On Aug. 25, 2009, elements of the U.S. Army’s 5^th Brigade, 1^st Armored Division (Army Evaluation Task Force [AETF]) began Limited User Testing (LUT) on an initial “capabilities package” of “spin out” technologies originally developed under the Army’s Future Combat Systems (FCS) program.

The crucial LUT milestone reflects an execution of guidance received in the Acquisition Decision Memorandum, issued on June 23, 2009, by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, which officially canceled the Future Combat Systems Brigade Combat Team (FCS BCT) program and in its place directed the Army “to transition to a modernization plan consisting of a number of separate but integrated acquisition programs to meet the secretary’s objectives.”

“Those integrated programs include one to spin out the initial increment of the FCS program to seven infantry brigades in the near term and additional programs for information and communications networks, unmanned ground and air vehicles and sensors, and an integration effort aimed at follow-on spinouts to all Army brigades,” it read.

Alternately described as either a “capabilities package” or a “spin out package,” the initial grouping of systems and technologies now incorporated in the LUT testing includes: Tactical Unattended Ground Sensors (T-UGS); Urban Unattended Ground Sensors (U-UGS); Class 1 Block 0 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV); Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) Block 1; Network Integration Kit (NIK); and Non Line of Sight Launch System (NLOS-LS).

T-UGS, for example, consists of a family of sensors and communications links designed to provide situational awareness to protect the force in a field environment. U-UGS sensors, by comparison, are designed to serve as a leave-behind, network-enabled reporting system for situational awareness and force protection in an urban setting, as well as residual protection for previously cleared areas within urban environments.

Along with situational awareness and early warning capabilities, the sensor data also allows “cross-cueing” with other sensors and weapon systems, such as the Class 1 UAV.

LUT planners highlight the integrated nature of the testing, bringing the systems together as a true “system of systems” to work together in a simulated tactical environment, not only passing information over the network but also exhibiting the potential for tactical contributions that can be optimized through the development of new tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) by AETF Soldiers.

“In other words, how can they use the tools that they have in order to execute the tasks that they have individually but also to collectively execute the mission and achieve the objective,” noted Jerry Tyree, integration director at the AETF. “I believe that’s a very important point. And it’s something that’s somewhat unique to the paths that we’re taking within the Army, and certainly within this program, where we are looking at ‘capability packages’ as opposed to individual systems.”

Offering historical examples of “a new tank” that might have been developed and fielded in the past, he added, “The integration of that tank within a brigade would have really happened within the brigade itself. The same was true for a new radio. You just name the system. But what we’re really doing with the path that we’re going down within the Army now with these capability sets is to integrate these capabilities together; how you use them; and then provide that total package to a brigade that’s ready to go to war.”

Primary LUT participants were drawn from “Charlie Company” of the AETF’s 2^nd Combined Arms Battalion. That company-sized element has been reinforced by a reconnaissance platoon from battalion headquarters as well as an NLOS-LS platoon from the AETF’s (brigade-level) fires battalion, resulting in a “battalion minus” structure optimized to test the broad range of spin out systems.

LUT opposing force (OPFOR) elements have been taken from the AETF’s 1^st CAB. OPFOR capabilities range from traditional mechanized infantry and armor to the employment of supporting paramilitary forces. Nearly two dozen “role players” are also participating in the complex tactical environment.

Although not participating in the tactical scenarios, the AETF brigade headquarters is providing “higher command” inputs to both blue and red forces during the free-flow engagements.

Outlining his “commander’s intent” in the brigade Tactical Operations Center, Col. Randy Lane, AETF commander, describes the purpose of the testing as “To help facilitate an Army decision through the testing and evaluation of spin out (SO) capabilities in a full spectrum Limited User Test (LUT).”

In terms of methodology, Lane outlines: “We will conduct an Operational Test Command controlled and brigade-driven exercise to further test and evaluate the spin out capabilities. The LUT is a “battalion-minus” level test that will consist of missions conducted in an operationally realistic environment to assess equipment performance across the full spectrum of operations. The LUT will run in four iterations over 96 hours incorporating offensive, defensive, and stability operations in each iteration. 2 CAB will provide command and control for subordinate units involved in the LUT. 1 CAB provides the TRISA [U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Intelligence Support Activity] certified OPFOR throughout the LUT. Fires Battalion provides the NLOS-LS platoon, fire support element, and fire markers. BSB [brigade support battalion] has sustainment operations for all player units. FFID [U.S. Army Future Force Integration Directorate] provides trained and certified subject matter experts for OTC [Operational Test Command] to help control and gather data on the exercise.”

Key tasks being performed during the LUT focus on the validation of both capabilities and possible limitations for the employment of the spin out technologies, as well as attempting to capture the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to optimize the capabilities at platoon, company, and task force level.

In the case of both Tactical and Urban Unattended Ground Sensors (T-UGS and U-UGS), for example, Lane notes that this validation process involves the employment of the sensors “to detect dismounted and mounted enemy movement to help provide actionable intelligence.”

NLOS-LS participation in LUT involves demonstration of interoperability with “current force” command and control systems through the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS).

The network is also working on integration between both present and future command and control capabilities by demonstrating the operational integration of the sensors, the spin out Network Integration Kit, and existing FBCB2 [Force XXI Battle Command and Below] system.

The LUT is also providing an opportunity for the forces to train with the new OT-TES [Operational Test – Tactical Engagement System] to provide realistic feedback on operations.

Other efforts range from the capture of lessons “to inform development or training strategy and maintenance packages” to the evaluation and recommendation “on distribution of SO systems for E-IBCT.”

As outlined by Lane, the LUT “end state” will be achieved when all required data has been collected “to inform future decisions concerning the SO capabilities,” all 5th Brigade and FFID soldiers have been redeployed without serious incident, and after action reviews have been conducted to capture lessons learned and emerging TTPs.

“It’s not the soldiers that are being tested,” noted a test planner. “It’s the equipment. The soldiers are helping us test this equipment. Everyone has a cell phone that operates on a commercial network. And what we’re trying to do out here is test our network. We have UAS variants and robot variants that are in theater right now, but they’re not all tied to a single network.”

Depending on the results of LUT testing, coupled with subsequent acquisition decisions, the systems reflect the initial package that may be applied to the first seven Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCT) beginning in calendar year 2011.

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