enable network-centric Objective Force operations. The results of the investments will allow leaders to capitalize on sensor and processing technology to see, understand, and shape the battlespace before the enemy can reactincreasing combat force effectiveness and survivability. The S&T program will develop and demonstrate real-time, continuous situational understanding by integrating data from manned and unmanned air- and ground-based sensors.

S&T investments in military logistics are an important enabler for the Objective Force. We are placing our emphasis on sustainment's big drivers fuel, ammunition, maintenance, and water - to dramatically reduce our logistics footprint and lift requirements in these areas. Key technologies include on-board water generation, real-time logistics command and control processes and distribution management, enhanced multi-purpose munitions and packaging, efficient propulsion and power technologies, real-time diagnostics and prognostics, and Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS):

TRANSFORMATIONAL SYSTEMS

Several transformational systems were under development prior to announcement of The Army Vision in October 1999. The Army has completed an extensive analysis to identify those systems that complement FCS and the Objective Force system of systems.

The Comanche Helicopter is the centerpiece of the Aviation Modernization Plan (AMP) and represents the first new system to reach Initial Operational Capability (IOC) within The Army's Objective Force. Comanche is our armed reconnaissance platform with attack capabilities. It will leverage the situational awareness and situational curiosity of a scout augmented with revolutionary, state-of-the-art Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) technologies. Comanche supports vertical and horizontal maneuver as an integral part of network centric operations and extends human eyes and decision-making beyond the ground maneuver force. Utilizing stealth technologies, it will network with all joint C4ISR and joint weapons systems.

Comanche will leverage maximum effect of future standoff precision weapon systems such as the Common Missile and allow us to maneuver ground formations based upon full knowledge of the situation. Augmented with armed or unarmed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Comanche will fill ground maneuver's most critical battlefield deficiency – armed aerial reconnaissance with a capable, survivable, and sustainable aircraft. The Comanche program is already well on its way to giving The Army a capability pivotal to transforming the way we will fight.

Several other transformational systems will empower the Objective Force with the knowledge dominance and battle command to provide decision superiority across the spectrum of operations. The Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) System, Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS), the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS), and The Army Airborne Command and Control System (A2C2S) will enable Objective Force joint C4ISR capabilities. These programs will provide the tactical enterprise level networks that will ensure seamless, secure, digital connectivity between the Objective, Interim, and today's forces. The Distributed Common Ground System-Army (DCGS-A) architecture provides Army network-centric ISR connectivity from national agencies to joint systems to Objective Force Units of Action as part of the integrated Department of Defense DCGS architecture. DCGS-A will enable interoperable tasking, processing, and exploitation capabilities. The Aerial Common Sensor brings improved signal intelligence collection and precision geolocation capabilities, as well as imagery intelligence (IMINT) and measurement and signals (MASINT) sensor packages. Another system, Prophet, uses communications intelligence to depict the battlespace and further enhance situational awareness. These C4ISR systems greatly enhance the Objective Force's ability to gain actionable information superiority and decision dominance over all adversaries and expand the range of options for the joint force Combatant Commanders.

Transformational systems will provide the Objective Force with strategic and tactical maneuver capabilities. The Theater Support Vessel will support

rapid intra-theater lift requirements, provide the capability to conduct operational maneuver and repositioning, and enable units to conduct enroute mission

planning and rehearsal. The Future Tactical Truck System will have

commonality with FCS and will support the Objective Force by enabling command, control, and transportation of cargo, equipment, and personnel. And the Tactical Electric Power (TEP) generators will provide power to Objective Force units where fixed power grids are not available.

Transformational systems provide the Objective Force with other important capabilities, as well. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) effects systems support the Objective Force across the spectrum of military operations and improve capabilities to conduct Homeland Security activities. Engineer, civil affairs, and psychological operations vehicles will enable mobility and enhance civil affairs and PSYOPs capabilities. The UpArmored High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) will improve Objective Force Soldier survivability and lethality. The Multi-Mission Radar will provide the capability to detect and track aircraft, artillery, and other projectiles, then queue appropriate weapons systems and airspace synchronization systems. The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is a lighter weight, more deployable multiple rocket launcher capability that will integrate into the joint fires network.

BRIDGING THE CAPABILITIES GAP-STRYKER BRIGADE COMBAT TEAMS Announcing our intent to field an Interim Force in October 1999, The Army responded to a capabilities gap between its lethal, survivable, but slow-to-deploy heavy forces and its rapidly deployable light forces that lack the protection, lethality, and tactical mobility that we seek. Just two-and-a-half years later in 2002, The Army began fielding the first Stryker Brigade Combat Team to bridge that gap. In 2003 - less than four years after the announcement - we are on track to achieve IOC with the first SBCT at Fort Lewis, Washington. Stryker Brigades will provide the Combatant Commander vastly increased operational

and tactical flexibility to execute fast-paced, distributed, non-contiguous operations.

Stryker Brigade Combat Teams respond to Combatant Commander requirements across the spectrum of military operations. Optimized for combat in complex and urban terrain, the Stryker Brigades will be decisive in other major combat operations, as well. The SBCT Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) Squadron provides both organic human intelligence capabilities and UAVs embedded at the brigade level. Its military intelligence and signal companies - working through a digitally enabled battle command bridge - leverage theater and national assets to create an information-enabled force. SBCTs will use this enhanced joint C4ISR capability to revolutionize combat paradigms from "make contact, develop the situation, maneuver the forces" to "understand the situation, maneuver the forces, make contact at the time and place of your own choosing, and finish decisively."

Moreover, leveraging platform commonality, enhancing logistics practices and enablers, and reorganizing logistics formations, the SBCT is vastly more deployable and sustainable than our heavy forces, while significantly increasing combat power generating capabilities. Augmented for sustained operations, the SBCT requires 37 percent fewer CSS personnel than a digitized heavy brigade. While capitalizing on these advantages, developing and available technologies allow us to mass effects - rather than massing formations - and create a robust, reliable capability to conduct operational maneuver over strategic distances.

Finally, SBCTs provide an invaluable means of spearheading Transformation. The SBCT trains junior officers and noncommissioned officers tomorrow's commanders and command sergeants major - in the tactics, techniques, and procedures that will inform employment of the Objective Force.

The Army has resourced six Stryker Brigade Combat Teams to contribute to fulfilling the 1-4-2-1 defense construct and national security requirements; however, at this time, the Secretary of Defense has only authorized the

procurement of the first four brigades. The Army will provide the Secretary of Defense with a plan for Stryker Brigades 5 and 6.

Fielding of the SBCTs affects the entire Army: Active and Reserve Components; heavy and light forces; CONUS and OCONUS. And current fielding timelines will enhance the Nation's ability to fight and win the GWOT and conduct major combat operations. The transformation of four Active Component brigades to SBCTs provides a rotational base with three of the SBCTs focused on the Pacific theater. One of the two SBCTs fielded at Fort Lewis will be forward-based in Europe not later than 2007. The Stryker Cavalry Regiment will support the XVIII Airborne Corps' critical need for robust, armed reconnaissance. The conversion of a Reserve Component brigade to an SBCT will enhance our strategic reserve and support the GWOT, Smaller Scale Contingencies, and Homeland Defense missions. Additionally, SBCT stationing provides rapid, strategic responsiveness through power projection platforms capable of supporting four critical regions described in the 1-4-2-1 defense construct. The first SBCT will attain Initial Operational Capability in the summer of 2003.

PRESERVING THE ARMY'S LEGACY

Today's force guarantees The Army's near-term warfighting readiness to fight and win our Nation's wars, decisively. Because The Army bypassed a procurement generation, The Army's Combat Support and Combat Service Support systems now exceed their 20-year expected life cycle, and 75 percent of our critical combat systems exceed their expected half-life cycle. To maintain operational readiness while preserving resources for Transformation, The Army is recapitalizing and selectively modernizing a portion of the current force. The modernization program addresses the critical issue of AC and RC interoperability and serves as a bridge to mesh these two components seamlessly. In general, The Army increased funding for programs that are clearly transformational and support the Defense transformation goals, sustained funding for high priority systems that will transition to the Objective Force, and reduced funding for