AUSTIN — The U.S. military's new Army Futures Command in Austin will study the future of warfare. The people working at the center will have a specific set of modernization priorities to focus on.
This new headquarters will lead the Army's focus on transforming concepts, designs and technology for the future. According to Col. Patrick Seiber of Army Futures Command, there hasn't been a reorganization of the Army's structure in 45 years. The U.S. was getting out of the Vietnam War at the time.
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"We have to look at the next 45 years," Seiber said. While what we have serves well, we need to have something that's more modern. You can't look to potentially deter a competitor using the last war's techniques and equipment, so that's why we have to look ahead."
The headquarters will look ahead through six main priorities:
1. Long-range precision fires
This technology will be in the form of new missiles that can hypothetically be used against another country. They would need to be responsive, be adaptable and significantly increase the range of the current fires system.
2. Next generation combat vehicles
The devices researched under this priority will likely involve robots and armored vehicles. Many of these could potentially not need a driver or handler to be implemented.
3. Future Vertical Lift
This research will provide ways to carry soldiers and equipment. Advanced helicopters and drones will help the Army get an advantage in the air. The people working at Futures Command will also work to provide increased range, protection and agility with the ability to operate in high altitudes and hot environments.
4. Network Communication
Network communication is all about navigation and timing -- developing a future network that will give our soldiers the ability to speak and interact with one another in all types of conditions.
5. Air and Missile Defense
The Army Futures Command will be looking to find new ways to defeat missile threats that are both direct and indirect. This team will be known as The Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Cross-Functional Team (CFT).
6. Soldier Lethality
Changes made here will go directly to the battlefield. The technology will enhance soldiers and squads abilities in battle while also improving their ability to fight at night.
To learn more about Army Futures Command, you can visit army.mil/futures.
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