint operations.
“We are using JPMRC and our Warfighter Exercise in December to validate our transformation in contact construct with the 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team along with those lessons learned from 101st Airborne and 10th Mountain Division,” he said. “Innovation never stops at our level. We are in a relentless pursuit of excellence and strive to get 1% better every day.”
Through the campaign of learning, the 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team (2LBCT) sets to validate the division’s Transformation in Contact efforts during this year’s JPMRC iteration.
From 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team, Multiple Variants of the Silent Tactical Energy Enhanced Dismount (STEED), Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET), Skydio X10D Drone and Thales Modular Universal Battery Charger are all essential pieces of equipment being used to hone and improve the division’s warfighting capabilities.
Mingus observed training aimed at testing the division’s capabilities to respond to complex operational scenarios. JPMRC serves as an essential platform for evaluating the Army’s ability to operate effectively across multiple domains, including land, air, and cyber.
“The 25th Infantry Division is a critical component of our efforts in the Pacific,” Mingus said. “Readiness and partnership with our multinational partners are vital as we navigate an evolving landscape.”
The exercise involves service members from various branches of the U.S. military and multinational allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific Region, all engaged in live, virtual, and constructive training components, which generates a realistic and challenging experience for all participants.
After conducting a JPMRC rotation or training event, the Theater Army projects combat-credible forces, through Operation Pathways, forward into the Indo-Pacific and Asia. Operation Pathways is the United States Army Pacific’s operational approach to campaigning that applies readiness of combat-credible forces to build joint readiness, strengthen interoperability with our Allies and partners, and deny key terrain – human and physical — to our adversaries.
By SSG Brenden Delgado
USASOC has been experimenting with robotics for several years, as seen in this image of 1st SFG(A) Green Berets during Project Origin at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. Despite Army Special Operations leaders discussing the idea of creating a specific robotics careerfield within SOF for years, details are still scarce on this new plan, which could see its first training class as early as 2025.
Most recently USASOC Command Sergeant Major JoAnn Naumann told students at a SOCOM Ignite event at MIT, that the command is creating a new Military Occupational Specialty.
“Special operations is leading the Army by creating a new MOS this year for technology, innovation and integration – a new MOS that does not exist in the Army,” said Naumann. “We’re creating it because we realized that we need it. We will have people whose job is to think about these kinds of problems, build prototypes and then help us once we get the technology integrated into the battlefield and make it work in real-world scenarios.”
The details we’ve uncovered are that the paperwork to create the new MOS is currently at the Department of the Army staff and is expected to be approved by the end of the calendar year. Selection from the force could begin soon after, with the initial training course early in 2025.
The MOS designation is 390A meaning it’s going to be a warrant officer MOS. It’s a novel approach to the challenge and we are told it is for two reasons.
First, there are many within the Army’s SOF formation who have chosen unconventional paths including working with unmanned systems, robotics, and other technologies. They are valuable to the force in these niche roles and there are concerns about losing their expertise as they get passed over for not checking the blocks.
The second reason is that a few years ago Congress gave DoD additional authorities to direct commission those with technical experience of interest to the service. This will allow USASOC to not only recruit talent within house, but also look to industry and academia for the right people.
While no MOS name has been mentioned, it may likely be “Robotics and Unmanned Systems Technician”. This guess is based upon the six week Robotics and Unmanned Systems Integrator Course currently taught as an advanced skill to select SOF at USAJFKSWCS. However, SOF leaders have widely acknowledged that other, emerging technologies are required by their forces.
CMF 39 is of note, simply because it was once used as a Functional Area designation for Civil Affairs officers before it became a branch and adopted MOS 38A. It seems to have become a spare, somewhat under the purview of ARSOF. Joining CMFs 18 (Special Forces), 37 (Psychological Operations), and 38 (Civil Affairs), its reactivation bodes well for the creation of dedicated Cyber, Space, Fires, and other enlisted specialties for technical SOF enablers. Robotics systems are platforms and using their payloads generally requires additional technical expertise.
While the Navy beat them to it by creating a rate for unmanned systems last year, so far RM Sailors haven’t been integrated into the SOF formation. The creation of this MOS is something entirely new, not only for SOF, but all across the Army. They are seeking technicians who will integrate new capabilities. Although these aren’t SOF operator positions, many of the initial cadre will come from SF, Rangers, and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. This will assuredly open doors as they integrate into SOF operations. While we’re unsure how USASOC plans to employ them and where they’ll fit into the organization, or will have their own unit, it’s a move that is a good investment in transformation and the future.
While this new MOS is currently destined to support ARSOF, within the Army there have discussions of creating a Robotics branch. A few years ago during the Maneuver Conference a plan was briefed to create MOS 19R, a non-accessions MOS which would accept volunteers at skill levels two and up from CMFs 11 (Infantry) and 19 (Armor). The plan had skill level 5 (E8 & E9) robotics Soldiers serving as 19Zs or Armor Senior Sergeants.
The difference between SOF’s robotics requirement and the other maneuver branches of the Army is about size. Like their current force structure, armor and infantry units have armored vehicles and in the future will integrate remotely operated and autonomous armored vehicles. SOF will mainly use smaller, very specialized systems like the Ghost Robotics Quadraped Unmanned Ground Vehicle seen above. Some of the tools will be the same across the force, but as taught in the RUSIC training mentioned earlier, SOF students learn to use innovation and additive manufacturing to locally produce specialized payloads for unmanned systems.
With USASOC working toward adoption of a formal requirement for a family of ground robotics and having already heavily adopted Small unmanned Aerial Systems across the formation, this move is the right one. Hopefully, they will create enlisted MOSs for other technical enabler positions.
We expect the Army will follow SOF’s lead and adopt the right systems for the larger force. Hopefully, they’ll implement dedicated personnel from inception as well.
– Story by Eric Graves, Editor
Top photo by Jerome Aliotta, US Army
Quadraped photo by Zachary Rufus, DoD
This is an XM250 in 6.8x51mm. Essentially, it’s the same Automatic Rifle the Army adopted under the Next Generation Squad Weapons program with one exception, it has a quick change barrel. That feature, makes it quite suitable to fulfill the role as a sustained fire, belt-fed machine gun.
This isn’t a new characteristic. It was part of the original design, but the Army didn’t want a quick change barrel as part of NGSW. So, in order to save weight, it was left off. This version of the SIG light machine gun is referred to as the “World” configuration as it is how the gun is marketed to everyone else, except the US Army.
What Makes It Different
As you can see, it is configured here with no top cover over the barrel to facilitate quick barrel changes. However, SIG tells me there is a hinged cover available, as seen on the MG338.
The barrel is locked in place via two buttons. It can’t be removed or secured in place without simultaneously depressing the rocker and secondary locks. Additionally, the plunger must be depressed to fully engage the handle lock.
Here you can see the lugs on the barrel which lock the barrel into the receiver.
Why It Matters Now
The Squad Arms and Ammunition Configuration study led to the development of the 6.8 cartridge and Next Generation Squad Weapons. Afterwards, a study was conducted for the Platoon called, aptly enough, the PAAC study. Although it was completed well over a year ago, Army leaders continue to evaluate the study’s findings to decide on a path forward.
One of the key decisions is how to proceed regarding a machine gun for the platoon. Options under discussion include adopting the 6.8 common cartridge architecture for the role, as well as seeking out an additional cartridge such as the 338 Norma Mag option currently under adoption by USSOCOM.
Regardless of the caliber choice, fielding of the initial XM250 Automatic Rifles to the first units is already highlighting the disparity between the new 6.8 round and its 7.62 predecessor. The current M240s are heavier, offer reduced range and lower delivered energy on target than NGSW.
As of right now, NGSW is only intended for the close combat force consisting of Infantry, Cav Scouts, Combat Engineers, SOF, and select enablers. That means there are just over 13,000 XM250s being fielded to replace M249 SAWs in those formations. This leaves tens of thousands of SAWs across the Army. Chances are good, those will be replaced with XM250s over the coming years. However, the issue is even larger for the M240. No matter the desired course of action for caliber of choice post-PAAC study decision, the Army has to decide what to do with the ~120,000 M240s in inventory.
Many have suggested that they simply reconfigure them to fire the new composite case 6.8X51mm. The thought process is that the Army already owns them and they are serial numbers on the books; no need to buy new guns.
Considering the number of guns involved, it will easily take five years or more to develop a barrel and operating system capable of reliable, long-term firing of the high pressure 6.8 cartridge and to actually reconfigure the guns. It is likely that up to 20% of the guns currently in service ought to be coded out and replaced. They are old and have seen a lot of service over the past 30 years. If the Army does, in fact need all 120,000 guns, that means they’ll have to purchase more M240s to replace the worn-out examples of an almost 70-year-old design. Detractors of this plan ask why the Army would want to buy more old guns that they’ve already decided to replace.
Adoption of a new gun for the sustained fire role is likely a more cost effective solution in the long-term. If the Army desires to transition to 338 NM that has to happen because there’s no gun currently in the inventory to do it. If they don’t, one option is to pure fleet the XM250, with quick change barrels, replacing both M249 SAWs and M240 MGs. In many ways, it’s an easy button. This moves all belt-fed guns to one caliber and one platform across the formation, simplifying doctrine, employment, training and logistics. It also makes the entire force more lethal, and reliable, with new guns which will last longer than modified legacy guns. It’s also a faster option than starting a new program.
No matter the near-term path forward, a version of the XM250 with quick change barrel will inevitably enter Army service.
WASHINGTON — During the “Leading Change Brief” at the annual AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington D.C. on Oct. 15, 2024, Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Michael A. Weimer, announced the U.S. Army has completed and released a digital Blue Book with a companion website. The Blue Book development was announced at last year’s AUSA Annual Meeting.
“You can’t build standards and discipline in a time of crisis,” Weimer said last year. “If we’re really going to be truly ready for large-scale combat operations, we have to have those standards and discipline before we get called upon for that.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond S. Harris, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, was tasked to lead the Blue Book development.
“To meet the SMA’s intent, we had to ensure that we created a digital version that can be accessed anywhere at any time on any device and that is what the team was able to do,” Harris said.
The purpose of the Army Blue Book is to support history, heritage, lineage, and standards and discipline while simultaneously reinforcing trust at echelon and strengthening the Army profession. The book also includes commonly violated or misunderstood standards. The Blue Book is based on the original intent of Baron von Steuben’s Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States and will serve as the base for all unit standards books to create commonality and consistency throughout the Army.
The TRADOC team traveled to several installations across the Army to gather input for the Blue Book. “We wanted to hear from the force during Blue Book development,” said Sgt. Maj. Tyson Crosby, TRADOC Enlisted Initiatives Group and Blue Book lead planner. “We traveled to five installations, engaging with students and cadre from our Non-commissioned Officer Academies. We also solicitated input and insight from senior Army leaders.”
Although TRADOC was tasked with developing the Blue Book, Crosby said they wanted to ensure NCOs outside of TRADOC had input as well.
“The Blue Book mission was not a singular effort. We received great input and feedback from across the Army, making it a collaborative work. The Blue Book is for the entire Army and our overall plan reflects that,” Crosby said.
The final version of the Blue Book is 23 pages (three chapters), designed to be the first three chapters of a unit-level Blue Book. Once a user opens the Army Blue Book through the QR code, they can download the Blue Book PWA using the phones settings, which will create an app on the phone’s screen. In terms of useability, this will act no differently than app from an application store
Through Army University, TRADOC also developed a progressive web application centered around “Strengthening the Profession.” The webapp will serve as a leadership development and Army professionalism hub. It will also give users the ability to print a Blue Book PDF version. The Strengthening the Profession site will be contemporary and user friendly and will include hot topics, links to relevant sites, and professional articles all relevant to strengthening the Army profession and leadership. TRADOC will be the proponent of the site with regular reviews and updates.
The webapp can function like a native, downloadable app from an application store, but will require a QR code or the weblink to access first. When on the site, users can download the app that will take them directly to the site.
“The Army Blue Book was best developed as a PWA,” stated Matthew MacLaughlin, Army University’s mobile division chief. “The instructional designers determined how the info in the book would be optimized for the format, and then the computer scientists built the framework to ensure the execution is seamless and for all screen sizes.”
He added that while native applications have their place, the PWA format for publications allows for faster updates and provide a native-app experience for the user. The website can detect the user’s device type and will format accordingly.
Weimer said the Blue Book is for living by a standard and enforcing that standard amongst teams that are preparing for combat.
“Be disciplined and be brilliant at the basics,” Weimer said.
TRADOC will review the Blue Book content often and conduct updates as necessary.
The new Blue Book can be viewed online through the Central Army Registry website.
By SGM Jason Stadel
SAN DIEGO – 15 October 2024 – As part of the U.S. Army’s Vanguard demonstrations that took place in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, on Sept. 17–18, 2024, a Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) provided by the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) showcased several new capabilities, including the integration of an Expeditionary Cyber Chassis (ECC) for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) and Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) with Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) radios from Silvus Technologies.
Sponsored by Col. Danielle Medaglia, Product Manager for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, and operated by U.S. Army Soldiers, the GE-ER successfully demonstrated data relay and voice communication over significant distances, extending the range, quality, and speed of data exchanges for ground units. The demonstration also verified the capability of relaying video and chat messages between ground users equipped with Silvus 4200 MANET radios, highlighting the progress being made in enhancing tactical communications and situational awareness.
While utilizing the COMINT system, Gray Eagle was able to detect stationary and moving targets at significant ranges and provide data for analysis to expeditionary intelligence cells. This expansion of Gray Eagle capabilities is due to its open architecture, which exemplifies the Army’s Transformation in Contact (TIC) concept. The Army benefits by using an existing system to reduce risk and impacts while gaining new capabilities without the prolonged timelines of an acquisition new start.
“We’re excited to work with our Army customer to increase the relevance and capabilities of the GE-ER platform,” said Chris MacFarland, sector vice president of Strategic Development for Army Programs. “These efforts of Vanguard to demonstrate new capabilities hosted on CMOSS hardware will improve the Army’s premier UAS platform in supporting advanced UAS operations.”
Built by GA-ASI and operated by the U.S. Army, the GE-ER participating in the exercise represents the future capabilities of the Gray Eagle 25M’s open architecture design, allowing for rapid integration of vendor-agnostic sensors, radios, and payloads needed for Multi-Domain Operations. The ability to fully integrate internally mounted long-range sensors and launched effects, while controlling them with modernized laptop ground control systems, significantly enhances its survivability and lethality. Along with advanced data links, resilient GPS navigation systems, and an upgraded propulsion system, the GE 25M is resilient to electronic threats when deployed in expeditionary and austere locations.
