A Review of Selected Technologies and the Army After Next.
Abstract
This paper conducts a survey of future guidance, evolving concepts, and promising technologies and provides recommendations concerning a few of these technologies for the Army After Next 2020 time frame. Major survey documents include: Quadrennial Defense Review, Report of the National Defense Panel Joint Vision 2010, Army Vision 2010, Army After Next Study Program; and the Department of Defense and Army Science and Technology Plans. Following the broad survey, the paper highlights two technologies with the potential to provide leap-ahead capabilities during the AAN time frame. The two technologies are: (1) the use of computer simulations to enhance tactical decision-making (planning, preparation, and execution) and (2) a Future Combat System equipped with an Electromagnetic Gun. A short section of the paper presents. from an outsider's perspective, several observations concerning evolving Army After Next operational concepts. Based on these observations, the paper recommends continued research and efforts to identify alternative Army After Next operational concepts. Additionally, the paper recommends a thorough review of assumptions concerning the potential effectiveness of Active Protection Systems. This is a very important issue because the front running Army After Next operational concept - air-mechanization - relies heavily on Active Protection Systems to provide survivability to a new class of 15-ton fighting systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 11, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA351381
Entities
People
- Colonel K. S. Collier
Organizations
- United States Army War College