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Special Section TALOS Development
Theater Leader Rear Adm. P. Gardner Howe III Commander SOCPAC
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March 2014
Volume 12, Issue 2
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KEYNOTE SPEAKERS INCLUDE GEN Lloyd J. Austin III, U.S. Army Commander, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)
The Honorable James R. Clapper Director of National Intelligence (DNI)
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Director, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
ADM William H. McRaven, U.S. Navy Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
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Commander, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)
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Special Operations Technology Features
Cover / Q&A
Special Section – TALOS Development
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March 2014 Volume 12, Issue 2
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Tough Path to Tough Suits
U.S. Special Operations Command is sifting through proposals and white papers on tactical assault light operator suit (TALOS) development. By Henry Canaday
Command Profile – 528th Sustainment Brigade (Airborne) The 528th provides operational command and control of logistics, medical, and signal operators in any environment, anywhere in the world. The brigade is also chartered to provide mission command and sustainment management capability in support of earlyentry/rapid-response ARSOF and joint SOF operations.
The TALOS X-Factor
The civilian partners in academia and industry who make the TALOS suit a reality will have reason to boast about their achievement. By Jeff Campbell
16 Rear Admiral P. Gardner Howe III
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In certain situations, an operator will hear an approaching target before it’s seen. To relay that information to a teammate in water, the air or a vehicle, SOF teams need the latest in combat communications. By Jeff Campbell
The Army Geospatial Center’s BuckEye Program has supplied HR3D data to special operations forces for more than a decade now. The data has been key to both NATO SOF’s precision operations and the unclassified, sharable nature of the data has made it a key collaborative tool with host nation forces in mission planning, rehearsal and excecution. By Michael A. Harper
The Rarity of Clarity
Growing Awareness
Departments 2 Editor’s Perspective 3 Whispers 4 People 14 BLack WAtch 27 Resource Center
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Same Team, New Playing Field
The re-balance to the Pacific has brought the U.S. back to familiar territory, but armed with some fancy new tools. We look at how technology that matured in the desert will continue to be effective in the littorals. By Jeff Campbell
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UGVs, If You Please
From identifying IEDs to drawing fire from the enemy, unmanned ground vehicles, big and small, are aiding operators in achieving mission success and reducing casualties. By Scott Nance
Industry Interview Scott Webster Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer MBDA Inc.
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Commander SOCPAC
“From disaster relief efforts to countering violent extremism, PACOM’s SOF warriordiplomats bring relevant, responsive and reliable capabilities to these efforts and I’m incredibly proud of their contributions.” —Rear Adm. P. Gardner Howe III
EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE
Special Operations Technology Volume 12, Issue 2 • March 2014
World’s Largest Distributed Special Ops Magazine Editorial Editor Jeff Campbell jcampbell@kmimediagroup.com Managing Editor Harrison Donnelly harrisond@kmimediagroup.com Online Editorial Manager Laura McNulty lauram@kmimediagroup.com Copy Editor Sean Carmichael seanc@kmimediagroup.com Correspondents Peter Buxbaum • Henry Canaday • John Doyle Jeff Goldman • Hank Hogan • William Murray Scott Nance • Marc Selinger • Leslie Shaver
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One way to picture the SOF network is like a quilt. Many talented individuals and teams are patched in together as SOCOM strengthens their bonds at home and across the globe. From Tampa, Fla., the headquarters has spent the past year knitting that quilt with what Admiral McRaven called a “disciplined battle rhythm.” Accomplishing the mission of a strong SOF network, McRaven told partners at NDIA’s 25th Annual Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict symposium in Washington, D.C., has called for growth in some areas. The command has welcomed more allies into its headquarters while expanding its U.S. liaison overseas efforts. “Most importantly, we continue to do the work with Jeff Campbell Editor the geographic combatant commanders to ensure SOCOM is providing the best trained and equipped SOF operators to meet the needs of the region,” McRaven said. While SOF members aren’t known to seek the spotlight, thankfully some stories of heroism in volatile regions are emerging, reminding the average citizen that there are men and women demonstrating extraordinary feats while exuding humility. McRaven related the story of a master sergeant who recently received the Silver Star for his actions while operating in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan. The day may have begun like many others, routine even, spot-checking teammates, preparing to roll out, when a Taliban insider’s weapon moved from the expected position to turn toward the team. He hadn’t acted alone. Around 20 insurgents fired on the team and even Afghan counterparts. The master sergeant acted instantly, leaping into an armored vehicle’s turret, taking out the insurgent, then focusing on the wounded. Without pause, he headed back into the firefight three times, pulling teammates to safety. “This Air Force combat controller called in six medevac flights and still managed to direct close air support overhead, which resulted in the deaths of four more insurgents,” McRaven recounted. When the master sergeant commented on his Silver Star at the ceremony, he said, “A cup of coffee and a thank you would have been plenty.” Thank you to all the members of the SOF network, known and unknown, who, as the commander pointed out, “are no more heroic, no more committed, no more loyal, no more patriotic than our brothers and sisters in the conventional force.”
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WHISPERS SOF Looking for YG11 Officers Special Forces, civil affairs and psychological operations are recruiting active duty officers from the year group 2011 to apply for the Army special operations forces (ARSOF). ARSOF is looking for officers who want to advance their careers through relevant operational experiences, working with specialized teams of professionals and have a strategic impact. ARSOF is recruiting both men and women from all branches of the regular Army. Civil affairs and psychological operations are open to both men and women while Special Forces is open to males only. Officers interested in ARSOF need to complete and submit an application packet to the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion by April 25, 2014. If selected, officers must successfully complete a regimental assessment and selection process prior to attending the regimental qualification course.
Precision Targeting System Design Reviewed BAE Systems’ handheld azimuth measuring, marking, electrooptic imaging, and ranging (HAMMER) precision targeting system successfully completed the U.S. Army’s critical design review for its joint effects targeting system (JETS) target location designation system (TLDS) program. This review of the system’s design and capability is a key milestone as the company works toward providing dismounted soldiers and operators with a lightweight and cost-effective solution. “Precise man-portable targeting is a mission-critical capability for our dismounted soldiers,” said Dr. Mark Hutchins, director of targeting programs at BAE Systems. “Our HAMMER solution will provide forward observers and joint terminal attack controllers with the lightweight, compact and highly advanced system they need to be successful.” JETS is an Army-led, joint-interest program with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps aimed at developing and fielding a man-portable targeting system that provides U.S. armed forces with the ability to acquire, identify, locate and mark targets in all lighting and weather conditions. In March 2013, BAE Systems was awarded a contract to support the JETS program with the company’s HAMMER precision targeting system. BAE Systems’ offering is less than one-half the weight and cost of the targeting systems currently in the Department of Defense inventory. When fielded as part of the JETS program, the HAMMER system will help soldiers distinguish friends from foes with satellite positioning and surveillance information, and allow them to receive, transmit and coordinate targeting data. Leveraging these capabilities, the system will support the complex missions of today’s warfighter while reducing collateral damage and friendly fire incidents. Following completion of this design phase, BAE Systems will begin the program’s qualification phase in which several HAMMER systems will be manufactured and tested against JETS technical requirements throughout 2014 and early 2015. The program remains on schedule for initial JETS TLDS fielding in 2016.
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Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
Friendship Strengthens During JCET Exercise
Members from the 353rd Special Operations Group joined members of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for Exercise Teak Torch in Udon Thani, Thailand. “This exercise is conducted to focus on exchanges with our Thai counterparts in order to enhance interoperability through combined training with U.S. Air Force Special Operations and host nation forces,” said Major Chandler Depenbrock, Teak Torch mission commander. Throughout the two-week exercise, different career fields from around the 353rd SOG were able to link up with their Thai counterparts. The cultural exchanges included aircrews from the 17th Special Operations Squadron, maintainers from the 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron, combat controllers from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron, defense air ground response element teams, independent medical technicians, a flight doctor, as well as survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists, all from 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron. For many the first week of exchanges took place in the classroom while the second half gave each group a chance to put their newfound knowledge to the test. “We focused on training for combat casualty evacuation and tactical combat casualty care,” said Lieutenant Colonel Mark Anderson, 353rd Special Operations Group surgeon general. “They trained us on local plants and snakes as well as their experiences in flood relief. Our Thai counterparts were actively engaged and extremely motivated, which made for a productive exchange.” While learning how to improve their skills in their own career fields is the focus for both the Thais and Americans, there was more than just building technical expertise. “We made new friends,” Anderson said. “We were able to participate in several events outside of training as well, which solidified long lasting friendships.” While the 353rd SOG has been working with the RTAF since 1991 and has completed more than 60 training exercises together, the benefits are built upon each other each year. “Being able to adapt and work in different constructs and different societies are skills needed while working in special operations,” said Depenbrock. “Building these long-lasting relationships help us realize that there is so much more to learn. The cultural broadening that we get from these exercises benefits us all both personally and professionally.” By Technical Sergeant Kristine Dreyer, 353rd Special Operations Group Public Affairs
SOTECH 12.2 | 3
WHISPERS
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
Millionth Hour Mark of In-theater Airborne Surveillance Surpassed The Lockheed Martin-built and maintained persistent threat detection system (PTDS) has surpassed 1 million airborne mission hours of providing around-the-clock, 360-degree monitoring and force protection for coalition forces in theater. Since 2007, Lockheed Martin has worked with deployed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan supporting the tethered aerostat surveillance system for the U.S. Army. “PTDS has proven to be a great asset for soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, as well as our coalition partners serving in harm’s way,” said Lieutenant Colonel Michael Parodi, U.S. Army product manager, meteorological and target identification capabilities. “They have been
Supplier Excellence Award DRS Technologies Inc. was among 24 suppliers selected from more than 5,000 to win an award for excellence from the Northrop Grumman Corporation. DRS’s C4ISR business group was recognized for providing outstanding support on a challenging and sensitive program with high visibility from Northrop’s information systems sector. The DRS team maintained a consistently high performance rating in the company’s supplier assessment system for eight consecutive quarters, continually meeting or exceeding all contractual requirements. “This honor clearly demonstrates the value of excellent customer service, transparent relationships, building trust and building partnerships,” said Terry Murphy, chief operating officer at DRS Technologies. “These are pillars of our business. Whether DRS is a prime contractor or a sub, we value our teammates, and it shows in the strength of our relationships and why our customers prefer to work with DRS,” according to Murphy. The Northrop Grumman recognition program acknowledges the contributions of suppliers and incentivizes them to constantly provide outstanding support to the company. Each award recipient was evaluated on five criteria: schedule, management, technical acumen, financial discipline and quality.
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instrumental in providing mission overwatch, detecting [improvised explosive devices] and assisting in the capture of numerous high value targets and weapons caches.” PTDS has proven to be effective in providing real-time situational awareness to help troops identify IEDs and other threats, track insurgents, and enhance overall readiness for the men and women in theater. “Supporting soldiers with the most effective mission systems is our primary focus every day,” said Mike Oates, vice president with Lockheed Martin Washington operations for Army and special operations force programs. “Lockheed Martin is proud of the PTDS system and the
Lockheed employees who served alongside soldiers to perform this vital combat surveillance mission.” With a very large coverage area and capability of remaining aloft 24/7 for weeks at a time in extremely challenging environments, PTDS provides an enduring force protection capability. Equipped with multiple sensors, PTDS gathers and distributes intelligence in support of real-time mission requirements. The Army’s Program Executive Office for intelligence, electronic warfare and sensors, product manager, meteorological and target identification capabilities, based at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., provides PTDS program and acquisition management.
PEOPLE assistant commander-support, Joint Special Operations Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, will be assigned as deputy commanding general, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
SFG (A) guidon to Captain Matthew Ratnesar during a change of command ceremony at the Roanoke Rapids, N.C., National Guard armory. Ratnesar took command of the unit from Major Richard Trimble.
Brig. Gen. Clayton M. Hutmacher
Brigadier General Clayton M. Hutmacher, commander of U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command at Fort Bragg, N.C., has been assigned to deputy commanding general, 2nd Infantry Division, Eighth U.S. Army, Republic of Korea. Brigadier General James E. Kraft Jr., deputy commander, Special Operations Joint Task Force-Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan, is returning stateside to serve as assistant commander-support, Joint Special Operations Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg. The Army chief of staff has announced Brigadier General Michael E. Kurilla,
Brig. Gen. Eric P. Wendt
Brigadier General Eric P. Wendt, commander, Special Operations Command-Korea, Republic of Korea, will now lead the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center at Fort Bragg. Lieutenant Colonel John Pelleriti, the commander of 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), handed the B Company, 3-20th
Helmut Hederer
Ulrich Storchle has been appointed managing director of TDW GmbH, a subsidiary of MBDA Deutschland. He took over for Helmut Hederer, who was appointed managing director of Taurus Systems GmbH. Wolfgang Rieck, Ph.D., previously head of RF-systems and data linking at MBDA Deutschland, has taken over as managing director of Bayern-Chernie GmbH.
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The Rarity of Clarity Whether in or around the ear, SOF hearing protection is a must.
By Jeff Campbell SOTECH Editor
There’s been a lot of reflection recently over the past 12-13 years of sustained operations in CENTCOM’s area of operations (AOR). SOTECH readers know that SOF operators were the first in and will be the last out of many an AOR. Of course there are many standard pieces of kit that went in with them. Not more than a handful of systems, though, can lay claim to having been introduced at or near the beginning of operations and remaining vital to this day. TEA Headsets has been providing Tier 1 operators with their HiThreat headset for the past 12 years through the modular integrated communications headset (MICH) maritime program, according to Nick Lafferty, director of programs and marketing at TEA. Just a few months ago, TEA introduced a new version of the Hi-Threat headset, with a repeat showcase at the Nick Lafferty National Shooting Sports Foundanick@teaheadsets.com tion’s Shot Show. “The Hi-Threat Tier 1 is the next generation of that rock solid over the ear boom headset that SEALs and MARSOC operators have traditionally been wearing for years,” Lafferty said. While the basic Hi-Threat headset gives soldiers hearing protection, electronic hear through and a communication microphone, the just-released HTH Tier 1 has improved integration and physical capabilities. “The standard Hi-Threat, you put it on and wedge your helmet over the top of it,” Lafferty said. “The new one has a completely redesigned headband that allows you to don it comfortably under any type of helmet, whether the advanced combat helmet (ACH), the Team Wendy, or the Ops Core helmets. www.SOTECH-kmi.com
TEA’s Invisio V30 delivers clear sound to SOF members under the harshest of conditions, even when communicating merely by whisper or carefully under a gas mask. [Photo courtesy of TEA Headsets]
Whereas the old Hi-Threat was pretty much limited to wearing underneath an ACH helmet.” The new Tier 1 also is the only headset now that has a removable headband, so operators can wear it over a ball cap or under a helmet; then they can remove the headband and adapt it to go on the rails of the helmet directly. It’s also the only over the ear boom headset that is fully submersible down to 20 feet. “Whether naval warfare special boat operators or SEALs, if they’re doing any kind of water work where they have to go in and around or swim underneath boats, these headsets are rated for full submersion underwater,” Lafferty said. Other sets are rated to wear in rain, but not to actually go in and under the water. “That sets the HiThreat Tier 1 headset apart from the rest.” In addition to MICH Maritime, another program they’re focused on is tactical communications and protective systems SOTECH 12.2 | 5
(TCAPS) run through the PEO Soldier Office. The goal of the TCAPS program is to snsure every soldier within a brigade combat team (BCT) is outfitted with a hearing protection device that can also connect into radios. So far this year, TEA is setting up four brigades with their Invisio X50 in-ear headset system, and next year they’re looking at the potential of an additional 6-8 brigades. Lafferty said TEA is projecting to continue TEA’s rate of growth through 2018, when they anticipate full saturation into most of the Army BCTs. In October of 2012, TEA released their Invisio V60 advanced tactical communication system that meets the operational need of Tier 1 operators. Lafferty called the V60 the ultimate and easiest to use comms system for special operations. “You can hook three different devices into it, use almost any type of headset and in any type of environment,” he said. In addition to the Invisio V60, TEA recently introduced the Invisio V30. “The V30 was taking a step down in features, saying, ‘How do we continue to address regular soldiers that need communications and headsets that are extremely simple to use for the battlefield?’” Headsets have come a long way for civilians and soldiers alike. But these aren’t the over-the-ear headsets that help you tune out the crying baby or loud conversations on the plane. What TEA’s line of products does for both our conventional and elite troops is allow sounds like gunfire or explosions to fall within normal noise parameters, allowing the soldier to get a sense of where its coming from without causing permanent hearing damage. Additionally, their products can increase very low signature type sounds; just turn up the audio and a soft sound can easily be heard. This gives the soldier both the firing range-level hearing protection and tactical situational awareness required while out on a mission.
Clear Hearing SOF operators require the smallest and lightest footprint available in the various systems found in the toolkit to enhance situational awareness. Through Source of Sound, a full subsidiary of Silynx Communications Inc., the elite technology found in larger tactical headset systems is now available at the price level of earmuff systems. With a headset weight of 41 grams and just 115 grams for the control box, the Clarus—Latin for “clear”—is the world’s smallest and lightest in-ear hearing protection system. “Designed to provide full situational awareness, clear communications, and superb hearing protection in any noise environment, the Clarus system is simple and intuitive to use,” said Matthew Hein, Silynx CEO. Once attached to a radio and turned on, the system is active; no special programming or calibration is required. “The modular Clarus system, available in single- or dual-comms configurations, is compatible with a limitless array of comms devices, including radios, intercom systems and mobile phones, and can be powered by the radio or its internal AAA battery,” Hein said. “The Silynx Clarus is truly differentiated by its overall combination of functionality, durability, size, simplicity, weight and price.” Quality earbuds give the operator a constant level of noise reduction, but to maintain situational awareness, SOF members can’t just “plug the ear”; the need to hear ambient noise is critical, especially through a high-noise combat environment. 6 | SOTECH 12.2
724 Special Tactics Squadron Requirement The 724 Special Tactics Squadron (STS), along with Project Manager Special Operations Forces Survival, Support and Equipment, has issued an RFI to the industry to gain source information on communication headsets and push to talks. The 724 STS is challenging the industry to produce and supply a next generation headset suite.
Clarus—Latin for “clear”—is the world’s smallest and lightest in-ear tactical headset system, compatible with an array of comms devices. [Photo courtesy of Silynx Communications Inc.]
“The ‘brains’ of the Clarus provide electronically controlled ‘hearthrough’ functionality, enabling the user to listen to the sounds of his surroundings while also offering steady state noise control, effectively dampening consistent ambient background noises,” Hein said. The Clarus “brains” also give the operator protection from damage-inducing impulse noises while maintaining constant communications and the ability to sense the direction of those loud impulse noises. “Users require this combination of passive, steady-state and impulse noise protection, while maintaining situational awareness and comms capabilities at all times.” Silynx has achieved a healthy balance between hearing protection and situational awareness through actively leveraging end user feedback. “Years of field-testing, training and T&E evaluations were incorporated in the design of the Clarus—the users know what they need in the field to safely and successfully complete their missions,” Hein said. “Maintaining clear comms through impulse noise events, during mounted or dismounted operations and in any mission setting, while maintaining situational awareness and hearing protection, is not a luxury—it is a necessity.” While several options exist, Hein believes protecting operators’ ears from damage while enabling clear comms and maintaining situational awareness is best achieved through in-ear headset systems. “The Silynx team, which includes highly experienced special forces operators, remains committed to its mission to provide high quality, durable hearing protection and communications solutions to help the operators safely and effectively complete their missions,” he said. O
For more information, contact SOTECH Editor Jeff Campbell at jcampbell@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.sotech-kmi.com.
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TALOS to both protect and enhance SOF warriors. By Henry Canaday SOTECH Correspondent
Special Operations Command is pursuing a very tough goal: much better protection of operators on the battlefield. The tactical assault light operator suit (TALOS) would require full or close-to-full body protection by armor. That in turn almost certainly means more weight than humans can carry. So TALOS will require an extremely responsive external support, or exoskeleton, plus enough power to move it while not adding too much additional weight. If that trifecta can be managed, other features can be added with relative ease: heads-up displays for better situational awareness, cooling to keep TALOS livable, some selfhealing tools to deal with unavoidable trauma and so forth. In any case, SOCOM is going for it the way SOCOM goes after its most important objectives: very fast and completely unconstrained by traditional development methods.
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flexible areas around the joints are more challeng“It started a year ago when Admiral McRaven ing,” he acknowledged. But he points to how modern went to the acquisition executive and asked for help sports equipment manages to protect athletes while bringing to life his vision of having a next-generation not covering all joints. “We think we can cover a very suit to provide enhanced protection for special operlarge percentage of the body, using materials we have ators,” explained Michael Fieldson, TALOS project today, maybe in different sizes and shapes.” manager. “Over the last 12 years we have lost quite a TALOS means operators will be going to battle in few SOCOM operators, so we wanted to find ways to a fully enclosed suit, so there are major challenges add protection.” there. “It’s been a long time since we went into battle SOCOM acquisition did its market research to fully enclosed,” Fieldson said. “This is more than just find a way forward and set a deadline of August 2018 fundamental physics.” for a prototype ready for field testing. Short term, Michael Fieldson Compared with this set of problems, improving it will have an initial prototype ready for demonsituational awareness with better displays and data, pictures or vidstration in June 2014. This first prototype will integrate existing eos relayed from the air is a simpler challenge and one made easier technologies to see where technology needs to be improved and by the constant improvement in electronic capabilities. to better understand how human factors like body motion affect Regulating temperatures inside TALOS by heating in cold cliTALOS. mates will not be too hard, due partly to body motion and electric There will be at least one, but maybe several variants of equipment inside the suit. Keeping the suit cool in hot climates this initial prototype TALOS. Fieldson wants to get reactions from will be harder, but Fieldson said he has a good path forward on warfighters to see where TALOS needs improvement. “We have that challenge. operators embedded in our acquisition team,” he stressed. Unlike Monitoring body temperature, skin temperature and other traditional acquisition, which is done at arm’s length from operahealth metrics inside TALOS will benefit from technologies develtors, acquisition specialists and combat veterans are working side oped for athletes. Fieldson expects there are tools out there that can by side. be repackaged to meet TALOS needs. Of proposals made so far, Fieldson said only that there have been The hope is that if an operator is wounded, TALOS itself could interesting “themes.” Industry days in June and November 2013 begin life-saving measures, such as supplying oxygen or staunching drew 40 to 50 companies, with some overlaps. Firms presented bleeding. Fieldson said SOCOM has been on the forefront of medisolutions that were already available or that could be modified. cal innovation and believes it can make substantial advances here. But Fieldson did not see many technologies that were geared To put all this together, SOCOM is pursuing TALOS in a very to what the final TALOS solution will need. He said TALOS will distinctive manner. It will not seek a prime contractor, but will require reaching out to a broader audience to learn what others integrate the different technologies itself. This approach should know about more far-reaching technologies, because there are still allow for intimate collaboration with operators, hold costs down major technology challenges. “These are so far reaching, I am not and maintain the speed to hit both 2014 and 2018 deadlines. “We sure corporate America doing defense work has technologies that will be the lead system integrator,” Fieldson stressed. pertain to a challenge like TALOS.” SOCOM will do plenty of cooperative research and development The biggest challenge consists of an interlocked problem. agreements that allow collaboration with industry. The team will “How do you carry around enough protective measures while still also use challenges, like those held by the National Aeronautics and remaining agile, and how do you power the system?” as Fieldson Space Administration and the Defense Advanced Research Projects put it. Agency (DARPA), to assemble competitors, set them to work on a This is a tightly connected puzzle, with plenty of tradeoffs. set of goals and then award a prize to the one with the best capaFieldson estimates the necessary body armor would add 100 to 150 bilities. Fieldson also hopes to run a kind of Monster Garage to see pounds to each soldier. Carrying this along with other gear would how innovative everyone can be on key TALOS challenges. “We are then require a 5 Kw power source. Operating for 10 hours, that trying to leverage not only government and industry but to reach means 50 Kwh of power in a backpack-sized system. “The energy out to academia as well,” Fieldson explained. density is pretty extreme,” Fieldson noted. On the government side, the TALOS team is working with Early on, the TALOS team understood that the triumvirate of DARPA, the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineerprotection, weight and power would be tough, and all their work so ing Center and Army Research, Development and Engineering far has validated this understanding. Fieldson said that if extremely Command (RDECOM). light armor would do the job, no exoskeleton would be needed and For example, DARPA’s Warrior Web project seeks to give soldiers thus all the additional power to move the exoskeleton would be more capabilities and to enable them to persist longer in difficult unnecessary. But to fully cover soldiers with the armor available environments. TALOS is consulting DARPA on lessons from this today means adding armor weight to the 50 to 100 pounds soldiers effort. Natick and RDECOM have experience with advanced ballisalready carry. “That drives the exoskeleton and power is driven by tics protection and exoskeletons, and Fieldson’s group will exploit the exoskeleton.” this as well. It also means TALOS must have extremely sophisticated conCurrently available body armor is ceramic, but TALOS leaders trols to manipulate the exoskeleton and keep the soldier mobile in are considering what might become available in the next three to a wide variety of conditions. That is where human factors get very four years. University researchers are looking at liquid armor or important. liquid coating that transform into a solid when hit or electrical Apart from the weight-power challenge, Fieldson does not think current is applied. it will be that difficult to cover most of the body with armor. “Some www.SOTECH-kmi.com
SOTECH 12.2 | 9
The TALOS X-Factor
By Jeff Campbell, SOTECH Editor
From start to finish, SOCOM’s priority at NDIA’s 25th annual special operations/low intensity conflict (SO/LIC) symposium was unmistakable. While Afghanistan is and remains the commander’s top war fighting priority, on the research and development side, nothing trumps TALOS, the tactical assault light operator suit. In his keynote address to the SO/LIC community, SOCOM Commander Admiral Bill McRaven said that while the command has learned a great deal from the time spent in Afghanistan, some of it has come at a great price. “Several years ago during a hostage rescue operation in Afghanistan, a SOF warrior was killed going through the door,” McRaven said. “Afterwards, one of the young officers asked me a question I couldn’t answer.” The officer asked his commander, “After all of these years in combat, why don’t we have a way to protect our operators going through the door?” With all the advances in modern technology, McRaven knows that together, government, industry and academia can do better. Thus, TALOS was born.
Prestigious Incentive Similar to the way the X Prize Foundation caught the world’s attention with a $10 million
The TALOS team has looked at Lockheed Martin’s HULC and Raytheon’s XOS exoskeletons, among others. Fieldson said both would have to make significant changes to meet TALOS requirements. One important area has not drawn much military research. There has been a lot of investment in small-power systems for individual soldiers and in large power systems for units. “But there has not been much investment in the middle space we need, like a generator you can carry on your own back.” By August 2018, Fieldson expects to have one prototype version of TALOS ready for testing. Variants of this single design might or might not be offered afterwards.
Piquing Curiosity The TALOS effort has drawn intense interest among SOCOM veterans, military observers and industry. Dave Powers, a SOCOM combat veteran and CEO of the Crimson Advisory Group, stressed that SOCOM must approach TALOS through technology collaboration and with direct advice from a variety of operators. He said different missions, such as HALO, SCUBA, fast rope, gun truck and SEAL delivery vehicles, require different technology solutions. And different environments, winter, jungle, desert and high-altitude austere, also make different demands. 10 | SOTECH 12.2
prize awarded to the first non-government entity to twice launch a manned spacecraft into space, McRaven believes the TALOS incentive will also raise eyebrows. Contributors invested more than $100 million in developing technologies to claim a prize worth 10 percent of the combined X Prize effort. “The potential also exists to use recently approved DoD prize authority to provide additional financial incentives to the participants,” McRaven told SO/LIC attendees. “This unique collaboration effort is the future of how we should do business.” To make TALOS a reality, SOCOM needs to drum up greater interest from the defense industry, so McRaven is working with the undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logistics to determine whether or not SOCOM can legally obtain the authority to offer a $10 million prize. “My hope is that there are going to be some companies that will come in, and it’s not about the $10 million,” McRaven said. “My hope is that they will spend twice or three times that amount so they can win the prestigious SOCOM award of $10 million. There needs to be some sort of financial incentive I think, for some of the smaller companies, but it’s also about generating interest and branding the TALOS.” McRaven has been hands-on with TALOS, personally challenging industry to figure out how
Powers would like SOCOM, the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, & Instrumentation (PEO STRI), industry and academia to form a think tank on TALOS development. “They have to get together, sign non-disclosure agreements and share information. SOCOM must set priorities, pick the top five and do them.” Powers has a few priorities himself. Integrating heads-up displays on helmets with communications through airborne assets would enable SOCOM medical sergeants to transmit real-time casualty reports and videos to expert trauma teams. This would improve chances of survival for those wounded by guns, explosions or crashes. “What if I could take vital signs in combat, talk to a surgeon, show him the patient and get his advice, all on a heads-up display?” Power asked. Integrating helmet displays with airborne assets would also yield tactical advantages to prevent U.S. casualties. “That would enable me to see on my helmet, laptop or wrist what that pilot sees over the hill.” Powers does not expect much of exoskeletons in tactical SOCOM missions. “They would be hard to use in a firefight.” But as tools to extract pilots from downed aircraft or lift overturned vehicles, they could be very valuable. If units carried a device that weighed 20 pounds and could deploy quickly to help extract wounded from wrecked platforms, exoskeletons could be helpful. www.SOTECH-kmi.com
partners can work more collaboratively on the TALOS suit in particular. “The reason I think that’s important is because invariably you get big industry who has big ideas, but as always, they are little bit reluctant to share some of their intellectual capital with others,” he said. “That becomes a problem. So I’m saying I want everybody to partner together and frankly, I want us to get after this problem of a suit that can really protect the operator.” McRaven summed up TALOS’ biggest challenge with just one word: power. The commander has seen offerings from companies large and small that have areas like ballistic protection and communications down, but across the board, it’s power that presents the greatest obstacle. “Obviously if you’re going to put a man or a woman in a suit, and be able to walk with that suit, the exoskeleton part of that, you’ve got to be able to have power, and you can’t have power hooked up to some giant generator,” McRaven said. “Power becomes the biggest stumbling block to having an independent suit that the person can wear.” As with many inventions that have come out of collaborative government/industry partnerships, McRaven sees a great many additional advantages to come once the hurdle of powering up the suit is overcome. A few questions that could also be
answered through this process include: How do you provide the heads up display, and what is the ballistic protection that the guy really needs in that “fatal funnel” as he’s walking through the door? “All these sorts of things that are trying to solve what appears to be a very narrow niche tactical problem, I am convinced will have greater application across the SOF enterprise if we can figure out how to do it,” McRaven said. Even on the last panel of the symposium’s final day, the SOCOM vice commander, Air Force Lieutenant General Bradley A. Heithold, reiterated that Admiral McRaven has made TALOS a big focus for SOCOM R&D. “TALOS is the number one priority for the commander and I suspect it will remain for the incoming commander,” Heithold said. Razor-sharp focus and collaboration are key to the program’s success. “If we do TALOS right, it will be a huge comparative advantage over our enemies and give the warriors the protection they need in a very demanding environment,” McRaven said.
Powers wants better ballistic protection in the field, especially for shoulders and arms. And anything that prevents wounds from proving fatal is critical. “The number one killer is bleed outs, so if there was a self-cauterizing material in the armor or an automatic tourniquet for each limb, that would help.” Another aid might be electric leads integrated into the TALOS suit that would boost a fading heart at the push of a button. “Operators need to be as light and secure as possible to move through extremely harsh conditions such as they encounter in Afghanistan, Africa and the Middle East,” stressed RAND Senior Analyst Linda Robinson, author of One Hundred Victories. “I went on foot patrols with them and was always struck by the weight, mobility and protection tradeoffs that they are constantly forced to make.” Robinson argues that lighter gear and longer battery life will transform SOCOM in the future. She thinks focusing on individual troop needs is just as important as upgrading aging platforms, even under budget pressure. Ryan Angold, director of business development at ADS, applauds SOCOM for leading the TALOS effort. He predicts TALOS capabilities will begin enhancing missions in niches and then expand to wider units. Angold sees TALOS as one means to restore the U.S. advantage on the battlefield, an advantage he thinks decreased in 13 years of war as technology like night-vision goggles was acquired by adversary forces. www.SOTECH-kmi.com
“I think this investment can pay off huge as a force multiplier,” Angold said. He sees immediate applications of some TALOS technologies to logistics and to EOD units. The ADS exec thinks TALOS is practical as long as people keep expectations realistic and do not expect, for example, Iron Men flying around. The key is developing a workable platform into which all other technologies can be integrated. He regards the exoskeleton developed by Ekso Bionics and Lockheed Martin as the leading prospect for this platform. ADS intends to stay closely involved with TALOS and ensure that technologies of its partner firms are presented for integration in TALOS and that rapid procurement needs can be met. TALOS should be comfortable and breathable, while avoiding odor-causing bacteria, mold and fungus, noted Jennifer Smyth, senior vice president for Consumer & Military Applications at PurThread. Her company’s product incorporates a proprietary antimicrobial, not a topical nor coated fiber, but inherent to the fiber itself, so it lasts for life and is not washed or worn off. PurThread wants to collaborate with teams developing TALOS. O
For more information, contact SOTECH Editor Jeff Campbell at jcampbell@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.sotech-kmi.com.
SOTECH 12.2 | 11
Growing Awareness BuckEye Program marks 10 years of serving SOF with high fidelity terrain data. Over the past decade, in both Afghanistan and Iraq, special operations forces have been the most avid consumer and advocate for the Army Geospatial Center’s BuckEye Program. The high fidelity, high resolution, three-dimensional (HR3D) terrain data has been key to precision operations by NATO SOF, and the unclassified, shareable nature of the data has made it a key resource for collaborating with host nation forces in mission planning, rehearsal and execution. Moreover, this data has been just as useful in supporting civilian capacity-building activities, enabling SOFs Phase 0 shaping operations and their contribution to regional stability.
Supporting Direct Action The SOF focus for much of the past decade has been on direct action. The find, fix, finish, exploit and analyze process, pioneered by General Stanley McChrystal, oversaw the transformation of SOF into a flat, networked organization that was committed to countering a networked adversary that operated as “dispersed insurgent cells motivated, strategically wired, and continually informed, all without a rigid— or targetable—chain of command.” This asymmetric, unconventional threat required such a transformation in SOF. And in turn, this transformation required a new level of precision in mission planning, rehearsal and execution. Among other things, this new level of nimbleness and delegation to SOF maneuver commanders required superior geospatial situational awareness. 12 | SOTECH 12.2
Small-scale direct action requires unprecedented scale, precision and accuracy because it means maneuvering at a human scale, often within urban or complex terrain. Moreover, in dense human environments, there is a particular need for the avoidance of collateral damage and casualties. As such, human scale HR3D terrain data is essential. The exact height of walls determines the size of the ladder employed by a team, and whether or not their rotary wing transport can land. The built environment must be characterized precisely so that sniper, counter-sniper, cover/concealment, combined obstacle overlays, and other such visibility and mobility calculations can inform maneuver decisions. Canyon complexes must be well understood if ingress and egress options are to be developed in support of contingencies. Very high resolution color imagery, coincidently collected with the terrain data, is essential if operators are to properly interpret various terrain features. And having this HR3D imagery and terrain data (e.g., really good, lay-accessible maps) available in unclassified and shareable form is essential if SOF are to accrue additional geospatial situational awareness in their interactions with civilians on the ground, where language may be a barrier. If pictures are worth a thousand words, high resolution color imagery and 3-D terrain maps are worth a million.
By, With and Through The unclassified, shareable nature of BuckEye HR3D data has not only been
By Michael A. Harper Chief, Tactical Source Directorate Army Geospatial Center powerful as a means of engaging populations visually. It has also been essential to collaborative mission planning, rehearsal and execution with host nation SOF and conventional forces. The SOF doctrine of “by, with and through” calls for U.S. SOF to provide training, equipment, mission development and situational awareness to their partners so that these partners can be effective in the prosecution of their own missions. In the first order, this has been manifested through the expansion of NATO SOF, and the role that U.S. SOF has played in support. But both U.S. and NATO SOF have worked by, with and through host nation forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world. The unclassified and shareable HR3D terrain data provided by the BuckEye Program has been essential to this in Afghanistan and Iraq. And as U.S. and NATO SOF deploy to other parts of the world to execute new missions, they have come to expect the availability of such data. Outside of an active war zone such as Iraq or Afghanistan, the unclassified, shareable HR3D terrain data provided by the BuckEye Program takes on even more value for SOF. Under its global engagement responsibilities, SOCOM and SOF are always looking for strategies that provide host nations with value-add that in turn provides U.S. and NATO SOF with access and placement. In this context, HR3D terrain data that can be shared with host nations serves as a form of “alternative currency” that helps them in their own capacity building efforts (both militarily and within civilian agencies). Past experience suggests that the presence of www.SOTECH-kmi.com
BuckEye HR3D collection within a country, when shared, can offer time and space that allows SOF (on a by, with and through basis) to undertake other, complimentary efforts that can support regional stability.
The Global SOF Requirement By 2010, the repeated requests for increased HR3D terrain data coverage in Iraq and Afghanistan had caught the attention of Congress, resulting in a request for information from the House Armed Services Committee (HASC). It was noted that some 85 percent of the tasking was driven by SOF requirements in Afghanistan. But the requirements driving repeated calls for BuckEye HR3D coverage around the globe were unclear. What was clear was that there was an enormous, if emerging, global shortfall in the availability of HR3D terrain data. The HASC rightly wanted to understand the nature and scale of this apparent global shortfall, and as such, a joint staff study was requested. The requirements provided by combatant commanders, and validated by the Joint Staff, were staggeringly large—somewhere between 20 and 30 times the size of Afghanistan, and distributed all over the globe. Even with various methodologies for discounting the present day need, priority requirements demanded a significant ongoing commitment of HR3D collection resources.
Continued Engagement with SOF R&D BuckEye did not just magically appear in 2004 because SOF needed augmented geospatial situational awareness. BuckEye was born of years of R&D, in partnership with a number of agencies, services and the SOF community, which all collaborated in the rapid terrain visualization (1997) and urban recon (2003) advanced concept technology demonstrations (ACTD) sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. These efforts featured experiments and demonstrations of technologies for the collection, processing and exploitation of HR3D terrain data from both airborne and terrestrial platforms. Both of these efforts were focused on how to rapidly characterize urban and complex terrain so that it could be done within the mission planning cycle that maneuver commanders were likely to have in future operational environments, particularly those of SOF commanders. www.SOTECH-kmi.com
The BuckEye unmanned aerial system is a multi-purpose platform that supports requirements for collection of unclassified geospatial data. Sensors on-board include a 39-megapixel color camera and a light detection and ranging system that provides high-resolution elevation data. [Photo courtesy of Army Geospatial Center]
Many technologies were examined, but it was the combination of LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and EO (electro-optical) sensors that proved most fruitful in generating HR3D terrain data at the resolutions and accuracies that the stakeholders desired. As ACTDs are focused on adapting technologies to DoD missions, these efforts benefited greatly from the maturation of commercial off the shelf LiDAR and EO sensor capabilities—which in turn enabled the BuckEye program to fly its high fidelity data in an unclassified and shareable manner. It was these commercial technologies that were subsequently adapted and integrated into the tactics, techniques and procedures of U.S. and NATO SOF and general purpose forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan. And it was these commercial technologies that enabled the resulting data to be unclassified and shareable. This tradition of HR3D R&D collaboration with SOF continues. The Army Geospatial Center and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Army Topographic Engineering Center are presently in the throws of the operational 3-D joint concept technology demonstration that seeks to further the state of the art in this domain. DARPA and others have focused RDT&E funds on a new class “Geiger Mode” LiDAR that measures the returns of individual photons, rather than laser beams, enabling more efficient HR3D collection of higher resolution from higher altitudes over much greater swaths. These RDT&E platforms, such as the high altitude LiDAR operations experiment (HALOE) and the airborne laser detection and ranging imaging research testbed
project, have demonstrated the value of this new LiDAR technology operationally in support of SOF. And the BuckEye Program, as the operational transition partner for HALOE, has additionally invested RDT&E fund into adapting and shrinking Geiger Mode LiDAR so that it can be deployed affordably and more broadly across a variety of platforms all over the world. These R&D efforts have yielded the ability to collect up to an order of magnitude more HR3D terrain data (in terms of square kilometers per day) per BuckEye aircraft, and from much higher altitudes. We face a future where any host nation partner engaged by U.S. and NATO SOF could enjoy, in a single aircraft, a HR3D terrain data collection capacity that is nearly double that available to the ISAF commander in 2013. This “BuckEye II” sensor will revolutionize the role of HR3D terrain data across SOF and conventional forces, as well as in support of diplomatic, development and civilian host nation capacity building efforts. For SOF, HR3D terrain data is a force multiplier that is increasingly needed as we face a new century that will likely be characterized by persistent engagement in unconventional, population-centric operations of all kinds. Human scale HR3D terrain data will be required if SOF are to operate with the accuracy, precision and flexibility with which they have grown accustomed in formal theaters of war. O For more information, contact SOTECH Editor Jeff Campbell at jcampbell@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.sotech-kmi.com.
SOTECH 12.2 | 13
BLACK WATCH Explosion-Proof and Waterproof LED Flashlight Larson Electronics Larson Electronics has announced the release of a new explosion-proof LED flashlight that features an oversized reflector for more light output and a glove-friendly handle. This hazardous location LED flashlight is designed to provide an economical explosion-proof lighting solution without sacrificing durability or reliability. The LE-2206-LED is recommended for operators in work environments classified as hazardous locations. This LED hazardous location flashlight is constructed with a heavy duty polypropylene body to give it added durability and resistance to impacts. The lens is made of Tuflexx for resistance to shattering or breakage and the reflector is made of polycarbonate. This explosion-proof flashlight is IP67 rated and is waterproof to 1 meter, will float on water, and is impact resistant to 1 meter. A switch guard is built into the housing around the switch to protect it from impact. The LED lantern has a single bulb with a life expectancy of 30,000 hours that produces 90 lumens of intense light output.
Power for this light is provided by four D-cell batteries that will operate the flashlight for 150 hours.
New Airborne LiDAR Systems Launched Trimble Trimble announced two new additions to its airborne LiDAR portfolio. The Trimble AX60i and AX80 are versatile systems that meet the demands of aerial survey operators for corridor and wide area mapping projects. The new airborne systems, together with flight planning and analysis software tools, have been designed to provide rapid and efficient point cloud capture as well as high-resolution images. The systems can be installed on either fixed wing or rotary aircraft. Designed for low-altitude corridor mapping applications, the Trimble AX60i is an entry-level LiDAR system built on the same platform as the high-altitude AX60 system. The platform allows AX60i users to upgrade to an AX60 in the future. The AX60i can be operated up to 5,000 feet above ground level (AGL) while offering a 400 kHz laser pulse repetition rate (PRR) with a single-channel, downward-looking laser. The Trimble AX80 is a dual-channel LiDAR system that can be operated up to 15,500 feet AGL and is designed for survey applications from high-altitude wide area mapping to detailed low-altitude corridor mapping. The AX80 offers an 800 kHz PRR with forward- and backward-looking capability to enhance point density on the ground and improve image resolution. An optional, fully-calibrated 80 megapixel camera with forward motion compensation can be added to the AX60i and AX80 systems. The camera is integrated into the sensor head package and harmonized with the laser subsystem so that it does not need re-calibration each time the system is fitted to an aircraft.
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These systems are optimized for precision applications, providing a uniform distribution of laser points across the entire field-of-view to widen the usable swath width. Operators can reduce track overlap or duplication, or fly at higher altitudes to achieve a given resolution. Together with a high-precision positioning system, integral power supplies and an in-flight monitoring tool, the Trimble AX60i and AX80 can allow operators to lower the complexity of airborne LiDAR surveys while increasing the quality of the output. “The Trimble AX60i and AX80 systems extend our portfolio of aerial imaging solutions to meet a variety of mapping applications,” said Phil Sawarynski, business area director of imaging solutions for Trimble’s geospatial division. “They have been designed as true end-to-end solutions and are delivered with Trimble flight planning software and Trimble Inpho analysis software.”
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Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
Next Gen Browser on the Move
SOF System Selected for Conventional Force Use
Good Technology
Saab
Secure mobility provider Good Technology has announced Good Access, its next generation secure mobile browser for Android and iOS devices. Built on the Good Dynamics secure mobility platform, Good Access leverages Good’s security framework to fully interoperate with the Good collaboration suite and other third party Good-secured apps, delivering more tightly integrated secure workflows. Users can move between the secure mobile browser and other Good collaboration apps, such as Good for Enterprise and Good Share, using authorized delegation for a more secure, collaborative and user-friendly experience. Also, with Direct Connect, customers can connect directly to enterprise servers via an enterprise reverse proxy, resulting in improved bandwidth utilization.
Gear Position Awareness Lockheed Martin Accurate tracking of munitions and other assets in harsh and/or sensitive environments is possible through a wireless automatic identity technology introduced by Lockheed Martin. Working with Visible Assets Inc., Lockheed Martin co-developed sensitive item tracking capabilities that use magnetic fields to track assets in locations where traditional radio frequency technologies (RFID) encounter challenges. “Historically, tracking sensitive items has been a very manual process demanding hundreds of man hours in sometimes volatile explosive environments,” said Dr. Robert Smith, vice president of C4ISR for Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Solutions. “This unique system not only tags and tracks sensitive items and fused munitions at zero separation, it also incorporates advanced sensors that can be used for predictive maintenance of weapons.” Based on the international wireless protocol standard, this electromagnetic tagging and tracking solution, called RuBee, can be used to identify and track a variety of sensitive items including
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fused ordnances, firearms, night vision goggles and flack jackets. Each item is outfitted with a wireless visibility tag, which can be read and located anytime from the RuBee network. One example of this application is the Lockheed Martin Armory, which allows all tagged items be networked and housed on “smart racks.” The smart rack allows users to physically audit all items several times each day without any human help or intervention. Because RuBee tags operate on electromagnetic, rather than radio frequency wavelengths, solutions based on this technology offer extremely high levels of security. Data passed through these channels operate more like secure peer-topeer networks, and are less prone to outsider attempts to access information. “RuBee can safely provide realtime audits, accountability, pedigree, diagnostics and security to a wide variety of explosive devices, ordnance and munitions stored in the many thousands of sensitive item stores and facilities around the world,” said CEO and Chairman John Stevens, Visible Assets Inc.
Saab’s man-portable weapon system Carl-Gustaf has been chosen to be a program of record within the U.S. Army. The shoulder-fired weapon system, with a long service record with the U.S. special operations forces, will now become standard issue to the U.S. Army’s light infantry units. The Carl-Gustaf system will provide the U.S. Army with a capability that units using disposable shoulder fired munitions currently lack. This system has been a component of the U.S. special operations forces for more than 20 years. “The fact that the U.S. Army has now elected to designate Carl-Gustaf as a program of record, thereby enabling it to be broadly fielded to its light infantry units, speaks for itself,” said Jonas Hjelm, president of Saab North America. “The Carl-Gustaf has repeatedly proven itself in the world’s most demanding environments as a versatile, powerful tool for the infantry soldier.” As a true multi-role, man-portable shoulder-fired weapon, the Carl-Gustaf weapon system is currently in use in more than 40 countries worldwide. The system has been continuously modernized to adapt to the users’ ever changing needs. Saab is constantly working to make the system even better. A new, lighter weight version of the Carl-Gustaf is currently under development. SOTECH 12.2 | 15
Theater Leader
Q& A
Efforts Extend From Disaster Relief Support to Countering Violent Extremism
Rear Admiral P. Gardner Howe III Commander Special Operations Command, Pacific Rear Admiral P. Gardner Howe III is a native of Jacksonville, Fla. He was commissioned in 1984 following his graduation from the United States Naval Academy. Howe’s operational assignments have included a full range of duties in SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) teams and SEAL teams. He commanded Naval Special Warfare Unit Three in Bahrain, and Naval Special Warfare Group Three in San Diego. His service overseas includes multiple deployments to the Western Pacific and Southwest Asia, and participation in Operations Earnest Will, Provide Promise, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. His key joint and staff assignments include current operations officer at Special Operations Command, Pacific; chief staff officer, Naval Special Warfare Development Group; assistant chief of staff for operations, plans and policy at Naval Special Warfare Command; director of legislative affairs for U.S. Special Operations Command; and assistant commanding officer, Joint Special Operations Command. He assumed command of Special Operations Command, Pacific in June 2013. Howe graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1995 with a Master of Arts in national security affairs (special operations/low intensity conflict), and from the National War College in 2002 with a Master of Arts in national security. Q: Sir, just a few short months after you assumed command, tragedy struck in the form of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. How did your teams perform in support of Operation Damayan relief efforts? A: SOCPAC forces responded quickly and played a key enabling role in support of the larger Pacific Command (PACOM) relief effort. The Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines (JSOTF-P), which continues to advise Philippine security forces in their fight against terrorist groups in the Southern Philippines, immediately shifted some of their efforts and were the first U.S. military forces to respond. The JSOTF’s U-28 aircraft conducted surveillance and reconnaissance flights, and provided PACOM, American Embassy Manila and the government of the Philippines with vital information about the scope of the storm’s damage and the status of airfields, ports and roads. Special tactics squadron combat controllers deployed from JSOTF-P and the U.S. Air Force 353rd Special Operations Group to open four airfields; their efforts were critical to enabling the flow of follow-on forces and relief supplies. MC-130 and C-146 aircraft were deployed and evacuated 3,159 displaced personnel while moving over 659,000 pounds of humanitarian aid and supplies. Additionally, JSOTF-P personnel deployed assessment teams to conduct surveys and advise military and government officials on the 16 | SOTECH 12.2
local situation and requirements; their “ground-truth” information greatly assisted in making the relief efforts more effective and efficient. Throughout the operation, I was incredibly impressed with the teamwork demonstrated between the SOF elements, the other PACOM components, and the Philippine military and government. Q: In addition to fostering partnerships through disaster and humanitarian support, what are the other key priorities of your command? A: We work for Admiral Locklear, the commander of USPACOM, so our priorities are of course aligned with his theater campaign plan, but like the other PACOM components, we bring unique capabilities to the table. We’ve recently spent some time updating our strategic approach and operational design for the employment of SOF in the Pacific; this planning resulted in a design built on three broad lines of effort: prevent, counter and respond; build capability and capacity; and strengthen partnerships. In this construct, we focus first on preventing, countering and responding to the full spectrum of potential threats to our homeland and interests in the PACOM area of responsibility (AOR). In building the capability and capacity of our partners, and strengthening our relationships with them, we help build a network of special operations forces available to address regional security threats. Building relations based upon trust with these capable partners increases our collective flexibility and agility by leveraging each other’s unique capabilities, access and authorities to address common challenges. www.SOTECH-kmi.com
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Tough Amps For Tough Duty.
Q: Until recently, SOCPAC deployments included an average of 70 planned events in 21 countries at a time. How hard did sequestration hit your ability to keep SOCPAC operators trained and what’s your outlook for this year? A: SOCPAC has 101 planned fiscal year 2014 joint combined exchange trainings in 26 countries, a significant increase in planned missions from FY13. Sequestration did not have a significant impact on SOCPAC’s FY14 planned theater campaign plan operations, actions and activities—but I’m concerned that it still has the potential for negative impacts in the out-years. SOF relies heavily on the general purpose forces (GPF) for key enabler support, and when the GPF take cuts SOF will feel the impact. Q: The enemy doesn’t recognize theater special operations command borders; how do you maintain communication with the other TSOCs to keep tabs on transient potential threats? A: SOCOM has done a great job of establishing processes that have really flattened the United States special operating forces enterprise globally. Supplementing normal GCC-to-GCC coordination venues, SOCOM’s efforts to enhance the global SOF network has improved intelligence sharing and greatly increased understanding of each TSOC’s major operations and activities. Additionally, SOCOM and the TSOCs have established and/or exchanged an increasing number of liaison officers with our international partners. Collectively, these efforts help us understand the transnational threats, and keep daylight from emerging in the seams between the efforts of each TSOC to counter them. Q: From SOCOM’s virtual town halls to SOCPAC’s local family readiness group coordinator, SOF servicemembers and spouses have more access to family support resources than ever. What are some benefits of the preservation of the force and families initiatives you’re seeing across the Pacific? A: There has been more emphasis on providing proactive outreach and building rapport and communication between the command, its servicemembers and families. The family readiness program is stronger than ever and continues to provide information on education and training opportunities, and military and civilian support services via newsletters, bulletins, Facebook posts, the unit website, social gatherings and other forums. Additionally, we’ve recently benefited from the addition of a care coalition representative embedded in our medical cell; he’s significantly improved the coordination of support for SOF families on Oahu, and those of our components coming in from Okinawa for specialized treatment at Tripler Army Medical Center.
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Q: What final thoughts would you like to share about SOCPAC? A: The Indo-Asia-Pacific region is critical to the future of the United States. Vast, diverse and complex, the PACOM AOR encompasses significant economic and security opportunities and challenges. With our PACOM teammates and partners across the region, SOCPAC is working hard to capitalize on these opportunities and overcome these challenges. From disaster relief efforts to countering violent extremism, PACOM’s SOF warrior-diplomats bring relevant, responsive and reliable capabilities to these efforts and I’m incredibly proud of their contributions. O www.SOTECH-kmi.com
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SOTECH 12.2 | 17
Same Team, New Playing Field
As ISR missions re-balance to the Pacific, platforms developed in CENTCOM come along.
By Jeff Campbell SOTECH Editor
the operators and intelligence analysts be trained? That’s where The biggest discriminator as the re-balance to the Pacific conBoeckx’s team gets excited about BAE Systems’ tinues may not be the platforms or the technology, role in supporting the SOF community, our conbut how the capabilities are employed. ventional forces, and the interagency partners. “One of our major focus areas and why we are “We know that they’re going to have to help train so interested in continuing to support SOCOM is and teach our partners how do what we’ve been that there are many partner nations—we’re not doing and perfecting for the last decade,” Boeckx going to do this as a sole U.S. government effort, said. “That’s where BAE Systems, as well as our it’s going to be an international SOF, international industry partners, is really going to come into play, partner host nation-driven exercise,” said Joseph because we’ve been absolutely thinking about how Boeckx, vice president, business development, BAE we operate in a shared intelligence environment, Systems, intelligence and security sector. “All these with secure data, building almost a turnkey operacountries that are in the Pacific or even in other Joseph Boeckx tion for these folks, everything right of the sensor, elements of the world are going to acquire ISR everything right of the platform.” assets that we’ve developed and perfected over the past decade Wes Green, the company’s director of programs in the ISR of war.” Analysis division, spent more than eight years as an Air Force Once they have the updated ISR or counterterrorism capaofficer fairly early on in the transition when the Predators bility, the questions are how should it be used, and how should 18 | SOTECH 12.2
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From there, Green and his team reached out to partners, and got weaponized. Green’s been working in the defense industry for now they’re beginning to work together, supporting their ISR another eight, where he has directed and managed ISR missions needs and gaining additional assets, including the training and that have flown essentially where one would expect—Iraq and analysis that comes along with it. Afghanistan—but he’s also worked in the Pacific and has noted “One thing to note is that the platform in the center that that since operators cannot afford to change technology when the allows you to see all these things—that’s the starting point of mission set takes them to another part of the world, they wind up ISR, it’s not the ending point,” Green said. “The ending point of taking what they have and then modifying it to suit the conditions this is having trained personnel who can operate these systems, of the new environment. and then having, in some cases, partnerships with industry where For example, when looking at ISR in the desert and in the you’re able to supply not just training but actually doing ISR mountain areas, the operator has a pretty wide open picture for analysis as well.” the most part, but when looking at the littoral areas, especially Internationally, SOF ISR needs will focus both on analysis and in the Pacific, densely packed triple canopy jungle make it very training, not just on acquiring a platform or sensor technology. difficult to employ the same tactics for ISR collection that you “At the end of the day, that platform and that sensor technology would in the desert area. have largely been developed to work on a scale and in an environ“Changing the way you fly, the way you collect and plan and ment that’s very different,” Green said. “What will help it adapt do mission management, is going to be key to having the same and meet mission needs—especially in the Pacific as you look level of success,” Green said. “In some ways, it will be a little bit to go into new mission areas—are those operators and analysts more difficult, but in other ways it will be good as well.” who can take what they learned in one place and then transfer From BAE Systems’ perspective, it’s the activity based intelthat information to make it applicable in new locations as we ligence (ABI) tools their analysts and engineers have developed transition out.” that will bring about ISR success in the Pacific. “When I started Now that the OPTEMPO has slowed significantly, analysts and doing this work with UAVs, we had a very limited number of feeds operators should have more time for training opportunities. “I that were coming in for analysts and operators to look at,” Green think you’ll see that to be the case, especially in the international noted. “Over the last 10 years, we’ve had an explosion of platforms community when you talk about partnerships, increased partnerand sensors and data types.” ships with the U.S. spending more time on training, and I hope Analysts started out with one monitor on their desk, which to see that be the case as we look to work with our partners going quickly doubled to two and then three and four, and sometimes into the Pacific,” Green said. as many as six monitors on their desk with disparate intel feeds coming at them. People had to switch between programs and try to copy and paste relevant items from one system to another. “It Sensor Specific just became work overload for people to actually find and sift through this data, and get the relevant portions of it so that you Whether operating in desert or mountainous areas, or movcould actually do something with it on a timeline that impacted a ing surveillance to littoral coverage, each environment provides commander’s needs,” Green said. its own unique challenges, and the broad range of ISR equipment ABI, then, is a way to condense this data down into a useable, that has become available after 13 years of sustained combat workable format—automated processing, allowing for people to operations can generate a myriad of solutions. ADS, headquarfocus on the relevant inflection points so they’ll arrive at the solutered in Virginia Beach, Va., works with manufacturers whose tion that answers the question a commander needs technologies include thermal imagers and sensors. to make actionable decisions about a target. When Thermal signatures look very different when the working in the business of analysis and support, balance of the scale tips back towards the Pacific; Green said the second idea must not be forgotten: the littorals, in fact, represent an entirely different supporting the operation. “The entire intel cycle is operating extreme, according to John Fristachi, really condensed around those tactical operators— C4ISR market sales manager at ADS. and the SOCOM community. This level of real-time “Thermal sensors operate very differently in intelligence that is continually getting pushed to extreme cold than they do in the high temperature them is increasing and you have to provide them and humidity associated with the littorals, so the with the highest fidelity of information,” Green shift in emphasis from the land war to our tradisaid. “Our ABI solution is really worked around trytional maritime focus will definitely require differJohn Fristachi ing to give them the most relevant information to ent product solutions that potentially incorporate jfristachi@adsinc.com achieve what their missions are, on the most rapid thermal, visual and RF sensors,” Fristachi said. timeline available.” “We’re finding that the government is taking a very proactive stance in adapting commercial off-the-shelf and non-developmental equipment items to their needs, and being vocal about adaptaWorking with Allies tions they’d like to see from industry in order for their equipment to function in the required operating environment.” Shortly after the Defense Department announced a pivot to For ADS, answering the call of adaptability includes offering the Pacific, which is now being called a re-balance, BAE Systems’ UAS systems to their customers that operate both ashore and at ISR analysts spoke with the U.S. government partners they had sea, as well as the networked command and control systems that been working with to get their perspective on how the re-focus enable their employment. “These systems use modular payloads would begin to play out. www.SOTECH-kmi.com
SOTECH 12.2 | 19
that can be readily tailored to fit the end-user’s mission, whether that’s in the mountains or the littorals,” Fristachi said. “We are also collaborating with manufacturers whose products and capabilities are complementary and synergistic, so that tomorrow’s capabilities exactly suit customer requirements.” A key strategy, Fristachi has found, is to actively seek out customers’ missionrelated challenges, then quickly turn to their industry partners, engaging them to find solutions. “As important as the equipment capabilities are, we work very hard to provide agile acquisition strategies with the equipment solution so that those technologies don’t obsolesce while waiting for a contract award,” he said. In particular, RF signal receivers and processors stand out as an area of surveillance equipment available through ADS which will help operators achieve objec- BAE Systems believes its activity based intelligence tools will help analysts achieve ISR success in the Pacific. [Photo courtesy of BAE Systems] tives more efficiently in the Pacific. The ADS’s suppliers often provide the company with test and evalprovider is working closely with manufacturers whose equipment uation product samples so their customers can innovate around is perfectly matched with the vast expanses of the Pacific theater. cutting-edge capabilities, while they provide the manufacturer “Our partners manufacture networked communications systems real-world product feedback. “That process creates a development that are revolutionizing the capability to share voice, video and and innovation cycle that can’t be replicated by legacy procuredata between operators and decision makers at the tactical, ment strategies,” Fristachi said. “We also make training systems operational, and strategic level; these systems directly enable and courses available through our partners and contractual our customers to operate in the littorals with better situational vehicles so that next-to-deploy units are ready for whatever misawareness and threat mitigation capability than ever before,” sion awaits them in theater.” Fristachi said. More than 300 operational equipment manufacturers partner From first-hand experience as a carrier strike group operawith ADS, and Fristachi said the number of partnerships in the tions officer, Fristachi knows that the capabilities ADS helps to C4ISR market is growing daily, with some key industry partners field represent a tactical edge to the operator and in turn, the including Harris Radios, AeroVironment unmanned aerial syscombatant commanders. To keep up with the pace of technology, tems and Ultralife power systems. ADS provides these capabilities by employing agile and innovative To better support both program and unit-level consumers of contracting methods. The company is able to make this happen these products, ADS recently re-organized to improve companyvia networked communications systems that are revolutionizing wide understanding and handling of the C4ISR market. “This has their capability to share voice, video and data between operators increased our ability to provide customized, innovative C4ISR and decision makers at the tactical, operational, and strategic solutions through agile contract vehicles that break the tradilevel. “We’re literally creating network nodes that efficiently use tional logjam our customers often face,” Fristachi said. “Espebandwidth resources while improving the fidelity and accuracy of cially for our SOF customers, whose mission tomorrow may look the common operating picture, while providing real-time mission nothing like the one they’re conducting today, this is a critical feedback to decision makers at multiple command levels,” Friselement of ADS’s value proposition.” tachi said. “Between the improved sensors and the tremendously ADS employs several former special forces personnel and the improved ability to communicate, we’re witnessing a dramatic company’s workforce represents more than 2,500 man-years of improvement over the legacy ‘fog of war,’ where first reports were military service. “More than ever, we at ADS want our C4ISR always assumed to be inaccurate.” customers to know that our purpose is their mission,” Fristachi One driver combating inaccuracies is building and enhancsaid. “We’re 100 percent motivated to seamlessly partner with our ing partnerships, both among government and industry partners customers and suppliers so as to economically solve customers’ in the Pacific. When it comes to signals intelligence, human operational problems.” O intelligence, or just about any of the INTs, Fristachi said ADS’s partners are quite innovative at providing systems to meet those challenges. “When our customers, either in-theater or those recently returned from theater, present their ADS representative with hard lessons learned, we routinely engage our supplier base For more information, contact SOTECH Editor Jeff Campbell at jcampbell@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives to find new products or modify existing ones that better enable for related stories at www.sotech-kmi.com. the customer’s mission success,” he said. 20 | SOTECH 12.2
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UGVs,If You Please Successful demonstrations of unmanned ground vehicle
capabilities are silencing skeptics.
By Scott Nance SOTECH Correspondent
Charlie Dean, director of business development Consider a scenario in which rolling robots for unmanned ground vehicles at QinetiQ North follow a special forces team on a mission, carryAmerica, based just outside Washington, D.C., said ing extra ammunition or other supplies—thereby he predicts UGVs will flourish “in ever-increasing extending the team’s mission duration. Or imagine, roles that they can play,” both for special and light even, ground robots taking point to secure a team’s forces as well as heavy forces. left and right flanks. “That’s going to benefit the safety, the rapid It’s not science fiction, nor is it even something response and mission success of a whole multitude we could expect only far into the future. of types of forces, to include special ops,” he said. Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) are evolving UGVs and their use on the battlefield already such that scenarios like these could well become have evolved and expanded greatly since bombmore commonplace just a decade or so from now, Charlie Dean squad robots were “pretty much the only robots that according to executives at the companies that are existed for tactical use” when U.S. forces first began combat operadeveloping and manufacturing the UGV-enabling technology. tions in Afghanistan more than a decade ago, Dean said. Whether they’re small 5-pound robots, or large 5,000-pound Since then, the U.S. military has begun deploying smaller, vehicles, UGVs will likely become deployed in such a way that they lighter and more specialized robots, he said. may even begin replacing human special operators for some tasks. www.SOTECH-kmi.com
SOTECH 12.2 | 21
“That’s had a great impact—a beneficial impact—on the special forces and light-type tactical units that use robots today,” he said. “There have been a lot of operations, of course, in mountainous and rough terrain in both Iraq and particularly in Afghanistan. This migration to smaller robots has been beneficial to lightening the combat load of this type of forces. The robots have become not only smaller and lighter, but also more specialized,” Dean added. “These robots are starting to not only have better and more-advanced communications and camera systems, but they’re also starting to carry specialized sensors that are not only thermal sensors but they are also getting into explosive sensors, other hazardous material sensors, and even some of these robots are beginning to sense the presence of improvised explosive devices or their features.”
Keeping Special Operators out of Harm’s Way
John Bryant
systems in Lockheed Martin’s missiles and fire control division. That’s because UAVs have just a limited time they can stay aloft before they have to land and be replaced in the sky. UGVs can be much more persistent assets, Zinecker said. “We’re developing very long-duration, persistent surveillance UGVs that can stay in one location and not require maintenance or refueling or anything, perhaps for weeks—or maybe even months—at a time,” he said. Zinecker described a scenario in which an unmanned helicopter could drop such a UGV in close to a surveillance destination—within a couple of miles or so—and the UGV could navigate the rest of the way and then hide in a streambed. “For example, you could imagine it surveilling a chemical-weapons storage site, or something like that—just basically hiding and surveilling 24 hours a day, for days, weeks, maybe even months,” he said.
UGVs in All Sizes UGVs increasingly will help U.S. special forces Joe Zinecker complete their missions while reducing the risk to Increasingly, UGVs will come in a variety of the operators themselves, according to executives sizes—from small robots in a rucksack up to the like John Bryant, senior vice president of defense largest tactical vehicles. programs at Oshkosh Defense. “Previously, we thought of ground robots as The Oshkosh, Wis.-based company markets being very small vehicles that will crawl up to an UGV technology called TerraMax. IED and look at it or disarm it. Now, as the utility “The UGV system, the TerraMax system, that of the TerraMax technology has proven itself with Oshkosh has developed, it can help special forces larger vehicles, what we see is an emphasis on scalexpand the capabilities of their existing ground ability of the system and portability of the system,” vehicles while reducing their exposure to threats said Bryant of Oshkosh Defense. “We can employ it such as RPGs, IEDs and small-arms fire. Things like in the largest of tactical wheeled vehicles, all the surveillance and reconnaissance missions can now way down to the lightest tactical wheeled vehicles.” Mark Belanger be done with an unmanned vehicle,” Bryant said. Although the motors, radios and batteries “Because these TerraMax kits are scalable, and can be integrated within UGVs continue to advance “at a nice pace,” there still is into any tactical wheeled vehicle without jeopardizing the payload more R&D to be done in some cases, according to QinetiQ’s Dean. and performance capabilities of the vehicle, it really offers the “But really what modernizes these robots are the senflexibility to protect the warfighter while allowing him to accomsors that one wants, or will be placing on these robots as plish his mission.” integrated payloads,” he said. “In many cases, the sensors—and One example would be a fully autonomous, TerraMax-equipped the development of sensors—are not moving as quickly as the vehicle sent on an intelligence-gathering mission in enemy terrest of the components that make for these very lightweight, ritory without exposing troops to potential threats. “At the same modular systems. time, a single operator could supervise multiple TerraMax“There are lots of sensors out there that support mediumequipped UGVs as they conduct critical missions—security missized and larger-sized robots. But when you get down to robots sions or intelligence-gathering missions,” he added. that fit into rucksacks and are throwable, and have to be very UGVs will provide special forces and other U.S. troops tough for the types of environments that special operations forces with enhanced capabilities on the ground similar to those work in, getting sensors is probably a little slower,” he added. which unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide today in the sky, Mark Belanger, director of robotic products, Department Bryant said. of Defense for the defense & security business unit at Bedford, “Everybody is aware of the leap-ahead in unmanned aerial sysMass.-based iRobot, said users also are expecting more out of tem technology, and how that has changed modern warfare. It has smaller ground robots. really given us an edge in combat and surveillance missions while “What we’re seeing is a trend toward desire for manipulation not exposing the warfighter to danger; our unmanned ground capability on a robot—even in smaller and smaller packages. vehicle technology with TerraMax can bring similar advanceHistorically, only larger robots had manipulator arms on them,” ments to ground operations,” he said. Belanger said. The utility of UGVs actually has the potential to exceed Another trend is to make UGVs easier to use, which iRobot that of UAVs, said Joe Zinecker, director of combat maneuver is doing by integrating the control of multiple robots onto a 22 | SOTECH 12.2
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single, unified controller—or by integrating robot control into the existing tactical network special operators use anyway, according to Belanger. “I see a trend to get robotics more tied into that network, so that it is truly a part of their integrated kit and not just a one-off tool,” he said. IRobot also is working to ensure the interoperability of robotic equipment with the equipment special operators already have, Belanger said. “Rather than develop a unique robot thermal camera, we came up with the idea of taking their existing thermal camera accessories and adapting them to our robot,” he said. IRobot UGVs operate on a mesh network, so when the robots operate in a non-line-of-sight situation or are going into a concrete building or cave, operators “can use the robots to act as mesh repeaters for one another,” Belanger explained. This means a special operator could drive one robot, for instance, to the entrance of a cave and then have a second one penetrate the cave, and The iRobot 110 First Look UGV can search buildings for threats. [Photo courtesy of iRobot] the first robot would serve as a node to send communications and video from the robot within the cave back to Beyond the technology itself, there are other aspects of more user, he said. widely deploying UGVs with which the military has been strugIn some ways, developing UGV technology is more challenggling in recent years. ing than UAV systems because UGVs must know how to maneuver That includes, for instance, weaponizing UGVs, since it isn’t around many more obstacles, Lockheed Martin’s Zinecker said. too technologically difficult to place missiles or machine guns “On the unmanned ground vehicle side, of course, we live in aboard a robotic vehicle, Zinecker said. and amongst the obstacles, and the world is basically defined by “The Army has been pretty circumspect about discussing, the obstacles. The autonomous mobility software is much more or even starting to move down the path of, lethal weapons syssophisticated than what you might find on an aircraft,” he said. tems—partly because of their controversy. But our Army is quite “As well, we have to deal with the more-frequent loss of GPS thoughtful about permitting robots to make decisions that would because we’re down in the clutter—down in and amongst buildlaunch weapons. So the Army has been very careful to ensure ings and trees and things like that, that might [cause a UGV to] that, in any of their analyses, there’s always a human being that lose GPS. So our need for onboard navigation systems that know actually makes the decision to pull the trigger—whether it’s firwhere the vehicle is independent of GPS is much greater than it ing a machine gun or launching a missile,” he said. might be for an aircraft.” While a robot “may develop the targeting solutions for a machine gun or a missile, [it] doesn’t actually have any capacity to actually launch the weapon without a human being pushing Winning over the Skeptics the button or pulling the trigger, and causing it to happen,” he added. A lot of UGV development is not yet occurring within the miliThen there is how robots would fit within the force structure tary, Zinecker said. “Most of that stuff is still in internal research of the future, according to Dean of QinetiQ. and development at our company—and, perhaps, at other defense “The expectation is that, over the next decade, ground robots contractors as well.” in that domain will begin to take the place of some select personUGVs have been held back to some extent by “quite a few nel because the capabilities of those robots will get so advanced skeptics” within the U.S. military, Zinecker said. that, perhaps in some cases, not as many people will be needed However, Lockheed Martin recently conducted a UGV demonin some of these formations to accomplish tasks,” he said. “In stration with the Army Tank-Automotive Research, Development the past, the last decade, it’s really been more taboo to talk about and Engineering Center, which showcased vehicles driving in robots replacing warfighters. But as the future planners in the a fully autonomous mode and “went off pretty much without a Army and other organizations look to the role of robots, there’s hitch,” he said. beginning to be conversation about robots reducing force strucZinecker credits that demonstration for winning over some of ture—beneficially reducing force structure.” O those naysayers. “For the first time, as a result of this capability advancement demonstration that we just did, a lot of senior officials in the Army are looking at it and going, ‘Okay, I’m kind of convinced it’s real now,’” he said, adding, “I think you’re going to see them For more information, contact SOTECH Editor Jeff Campbell at jcampbell@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives much more seriously considering putting them into programs for related stories at www.sotech-kmi.com. of record.” www.SOTECH-kmi.com
SOTECH 12.2 | 23
COMMAND PROFILE
528th (A) Commander
Providing enduring logistics, signal support and medical care to ARSOF. Colonel Daniel K. Rickleff Commander 528th Sustainment Brigade (Airborne)
Colonel Daniel Rickleff was born in Prairie du Chien, Wis., and enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard on March 17, 1987, as a utilities repairer. He entered active duty as a second lieutenant in the ordnance corps after graduating from Winona State University as a distinguished military graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He holds a Master of General Administration from Central Michigan University. Rickleff’s first assignment was at Fort Campbell, Ky., where he served with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He served as the mechanical maintenance platoon leader and shop officer in D/801st MSB and the support operations maintenance officer for 626th Forward Support Battalion. Upon completion of CLC3, he was assigned to the G4, 25th Infantry Division, in August 1996, as the G4 maintenance officer. In December 1997, he was assigned to the 25th ID Division Support Command (DISCOM), where he served as the S1. In June 1999, he assumed command of B CO, 725th MSB. In August 2000, he became the 725th MSB S3. He was assigned to the Joint Chief of Staff (JCS) J-7 at the Pentagon as a JCS intern in June 2001. In June 2002, he was assigned to the office of the Chief of Staff of the Army, as a special assistant. Upon completion of the Marine Corps Command & Staff College in June 2004, Rickleff was assigned to headquarters and headquarters company, DISCOM, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), as the materiel officer, Division Materiel Management Center. In June 2005, he was assigned to the 561st Corps Support Battalion where he served as the support operations officer at Fort Campbell and in Iraq. In March 2007, he was assigned to the Ordnance Center and School, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., serving as the executive officer to the Chief of Ordnance. In March 2009, he assumed command as the 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion commander for 34 months at Fort Campbell, Ky., and deployed to the Helmand Province, Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. In July 2013, he assumed command of the 528th Sustainment Brigade (Special Operations) (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C. Rickleff’s military education includes the ordnance officer basic course, combined arms and services staff school, combined logistics officer advanced course, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and U.S. Army War College Fellow at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster (OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC), Army Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4 OLC), 24 | SOTECH 12.2
National Defense Service Medal (1 Bronze Star), Southwest Asia Service Medal (3 Campaign Stars), Afghan Campaign Medal (2 Campaign Stars), Iraqi Campaign Medal (2 Campaign Stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award), NATO Medal, Saudi Arabia Kuwait Liberation Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. He also holds the JCS Identification Badge, Army Staff Badge, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the coveted Ranger Tab. Q: What makes the 528th Sustainment Brigade (Airborne) unique? A: The 528th is regionally aligned and maintains global situational awareness of deployed Army special forces and theater special operations commands (TSOCs). The brigade is multi-composition in structure. It is focused at the operational level for sustainment planning and synchronization, and designed to deploy as small, scalable teams. Another unique aspect of the brigade is our interdependence with the conventional force sustainment units. The brigade provides a key link to the conventional force by embedding Army special operations elements in tactical and strategic conventional force sustainment support structures. The 528th provides mission command to the 112th Signal Battalion (Airborne), which consists of four signal companies and six signal detachments that are assigned to the regional TSOCs. The Special Troops Battalion consists of the special operations medical detachment and Army special operations forces (ARSOF) support operations cell. The Army special operations forces liaison elements are the logistics planning and coordination link between the geographic combatant commander and the TSOC, within the ARSOF command structure. The 197th Special Troops Company of the Texas Army National Guard is an airborne unit designed to augment and round out the 528th to provide staff and base operating support. The Guard unit is available for deployment worldwide in support of contingency missions. Their capabilities include maintenance, field messing, medical assistance, mortuary affairs, limited base support and aerial delivery. The 195th Forward Support Company is a multifunctional airborne unit that provides limited warehousing of ammunition, water, food service, special operations and conventional vehicle maintenance, transportation, limited engineering capability and medical support to deployed SOF units. www.SOTECH-kmi.com
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
Q: What is the mission of the 528th Sustainment Brigade? A: The brigade provides enduring logistics, signal support and medical care to Army special operations forces and joint elements worldwide in order to shape the global SOF support network. The mission is to set the operationallevel sustainment conditions to enable SOF operations. The 528th mission-essential tasks require coordination and planning with both ARSOF logistics requirements and Army-common logistics and sustainment. We do this in six geographic combatant command areas of responsibility to support deployed ARSOF and joint SOF when the Army is the executive agent. This is accomplished by working with both the TSOC and the Army Service Component Command (ASCC) to ensure logistics requirements are integrated into the combatant command’s concept of support for the theater of operations. In addition, they deploy operational-level logistics syn- The 528th (Airborne) plans, coordinates and integrates logistical, medical and signal support for Army special operations forces in order to enable SOF operations worldwide. [Photo courtesy of USASOC] chronization in support of ARSOF-led joint special operaapportioned to or currently operating in theater. They establish tions task forces. The 528th deploys the Army support operations and maintain theater logistics in order to assist the TSOC and cells to co-locate with theater sustainment and expeditionary susARSOF units with operational level planning for missions. tainment commands to synchronize and provide logistics support The concept of support development is reliant on specias well as SOF peculiar logistics support to ARSOF units. fied tasks to ARSOF units within specific TSOC missions. In The special operations resuscitative team provides reinforcaddition, they support the SOF mission by providing logistics ing support and integrates with forward surgical teams. Brigade requirements to support theater-named operations, exercises and forces provide expeditionary initial resuscitation and stabilizatraining events. tion, limited patient holding, critical care patient staging, and The signal detachments are USASOC units assigned to the en route critical care to deployed ARSOF. In fiscal year 2015, the 112th Signal Battalion and operationally controlled by the TSOC 528th anticipates enhancing its current medical capability and they support. This relationship means that the TSOC joint comtransitioning to a forward surgical team that will provide greater munications chief (J6) determines the command’s tactical comcapability to ARSOF in austere environments. munications requirements and tasks the detachment to fill those Meanwhile the brigade continues to train, resource and equip requirements. Close coordination between the J6 and the detachthe 112th Signal Battalion. The battalion provides operational and ment leadership is critical to mission success. tactical communications for joint and ARSOF commanders in supThe 112th Theater Signal Support Company is led by a comport of contingency, crisis action and global operations. The signal mand team consisting of an officer and senior noncommissioned battalion can provide signal force packages in support of ARSOF officer stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C. The company oversees six and other organizations as directed. separate and geographically dispersed detachments that are colocated with the regionally oriented TSOCs. Q: How does the 528th provide sustainment support to all of the The six detachments are: Special Operations Command Africa TSOCs worldwide? Signal Support Detachment (SSD) stationed at Kelly Barracks Stuttgart, Germany; Special Operations Command Central SSD at A: The 528th provides liaison elements to the TSOCs and ASCCs MacDill AFB, Fla.; Special Operations Command Europe SSD at to conduct logistics planning and coordination supporting operaPatch Barracks Stuttgart, Germany; Special Operations Command tions and training. The six members of the element are versed in Korea SSD at Yongsan, South Korea; Special Operations Commulti-functional logistics, including automation management, mand Pacific SSD at Camp Smith, Hawaii; and Special Operations equipment maintenance and ammunition handling. Command South SSD at Homestead Air Force Base, Fla. The element capabilities include identifying SOF logistics All of the detachments have 32 soldiers, with the exception requirements, conducting TSOC contingency operations, logistics of SOCKOR [Special Operations Command Korea], which has support planning, coordinating for resources to enable operational an authorized strength of 15 soldiers. They provide theater-specific requirements, and coordinating for SOF peculiar support for communications packages to provide tactical communications ARSOF units. support to their local TSOC. The liaison elements serve as the primary interfaces between the ASCC, TSOCs and U.S. Army Special Operations Command Q: What is the 528th Sustainment Brigade’s role in the Global (USASOC) staffs on logistics and health support issues. They SOF Network? maintain situational awareness on ARSOF units forecasted and www.SOTECH-kmi.com
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A: The 528th role in the Global SOF Network is to assist in shaping the global SOF support network for ARSOF. The 528th plans and coordinates sustainment capabilities within the Army and Joint commands. The ability to build working relationships and establish processes with other organizations allows the brigade to support ARSOF worldwide as well as in the continental United States to support the network. In addition to sustainment, the 528th, through the 112th, deploys scalable teams capable of providing worldwide communication support. Q: Does the 528th Sustainment Brigade have a role in special operations forces and conventional forces interdependence? A: One of the SOF tenets states that most special operations require non-SOF support, and that is more relevant today than ever. As of October 2013, the 528th received a conventional sustainment and support service provided capability, which includes an Army combat sustainment support battalion and logistics enablers to enhance and support SOF exercises and operations worldwide. These capabilities are aligned for a year at a time, similar to the Army’s regionally aligned forces. This non-SOF support is critical to the success of the mission, and the 528th Sustainment Brigade plays a key role in improving the quality of this support and enhancing the employment of these forces.
In order to create, foster and maintain a habitual relationship between conventional forces and ARSOF, conventional units have been aligned with the brigade. This relationship ensures that the first time the conventional forces are exposed to SOF is not during a crisis. This alignment facilitates coordination and training, and allows for rapid deployment and better integration of the conventional forces. Q: Any closing thoughts for the logisticians within USASOC? A: What is amazing is that on any given day there are hundreds of 528th Sustainment Brigade “Sentinels” deployed or forward positioned worldwide. These small, scalable teams provide uninterrupted communication support, seamless logistics planning and coordination, steadfast and capable medical support, and exceptional training to the TSOCs and ARSOF warriors, all while exercising mission command. As USASOC transforms under the direction of ARSOF 2022, the 528th Sustainment Brigade will become more anticipatory and predictive in its sustainment systems and processes to ensure no mission fails due to sustainment. It is truly an honor and privilege to serve as a member of this great USASOC team. O For more information, contact SOTECH Editor Jeff Campbell at jcampbell@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.sotech-kmi.com.
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The advertisers index is provided as a service to our readers. KMI cannot be held responsible for discrepancies due to last-minute changes or alterations.
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Calendar March 17-19, 2014 Special Operations Summit West San Diego, Calif. www.specialoperationswest.com
April 29-30, 2014 AUSA Braxton Bragg Chapter Symposium Fort Bragg, N.C. www.suggsgroup.com/ausa
May 5-8, 2014 SOFEX Amman, Jordan www.sofexjordan.com
April 7-9, 2014 Sea-Air-Space Washington, D.C. www.seaairspace.org
May 4-6, 2014 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit Nashville, Tenn. www.quad-a.org
May 12-15, 2014 AUVSI Orlando, Fla. www.symposium.auvsi.org
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INDUSTRY INTERVIEW
Special Operations Technology
Scott Webster Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer MBDA Inc. Scott Webster is chairman of the board and CEO of MBDA Inc., a U.S. missile systems company with operations in Virginia, California and Alabama. MBDA Inc. is a subsidiary of MBDA Group, a global firm with over 10,000 employees and $3 billion in annual sales. Q: Why is Dual Mode Brimstone generating DoD interest now? A: One way that the U.S. can stretch its defense budget is by leveraging fielded, combat-proven systems in use by its close allies that meet current and future U.S. needs. For example, the U.K.’s Royal Air Force today employs an exceptional air-to-ground missile called Dual Mode Brimstone (DMB). DMB’s combat-proven accuracy, firstpass lethality and low risk of collateral damage are unmatched by any other weapon system. DMB is the result of eight years and more than $1 billion in development. In more than 300 combat firings by the Royal Air Force in joint operation with U.S. forces in Libya and Afghanistan, DMB has achieved a one shot-one kill success rate of over 98 percent. Those stats mean that DMB is a missile that essentially does not miss. It is tough on SOF opponents while minimizing the risk of unintended damage. DMB can also save money, because fewer missiles are required for a given mission result. We estimate that $100 million could have been saved over the past four years had the U.S. employed DMB against fast-moving targets. DMB is an innovative way to upgrade U.S. war fighting capability in a tough budget environment. Q: What accounts for DMB’s combat effectiveness? A: DMB earned a reputation for surgical precision in Libya and Afghanistan. Its dual mode seeker and advanced guidance software account for its great accuracy. DMB employs a semi-active laser seeker for early guidance then transitions to its millimeter wave radar that locks onto the target 28 | SOTECH 12.2
for the missile’s autonomous, ‘no escape’ final engagement. This combination gives DMB first-pass lethality against challenging, high-speed and maneuvering targets that evade single-mode weapons. By almost never missing what it’s shot at, DMB significantly reduces the risk of friendly fire or collateral damage. Combat experience shows that this attribute increases shot opportunities under restrictive rules of engagement. This SOF community is interested in DMB on several platforms but has found that DMB’s capabilities particularly shine when launched from a remotely-piloted vehicle like the MQ-9 Reaper. Q: Why is DMB especially effective on Reaper? A: DMB solves the laws-of-physics challenges inherent in weapon delivery from an RPA platform. When DMB’s guidance hands over to the millimeter wave radar, the RPA’s weapons operator no longer needs to maintain perfect laser tracking of the target to ensure a hit. The laser designator need not be directly on the target at the moment of impact, a huge benefit with fast-moving or evasive targets. DMB can distinguish, track and engage targets in close proximity to other vehicles. In recent tests, Reaper operators achieved repeated direct hits on high-speed and maneuvering targets within cluttered environments. Q: With operations in Afghanistan winding down, what’s the urgency to adopt DMB?
A: Asymmetric warfare is here to stay. In fact, it will probably get harder. Our next conflict may not be in a relatively clear-shot desert environment. It may be in complicated and cluttered forest, mountain or urban environments. It may involve even stricter rules of engagement. DMB’s ability to thread-theneedle to strike only its intended target with minimum risk of unwanted collateral effects is an increasingly critical capability. White House and Congressional policies reiterate the U.S. goal of reducing drone strike collateral damage. Fast inshore attack craft represent another quickly emerging threat with a DMB-on-Reaper solution. In recent overwater testing, three salvo-launched missiles discriminated between threats and decoys to score direct hits on three boats simulating the FIAC threat. Q: If it’s a U.K. missile, what about U.S. jobs? A: DMB will be a U.S. job multiplier. MBDA plans to ‘import the factory’; that is, to transfer DMB missile production for all worldwide markets from the UK to MBDA’s U.S. facilities. That plan is keyed to an initial U.S. order. Q: What closing thoughts do you have for the SOF community about the people of MBDA and the systems they provide to help our warfighters achieve mission success? A: At MBDA we’re very proud to be associated with the SOF community. As the firstin and last-out of America’s combat zones, SOF personnel deserve the best top-cover available. We understand that the SOF community is being given a greater role in RPA operations. DMB on Reaper can provide SOF warfighters an advantage on the battlefield, a new answer to external critics of U.S. drone strikes and reinforce SOCOM’s leadership in American RPA operations. Dual Mode Brimstone, developed in the U.K. and built in America, is the best missile in its class in the world. We’d be honored to provide it to America’s special operators. O www.SOTECH-kmi.com
Next Issue
April 2014 Volume 12, Issue 3
Cover and In-Depth Interview with:
Vice Adm. Sean A. Pybus Commander NSHQ KASOTC Anniversary Supplement A one-of-a kind special operations facility in Amman, Jordan, is celebrating its fifth year of delivering cutting-edge training. Join us for an inside look at the accomplishments of the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center.
Features Tactical Vehicle Review We showcase a compendium of wheeled vehicles available for use by special operators, featuring the latest in mobility technology from industry leaders. Expanded Language Proficiencies To aid a local population in its defense against insurgencies, it helps to speak the language. To provide the best assistance possible, operators need to be more than proficient. Long Range Dry Submersibles The re-balance to the Pacific has brought SEALs and other operators back into the littorals. Several new and enhanced systems are now available to get them from ship to shore even more swiftly. Deployable Infrastructures There’s no place like home, but when the mission takes you beyond the FOB, your home-away-from-home, shelter options exist that provide a both a sturdy workspace and protection from the elements. SOFIC Preview Military, government and academia stakeholders will converge in Tampa in May for the annual special operations forces industry conference. In addition to updates from SOCOM leadership, defense partners will have new and updated systems on display for end users’ examination.
BONUS DISTRIBUTION Sea-Air-Space Washington, D.C. AUSA Braxton Bragg Chapter Symposium Fort Bragg, N.C. SOFEX Amman, Jordan
Insertion Order Deadline: March 18, 2014 • Ad Materials Deadline: March 25, 2014