Defense Acquisitions: Key Considerations for Planning Future Army Combat Systems

The Future Combat System (FCS) program -- which comprises 14 integrated weapon systems and an advanced information network -- is the centerpiece of the Army's effort to transition to a lighter, more agile, and more capable combat force. The substantial technical challenges, the cost of the program, and the Army's acquisition strategy are among the reasons why the program is recognized as needing special oversight and review. This testimony is based on a March 12, 2009 report and addresses knowledge gaps that will persist in the FCS program as Congress is asked to make significant funding commitments for development and production over the next several years. Illustrations.

The Future Combat System (FCS) program is the centerpiece of the Army's effort to transition to a lighter, more agile, and more capable combat force. The law requires the DoD to hold a milestone review of the FCS program, now planned for 2009. This report addresses: (1) what knowledge will likely be available in key areas for the review; and (2) the challenges that lie ahead following the review. To meet these objectives, the auditor reviewed key documents, performed analysis, attended demonstrations and design reviews, and interviewed DoD officials. Illustrations.

To become a more responsive and dominant combat force, the U.S. Army is changing its strategy from bigger and stronger weapons to faster and more agile ones. The Future Combat Systems (FCS) -- which the Army calls the ¿greatest technology and integration challenge ever undertaken¿ -- is expected to meet the Army¿s transformational objectives. For FCS¿ first developmental increment, the Army has set aside a 5-1/2-year timetable from program start (May 2003) until the initial production decision (Nov. 2008). This testimony is about FCS¿ key features, whether the program carries any risks, and, if so, whether there are alternatives for developing FCS capabilities with fewer risks. Illustrations.

The Future Combat System (FCS) program -- which comprises 14 integrated weapon systems and an advanced info. network -- is the centerpiece of the Army¿s effort to transition to a lighter, more agile, and more capable combat force. The technical challenges, the Army¿s acquisition strategy, and the cost of the program are among the reasons why the program needs special oversight and review. This testimony is based on reports on FCS and addresses: (1) how the definition, dev¿t., and demo. of FCS capabilities are proceeding, esp. in light of the go/no-go decision scheduled for 2009; (2) the Army¿s plans for making production commitments for FCS and any risks related to the completion of dev¿t.; and (3) the est. costs for developing and producing FCS.