Search Results for: "Iraq Warrior"
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Documentary highlights success of Land Warrior system
Relevance Score: 4.804 2009-06-09 22:17:32
"Keep Up the Fire," a new documentary produced by the Army's Program Executive Office Soldier, tells the story of the first infantry unit deployed to Iraq with the Land Warrior system. In 2007, the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, deployed to Iraq to help bring peace to a region paralyzed by war. With them, the battalion brought a vital system called Land Warrior, the most advanced piece of infantry technology ever fielded. The Soldiers entered a brutal combat environment, where insurgent attacks numbered in the hundreds each week and American forces faced the mistrust of the people they had been sent to protect. Despite the difficulties they faced, the battalion was remarkably successful during its deployment. Land Warrior, an advanced navigational and network communication system worn by Soldiers was a key to that success. Land Warrior consists of a wiring system, joystick-like control unit, a computing unit, and flip-down monocular eyepiece. In its role as a navigation device, Land Warrior shows a Soldier's location on a tactical map. Similarly-equipped Soldier and vehicle positions are constantly updated within the system, greatly increasing the situational awareness of the dismounted Soldier. “Land Warrior gave me confidence as I planned to coordinate for a blind hit at night for the first time in this area,” said Capt. Brandon Kint, who used Land Warrior with the 4th Bn. As a networking device, Land Warrior enables communication among Soldiers, vehicles, and commanders through one system. Additionally, Land Warrior creates organic networks between equipped units as they move into and out of contact with one another. Digital information can be exchanged between these equipped units and throughout the networks. For instance, Soldiers can place markers on the digital maps called "digital chemlights," which will appear on the map of every other Land Warrior-equipped Soldier within seconds. Originally developed in the early 1990s, Land Warrior was canceled just before the unit was set to deploy. By special request, the system was supported for the duration of the deployment to Iraq. Before and during their deployment, the battalion worked closely with the developers of Land Warrior to make changes to the system, increasing its effectiveness and usability. The success and innovative work with Soldiers led to renewed interest in the program, so much so that a Stryker Brigade Combat Team will take an improved system to Afghanistan this year. “It’s one piece of equipment that we won’t leave the (field operating base) without anymore,” said Master Sgt. (P) Marc Griffith, who deployed with Land Warrior and the 4th Bn. to Iraq.
U.S. Army And U.S.A.F. Urgently Need More UAV Pilots.
Relevance Score: 3.546 2009-11-18 14:27:11
While the U.S. Air Force struggles to train 400 UAV operators a year, the U.S. Army is training 1,400, and is increasing that to 2,300 by next year. Most of the army operators use the small (five pound) Raven UAV, which delivers platoons, companies, and vehicle convoys with aerial reconnaissance. Interestingly, UAV operators spend about 1,200 hours a year controlling UAVs in the air, versus 450 hours for army helicopter pilots and even less for air force pilots in the combat zone. Most army UAV operators are enlisted troops, while all USAF operators are officers. The Raven training lasts approximately 80 hours, but this tiny UAV was crafted for ease of use. It takes about five times longer to train operators for larger UAVs such as the Shadow and Predator. The U.S. Army also has over a hundred larger UAVs, most of them the 350 pound RQ-7B Shadow 200s and 1,600 pound MQ-5A Hunters. The U.S. Army has also started to receive the new 1.5 ton Sky Warrior MQ-1C UAVs. The MQ-1Cs are slightly larger Predators, and are meant to replace the aging Shadows and Hunters. The big difference is that Sky Warrior can carry weapons (such as Hellfire missiles.) In addition, for the last two years, the U.S. Army has been using 20, one ton, Predator type UAVs (called Sky Warrior Alpha) from the same firm that produces the Predator and Sky Warrior. "Alphas" were used in Iraq for counter-IED (roadside and suicide bombs) work. The Sky Warrior Alpha can carry 450 pounds of sensors and 300 pounds of weapons, and they have been used to fire Hellfire missiles. Sky Warrior Alpha is, officially, the I-Gnat ER, which is based on a predecessor design of the Predator, the Gnat-750, and an improved model, the I-Gnat (which has been in use since 1989). The I-Gnat ER/ Sky Warrior Alpha looks like a Predator, but isn't — in terms of design and capabilities, they are cousins. The MQ-1C Sky Warrior weighs 1.5 tons, carries 300 pounds of internal sensors, and up to 500 pounds of external sensors or weapons. This UAV has an endurance of up to 36 hours and a top speed of 270 kilometers an hour. Sky Warrior has a wingspan of 56 feet and is 28 feet long. The Sky Warrior can land and take off automatically, and can carry four Hellfire missiles (compared to two on the Predator). The original MQ-1 Predator is a one ton aircraft that is 27 feet long with a wingspan of 49 feet. It has two hard points, which usually carry one (107 pound) Hellfire each. Each hard point can also carry a Stinger air-to-air missile. Max speed of the Predator is 215 kilometers an hour, max cruising speed is 160 kilometers an hour. Max altitude is 25,000 feet. Typical sorties are 12-20 hours each. A Sky Warrior company has 115 troops, 12 Sky Warrior UAVs and five ground stations. As its model number (MQ-1C) indicates, Sky Warrior is a Predator (MQ-1) replacement. The U.S. Air Force plans to replace its MQ-1s with MQ-1Cs. Sky Warrior began mass production this year, and the U.S. Army (which paid for development) wants more than 500 of these craft, initially. So far, the attrition rate of Predators has been over five percent a year. Unless that can be brought down, few Predators will last more than a decade, and the MQ-1C will gradually replace it. Most of the losses are due to mechanical, electronic, software or operator failure. Never have so many UAVs been used so extensively, and intensively, in combat. There is a third member of the Predator family, that is only used by the U.S.A.F. The MQ-9 Reaper is a 4.7 ton, 36 foot long aircraft with a 66 foot wingspan that looks like the MQ-1. It has six hard points, and can carry 1,500 pounds of weapons. These include Hellfire missiles (up to eight), two Sidewinder or two AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, two Maverick missiles, or two 500 pound smart bombs (laser or GPS guided.) Max speed is 400 kilometers an hour, and max endurance is 15 hours. The Reaper is considered a combat aircraft, to replace F-16s or A-10s.
Rolls-Royce snares military helicopter contract
Relevance Score: 2.661 2010-02-23 18:04:28
Rolls-Royce Corp.’s Indianapolis operations have been awarded a multimillion-dollar contract by the U.S. Army to design and develop a digital engine control for the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter. Specific terms of the deal, which was announced Sunday, were not disclosed. The dual-channel full-authority digital engine control, or FADEC, will draw on the latest Rolls-Royce technology, and will increase functionality, decrease pilot workload and lower cost of operation, the company said in a prepared statement. The Kiowa Warrior is powered by Rolls-Royce’s M250 engine. The helicopter performs scout and light-attack missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rolls-Royce’s Indianapolis manufacturing facility employs about 4,300—making the British aerospace firm the city’s second-largest manufacturer behind Eli Lilly and Co. The local operation has accumulated several meaty military contracts in recent months. In December, it received a $160.6 million military contract to manufacture 78 turboshaft engines for the U.S. Navy and Air Force helicopters. And in November, it received an $11.1 million contract to make gas turbine engines for the Army’s OH-58D Kiowa reconnaissance helicopters and an $8.5 million contract to provide spare engine parts for the Air Force’s C-130J military-transport aircraft.
Fort Campbell Soldiers Celebrated 4th July In The White House.
Relevance Score: 2.648 2009-07-10 22:20:45
A group of Fort Campbell soldiers enjoyed July 4th in an unforgettable way. They had been invited to celebrate to Independence Day at the White House. The soldiers had been invited to Washington D.C. by President Barack Obama as part of the White House salute to the military. The event honored our nation's troops, and celebrated their success. "For me, its pride - I enjoy what I'm doing," said Specialist Jason Forster with the 4th Brigade Combat Team. An American soldier does need a gratitude and never asks for a reward, but having dinner with the President on the 4th of July is tough for any soldier to turn down. "In this line of work you normally don't get to meet your boss... but you actually get to meet your boss this time," says SPC Forster. Twenty-five Fort Campbell soldiers join the president to celebrate Independence Day. "We're going to have dinner at the White House and meet the president. There's no better way to spend the 4th of July," says SPC Forster. On Saturday, the soldiers had dinner with President Obama, and they have got to watch the fireworks from the South Lawn of the White House. Each member of the 101st earned their trip to the nation's capitol through their service overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. Not surprisingly, before the event soldiers have been wondering what it will be like to spend dinner with the Commander in Chief. "You can't think of a more patriotic way to spend the 4th of July for someone in the military than to go to the White House to enjoy fireworks with the President of the United States," said Chief Warrant Officer Travis Higgins, with the Warrior Transition Unit. Each of the soldiers has earned their chance to meet the president. Higgins was a Blackhawk helicopter pilot in Iraq. "It's just a very unexpected perk that came with the job, I guess," he says. Specialist Greg Waters was awarded the Silver Star for his work as a medic in Afghanistan. "The reward was in the people I treated overseas - that's where my reward is. Meeting the President, obviously, is a huge honor," says SPC Waters. They may not ask for a reward, or require a thank you, but this Fourth of July, they'll get both from the President of the United States. "I've been in the army a long time and never had an opportunity like this before. All I can say is I am very lucky," says CWO Higgins. Members of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, the 101st Division Special Troops Battalion, and the Warrior Transition Team were all invited to make the trip.
Body Ventilation System
Relevance Score: 2.568 2009-07-06 11:53:35
We think it gets hot in the states during some Summer months. However our military men and women in Iraq and Kuwait routinely experience temperatures which exceed 120 degrees. To make matters worse, Soldiers can't run around on the battle fields wearing shorts and a tank top. Instead, they perform their missions wearing several pounds of body armor. The Army may have found a way to help recude heat-related injuries in Kuwat and Iraq and keep our soliders more comfortable with their newly-developed Body Ventilation Systems. The Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF) delivered 500 Body Ventilation Systems to heat-stressed Soldiers in Iraq and Kuwait last month. The system will undergo a test for one year by Soldiers such as drivers, military police and machine gunners. Another 1,700 vests will be shipped and issued to Soldiers in similar units and duty positions in upcoming months. “The BVS project is another example of how the Army culture is changing in order to provide warfighter solutions in a timely manner,” Col. Gregory Tubbs, REF director to the Army News Service. “It also provides another example of how much good can be accomplished when Army organizations like PEO Soldier and the Rapid Equipping Force team to help the warfighter.” The BVS is light-weight (less than five pounds) and can be worn under body armor. Air circulates inside the vest to increase comfort and performance in hot-dry climates by significantly increasing the evaporation rate. The two primary components of the BVS is a Ventilation Unit (VU) and an Air Distribution Garment that looks like a vest. The VU, or blower, is a battery powered fan that can be attached in a variety of positions to meet the Soldier’s need and comfort. The filtered blower system fits neatly into a pouch and is similar to a fanny pack. “It definitely keeps me cool,” said Sgt. Mark Waits, an M1114 gunner with the 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment. “I don't feel as fatigued after a mission in the BVS.” The BVS operates approximately 8 hours with commercial lithium rechargeable batteries, with a recharge time of 4-5 hours. Filters are the system’s primary maintenance. "When GlobalSecure approached us with their quick, simple and reliable BVS design, I knew we could work with and count on the REF to get it to Soldiers,” said Col. Richard Hansen, director, Project Manager Soldier Warrior. GlobalSecure was selected among other vendors for its overall quality and product design, service, timeliness and price. The Rapid Equipping Force is committed to working with industry and governmental partners such as Soldier Warrior to develop versatile equipment that protects Soldiers and ensures their survivability and lethality. “If the warfighters need it, then I won’t rest until I explore every option to meet those needs,” said Tubbs.
US Army Awards MSS Contract to Rockwell Collins
Relevance Score: 2.376 2009-06-02 10:21:42
The US Army has chosen Rockwell Collins to provide an integrated video display system for the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the mounted soldier system (MSS) programme. MSS technology is incorporated in the M1-A2 SEP V2, M2-A3 Bradley, M3-A3 Bradley and M113 medical evacuation variant vehicles. The programme enhances mission effectiveness on the network-centric battlefield in the areas of command and control. Under the contract, the company will provide mounted soldier display systems (MSDS) that include vehicle-mounted video distribution switches and an SO35-A helmet-mounted display (HMD) equipped with a full-colour resolution micro-display with a 35° diagonal field of view. MSDS video distribution switch builds on the mounted warrior, land warrior and tank urban survivability kit HMDs. The system's vehicle video switch accepts the output from the electronic sensor and situational awareness systems in military vehicles and provides the display to the soldier while the SO35-A display control module, which is attached to the soldier's vest, provides operator control.
Satellite Broadband Internet in Iraq and Afghanistan for U.S. Troops
Relevance Score: 2.263 2009-06-28 22:04:20
WARSAW, Poland, Jan. 22 /Reuters/ -- TS2 Satellite Technologies' network in Iraq and Afghanistan has over 15,000 military users of local broadband satellite connections. "We were among the first telecommunications operators in the satellite technology in the territory of Iraq and Afghanistan, and as such we have enjoyed a successful cooperation with the U.S. Army for several years now," says Marcin Frackiewicz, CEO of the TS2 Satellite Technologies. TS2 Satellite Technologies offers two-way high-speed Internet access with no phone lines, no cable and no dial-up modem. It's always on, available virtually anywhere, and affordable. The laptop or Wi-Fi network can receive Internet signal through a special satellite VSAT modem, which was usually set up in a building or tent when deployed. The one VSAT access point provides the following services for soldiers: -- Broadband access to the Internet (WWW, E-mail, FTP etc.) -- Data transfer to many other users simultaneously -- Telephone connections including VoIP, IP phone -- Video-conference connections Advantages of the system: -- Short set-up time -- Fast and easy upgrades -- Possibility of guaranteed CIR -- Transmission in almost all weather conditions The communication among the bases is possible thanks to the simultaneous lease of bands on the Intelsat 10-02, Intelsat 901 and Eutelsat W6 satellites whose coverage enables configuration of connections between any place in Europe, Middle East and Southwest Asia. TS2's satellite military networks are located in Al Taqaddum Air Base, Bahgram AF, Balad Base, Baquba Airfield, Brassfield-Mora, Cob Adder, Cob Speicher, Camp Al Asad Airbase, Camp Bucca Basra City, Camp Buehring, Camp Charlie Basra, Camp Eggers, Camp Fallujah, Camp Grizzly, Camp Korean Village, Camp Liberty, Camp Mejid, Camp Ramadi, Camp Slayer, Camp Stryker, Camp Taji, Camp Victory, Fob Bagram, Fob Brassfield Mora, Fob Delta Al Kut, Fob Diamondback, Fob Falcon, Fob Garryowen, Fob Gardez, Fob Ghazni, Fob Kalagush, Fob Kandahar, Fob Lagman, Fob Mchenry, Fob Marez, Fob Normandy, Fob Rustamiyah, Fob Summerall, Fob Sykes, Fob Salerno, Fob Torkham, Fob Warhorse, Fob Warrior, Herat RTC, Jallahabad Air Base, Kabul Airport, Kabul Camp Eggers, Kandahar Air Base, Lsa Anaconda Balad, Q-West Base Complex and Tallil Ab Lsa Adder. Especially for U.S. Military Personnel, Contracting Officers and DoD Contractors, TS2 delivers satellite equipment to most of all military addresses in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Middle East, within maximum of 7 days. Supported military locations in Iraq - http://www.ts2.pl/en/Internet-in-Iraq-for-US-Army-Soldiers Supported military locations in Afghanistan - http://www.ts2.pl/en/Internet-in-Afghanistan-for-US-Army-Soldiers Contact: Piotr Kubiak and Michal Skrok TS2 Satellite Technologies phone +48 22 630 70 70 fax +48 22 630 70 71 http://www.ts2.pl
Military locations in Iraq supported by TS2 Satellite Technologies
Relevance Score: 2.052 2008-06-01 11:43:45
TS2 was among the first telecommunications operators in the satellite technology in the territory of Iraq and Afghanistan and as such we have enjoyed a successful cooperation with the US Department of Defense, DoD contractors, Contracting Officers and U.S. Military Personnel from Iraq. Air Bases Al Asad Air base Al Iskandariyah Air base Al Taqaddum Air base al-Asad Air base al-Iskandaryah Air base al-Sahra Air base Amarah Air base Baghdad Air base Balad Air base Baquba AF HAir basebaniyah Air base Jalibah Air base K-2 Air base Kirkuk Air base Kut Air base Mosul Air base Qalat Sukar Air base Quyarrah Air base Rasheed Air base Samarra East Air base Sather Air base Taji Air base Tal Ashtah Air base Tallil Air base Tuz Khurmatu Air base US Army Camps Camp Abu Naji [Al Amarah] Camp Adder [Tallil AB] Camp Al Asad [al-Asad AB] Camp Al-Adala [Kadhamiyah/Baghdad] Camp Al-Amal [Baghdad] Camp Al-Hurya Al-Awal [Baquba AF] Camp Al-Hurya Al-Thani [Green Zone] Camp Al-Isdehar [Al Salam] Camp Al-Istiqlal [Baghdad AB] Camp al-Nasr [Abu Ghurayb] Camp Al-Saqr [Rasheed AB] Camp Al-Sharaf [Green Zone] Camp Al-Tadamun [Adhamiyah/Baghdad] Camp al-Tahreer [Abu Ghurayb] Camp Al-Tawheed Al-Awal [Al Sijood] Camp Al-Tawheed Al-Thani [Al Sijood] Camp Al-Watani [Green Zone] Camp Anaconda [Balad AB] Camp Andaluz [Kufa] Camp Anderson [Diwaniyeh] Camp Arkansas [Al Salam] Camp Arrow [Ad Dawr] Camp Ashraf Camp Avalanche [Abu Ghurayb Prison] Camp Babylon Camp Baharia [Fallujah] Camp Balad [Balad AB] Camp Basilone [Qalat Sukar AB] Camp Black Jack Camp Blackjack [Abu Ghurayb] Camp Blue Diamond [Ar Ramadi] Camp Bonzai [Kadhamiyah/Baghdad] Camp Boom [Baquba] Camp Brassfield-Mora [Samarra] Camp Bucca [Umm Qasr] Camp Bushmaster [Najaf] Camp Bushwacker Camp Caldwell [Kirkush] Camp Cedar [Tallil AB] Camp Cedar II [Tallil AB] Camp Chesty [Kut AB] Camp Claiborne [Mosul AB] Camp Cobra [Abu Ghurayb] Camp Cold Steel Camp Condor [Amarah AB] Camp Cooke [Taji AB] Camp Cropper [Baghdad IAP] Camp Cuervo [Rasheed AB] Camp Dahuk Camp Diamondback [Mosul AB] Camp Dogwood [al-Iskandaryah AB] Camp Dragoon [Baghdad] Camp Duke [Najaf] Camp Eagle [Baghdad] Camp Eagle III [Najaf] Camp Edson [Diwaniyeh] Camp Falcon [Rasheed AB] Camp Fallujah [I MEF] Camp Fenway [Qalat Sukar] Camp Ferrin-Huggins [Rasheed AB] Camp Freedom [Mosul] Camp Freedom I [Baquba AF] Camp Freedom II [Green Zone] Camp Ganci [Abu Ghurayb Prison] Camp Golf [Najaf] Camp Graceland [Rasheed AB] Camp Greywolf [Al Sijood] Camp Griffin [Baghdad IAP] Camp Gunslinger [Adhamiyah/Baghdad] Camp Headhunter [Baghdad AB] Camp Honor [Green Zone] Camp Hope [Baghdad] Camp Hope [Diwaniyeh] Camp Hotel [Najaf] Camp Hurricane Point [Ar Ramadi] Camp Independence [Baghdad AB] Camp Iron Horse [Green Zone] Camp Ironhorse [Tikrit] Camp Jennings [Al Amarah] Camp Junction City [Ar Ramadi] Camp Justice [Kadhamiyah/Baghdad] Camp Klecker Camp Korean Village [Ar Rutbah/H-3(?)] Camp Lancer [K-2 AB] Camp Leader [Mosul] Camp Libeccio [Nasiriyah] Camp Liberty [Abu Ghurayb] Camp Lima [Baghdad] Camp Manhattan [Habbaniyah AB] Camp Marez [Mosul AB] Camp Marlboro [Sadr City] Camp Mercury Camp Muleskinner [Rasheed AB] Camp Nakamura [Nippur] Camp Normandy [Muqdadiyah] Camp Outlaw [Green Zone] Camp Pacesetter [Samarra East AB] Camp Paliwoda [Balad] Camp Patriot [Green Zone] Camp Performance [Mosul] Camp Prosperity [Al Salam] Camp Qayyarah [Quyarrah AB] Camp Raider [Tikrit] Camp Red Knight Camp Redcatcher [Rasheed AB] Camp Redemption [Abu Ghurayb Prison] Camp Renegade [Kirkuk AB] Camp Ridgway/Ridgeway [Al Taqaddum AB] Camp Rustamiyah [Rasheed AB] Camp Sather [Baghdad IAP] Camp Scania [Nippur] Camp Slayer [Radwaniyah] Camp Solidarity [Adhamiyah/Baghdad] Camp Speicher [al-Sahra AB] Camp St. Mere [Fallujah] Camp Steel Dragon [Green Zone] Camp Steel Falcon [Dora Farms] Camp Strike [Mosul] Camp Stryker [Baghdad IAP] Camp Sustainer Camp Sycamore [al-Sahra AB] Camp Taji [Taji AB] Camp Taqaddum [Al Taqaddum AB] Camp Thunder [Baghdad IAP] Camp Top Gun [Mosul] Camp Ultimo [Baghdad] Camp Union I [Al Sijood] Camp Union II [Al Sijood] Camp Victory (51 Papa) [Abu Ghurayb] Camp Victory [Abu Ghurayb] Camp Victory North [Abu Ghurayb] Camp Vigilant [Abu Ghurayb Prison] Camp Viper [Jalibah AB] Camp War Eagle [Baghdad] Camp Warhorse [Baquba AF] Camp Warrior [Al Sijood] Camp Whitehorse Camp Whitford [Tallil AB] Camp Wolfpack [Green Zone] Camp Zadan [Zadan] Forward Operating Bases in Iraq FOB al-Asad [al-Asad AB] FOB Al-Tawheed Al-Thalith [Green Zone] FOB Arrow [Ad Dawr] FOB Bandit Island FOB Bernstein [Tuz Khurmatu AB] FOB Blue Diamond [Ar Ramadi] FOB Brassfield-Mora [Samarra] FOB Broomhead FOB Buzz FOB Byers FOB Caldwell [Kirkush] FOB Champion Base [Ar Ramadi] FOB Chosin [Al Iskandariyah AB] FOB Cobra [Abu Ghurayb] FOB Constitution [Abu Ghurayb] FOB Cooke [Taji AB] FOB Danger [Tikrit] FOB Daquq FOB Delta [Kut AB] FOB Duke [Najaf] FOB Eagle [Balad] FOB Echo [Diwaniyah] FOB Eden [Hit] FOB Endurance [Quyarrah AB] FOB Ferrin-Huggins [Rasheed AB] FOB Gabe [Baquba] FOB Givens FOB Glory [Mosul AB] FOB Grant [Tal Ashtah AB] FOB Grizzly [Camp Ashraf] FOB Guardian City [Al Taqaddum AB] FOB Gunner [Taji AB] FOB Headhunter [Baghdad AB] FOB Hit [Al Anbar] FOB Honor [Green Zone] FOB Hotel [Najaf] FOB Hurricane [Ar Ramadi] FOB Ironhorse [Tikrit] FOB Junction City [Ar Ramadi] FOB Kalsu [Iskandariyah] FOB Latham FOB Laurie [Fallujah] FOB Lion [Balad AB] FOB Manhattan [Habbaniyah AB] FOB McHenry [Al Hawijah] FOB McKenzie [Samarra East AB] FOB Melody [Sadr City] FOB Mercury [Fallujah] FOB Miller FOB Morgan [Baghdad IAP] FOB Muleskinner [Rasheed AB] FOB Normandy [Muqdadiyah] FOB O'Ryan FOB Pacesetter [Samarra East AB] FOB Packhorse [Tikrit] FOB Paliden Base [Ar Ramadi] FOB Q-West [Quyarrah AB] FOB Quinn FOB Raider [Tikrit] FOB Red Lion [Camp Ashraf] FOB Ridgway/Ridgeway [Al Taqaddum AB] FOB Rough Rider [Mandali] FOB Sabre [Ar Ramadi] FOB Scania [Nippur] FOB Spartan [Camp Ashraf] FOB Speicher [al-Sahra AB] FOB St. Mere [Fallujah] FOB St. Michael [Mahmudiyah] FOB Steel Dragon [Green Zone] FOB Summerall [Bayji] FOB Tiger [Al Qaim] FOB Trojan Horse [Green Zone] FOB Union III [Green Zone] FOB Volturno [Fallujah] FOB War Eagle [Baghdad] FOB Warhorse [Baquba AF] FOB Warrior [Kirkuk AB] FOB Webster [Al Asad AB] FOB Wilson [Ad Dawr] FOB Wyatt [Balad AB] Other Nomenclature Al Azimiyah Palace al-Kufah Baghdad Convention Center Bashur AB Butler Range Complex Champion Base [Ar Ramadi] Champion Main [Ar Ramadi] CJTF Babylon CMOC Ar Ramadi CMOC Baghdad CMOC Diwaniyah CMOC Mosul CMOC Samarra CSC Scania [Nippur] Engineer Base Anvil [Rasheed AB] Essayons Base [Republican Palace] Fire Base Glory [Mosul AB] Firebase Melody [Sadr City] Firebase Shoemaker [Ar Ramadi] FLB Sycamore [al-Sahra AB] Green Zone [Baghdad] H-1 Airstrip Haditha Dam Hard Site [Abu Ghurayb] Hillah Hurricane Base [Ar Ramadi] International Zone [Baghdad] Kirkuk AB Kut AB Log Base Seitz Loyalty Base [Ar Ramadi] LSA Adder [Tallil AB] LSA Anaconda [Balad AB] LSA Diamondback [Mosul AB] LSA Highlander [Al Salam] LSA Viper [Jalibah AB] MEK Compound OBJ Jaguar [Quyarrah AB] OBJ Redskins [Al Taqaddum AB] OBJ Weber [al-Asad AB] Post Freedom [Mosul] Redcatcher Field [Rasheed AB] Rifles Base (3 ACR) [Ar Ramadi] Saddamiat Al-Tharthar Sinjar Stryker Island [Baghdad IAP] Taji Military Camp Tall 'Afar AB Tiger Base [Al Qaim] TSP Whitford [Tallil AB] Victory Base [Abu Ghurayb]
Warrior Adventure Quest aims to channel thrill-seeking behavior of combat veterans
Relevance Score: 2.008 2009-07-17 15:31:51
Adrenaline can be addictive. After a 15-month combat tour where an adrenaline rush could become a normal part of a Soldier's everyday life, quailing the need of an adrenaline withdrawal back home can be a bit complicated. Some redeploying Soldiers come back and drive their car much faster than they did before they deployed. Others buy a sports bike and try riding it like a professional motorist with limited riding experience. Army leaders are wanting to channel this high-risk behavior into high-adventure activities, lowering the risk of losing a Soldier to reckless behavior. Bungee jumping, rock climbing and kayaking are just a few of these activities that can fulfill some of that thrill-seeking behavior. Through these types of activities, Warrior Adventure Quest seeks to "mitigate boredom and the high-risk behavior of redeploying Soldiers." Warrior Adventure Quest focuses on engaging Soldiers during the reset phase of a deployment cycle, said Paul Calain, an Outdoor Recreation coordinator for Bamberg's Morale, Welfare and Recreation. Warrior Adventure Quest is not mandatory for Soldiers as part of the redeployment process, but the program is encouraged by medical professionals and recreationists, Calain said. The program combines outdoor recreation activities, leadership and psychological training, which is called Battlemind. Commanders of the rear detachment usually schedule the Warrior Adventure Quest within 90 days of the unit's redeployment, at the point where the reflections of one's experience will begin to have an effect on Soldier's behavior. These feelings don't usually appear immediately after a redeployment, said Joshua Moore, a recreation programmer and instructor for Warrior Adventure Quest activities. "The norm is after the block leave, past the honeymoon stage," Moore said. Moore and Calain work with the rear detachment units on choosing, scheduling and organizing an activity. Summer activities are rock climbing, kayaking, a ropes course and paintball. Winter activities are skiing and snowboarding. The activities are designed to be exciting, bring some cohesion to the unit and open up lines of communication for Soldiers who may have been under months of stress during their deployment. "We're not there to judge; we're there to provide the activity." Moore said. Warrior Adventure Quest staff ensure the activities are done safely, yet some portions of the activities focus on an individual's personnel development. The leadership portion is provided in small groups. The intent is to have Soldier's bond on both horizontal and vertical levels, meaning the Soldiers learn to interact with one another through the respect for the rank structure and on a personal level. "We want to take them out of their comfort zone," Moore said. Getting troops out of their comfort zone can help when Soldiers go through the last portion of Warrior Adventure Quest, the Battlemind training. The unit commander runs Battlemind training. It's objective is to assist in a successful transition back home. Battlemind encourages troops to have an after action review of their experience downrange, but focuses more on the human response to the event. Last month, Bamberg had its first unit of about 30 Soldiers go through the new program. "It allowed each Soldier the opportunity to openly discuss and share their experience and point of view," said Maj. Rebecca McElwain, 106th Finance Company commander. "It was an excellent event and well worth doing again. While downrange, each Soldier deals with their environment differently. Some naturally digest the stress, while others hit their peak more easily." "This places an extraordinary amount of pressure on our Soldiers," McElwain said. "Accomplishing a high-(operational tempo) mission in a non-threatening environment is stressful, but in a deployed environment, it can be downright grueling." Performing in a high-stress environment for extended period can change many things for a Soldier; McElwain said. Their perspective, decision making ability, tolerance level can change and their mechanisms for dealing with the stress can transform. "This means that each person will face individual obstacles when redeploying," she said. "For some, it may be seamless-for others, especially those with family members, the transition may be much harder." Similar to what a professional athlete may do to reach his or her peak performance, the new program focuses on getting combat vets mentally healthy, she said. When the Soldiers talk about their experiences, they are able to experience common ground as they redeploy with those who understand and have a sympathetic ear---their teammates, family members and counselors. It aids in the transition, encourages resiliency from the effects of deployment and ensures readiness. Certain portions of the Battlemind training were provided by specialists in the Chaplain Corps, she said. By Douglas DeMaio (IMCOM Bamberg)
Wireless Warfare: New Technology for the Super Soldier
Relevance Score: 1.892 2009-04-15 09:24:35
During the 1990s a variety of defence forces from around the globe began to look at the impact of new technologies on combat effectiveness. For the first time the infantry man was studied as a complete combat system, with a view to enhancing his/her mobility, survivability, strike power and communications. "For the first time, in the 1990s, the infantry man was studied as a complete combat system."These programmes culminated in September 2000 with the first operational test of Land Warrior system by the American 82nd Airborne Division. The core objective of Land Warrior revolved around the application of commercial technology and its use in conjunction with existing military hardware to provide the infantry man with enhanced situation awareness. Situational awareness was deemed critical, as a more informed soldier was obviously going to be vastly more effective in any combat role. These Land Warrior systems focused on the incorporation of digital maps, intelligence information and imagery from a weapon-mounted thermal weapon sight (TWS). The visual elements of the system included a video camera, a helmet-mounted display and an M-4 carbine equipped with the TWS enhancements. Land Warrior-equipped soldiers also benefited from and a laser rangefinder / digital compass and enhanced communications with an integral computer / radio subsystem that provided both voice and wireless data communication capabilities. It was a comprehensive approach that proved to be very heavy when evaluated in combat (during the first Iraq war). However the system also served as a great proof-of-concept as the basic idea showed sufficient promise to justify a 'second generation' development of the technology. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE BATTLEFIELD OF THE FUTURE The introduction of these systems has immensely significant tactical implications. The integrated use of wireless communications, GPS receivers and thermal sights allows for the implementation of dispersed yet highly coordinated deployments at night or in adverse conditions. "The Land Warrior system proved to be very heavy when evaluated in combat."This ability to coordinate troops with greater sophistication effectively acts as a 'force multiplier'. It allows a platoon or company commander to dynamically control the battle-space by providing them with real-time positional data on friendly forces, known enemy forces and the provision for the dissemination of voiceless non line-of-sight communications. It almost makes controlling the battlefield play out somewhat like a sophisticated real-time strategy computer game, as the real-time input and force movement controls makes it possible to react, anticipate and respond as fluid battlefield dynamics change minute by minute. Successive live fire trials of the Land Warrior system demonstrated this ability, with Land Warrior-equipped soldiers showing a clear advantage over non-equipped forces. However arguably the most revolutionary aspect of the Land Warrior was the fact it helped the infantry man operate as a data collection sensor via the Land Warrior Stryker integration kit, which provides for the extension of individual soldier's personal area network to allow voice and data communication with dismounted Land Warriors, Land Warrior units mounted in other Stryker vehicles and integration into the Army Battle Command System and Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) Appliqué. (see images one and two on the right). Though broadly successful, subsequent trials and a recent deployment to Iraq courtesy of the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team uncovered a number of shortcomings. The most significant of these is the significant time lag regarding map updating. Other issues such as high unit weight, low battery life, outdated electronics and optics also caused concern. These shortcomings combined with a continued high cost of $30,000 a unit resulted in the abandonment of Land Warrior in February 2007. Though less than successful in its first generation, as a proof of concept the Land Warrior system demonstrated its potential to act as a force multiplier by radically altering the force projection capabilities and combat effectiveness of the infantry utilising it. Through the use of emerging commercial technologies it is becoming possible to generate effective solutions for all shortcomings identified as a part of the Land Warrior evaluation. "In trials, Land Warrior-equipped soldiers showing a clear advantage over non-equipped forces."WORLDWIDE GROWTH Recognition of this is best demonstrated in the number of countries establishing what can broadly be termed 'future soldier' programmes. These programmes include Land 125 (Australia), Félin (France), IdZ (Germany), Combatiente Futuro (Spain), Soldier Modernisation Programme (Netherlands), NORMANS (Norway), Soldado do Futuro (Portugal), IMESS (Switzerland), MARKUS (Sweden), ANOG (Israel), FIST (UK), BEST (Belgium) and Objective Force Warrior (USA). Arguably the most ambitious of these programmes is the Objective Force Warrior (OFW) programme. Established in 2002 as a replacement for Land Warrior, OFW seeks to implement a holistic solution to equipping, monitoring and communicating with the future infantry man to produce a soldier with 20 times the effectiveness of the current soldier. Central to the OFW programme is replacing the bulky, fragile and power-hungry systems of Land Warrior with lightweight reliable full-spectrum enhancements with much greater capabilities. These enhancements include better augmented weapon systems, individual armour protection, performance and medical aids, worn power sources, enhanced communications, sensors and modern computer systems. Within OFW existing sensors and targeting aids have been integrated within the helmet to provide infrared, thermal, day / night video feed and chemical / biological sensor data on a visor approximating two 17in displays in front of the soldiers' eyes. Equipment has even been embedded in worn uniforms with the integration of physiological sensors to allow for the command / medical monitoring of life signs. These new technologies are going to make it far easier to aid troops in the field and should have an impact on casualty rates through the early detection of injuries and more efficient response to critical situations. C4I? In conjunction with the strategic and tactical benefits that networked infantry are set to provide the future army, the same technology presents a series of significant security challenges. "The arms race of measure, countermeasure and counter - countermeasure has only just begun."In light of the old IT adage 'the only secure computer is one locked in a buried box' the widespread introduction of C4I (command, control, communications, computer and intelligence) networks looks set to bring to prominence the battle for 'electromagnetic dominance' in future conflicts. These systems themselves could be attacked and any attempt to impinge upon their effectiveness has to be anticipated. With the increasing reliance on computer networks and the advantages they afford such equipped militaries, the introduction of asymmetric strategies to counter them via the use of hacking, jamming or 'spoofing' has become central to the strategic thinking of a number of military organisations. Increasing indications from within both Russia and China point to a growing realisation that while true technological parity with the US may indeed not be possible the US reliance on computer networks represents its greatest vulnerability. Additionally the dispersal of the technology to the infantry introduces a new level of vulnerability to military C4I networks. The capture of soldiers or vehicles could present a much greater issue as the enemy would then be able to try and access C4I networks and use this equipment against the force that originally deployed it. While in past conflicts any such captures provided only limited tactical information, future captures provide the potential for enemy forces to access data networks and acquire a wealth of information unthinkable only a decade ago. Integral to the defence against both network attacks and equipment capture is the introduction of high-level network encryption and the ability of the network to isolate and exclude suspect equipment. At present the primary wireless standards utilised are centred on the IEEE 802.11 standard, with the technology used in vehicular applications, command posts, ad-hoc networking for special forces and the networking of unattended ground sensors for surveillance, force protection and intelligence gathering. "The introduction of these combat systems has immensely significant tactical implications."Future applications centre on the enhancement of IEEE 802.11 capabilities not only in terms of range with current modified COTS (commercial, off-the-shelf) technology providing up to 25km² of coverage for omni-directional antenna or 30km for directional (e.g. Elbit MaXess). But the introduction of high-level encryption to provide secures ad-hoc networking or wireless communications for both a point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connectivity. The introduction of such measures allow for field users share voice, video and data over a secure network (e.g. SecNet 11 Plus). However as with all new military technologies the arms race of measure, countermeasure and counter-countermeasure has only just begun.