The Army’s modernization plan establishes a blueprint to develop and field a versatile and affordable mix of equipment that will allow Soldiers and units to succeed in full-spectrum operations today and to maintain their decisive advantage over any enemy.
The Army has evaluated its modernization program portfolios, set priorities within them, and continually improves its acquisition program.
[raw][image align=”right” caption=”According to the Army Modernization Plan 2012, the Army needs to continue to close capability gaps in cross-country mobility, protection, and enhancing the squad. Here, SSG Derrik Browne and SGT Jason Andrade from 1st Cavalry Division provide security during a June 27 visit by Army officials to Bala Hissar, a fortress in Gardez, Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by SPC Adam L. Mathis, 17th Public Affairs Detachment.)” linkto=”/web/wp-content/uploads/5916272118_eac9fa0b73_o-compressed.jpg” linktype=”image”]”/web/wp-content/uploads/5916272118_eac9fa0b73_o-compressed.jpg” height=”167″width=”246″[/image][/raw]In improving the programs and processes, the Army has four major lines of effort:
- Develop and acquire new capabilities to meet capability gaps through traditional and rapid acquisition processes.
- Sustain existing equipment to extend its useful life.
- Procure unique equipment for immediate capability needs.
- Field and distribute capabilities in accordance with Army priorities and the Army Force Generation model.
The Army’s strategy-based priorities for modernized equipment are to network the force, deter and defeat hybrid threats, and protect and empower Soldiers. In particular, the Army needs to continue to close capability gaps in cross-country mobility, protection, and enhancing the squad. The equipment in the Army’s FY12 budget request strikes a balance between current and future needs and provides the basis for an affordable equipping strategy over time.
Also, the Army has developed governance structures and initiatives to implement these lines of effort and to drive capability development, programming, acquisition, and sustainment in an integrated and synchronized manner.
[raw][image align=”left” caption=”The intent of the Army’s Modernization Plan is to develop and field a versatile and affordable mix of equipment that will allow Soldiers and units to maintain their decisive advantage on the battlefield. Here, a Soldier from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Task Force Bronco protects a vital supply route from insurgents in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo.)” linkto=”/web/wp-content/uploads/6035369985_abbc1f7223_o.jpg” linktype=”image”]”/web/wp-content/uploads/6035369985_abbc1f7223_o.jpg” height=”167″width=”246″[/image][/raw]The Army will continue to collect and incorporate lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan to inform future acquisition and to prepare and equip our Soldiers and units for current operations, as well as maintaining full-spectrum capability for an unpredictable future. Also, the Army will continue to improve its processes to more effectively manage the resources provided for developing and employing innovative ways to equip, thus saving resources in some areas to allow investments in others while positioning our forces for success.
The Army has the obligation to provide, develop, field, and resource an affordable and interoperable mix of the best equipment available for Soldiers to succeed in current and future operations. This new strategy for equipping the force in the 21st century will ensure that the Army can provide and sustain adaptable, networked, and affordable capabilities to forces, enabling success in their assigned missions across the spectrum of operations.
For more information, visit https://www.g8.army.mil.
