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Army Publishes First Doctrinal Manual Dedicated to Information

Monday, December 4th, 2023

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — The Army has released its first doctrinal publication dedicated to the topic of information and its role in multidomain operations on the Army Publishing Directorate website, Nov. 27, 2023.

Army Doctrine Publication 3-13, Information, codifies the Army’s approach to the military uses of data and information, and recognizes all activities generate informational effects that can contribute to, or hamper, achieving objectives.

“Information is central to everything we do. It is the basis of intelligence, a fundamental component of command and control, and the foundation for communicating thoughts, opinions and ideas,” said Lt. Gen. Milford Beagle, Jr., commanding general, Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth. “As a dynamic of combat power, Army forces fight for, defend, and fight with information to create and exploit information advantages — the use, protection, and exploitation of information to achieve objectives more effectively than enemies and adversaries.”

Authors from CAC’s Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate, the organization charged with writing the new manual, acknowledge that changes in the security environment necessitated an update to doctrine. Adversaries are already using informational power to try to gain regional influence and control well ahead of potential armed conflict. These actions make the competition for information and ideas continuous and persistent.

Key to achieving objectives in a contested environment like this means gaining an information advantage, a new term now defined in doctrine. An information advantage is “a condition when a force holds the initiative in terms of situational understanding, decision making, and relevant actor behavior.”

“Our new doctrine makes it clear that everyone plays some role in achieving information advantage,” said retired Army colonel and CADD Director Richard Creed. “And similarly, commanders need to consider information from a combined arms perspective because all Army capabilities create effects in the information dimension of our operational environment. We can’t make it the sole purview of a single staff section or certain specialties and expect success during operations. Operations now require leaders to consider how information enables operations, how to protect friendly information, how to employ information against an enemy or adversary, and how to attack the enemy’s ability to use information effectively.”

To facilitate that process, ADP 3-13 gives leaders a framework for developing information advantages during operations and at home station. It also spells out how commanders can leverage aspects of information that enable command and control; protect data, information, and networks; inform audiences; influence threats and foreign relevant actors; and attack the threat’s ability to use information.

The publication of ADP 3-13 is just the start of a sustained education campaign from CAC. As with the release of FM 3-0, CADD is developing a series of products to help Soldiers understand the new doctrine. Articles, videos and podcasts devoted to ADP 3-13 are in the works and will be announced via CADD’s social media channels. The team will also work closely with the Centers of Excellence, Army University and the combat training centers to ensure this information is incorporated into professional military education and training. In addition, mobile training teams will visit select installations and organizations to further integrate the ideas outlined in the manual.

“ADP 3-13 provides the intellectual underpinnings that describe how Army forces will gain, protect, and exploit information advantages; however, doctrine is only the beginning. The hard work starts when we begin to internalize these ideas into leader development, education, and training,” said Beagle.

To learn more about ADP 3-13 and other doctrine, visit the Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate website.

By Randi Stenson, MCCoE Public Affairs

AFWERX, NASA Collaborate to Develop Digital Advanced Air Mobility Operations Center

Sunday, December 3rd, 2023

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) —  

AFWERX is partnering with NASA to develop a digital operations center for future Advanced Air Mobility efforts through the Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program awardee, ResilienX.   

With the fast-growing field of AAM technology, AFWERX’s Airspace Innovation and Prime Partnerships program has partnered with NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration to fill in technological and administrative gaps that present themselves. Earlier in 2023, AFWERX formalized these partnerships with a Memorandum of Understanding and participation in the AAM Interagency Working Group to plot the future of AAM. 

The CCRPP is a NASA Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer program which takes mission-relevant technologies in development and infuses them with funding intended to foster commercialization. 

This system is intended to enhance base security, special forces efforts, emergency disaster response, and passenger and cargo transportation planning. It is further being developed to include other technologies necessary for air domain awareness. 

“CCRPP is a true example of public-private partnership where government stakeholders and an industry consortium are working together on the airspace efforts,” said Darshan Divakaran, AFWERX Airspace Innovation and Prime Partnerships program manager. 

ResilienX is a company focused on the holistic safety assurance of AAM ecosystems and is leading the way with an industry consortium to create a digital system for AAM operations. The project intends to define and perform initial integration of an AAM Operations Center that is scalable, tactical and enables verification and validation of the various systems and sensors involved in uncrewed aerial systems, electric vertical take-off and landing operations, and other advanced aviation technologies. The initial AAM Operations Center will be built out in collaboration with NUAIR at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport, with an aim to test and transition it to additional locations by 2025. 

Each company in the consortium contributes their industry expertise and technological advancements to create the most robust system possible. As additional requirements are included by military and other government stakeholders, AFWERX plans to bring in additional industry partners in the next phase. 

“We are thrilled with the trust AFWERX has put in us to lead this consortium,” said Ryan Pleskach, CEO of ResilienX. “Through a dedicated systems engineering approach, we intend to develop a dual-use solution to the core digital infrastructure needed for advanced air mobility that is inherently scalable and extensible. Through this pioneering effort and with support of all the federal stakeholders that AFWERX is bringing to the table, we believe this solution will be turnkey and available to government and commercial markets in late 2024.” 

Utilizing the research expertise of NASA and AFWERX’s subject matter experts, this collaborative project will attempt to meet the needs of the emerging field of AAM operations. It is informed by the U.S. Air Force AAM Operations Center requirements through testing and operator interactions. 

“Agility Prime helped pave the way for government and industry to work together on aircraft certification,” Divakaran said. “The Airspace Innovation team is taking it a step forward with airspace integration, management and security efforts focused on emerging aviation technologies.” 

The first phase of development will include a detailed need and task assessment, feature development with user interviews and observations, initial integration of baseline technologies, and testing. The second phase will see user testing of human factors, safety development, prototype testing, and a live demonstration of the system. 

For this project, ResilienX has received $4.8 million in AFWERX and NASA funding through the CCRPP. The program is planned to progress through October 2025.

By Kristen Dennis, AFWERX

Task Force Marne Troops Train Alongside NATO Allies During Strong Griffin Exercise in Lithuania

Saturday, December 2nd, 2023

By SGT Cesar Salazar, Jr.

PABRADE, Lithuania — Task Force Marne Soldiers and their Lithuanian Allies honed their combat skills during a force-on-force training exercise at Pabrade Training Area, Nov. 16-17.

Known as Strong Griffin 2023, the exercise saw U.S. Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, serve as an opposing fighting force for the Griffin Brigade of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, which provided the NATO Allies an opportunity to share each other’s defensive and offensive tactics, strategies, and standard operating procedures.

“Strong Griffin is an opportunity for us to train together and build towards interoperability procedurally, technically, and the human domain,” U.S. Army Lt. Col. David W. Griffith, commander of 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, said. “It allows us to train tactics, techniques, and procedures so we can operate better with each other.”

Task Force Marne Soldiers conducted infantry and armored offensive operations against Lithuanian Armed Forces partners in a series of training exercises across rural and urban environments to test their combat readiness. Lithuanians, in turn, prepared a defense to counter the American attacks. In the training scenario, the American forces worked their way through a forest environment in an effort to seize a town, while the Lithuanians defended the territory.

Both armies were able to adapt and adjust to their situations which allowed them to learn how each other operated as well as their respective strengths and weaknesses in real time.

“The end goal, of course from the tactical perspective… we check the abilities and the gaps we have within the training cycle,” Lithuanian Army Col. Aurelijus Alasauskas, commander of the Griffin Brigade, said. “So if we see that everything goes so well, I don’t think we’re really organizing our exercise the proper way. We happened to see some gaps already, which might be training points for the next year.”

Lithuanian Soldiers trained on their light and anti-tank infantry tactics against an armored force with the help of Task Force Marne tanks.

“We have tanks. We have larger vehicles than they do [in the exercise],” U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jaden Brown, a tank commander with Alpha “Ares” Company, 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, said. “Bringing in all that heavy machinery against a much lighter force allows them to develop how they would act against a much better equipped, much larger force,”

In turn, Task Force Marne tank crews adapted their tactics to the forested terrain, which meant tankers stayed vigilant by looking out for smaller, light infantry in the tree lines versus much more visible larger vehicles, according to Brown.

Having the opportunity to face each other in a force-on-force exercise during Strong Griffin ultimately made the two NATO allies stronger together. The exercise also allowed the two allies to familiarize themselves with the tactics and techniques they’d employ together as well as similar terrain and environments they might encounter one day on the battlefield together.

“It’s not about fighting [against] each other, it’s about fighting together with a purpose,” Alasauskas said. “So with the U.S. providing offensive capabilities, and Lithuania providing defense capabilities — when you combine those two into one — you have a very mobile, aggressive defense, which is not letting the forces penetrate you or to maneuver in front of you. So you’re leading even in the defense position. This is the main purpose: To lead the battle the way you want to.”

“It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience working with the Lithuanians,” Griffith said. “They’ve been a great partner here in Pabrade. We’ve worked together to define each other’s training objectives. We built an exercise that allowed us both to reach them.”

The 3rd Infantry Division’s mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe.

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Field Flannel

Friday, December 1st, 2023

The All New Field Flannel is an update to our popular Stratton Flannel design. The Field Flannel is not as oversized as our popular Stratton flannel, accounting for 3% shrinkage we recommend getting the true to your size T shirt for a proper fit. The Field Flannel Yoke utilizes ambush material that’s found in our Wind Cheaters, for increased durability and style.

The Field Flannel is made from 100% cotton and comes in a heavier 9oz weight. The front features two oversized chest pockets with flap closures that lay flat. Throughout this iconic shirt, you will find smooth metal buttons that will stand up to the test of time. The Field Flannel is machine washable. Made in the USA with imported cotton.

Visit FirstSpear to find American Made kit and accessories, Built For The X.

Looking Back, Program Manager Soldier Lethality Change of Charter

Friday, December 1st, 2023

Lindner Conference Center   –  

Project Manager Soldier Lethality held a change of charter ceremony, followed by a retirement ceremony, at Lindner Conference Center on Picatinny Arsenal, August 4.

Brig. Gen. Christopher Schneider officiated the exchange of responsibility of PM SL from the outgoing Program Manager Col. Scott Madore to Col. Jason Bohannon.

“There are three things I think are the secret sauce to being a great Program Manager,” said Schneider. “You have to lead fearlessly and with compassion. You have to have experience. The last thing I call stakeholder management, but it’s actually being a good teammate. Scott does all these things frankly better than most people I know.”

PM SL performs a pivotal role in equipping Soldiers with unparalleled proficiency in both individual and crew-served weaponry. By overseeing the development, production, deployment, and sustainment of contemporary and future weapon systems, along with target acquisition and fire control products, PM SL ensures a continual evolution. As a result, Soldiers are outfitted with advanced systems that significantly elevate their survivability and lethality, reinforcing their effectiveness in the field.

“I feel extremely honored to have been selected to come to Picatinny to be a part of PEO Soldier and to be part of the PM Soldier Lethality Team,” said Madore, giving his final remarks after handing the leadership reigns over to his counterpart. “I cannot imagine a greater group of teammates to finish my career working alongside.”

As the PM SL organization sends off Col. Madore and his family, a warm welcome is given to the leadership skills and technical expertise of Col. Bohannon. The newest member of the PM SL team here at Picatinny Arsenal is no stranger to this organization.

“My family first came here in 2012,” said Bohannon. “I’d like to thank everybody who contributed to putting me here today. This has been the homecoming for the Bohannon tribe…”

 “So, when I talk to the Officers, men, and women of PM Soldier Lethality – you have the most consequential task of our generation for small arms development.  We will field the most lethal small arms that ground forces have ever seen, those systems must be the most reliable tool a Soldier, Marine or operator can depend on are in a firefight, a tool that [they] can trust.”

This was not only a change of charter ceremony, but also an opportunity for Madore to celebrate his retirement ceremony. Madore served with honor in the military for 31 years. The entire organization wishes him and his family good luck and best wishes as they move toward future endeavors.

Be all you can be, Scott. Thank you for your service to the country and for everything you’ve done in your 31-year career.

Story by Luke Graziani, US Army

Photo by Jesse Glass

Homeland Security States LBT Commited Fraud – Agrees to Pay $2.1 Million for Violation of Buy American Act, Trade Agreements Act, and Berry Amendment

Thursday, November 30th, 2023

HSI Norfolk Investigation into Virginia Tactical Equipment Company Uncovers Fraud, Yields More Than $2 Million in Violations of the Buy American Act

An HSI Norfolk investigation revealed that the Virginia-based tactical equipment company London Bridge Trading Company sold foreign-made goods marked as “Made in the USA.” Its customers included the U.S. government, which purchased the equipment for uniformed service members through the DLA.

NORFOLK, Va. — An investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s Mid-Atlantic field office, the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division’s Major Procurement Fraud field office, the General Services Administration’s Office of Inspector General (GSA-OIG); and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) into a Virginia tactical gear and equipment company resulted in a settlement worth more than $2 million.

The London Bridge Trading Company, Ltd. (LBT) of Virginia Beach agreed to pay nearly $2.1 million Nov. 20 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio to resolve False Claims Act allegations that it failed to comply with the requirements of the Buy American Act, Trade Agreements Act and Berry Amendment when selling textile-based products to the Department of Defense. The company entered the settlement with the United States and qui tam relator Ann Keating.

“The London Bridge Trading Company deliberately deceived their customers and the U.S. government into believing they were buying American made products, while selling them cheaper foreign merchandise,” said HSI Washington, D.C. Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon. “Furthermore, LBT potentially put the lives of our military personnel at risk by selling our government inferior protective equipment produced overseas. HSI Washington, D.C. will continue to work with our partner law enforcement agencies to ensure anyone attempting to defraud our government will be held fully accountable for their actions.”

The investigation detailed that since at least 2008, LBT submitted false claims in connection with the sale of “American made” products that were actually manufactured in foreign countries, including Peru, Mexico and China. The company marketed its goods as “100% made in America” and replaced the original foreign manufacturers’ tags with tags that read “Made in USA.”

LBT also offered its products for sale to all federal agencies on a government-owned website, “GSA Advantage!”, which permits government agencies throughout the United States to purchase products from contracted vendors.

The United States, including through the Defense Logistics Agency’s supply center in Columbus, Ohio, purchased a variety of textile-based products from LBT, including clothing, armor, boots, belts, bags, rope, slings, backpacks and medical pouches. The settlement specifically addressed load-out bags purchased from LBT that violated the Trade Agreements Act and the Berry Amendment.

“We greatly appreciate the steadfast, thorough and collaborative work on this case by each of the federal agencies involved,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “This office takes very seriously the duty of government contractors to meet all of their obligations under government contracts and we will pursue anyone falsely certifying compliance with the Buy American Act.”

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought by an employee of LBT under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. These provisions allow a private party, known as a relator, to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the relator receives a share of the proceeds.

The relator in this case had a personal interest in the safety and security of the United States military. In 2004, her son was killed while serving in Iraq. The relator believes the scheme was a threat to the safety and integrity of U.S. military operations.

“We are very pleased with this resolution. This is a testament to the aggressive investigation we conducted, and now the public can see this.” said Andrew Johnson, special agent in charge of the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division’s Major Procurement Fraud field office. “Companies that do business with the government must comply with all of their obligations, and if they seek to circumvent the rules and regulations of what and how they supply our women and men in uniform, they must be held accountable for their actions.”

The Buy American Act was enacted in 1933 to protect U.S. manufacturing by creating a preference for domestic products when the federal government purchases supplies. The Berry Amendment requires certain items purchased by the Department of Defense to be 100% domestic in origin and mandates a higher level of domestic content than the Buy American Act. The Trade Agreements Act governs trade agreements between the United States and foreign countries and limits certain U.S. government procurement to U.S.-made products or products made in designated countries.

“GSA-OIG will continue to work with its investigative partners and the Department of Justice to protect the integrity of GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule program and hold accountable those who attempt to defraud the government,” said Special Agent in Charge Elisa Pellegrini with the General Services Administration’s Office of Inspector General.

This investigation was conducted with significant assistance from U.S. attorneys’ offices in the Southern District of Ohio and Eastern District of Virginia.

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.

Source – https://www.ice.gov/news//hsi-norfolk-investigation-virginia-tactical-equipment-company-uncovers-fraud-yields

Editor’s note: Although LBT has been a long-term advertiser on Soldier Systems Daily we were unaware of this activity and are particularly displeased that LBT did not disclose this issue from us, even as it was playing out in court. These aren’t mere allegations but rather, an admission of fact.

Hopefully, they will quickly institute measures to ensure that this sort of behavior is impossible in the future and make full restitution.

Update

I would like to provide an update. I have spoken with LBT about the situation and some issues have been clarified. I have asked them for a formal statement which I will share as soon as I receive it. The $2.1 million settlement with the US Attorney is over the sale of non-Berry compliant load out bags from 2014-2016 and nothing more, despite the content of this press release I shared from ICE. It is the conclusion of a situation which began in 2017 which was covered here:

https://soldiersystems.net/2017/04/27/lbt-inc-issues-statement-regarding-federal-investigation/

LBT responds at soldiersystems.net/2023/11/30/statement-form-lbt-inc-regarding-2-1-million-settlement-with-u-s-district-court-for-the-southern-district-of-ohio

TAK Stak from VK Integrated Systems

Thursday, November 30th, 2023

TAK Stack is the one stop shop for all things TAK related! Our application has multiple free features and resources to let users download the full CIV TAK api, the most updated Map Imagery, the latest versions of the most popular plugins, and how-to user guides. Along with the ability to subscribe to your own encrypted private server and access to the Mission After-Action Review System (M.A.R.S.)

No longer will users have to source all the additional add-ons from across the web to get the maximum use of ATAK, everything is conveniently located in one location!

Download TAK Stack from the Playstore.

MRF-SEA Sensing Team Advances Sensing EAB Concepts During Exercise SAMA SAMA 23

Thursday, November 30th, 2023

SORSOGON/LEGASPI, PHILIPPINES —

A Maritime Sensing Team with Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia completed a Maritime Domain Awareness training exercise at Lebanon Beach from October 9 to 12, 2023.

MDA refers to understanding anything associated with oceans, seas, and other navigable waters that could impact a nation’s security, safety, economy, or environment. The MRF-SEA MST, comprised of infantrymen, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems engineers, communications, and intelligence Marines, establish remote sensing sites to provide situational awareness, threat detection, and prevention and to enable decision-making within an area of operations. These expeditionary sensing sites play a pivotal role in enhancing the maritime domain awareness picture and the overall lethality of joint forces.

During the training exercise, the MST and 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company’s Detachment Team 2 tested novel systems, software, and equipment that sharpened the cutting edge of what these mobile sensing units are capable of.

Throughout the exercise, communication Marines focused on establishing network and data services; the sensor operators set up a SIMRAD radar, a commercially available off-the-shelf radar, and hoisted it 30 feet into the sky. The SIMRAD radar is the primary sensor employed by the MST. Its small scale and portable size allow the team to maintain a minimal signature and footprint while still providing surveillance of the maritime domain.

 “Maritime awareness and the Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations concept are tied hand-in-hand,”

-Capt. Philip Badrov, ADET Team Lead

“Employing the SIMRAD enables us to detect ship movement within straits and littorals,” said Capt. Philip Badrov, ADET Team Lead. “Using the data collected, we report suspected targets to higher echelons, contributing to the overall maritime awareness picture.”

Complementing the SIMRAD’s detection capabilities is the RQ-20B PUMA, a small, unmanned aircraft system equipped with a camera that provides essential visual data needed to identify suspected targets.

“[The PUMA] is a versatile collection tool that can be employed on-site,” said Sgt. Abigail Andrews, MST chief. “It’s hand-launchable with capabilities including a gimbaled camera capable of capturing full-motion video and photos.”

The MST combines these two types of sensors, the SIMRAD and the RQ-20B PUMA, to build a holistic view of the maritime domain.

The training culminated with a simulated close-air support scenario that validated the integrated capabilities of the SIMRAD and PUMA. Using the data from the SIMRAD to detect a target and the PUMA to identify it, Joint Terminal Attack Controllers from 1st ANGLICO could then coordinate close-air support attacks from a Hawker Hunter onto the simulated target. Moreover, the MST provided critical radar data directly to the U.S. 7th Fleet Maritime Operations Center, successfully demonstrating joint capabilities.

“Maritime awareness and the Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations concept are tied hand-in-hand,” Badrov added. “EAB with small teams and sensors en masse, we can eliminate gaps in radar coverage and further contribute to the awareness.”

MRF-SEA, an operational model under Marine Corps Forces Pacific, fosters planned exchanges with subject matter experts, promotes security goals with Allies and Partners, and strategically positions I Marine Expeditionary Force west of the International Date Line, solidifying its commitment to regional security and stability.

By Gunnery Sergeant Alexandria Blanche and 1st Lt. Charles T. Kimbrough | I Marine Expeditionary Force