Fire Support Task ForceNational Guard Association of the United States

09 Sep 17

Topics

• Introductions

• Fire Support Task Force overview

• Resolution #4 update

• Upcoming Meetings

NGAUS FSTF Primer

NGAUS Task Forces

NGAUS task forces are special committees appointed by the NGAUS Chairman of the Board, with

concurrence of the Board of Directors (reference NGAUS by-laws Section 6.02). Task forces work

closely with the NGAUS legislative staff to provide input on resolutions and fact sheets, advise the

general conference committee on resolutions, and address special issues assigned by the Chairman of

the Board.

NGAUS Task ForcesTask forces are grouped into three general areas; Joint, Army or Air and then broken down by issue categories or weapon system grouping.

Joint Task Forces

Personnel and Benefits

Medical

Homeland Security

Army Task Forces

Fire Support

Combat Vehicle

Combat Support/Combat Service Support

Army Aviation

C4I

Engineer

Task Force MembershipTask Force Members

Task force members must be currently serving National Guard members and current members of NGAUS. They should have in-depth knowledge of the subject matter to be considered by the task force. It is recommended that each task force have a minimum of seven members to avoid tie votes, and to ensure that all six NGAUS areas are represented. All votes of the task force will be conducted in executive session by members of the task force. Task force membership includes the following:

Chair

Each task force will have a chair appointed to preside over all meetings of the task force. The NGAUS Chairman of the Board will appoint task force chairs and vice chairs.

Vice Chair

The vice chair will assume the responsibilities of the chair in his or her absence

Professional Staffers – Non-members

The role of professional staffers is to provide expert assistance and coordination to the task force.

FSTF Committee (01 Oct 17)• Chairman - BG Mike Willis

• Vice Chairman - BG Tim Sheriff

• Members at Large

• BG Russel Johnson, ID

• BG Dallen Atack, UT

• MG Luke Reiner, WY

• MG Glen Moore, OK

• BG Mark Anderson, WI

• MG Glen Bramhall, SC

• Advisors

• LTC (P) Tim Vance, CofS DCG-ARNG, FCOE (incoming)

• LTC Brad Rittenhouse, FA DAC Ft Sill

• LTC David Laydon, ADA DAC Ft. Sill (incoming)

• MAJ Tony Daschke, NGB-FAOI

• COL Greg Lankford (OK ARNG) FA Representative

• Mr Ed Maestas, ARNG-RMQ

• COL Edwin Rice, Chief Force Management

• LTC Ben York, NGB-ARQ, Branch Chief Combat Arms

• MAJ Cole Kelly, NGB-ADA OI

• COL Donnie Wilson, ADA Representative

• ARNG FA and ADA Brigade/BCD/Battalion Commanders

MeetingsMeetings

Meetings of the task force are at the call of the task force chair. At least two-thirds of the voting body of the task force must be present to satisfy quorum requirements. Teleconference meetings are encouraged.

It is recommended that task forces meet as necessary. However, a minimum of two meetings per year are requested in order to facilitate NGAUS business in a timely and effective manner:

Resolutions Review Meeting: This meeting shall take place prior to NGAUS Board of Directors Summer Meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to review and comment on NGAUS draft resolutions to be considered at the upcoming general conference.

NGAUS General Conference: The task force chair, or vice chair when chair is unavailable, will attend the NGAUS General Conference. They will participate in the resolutions meetings and hold a task force meeting at the designated time per the master agenda. Industry presentations are encouraged at this meeting. Task Force Chairs are also encouraged to walk the exhibit floor to meet industry members who have an interest in their task force.

Prioritization Meeting: Following the NGAUS general conference, task forces meet to prioritize the adopted resolutions. This must be accomplished by the deadline for the legislative objectives book. In addition to prioritizing resolutions, the task forces must also assist in formulating fact sheets and drafting new resolutions for the following year’s resolution process.

Task Force Chair Duties

• Presiding over all meetings of the task force

• Ensuring meeting minutes are recorded and provided to the NGAUS legislative staff, who will then forward a copy to the Chairman of the Board, vice Army &Air, and an information copy to the NGAUS president.

• Providing comment (support/non-support) at the NGAUS general conference resolutions committee meeting

• Recruiting members and professional staff to serve on the task force

• Delivering an annual report to the NGAUS Board of Directors, as required by the Chairman of the Board (Legislative Staff will provide example report)

• Ensuring that the applicable NGAUS Program Manager is provided with a roster of task force members

ResolutionsProviding Input on Tracking Sheets

Tracking sheets serve as an administrative method to compile the views of the various stakeholders in the resolutions process, including NGB, task forces, and NGAUS BoD. In preparation for the annual general conference, task force chairs will review all draft resolutions and provide their input (support/non-support and comments if necessary) to the appropriate NGAUS program manager (Joint, Army, Air) NLT the Wednesday prior to the summer Board of Directors meeting.

Resolutions Committee Meeting

Task force chairs (or designated alternate; vice chair, etc.) are expected to attend and participate in resolutions committee meetings (Joint, Army, Air) during the general conference to provide task force support/non-support and any additional comments for applicable resolutions.

Resolutions Accuracy

Task Forces are responsible for identifying outdated information and new information to add to standing resolutions. They must work with the state associations to ensure draft resolutions are submitted through the proper process in order to update standing resolutions. This should begin in January by reviewing standing resolutions and contacting states prior to their state association conference.

Establishing Top Priorities

One of the primary duties of NGAUS task forces is to establish top priorities.

After adoption of the resolution packet at the general conference by the membership, each task force will confer to establish top priorities (3-5 in rank order; all resolutions are assigned to a specific task force). This may be accomplished in any manner the task force chooses; meeting, teleconference, e-mail, etc., but should be a collaborative process of the full task force.

Fact Sheets

Task forces are responsible for providing information for the development of NGAUS fact sheets. NGAUS fact sheets are detailed point papers used by the NGAUS legislative staff to educate and inform members of Congress and their staff on the association’s top legislative issues.

RESOLUTION - ARNG #4 RELATING TO MODERNIZATION OF THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

FIRE SUPPORT/FIELD ARTILLERY/AIR DEFENSE BATTLE OPERATING SYSTEMS AND RELATED DEVICES

A. Paladin Integrated Management (PIM)

B. I-Sentinel RADAR (AN/TPQ-64F1)

C. Avenger Sustainment

D. Counter Battery Target Acquisition Radars (Q-53 and LCMR Q-50)

E. M777A2 Lightweight 155mm Howitzer

F. Lightweight Precision Handheld Target Location and Validation System(s)

G. Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T)

H. Transition of M119A2 to M119A3 Digitization

I. Bradley Fire Support Team (BFIST) modernization to accommodate Fire Support Sensor System (FS3) capability

J. Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (Multi-Mission Launcher)

K. Multiple Launcher Rocket System (MLRS) Improved Armored Cab

L. Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS)

M. Vehicle Agnostic Sensor

N. Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS)

O. Pocket-sized Forward Entry Device (PFED) increment 2

Bradley Fire Support Team Vehicle M7A4

• The Bradley Fire Support Team (BFIST) vehicle is the “Eyes of the Artillery.” Using state-of-the-art long-range sensors, BFIST can acquire, identify, track and designate targets while mounted and under armor, enhancing crew survivability. BFIST is assigned to the Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and Combined Arms Battalions of the Armored Brigade Combat Team.

• CY17 Request for Proposals on the Bradley ECP2 Production, to include M2A3 and M7A3 upgrades

AN/TPQ-53 and Q50 RADARs

• AN/TPQ-53 Counterfire Target Acquisition Radar is a new generation of counterfire sensor. The AN/TPQ-53 detects, classifies, tracks, determines the location of, and provides accurate, targetable data regarding enemy mortars, cannon and rockets in either 360- or 90-degree modes. It replaces the current AN/TPQ-36 and AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder systems.

• Lockheed Martin, Syracuse, NY

• Fielding now to ARNG concurrent with AC, 3 year process

• The AN/TPQ-50 Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar (LCMR) identifies indirect fire threats by providing the ability to rapidly locate rockets, artillery and mortar (RAM) firing positions automatically by detecting and tracking the shell and backtracking to the weapon position. The system provides observed fires (for friendly fires) and accurate “did hit” data of friendly fires, and detects and templates hostile locations.

• SRC Tech, North Syracuse, NY

• Fielding now

• Final procurement in FY17

M109A7 Howitzer and M992A2 CAT

• The M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) and M992A3 Carrier Ammunition Tracked (CAT), formerly known as the Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) program, will replace the current M109A6 Paladin and the M992A2 FAASV respectively starting in FY17. The M109A7 SPH and M992A3 CAT vehicles are currently in Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP). This next-generation Howitzer provides enhanced capabilities to maintain Army dominance on future battlefields, and is one of the most critical vehicle modernization programs.

• Program is in IOT&E at Fort Hood, FUE in FY17

• Expect fielding schedule to be published in Q1 or Q2 FY17

• BAE - York, PA

MLRS Improved Armored Cab

• The IAC Modification Kits provide the Department of Defense (DoD) with an increased level of crew protection by replacing the armor surrounding the crew to meet ballistic protection requirements, provide blast protection seating, enhances the transparent armor and reduces training requirements for the crews by providing more commonality between the MLRS and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).

• 4QFY15: Completed IAC developmental testing

• 22 Jul 16: IAC Production Request For Proposal (RFP)

• 06 Sep 16: Proposals are due

• FY17: IAC Production Contract Award

• 1QFY17: FCS-U Production RFP

• 1QFY18: FCS-U Production Contract Award; Modernization

JETS • The Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS) is an Army-led, Joint interest program with the Air Force (USAF) and Marine Corps to develop and field a one-man portable targeting system for forward observers and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACS).

• This future system will answer the need for a very lightweight, highly accurate targeting system that will allow target engagements with precision munitions (e.g., JDAM, Excalibur, and laser-guided weapons) and provide crucial digital connectivity to request and control indirect fires and close air support from all joint assets. The JETS’ light weight will allow small units supported by

• Army forward observers or JTACs to have access to precision targeting in all operational environments.

• The JETS consists of two major subsystems: the Target Location Designation System (TLDS) and the Target Effects Coordination System (TECS).

• LLDR is the Company-level system. JETS at the platoon level.

• Contract award in this CY. Project IOTE late FY17

M777A2 Towed 155mm Howitzer

• The M777A2 is a towed 155 mm Howitzer jointly developed by the Army and Marine Corps to replace the M198 Howitzer. The extensive use of titanium in all its major structures makes it 7,000 pounds lighter than the M198 with no sacrifice in range, stability, accuracy or durability. The M777A2’s independent suspension, smaller footprint and lower profile increase strategic deployability and tactical mobility. The system uses numerous improvements to enhance reliability and accuracy, and significantly increase system survivability. The system has a Digital Fire Control System (DFCS) that includes an inertial navigation unit with Global Positioning System backup to allow it to self-locate. The DFCS also includes a mission computer, displays and digital communications. Software upgrades incorporating the Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuse Setter and the Excalibur Platform Integration Kit hardware give the M777A2 the capability to program and fire the Excalibur precision-guided munition.

• M777 – gun with optical fire control

• M777A1 – digitizations upgrades with the addition of an on-board power source, satellite global positioning, inertial navigation, radio, Gun Display Unit (GDU) and Section Chief Assembly (SCA).

• M777A2 – Block 1A software upgrade. Addition of an Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze Setter (EPIAFS) to enable Excalibur and precision munition compatibility.

• M777ER - Experimental upgrade created by the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) project modified with a 52-caliber barrel, adding 6 ft (1.8 m) to the cannon and less than 1,000 pounds (450 kg) to the overall system, extending range from 30 to 70 km (19 to 43 mi); concept only.

• 3QFY16-4QFY18: Continue IBCT fielding

• 3QFY16-4QFY18: DFCS refresh and modernization

• 3QFY16-4QFY18: Fielding of training devices

M119A3Howitzer • The M119A3 is a digital

upgrade to the M119A2; the US Army's 105mm Lightweight Towed Howitzer. Improvements include software and hardware component upgrades, Global Positioning System for navigation, a digital gunner's display, and digital communication between each gun and the Fire Direction Center

IFPC - Inc 2 • The Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 – Intercept (IFPC Increment 2-I) Block 1 System is a mobile, ground-based weapon system designed to defeat unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and cruise missiles.

• The Block 1 system will use an existing interceptor and sensor and will develop a Multi-Mission Launcher (MML) on an existing vehicle platform to support the Counter-UAS (C-UAS) and Cruise Missile Defense (CMD) missions. The system will use the Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense (AIAMD) open systems architecture, and will use the AIAMD Integrated Battle Command System as its mission command component

• 2QFY16: Engineering Demonstration

• Nov 16: MS B Decision

• FY20: IOC

IBCS• IBCS establishes the foundation for

commander-centric, network-enabled operations. By networking sensors and interceptors–as opposed to simply linking them–it provides wider area surveillance and broader protection areas.

• IBCS replaces seven legacy command-and-control (C2) systems with a net-centric C2 to reduce single points of failure and offer the flexibility for deployment of smaller force packages. It creates a standard simplified approach via one battle command system common across the forces that eliminates the logistics tail of multiple systems and fundamentally changes the training paradigm.

Sentinel RADAR AN/TPQ-64F1

• The AN/MPQ-64F1 Improved Sentinel air defense radar automatically detects, tracks, identifies, classifies and reports airborne threats. More than 200 systems have been ordered worldwide, with more than 100 delivered or in production. Future enhancements currently in development include an 80 percent increase in the radar’s detection range.

• Mobile tactical air defense and weapon coordination X-band radar

• Air cooled transmitter

• 3-D, phased-array system

• Detects helicopters, high-speed attack aircraft, cruise missiles and UAVs

• Adaptable to towers and sea platforms (with radome option)

• 360° rocket artillery and mortar detection

• Sentinel is undergoing modifications to further enhance its UAS and cruise missile detection and tracking capability. Additional modifications are ongoing to convert all radars from the AN/MPQ-64A1 Improved Sentinel configuration to the AN/MPQ-64A3 Enhanced Sentinel. In addition to internal improvements, Enhanced Sentinel is integrated with the FMTV to enable additional vehicle cab armor protection for its two-man crew.

• 1QFY-16 A3 Material Release

• Thales-Raytheon

• SETA

Upcoming Meetings

• NGAUS Conference F2F, September 2017

• Prioritization conference call, November 2017

• Fires Conference F2F, May 2018

• One other Winter/Spring F2F meeting with industry focus