Future Force Warrior: Insights from Air Assault Expeditionary Force Assessment
Abstract
Future Force Warrior (FFW) Soldier ensembles were evaluated in 2006. One 9-man squad of infantry Soldiers was equipped with the Soldier or Leader variation of the FFW system. Each system included the FFW uniform and helmet, body armor chassis, global positioning system tracking receivers, radio communication equipment, a computer system with operating software, and voice-activated controls. In addition, the Leader systems included laser range finding devices and associated software. The ensembles contained a goggle-mounted visual display or a personal digital assistant display. The Soldiers received extensive hands-on training in a variety of tactical contexts, including mission planning, land navigation, laser target designation, ambush, reconnaissance, and defense. Following training, the Soldiers participated in multiple offensive and defensive scenarios. Questionnaires concerning the form, fit, and function of the FFW components were administered after each exercise and at the end of the assessment. The results show that the FFW systems were very well received by the test Soldiers. They strongly preferred the FFW equipment to their baseline gear for virtually every activity. They especially liked the capability to maintain radio contact with squad members, the ease of mission planning and land navigation, the ease of learning and operating the software packages, and the situational awareness afforded by the system. The Soldiers liked the load-carrying capacity and comfort of the body armor chassis. Problems were encountered with some of the system components. The voice-activated controls were difficult to use if the Soldier was breathing heavily, and the controls did not work well for Soldiers who had heavy accents. The goggle-mounted displays seemed to interfere with the use of monocular night vision devices, and there were problems with the mounting system. Soldiers noted several problems with the icon displays. Suggestions were made for improving the system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA470334
Entities
People
- Christian B. Carstens
- Daniel D. Turner
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory