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Why BFG Chooses Only the Best Materials

January 7th, 2025

Anyone who follows Blue Force Gear closely knows that we’re incredibly meticulous about every single detail even down to the stitch. No really, our stitches are carefully thought out for each item. We are that conscientious because extra stitching means extra weight and potential areas of failure (stitches coming loose or fabric tearing due to puncturing its integrity). This design philosophy is how we approach any product that we build. One of the reasons we select only the best materials available – and develop those very materials if none already exist – is to cut weight and enhance performance. This article is a brief snapshot of the history of our gear development and how we’ve become known as the pioneers of load-carriage.

It All Started with Weight Savings

Since the earliest days of Blue Force Gear, our designers have relooked at load-carriage from the ground up. They discovered that far too much weight was being built into military gear because the fabrics were inferior. Layers upon layers needed to be added for the equipment to be durable. BFG wasn’t satisfied with this logic and began looking into fabrics. They developed a proprietary high-performance fabric facing laminate called ULTRAcomp and a new MOLLE attachment system called Helium Whisper that cut weight by up to 60%.

After many tests, BFG discovered that ULTRAcompgreatly surpassed the durability of 1000D CORDURA, the industry standard at that time. It also increased signature reduction, repelled water, and was antimicrobial. Its laminate construction means that it can be laser cut, while maintaining edge stability and stiffness, allowing it to be used as a webless MOLLE platform, REMOVING material rather than adding it to achieve attachment points. This system is now known as MOLLEminus – because it’s MOLLE minus the weight, MOLLE minus the complexity, MOLLE minus the bulk.

Their patented Helium Whisper pouch attachment system was laser cut out of the same superior material, ULTRAcomp. But they took it a step further. They engineered each back panel so that only one piece of material was used for both the back of the pouch AND the MOLLE straps. This eliminated the need for additional fabric as well as stitching, thus decreasing potential failure points and sewing errors. It was truly a remarkable concept.

BFG began licensing the Helium Whisper pouch attachment system to other gear companies such as The Safariland Group, STRATAGEM, Mayflower, Velocity Systems, and more. They also now supply ULTRAcomp to other gear designers within the tactical space, and beyond.

Another material that Blue Force Gear made popular for load-carriage was elastic. They began utilizing elastic in their pouch designs after watching a cyclist use an elastic pocket to hold a heavy water bottle in his otherwise lightweight, skin-tight jersey. BFG designed a line of magazine pouches using a heavy-duty, military grade elastic for the retaining method and named it Ten-Speedas a tribute to their inspiration.

The beauty of these pouches is multi-faceted. First, they lay completely flat when not in use, a feature that is imperative for certain professional users. Second, they can retain objects that are of similar size. For example, the M4 mag pouch will retain M4 magazines but could also be used for tourniquets, bandages, multitools, flashlights, etc. The elastic creates a true multi-use pouch.

Ten-Speed is found in other Blue Force Gear products for retention. It’s used in select medical trauma kits like the MTKN! and MTKN! Plus to provide security to the medical supplies held in the inner compartment while allowing for rapid, single-handed deployment. It’s also a key feature in their Ultralight Dump Pouch. The Ten-Speed captures the 7OD Ripstop nylon bag and keeps it securely stowed.

BFG®’s Design Philosophy

For over two decades, Blue Force Gear has been designing gear – differently. BFG isn’t satisfied making the same thing as everyone else – merely changing the color or style. Instead, we design by a code of advancement – if we can’t make something better than what is currently available, we don’t make it. This is why we don’t focus on improving current designs, but rather innovating from the ground up, studying current problems and crafting modern gear to answer those needs.

We are proud to have pioneered technological innovations that have revolutionized load carriage and weapon carrying. Our rifle slings, not even mentioned in this article, are the world’s standard in weapon slings because of their simple designs and premium materials. This design philosophy of answering needs with solutions, creating elegant designs, and sourcing or developing only superior materials is the heartbeat of all Blue Force Gear.

www.blueforcegear.com/tactical-gear

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Materials | No Comments »

7 Soldiers from Korean, Vietnam Wars receive Medals of Honor

January 7th, 2025

WASHINGTON — At a White House ceremony on Friday, January 3, 2024, President Joe Biden presented Medals of Honor to seven Soldiers who served in either the Korean War or the Vietnam War.

Among the Soldiers honored were Pvt. Bruno R. Orig, Pfc. Wataru Nakamura, Cpl. Fred B. McGee, Pfc. Charles R. Johnson and Gen. Richard E. Cavazos. All served in the Korean War and received the medal posthumously. Family members accepted the decoration on their behalf.

From the Vietnam War, both Capt. Hugh R. Nelson Jr. and Spc. 4th Class Kenneth J. David were decorated. Nelson received the medal posthumously, while David, the only living recipient, accepted the medal in person.

“I’m deeply privileged to honor seven American heroes,” Biden said. “That’s not hyperbole. These are genuine, to their core, heroes. Heroes of different ranks, different positions, and even different generations. But heroes who all went above and beyond the call of duty. Heroes who all deserve our nation’s highest and oldest military recognition, the Medal of Honor.”

Pvt. Bruno R. Orig

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1930, Orig enlisted in the Army in 1950. On February 15, 1951, while serving with Company G, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea, Orig returned from a mission to find many of his fellow Soldiers wounded in an ongoing enemy attack.

Orig administered first aid to his fellow Soldiers and remained exposed to enemy fire. With the assistance of other Soldiers, Orig removed the wounded to a place of safety.

When Orig noticed that all but one of a machine-gun crew had been wounded, he volunteered to man the weapon. Orig was so effective on the machine gun that a withdrawing friendly platoon was able to move back without a single casualty.

Orig continued to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy until the company positions were overrun. Later, when the lost ground was recaptured, Orig was found dead beside his weapon, though the area in front of his gun was littered with enemy dead. He was 20 years old at the time.

“Bruno saw his fellow Soldiers were wounded and stranded under enemy fire,” Biden said. “Without hesitation, he ran out to rescue them, giving his own life to save the lives of his brothers in arms. That’s valor. That’s the definition of valor.

Pfc. Wataru Nakamura

Nakamura was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1921.

“After an attack on Pearl Harbor, he was forced to live in an internment camp, like so many other Japanese Americans,” Biden said. “But still, he signed up to serve our nation during World War II and the Korean War. During his last mission in May of 1951, single handedly he defended his unit from enemy attack, fighting until he was killed by a grenade.”

While serving with Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division in the vicinity of P’ungch’on-ni, Korea on May 18, 1951, Nakamura volunteered to check and repair a communications line between his platoon and the command post. During that mission, he came under fire by an enemy force which had surrounded friendly positions and were threatening to break the company defense lines.

Without waiting for help, Nakamura rushed the enemy with his bayonet engaged. He singlehandedly attacked and destroyed a hostile machine-gun nest and drove the enemy from several of the bunkers they had captured. When his ammunition was depleted, he withdrew while under enemy fire.

Nakamura then met an ammunition party ascending the hill. After briefing the officer in charge, Nakamura rearmed himself and, covered by the fire of the officer and two fellow Soldiers, returned to the attack. He killed three of the enemy in one bunker and killed and seriously wounded another in the last enemy-held bunker. Continuing to press the attack, he fell mortally wounded by an enemy grenade. He was 29 years old at the time.

Cpl. Fred B. McGee

McGee was born in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1930. He enlisted in the Army in 1951 and served in Korea from January to November 1952.

“[He was] a Midwesterner, a steel worker and a gunner in one of the first integrated army units of the Korean War,” Biden said. “Fred embodied the very best of our country. In June 1952, his unit was attacked. They took casualties. They were ordered to fall back. But Fred refused to leave until he helped every wounded Soldier evacuate.”

While serving near Tang-Wan-Ni, Korea on June 16, 1952, as a gunner on a light machine gun in a weapons squad, McGee delivered a heavy volume of supporting fire from an exposed position despite intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire directly on his location.

Though forced to move his gun several times, McGee continued to support the assault and give covering fire to the assault elements of his platoon. When his squad leader was wounded, together with several other members of his squad, McGee assumed command and moved the squad even farther forward to a more exposed position in order to deliver fire on an enemy machine gun. When his own machine gunner was mortally wounded, McGee again took over the gun. He directed his squad to withdraw and voluntarily remained behind to help evacuate the wounded and dead.

Though wounded in the face, McGee exposed himself to danger by standing straight up in enemy machine-gun and mortar fire while attempting to evacuate the body of the company runner. Forced to abandon the body, he aided a wounded man to be moved to the rear and safety through a huge volume of enemy mortar and artillery fire.

At the time of his combat action, McGee was 22 years old. After the Korean War, McGee worked in the steel industry for more than four decades. He died in 2020, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Pfc. Charles R. Johnson

Johnson was born in Sharon, Connecticut, in 1932, and enlisted in the Army in 1952.

“Growing up, in the words of Charlie’s high school classmates, he was a heck of a football player,” Biden said. “Well back in 1952, Charlie signed up to serve in Korea, trading his jersey for a uniform. During one battle, he gave his life to defend a bunker full of his wounded Soldiers. His valor saved 10 men, including an old high school classmate.”

When Chinese forces attacked his unit at Outpost Harry in Korea, June 11-12, 1953, Johnson was serving as a rifleman with Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. During the battle, an overwhelming number of Chinese troops assaulted the trenches and bunkers that were defended by Johnson and his squad.

Johnson was wounded from a direct artillery hit on his bunker and subsequently from a hand grenade thrown inside the bunker. Even though he was injured, he administered first aid to those more seriously injured than himself. Johnson dragged a wounded Soldier to the safety of a secure bunker while stopping intermittently to aid injured Soldiers and kill several enemy troops in hand-to-hand combat.

After departing the safety of the second bunker, he conducted a search for weapons and ammunition then returned to rearm everyone. After acknowledging the untenable situation, he and his fellow Soldiers found themselves in, Johnson exited the bunker and placed himself between the enemy and his injured comrades. He told them he’d hold off the enemy forces as best as he could. He was killed by enemy forces while fighting to defend his position and to protect his wounded comrades.

At the time of his combat action, Johnson was 19 years old.

Gen. Richard E. Cavazos

Born in Kingsville, Texas, in 1929, Cavazos earned his commission in 1951, after having served in the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Texas Tech University.

“Richard led his men through a difficult and deadly mission in enemy territory,” Biden said. “Eventually, he was ordered to retreat, but he stayed. He stayed rescuing wounded Soldiers one by one, until every one of them was evacuated. Richard went on to serve for three decades in the army, becoming … the country’s first Hispanic four star general.”

At the time of the combat action which earned him the Medal of Honor, Cavazos was a first lieutenant serving as the company commander of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea.

On the night of June 14, 1953, Cavazos led his company in a raid on an entrenched enemy outpost with the mission of destroying the personnel and installation there. During the initial attack, he led his men through enemy mortar and artillery fire. Upon entering the trenches, close combat ensued during which Cavazos directed heavy fire on the enemy and their positions.

When an enemy mortar and artillery barrage hit his position, Cavazos withdrew the company and regrouped his men. Twice more he led his men through intense enemy fire in assaults on the enemy position, destroying vital enemy fortifications and personnel.

When ordered to withdraw his company, Cavazos complied but remained alone on the enemy outpost to search for missing men. Although exposed to enemy fire, he located five battle casualties and evacuated each, one by one, to a point on the reverse slope of a nearby hill where they could be safely recovered by friendly forces.

After, he returned to the battlefield where he found a small group of men who had become separated from the main assaulting force and personally led them to safety. When informed that there were still men missing, Cavazos again returned to the scene of the battle. There, he located and led another small group of men to safety. He then made two more unassisted trips to the battlefield searching for missing Soldiers.

It wasn’t until he was satisfied that the battlefield was cleared on the morning of June 15, that he allowed treatment of his own combat wounds.

Cavazos retired from the Army in 1984, after attaining the rank of general. At the time of his combat action, he was 24 years old. He died in 2017, in San Antonio, Texas.

Capt. Hugh R. Nelson, Jr.

Born in 1937, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Nelson entered the Army in 1963.

“He was just 28 years old when he and his crew were shot down in Vietnam,” Biden said. “Hugh freed his men who were trapped in the wreckage. Then as the enemy began to attack, he used his body as a shield to protect them. It cost him dearly. It cost him his life. Hugh’s commanding officer called it the ultimate act of self-sacrifice, which it was.”

While serving with the 114th Aviation Company (Airmobile Light) on June 5, 1966 near Moc Hoa, Republic of Vietnam, Nelson was the acting aircraft commander of an armed UH-1 Iroquois helicopter on a search and destroy reconnaissance mission when it was struck by enemy fire that rendered the aircraft virtually uncontrollable.

The pilot and Nelson were able to crash land the aircraft without lateral controls. At some point after the crash, Nelson exited the aircraft and went to the aid of his wounded comrades.

Proceeding to the other side of the aircraft, Nelson found his dazed and wounded crew chief still trapped inside. After removing the specialist and placing him on the ground, he climbed into the severely damaged helicopter to assist the door gunner who was still strapped inside and unable to move.

While Nelson tried to free his comrade, the insurgents engaged the aircraft with automatic rifle and small arms fire. Despite the enemy fire and being hit, he was able to free the trapped door gunner. Upon removing the wounded door gunner from the aircraft, he forced the specialist to the ground and used his own body as a shield to cover his comrade from the enemy fire.

While shielding the door gunner, Nelson was hit several times by enemy fire and was killed in action while saving the life of his comrade. His sacrifice allowed the wounded door gunner to use a smoke grenade to signal for supporting aircraft. When those aircraft responded, they were able to prevent the insurgents from advancing on the downed aircraft. They also were able to rescue the three wounded crew members.

At the time of his combat action, Nelson was 28 years old.

Spc. 4th Class Kenneth J. David

Born in 1950, David entered the Army in 1969.

On May 7, 1970, David was serving as a radio-telephone operator with Company D, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, near Fire Support Base Maureen, Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam.

At that time, David’s company came under an intense attack from a large hostile force. The enemy’s initial assault mortally wounded the company’s platoon leader and resulted in numerous other casualties. Upon the initial assault, David handed his radio to his platoon sergeant and moved forward to the defensive perimeter, where he unleashed a barrage of automatic weapons fire on the enemy.

From this location, David resisted all enemy efforts to overrun his position. Realizing the impact of the enemy assault on the wounded who were being brought to the center ofthe perimeter, he moved to a position outside of the perimeter while continuing to engage the enemy.

Each time the enemy attempted to concentrate its fire on the wounded inside the perimeter, David would jump from his position and yell to draw the enemy fire away from his injured comrades and back to himself.

Refusing to withdraw in the face of the concentrated enemy fire now directed toward him, David continued to engage the enemy. Although wounded by an exploding satchel charge and running low on ammunition, he tossed hand grenades toward the attackers to counter their fire.

The unit’s medic, realizing that David had been injured, moved to his position to provide aid, but David assured him that he was okay and continued to fight on.

David’s actions continued to draw the enemy fire away from the incoming medevac helicopters, which allowed the wounded to be safely evacuated. After allied reinforcements fought their way to his company’s position, David carried a wounded comrade to a sheltered position. He then returned to the contact area and continued to engage the enemy and provide covering fire for the wounded until the enemy broke contact and fled, at which point he too was medically evacuated.

At the time of his combat actions, David was 20 years old.

“[Ken] couldn’t and wouldn’t give up,” Biden said. “Instead, he shouted and fired his weapon to attract attention to him, away from others and away from the wounded men. Imagine that courage. ‘Come get me. Come get me. Don’t get those folks.’ That’s selflessness. Ken, I want to say to you, and I wish I could say to every man we’re honoring today: you’re a hero, a genuine hero, a flat out, straight-up American hero. And we owe you. The families owe you.”

Since concluding his service in Vietnam, David has spent 39 years working for Disabled American Veterans in Ohio, where he now serves as the adjutant treasurer.

“[At] our chapter back here, we just spent $3,000 in food for homeless veterans and veterans in need for the Christmas holidays,” David said. “We get used scooters and wheelchairs …. donated to us, and we, in turn, give them out, no charge, [to] whoever needs them. We do what we have to do to help the veterans in our community … because we have to help our brothers.”

David said he frequently remembers the men he knew who didn’t come home alive from Vietnam, saying he thinks of them as friends. He said he keeps biographies of those men in a book in his truck.

“That’s my way of coping with my stress,” he said. “They were my friends, a lot of times I call them kids, because we were all kids at that time. But we knew the way they walked, we knew the way they talked, their heartbeat, and we would do anything for each other in any situation.”

David is already the recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, which he received in 1971, for his service in Vietnam. But he said the Medal of Honor will help him be a better advocate for the needs of veterans like himself.

“With the cross I was able to use the award to help more veterans, because people listen to me,” he said. “Now that I’m receiving the Medal of Honor, I will have more power to help more veterans, in my opinion, because I think people will listen to me more because of the award.”

Serving veterans, he said, continues to be his duty.

“I will never forget my friends and my veterans in my county up here,” he said. “That’s my goal for the rest of my life now.”

As Biden closes out his term as commander in chief, he said it’s been the greatest honor of his life to lead the world’s greatest military.

“They’re the finest military in the history of the world,” he said. “Today we award these individuals a Medal of Honor. We can’t stop here. Together as a nation, it’s up to us to give this medal meaning, to keep fighting, to keep fighting for one another, for each other, to keep defending everything these heroes fought for and many of them died for: the ideals of America, the freedom we cherish, the democracy that has made our progress possible.”

The United States, Biden said, was built on an idea, rather than on geography, ethnicity or religion.

“We are the only nation based on an idea,” he said. “The idea is that we hold these truths to be self-evident, all men and women are created equal [and] deserve to be treated equally throughout their entire lives. We haven’t always lived up to it, but we’ve never, ever, ever walked away from it. Today we must say clearly, we never, ever, ever will.”

By C. Todd Lopez, DOD

Posted in Army, Guest Post, History | No Comments »

Replenishment for Air Defence: Rheinmetall Delivers 35mm-Ammunition forAnti-Aircraft Gun Gepard to Ukraine

January 6th, 2025

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has commissioned Rheinmetall to deliver additional 35mm ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft gun. The new order comprises 180,000 rounds of HEI-T ammunition (High Explosive Incendiary with Tracer) and was booked in December of 2024. The order value is in the high double-digit million euro range and is being funded by Germany. Already in February of 2023, Rheinmetall received an order to supply 300,000 rounds of Gepard ammunition to Ukraine.

The ordered ammunition can be used to effectively re-fight various airborne targets, such as drones. It will be produced at Rheinmetall’s site in Unterlüß. Due to the increased demand for 35mm ammunition, the production line at the site was rebuilt at great expense in a very short time in the spring of 2023.

Until today, the Federal Republic of Germany has handed over a total of 55 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine, which had been decommissioned by the Bundeswehr. There, they have proven their value in air defense for more than two years.

Rheinmetall has also supplied the attacked country with various state-of-the-art air defense systems such as Skynex, using the programmable AHEAD airburst ammunition. Internationally seen, the company is one of the leading manufacturers of complex air defence weapon systems. Rheinmetall is the world’s leading maker of cannon-based air defence systems, and the sole supplier of a full range of fire control systems, protected and integrated guided missile launchers. The portfolio is completed by air surveillance systems and radar technology with search and detection radars.

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Rockwell Designs SMG Chest Rigs Available for Pre-Order

January 6th, 2025

I found out about the new Rockwell Designs SMG Rigs through my friends at Flux Defense.

Their six magazine capacity makes a great combination for Raider owners as well as anyone who uses SMG-style 30 round pistol caliber mags.

Offered in Ranger Green and Black with X or H-harness options. Pre-order now at rockwell-designs.com.

Posted in Load Carrying | No Comments »

Dimension-Polyant Launches New X-Pac Tactical Manta Fabrics

January 6th, 2025

Where lightweight meets durability and innovation meets reliability

Continuously innovating to advance technical performance in fabric development, Dimension-Polyant proudly presents its latestbreakthrough – new X-Pac® Tactical Manta fabrics.

Manta fabrics are a pioneering advancement in tactical textiles that redefine the benchmarks for weight, strength and durability. Engineered with a structural core, Manta delivers exceptional strength, stability, and laser-cut precision. Ideal for demanding applications like structural packs, plate carriers, and MOLLE panels.

Manta fabrics are available in two innovative constructions – Dimension-Polyant’s exclusive Manta Tyra Core Technology® spread filament core, and woven Manta Ultra Core technology such as Ultra-PE.

Tyra Core Technology® is the pinnacle of spread filament fiber efficiency, delivering exceptionally lightweight, incredibly strong laminates. Tyra Technology® expertly aligns and orients each filament, maximizing their contribution to load carrying, tear resistance, and puncture toughness. The result cuts out excess weight and increases performance, boosting tear and tensile strength over conventional materials.

Ultra Core fabrics utilize a mid-layer of Ultra-PE woven fibers. Using a woven mid-layer provides a softer hand feel than its Tyra Core counterparts while also being lighter weight. Additionally, the Ultra Core fabrics adhere to Berry Compliance.

The face and backing materials of the Manta fabrics are made of 100% durable nylon. Colors include black and tactical Multicam. All Manta fabrics are made in Putnam CT, USA, with a line of Berry Compliant options showcasing Dimension-Polyant’s commitment to US-based sourcing and production.

“Our new Manta fabrics have caught the attention of armed forces around the world along with many leading tactical brands,” said Taylor North, Dimension-Polyant Global Head of Technical Fabrics. “We are deeply committed to creating and providing reliable materials that empower operators in their mission-critical operations.”

Dimension-Polyant will be exhibiting at SHOT Week Supplier Showcase, taking place in Las Vegas, January 21-22, 2025, Booth # 51441, to present its new X-Pac® Tactical collection. For more information on X-Pac® Tactical – the ultimate tactical pack fabric – please visit: www.x-pactactical.com

Posted in Materials, Press Release, SHOT Show | No Comments »

RTS Tactical: Ballistic Compression Shirt

January 6th, 2025

Over the past few weeks we’ve exported a variety of armor carriers manufactured in Florida by RTS Tactical. Now, I’d like you to meet the Ballistic Compression Shirt which is undoubtedly the most specialized armor vest offered by RTS Tactical.

It is crafted from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, it keeps you cool, dry, and odor-free even during intense physical activity. The four-way stretch fabric offers unrestricted movement, while the ultra-low-vis design ensures discreet concealment beneath everyday clothing. Designed with strategically placed soft armor pockets, this shirt is compatible with our Relentless and Commander ballistic panels, delivering Level IIIA HG2 or Level II HG1 protection against handgun threats. The removable panels offer flexibility, allowing you to adjust your level of protection as needed and simplifying maintenance and cleaning. Available in regular and long lengths with a low neckline for a seamless, no-show fit, this shirt is tailored to meet your personal and operational needs.

Experience the RTS Tactical Difference

Ready to experience the unmatched comfort, protection, and performance of RTS Tactical’s custom-fit soft body armor?

Visit our website: www.rtstactical.com

Contact our sales team: sales@rtstactical.com

Call us: 786-769-2759

Posted in Armor, Guest Post | No Comments »

MATBOCK Monday: SHOT Show 2025

January 6th, 2025

Here is our calendar link for SHOT Show 2025. Please book a time that works for you all:

calendly.com/matbock/shot-show-2025

Note that the times listed are local (Vegas) times.

If you have any questions, please email sales@matbock.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, SHOT Show | No Comments »

Planning a More Effective Army

January 6th, 2025

The Department of the Army is conducting a bold new experiment designed to bring developers, tacticians, and intelligence workers into closer coordination for the development of an effective fighting concept. It has established an Advanced Concepts Organization from three of its elements: the Institute of Land Combat of the Combat Developments Command; the Advanced Materiel Concepts Agency of the Army Materiel Command; and the Intelligence Threat Analysis Detachment of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence. The three agencies are working interdependently to achieve a Land Combat System Study that will integrate technology and intelligence into an operational organization for the future.

IN THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS that leads to the development of profitable new products or processes, it is only natural to be interested in the systems that facilitate the process of innovation. There are two opposing theories concerning innovation. The scientist/technologist firmly believes that technology always leads, while the sociologist/economist just as firmly believes that identification of a market must precede a development program to satisfy that market.

Many examples have been cited that indicate that need-oriented planning led to successful innovation. Yet, the evidence is almost as heavily weighed in favor of the precedence of technological innovations that created whole new systems that filled needs not previously recognized. Examples of this include the Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emmission of Radiation (MASER) and the Light Amplification by Stimulated Emmission of Radiation (LASER), which Dr. C.H. Townes observed at Columbia University while working on a method to explain the spin resonance of the hydrogen atom; the transistor, which was developed by a team at Bell Laboratories; and the printed circuit, developed at the Signal Corps Engineering Laboratories of Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, which led first to macrominiaturized circuits and then microminiaturized circuits. However, scientists and tacticians in the Anny feel that while both theories have their place, neither alone is the answer. One of the most glaring examples that neither in itself is supreme is the use the German General Staff made of the technologies for the “blitzkrieg” of World War II. The tank, the airplane, mobile troops, and artillery were available to the Allies (France, Britain, and later the United States), but the tactical concept developed by the Germans made maximum use of technology, insuring initial victories.

In the spring of 1967, the Department of the Army established three organizations, to be known collectively as the Advanced Concepts Organization, whose joint mission was to prepare recommended designs of the total land combat system and to guide development of selected major materiel concepts through concept formulation. Each individual organization has specific responsibilities in achieving the overall mission.

The Intelligence Threat Analysis Detachment (ITAD) of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence provides long-term threat forecasts and environmental information in response to the requirements of the Advanced Materiel Concepts Agency (AMCA) of the Army Materiel Command (AMC) and the Institute of Land Combat (ILC) of the Combat Developments Command (CDC). The AMCA provides descriptions of alternative systems and concepts of materiel with which future forces could be equipped, conducts some design work, and serves as a contact point for concepts originating at AMC elements and industry during the concept formulation phase. The Institute of Land Combat develops conceptual designs of the land combat system and conducts related selected studies and analyses to guide the development of Army doctrine, materiel, and organization during the concept formulation phase.

The AMCA will devise or act as a clearinghouse for the advanced materiel concepts and systems that will influence the tactics and doctrine developed by the ILC to meet the threats evolved by the Threats Analysis Detachment. Therefore, the relationship of the three organizations is one of mutual support which will enhance the future Army’s combat effectiveness.

The Land Combat System Study will be unique and innovative because it approaches the Army in the field as a total, integrated land combat system—arrived at by a systematic process; presents options in the form of alternative designs; and conducts a preferential analysis which gives the decision maker a preferred design as well as the pros and cons of all the options. The schematic diagram below illustrates the sequence of steps envisioned in development of the Land Combat System Study. The study closely integrates the systematic forecasting of environments and problems by the intelligence community; the advanced materiel concepts of the materiel developer; and the operational, organizational, and materiel concepts of the user.

A Land Combat System Study completed and approved by late 1972 or early 1973 would provide immediate guidance at that time for investment of research and development funds (including curtailment of on-going projects not relevant to the land combat system). The approved land combat system would also be the basis for new procurement decisions after 1973 and also perhaps, as in research and development, would provide the motivation for curtailing production of certain items already in production. Many decisions on the development of complex items must be made not later than 1975 if the approved concept is to be “fielded” during 1990. This means dealing with today’s science and the technology of about 1972 to 1975—not the 1990’s! This is a point not well understood by some people who look askance (if not aghast) at what the ACO is trying to do, believing that they must project technology to 1990 in order to attain their goal. This is just not so. Admittedly, the task before the Advanced Concepts Organization is a difficult one; but then, that has never been a valid excuse for not trying. The dean of a major university recently stated, “As to what it is you’re trying to do, I don’t think it can be done—but, I damn well agree someone had better be trying.” The ACO is trying—and plowing new and fertile ground in the attempt. At the same time they are constantly reevaluating themselves in an effort to refine and improve their methodology and products.

The first major component of the study to be developed was the conflict situations and Army tasks. Of 389 potential conflict situations for consideration, 145 were considered to impact on the interests and security of the United States. From these 145 conflicts, 10 representative conflict situations were selected for more exhaustive analysis. These 10 were chosen not because they were the most probable, but as being representative or typical on the basis of three factors—types of geographical environment, types of antagonists, and use or nonuse of mass destruction weapons. The purpose of these detailed representative conflict situations was twofold: first, to provide a basis for deriving the Army tasks which the land combat system should be designed to carry out, and second, to provide plausible, concrete situations as vehicles for gaming and other analytical techniques to be employed in the preferential analysis of the alternative conceptual designs.

The Directorate of Military Technology of the Institute of Land Combat compiles a comprehensive summary of plausible materiel options for the 1990’s. This is a listing that identifies functional objectives and statements of tasks in terms of the five battlefield functions of land combat (firepower; mobility; intelligence; command, control, and communications; and combat service support). For example, under the firepower function of combat, a functional objective would be to “inflict casualties on enemy personnel and damage to enemy materiel in a ground and water environment.” With this broad and unconstrained objective of the user, represented by ILC, the materiel developer, represented by AMCA, proposed various materiel systems for its solution. Two routes were used. The first was a reasoned extrapolation from current technology which, in some cases, led to significant improvements in the cost-effectiveness relation of materiel systems. The second called for more imagination. The developer was given free rein within certain constraints of attainability, to conjecture those materiel systems which were not based on any materiel existing or under development but which promised cost-effectiveness benefits. Materiel Option Data Sheets were developed by AMCA for each proposed system and contained as much of the following types of data as possible:

Concept of operation.

Characteristics of operation, including such data as weights, length, range, accuracy, hit probability, rate of fire, production costs, life cycle cost, etc.

Vulnerabilities/limitations.

Pivotal materiel unknowns—technical barriers or problems to be overcome if development, production, and deployment of the materiel option is to be achieved by 1990.

Attainability—expressed as a probability of achieving type-classification by 1985.

Under the aegis of the Advanced Materiel Concepts Agency, an ad hoc working group, chaired by Professor N.K. Rogers of the Georgia Institute of Technology, studied the state-of-the-art and potential advanced concepts in the area of mechanized/automated handling of all classes of supplies by Army terminals and stockage points in a theater of operations for the 1990 time frame. Some of the conclusions were—

The container or unit load will become a prime method of supplying a theater Army.

The module of pallet-load or less in size will become the prime unit of issue and will be a consumable item.

The speed of response required from the entire supply system will be vastly increased as a result of the nature or pace of combat activities.

The Army in-theater supply centers will become smaller in size, mobile, and more dispersed.

Most of the general public does not realize it, but the “spin-off” from materiel research and development contributes in large measures to the civilian community. The development of the printed circuit and its reduction in size has resulted in the pocket radio receiver, which for many a mother, when turned up to full volume by her youngster, is the bane of her existence.

Techniques developed by medical evacuation units, using the helicopter as an ambulance, promise to save the lives of our populace who are injured seriously in automobile accidents on our highways. Other advances in medicine include the Army’s contribution to vaccine developments which are capable of immediate exploitation. Our scientists in biological research have an international reputation in the field of tissue culture, which contributes to cancer and organ (heart, lung, kidney) transplant research.

The Advanced Concepts Organization is monitoring the Independent Research and Development Program funded by the Armed Forces for those civilian contractors who are doing defense work. In addition to doing research and development for civilian items, this program is aiming toward simplification of the items used by the Army. Not only must this materiel be simple in design, but it must be economical to maintain, and capable of use by the average soldier. The soldier of the future will be a well-educated man, but if present trends in new gear continue, he will need to be a highly trained engineer or scientist to operate equipment visualized for the future Army. This program must begin working toward reductions in development and production costs, because funds will become scarcer as our social and economic need programs are attacked. Even the emphasis in these latter areas may not be adequate to take up the slack which is being generated.

Alternative conceptual designs (ACD’s) of the Land Combat System of 1990 are being developed by independently functioning teams. Through guidance to each team, the TLC seeks to insure development of different conceptual designs. The last major stage prior to the drafting of the study itself is the preferential analysis of these alternative conceptual designs. Its purpose is to rank the three ACD’s by evaluating their relative effectiveness in carrying out the Army tasks developed for the representative conflict situations against their costs in dollars and manpower, and in terms of other possible impact on the United States.

Traditionally, the development of materiel has preceded the development of doctrine and pretty well dictated how the Army would organize and fight. The user never really had a chance—certainly not in a systems context—to influence the development by stating his requirements. Frequently an item has been built simply because it could be built. While it always will be helpful

to have the materiel developer tell the user—“Look, we can make you this gadget,” most development should be responsive to a foreseen and stated need of the user. The Land Combat System Study provides this essential interface and compromise between who drives what—the operational concept or the materiel development, the user or developer.

Current and projected austerity demands a close look at what the Army is getting for its investment in personnel and materiel. No one is absolutely sure yet. The question may never be answerable in quantitative terms, but an approved land combat system would, for the first time, provide the U.S. Army decision makers with an agreed blueprint of the whole system. Trade-offs among subsystems would have some basis in rationale. Research and development investment and curtailment of investment could have direction and purpose. Even procurement funds could be allocated under one master plan. The whole investment could easily be recouped if the system were to preclude only one false start on a major materiel system. This is particularly important and relevant during both the current and projected austerity because funds could be allocated to the right places the first time.

The systems approach to the Army in the field tends to de-emphasize branch orientation, such as infantry, armor, aviation, in favor of determining requirements and possible trade-offs on a total system basis. In other words, the “squeaking wheel” is now the total system.

Whatever conceptual design the Department of the Army approves, it is highly unlikely that anyone will ever see the U.S. Army in exactly that configuration. It is intended to be a long-range dynamic goal to be modified as required by the passage of time and its increased visual acuity of such factors as technology, international events, resource availability, and other factors that could not be foreseen in the design. The use of alternatives, where appropriate, and other factors of the methodology, such as attainability and pivotal materiel unknown, give some degree or assurance that the final product will be relatively insensitive to all but truly major changes.

The Army’s researchers in our laboratories are long on freedom, but short on guidance from our customer, hence technology and requirements don’t always meet. Now, with the meld of both in the Advanced Concepts Organization, we will jointly provide our Army increased capabilities in the field.

By Halvor T. Darracott and COL M.H. Rosen

Mr. Halvor T. Darracott is chief of the Operations Analysis Division of the Advanced Materiel Concepts Agency, USAMC. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in physics.

Colonel M.H. Rosen is commanding officer of the Institute of Land Combat, USACDC. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and the Army War College and he holds a master’s degree in international affairs.

[This article was first published in Army Sustainment Professional Bulletin, which was then called Army Logistician, volume 2, number 5 (September–October 1970), pages 8–11, 40–41. The text is reproduced as faithfully as possible to enable searchability. To view any images and charts in the article, refer to the issue itself, available on DVIDS and the bulletin’s archives at asu.army.mil/alog/.]

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