Defense Acquisitions: Future Ground-Based Vehicles and Network Initiatives Face Development and Funding Challenges

Abstract

After the Army canceled the Future Combat System in June of 2009, it began developing modernization plans, including developing a new Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) and additional network capability. At the same time, the Army was considering options on how to improve its light tactical vehicles. This statement addresses potential issues related to developing the following: (1) the new GCV, (2) a common information network, and (3) the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) in a constrained budget environment. The statement is based largely on previous GAO work conducted over the last year in response to congressional requests and the results of other reviews of Army modernization. To conduct this work, GAO analyzed program documentation, strategies, and test results; interviewed independent experts and Army and Department of Defense (DoD) officials; and witnessed demonstrations of current and emerging network technologies. DoD reviewed the facts contained in this statement and provided technical comments, which were incorporated as appropriate. GAO is not making any recommendations with this statement; however, consistent with previous work, this statement underscores the importance of developing sound requirements and focusing up front on what modernization efforts will deliver and at what cost.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 26, 2011
Accession Number
ADA551335

Entities

People

  • Alyssa B. Weir
  • Belva M. Martin
  • Danny Owens
  • Dayna Foster
  • Marcus C. Ferguson
  • Morgan Delaneyramaker
  • Robert S. Swierczek
  • Sylvia Schatz
  • William C. Allbritton
  • William R. Graveline

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Combat Vehicles
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Contracts
  • Department Of Defense
  • Electronic Mail
  • Governments
  • Ground Based
  • Improvised Explosive Devices
  • Infantry Fighting Vehicles
  • Military Acquisition
  • Radio Equipment
  • Software-Defined Radio Waveforms
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Methods
  • United States Government
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.