Future Combat System

Definition/Scope: In June of 2009 this program was cancelled and restructured with the Brigade Combat Team Modernization program. The Future Combat Systems (FCS) is the cornerstone of Army Modernization. FCS is the Army's promise to provide Soldiers the best equipment and technology available as soon as practical. FCS is not just a technology development program-it is the development of new Brigade Combat Teams-these new brigades, with more infantry, better equipment, unmatched situational awareness and communications allowing complete domination in asymmetric ground warfare while allowing the Army to build a force that can sustain itself in remote areas. FCS includes 14+1+1 systems consisting of unattended ground sensors (UGS), the Non-Line of Sight – Launch System (NLOS-LS), two classes of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) organic to platoon, and Brigade Combat Team (BCT) echelons; two classes of unmanned ground vehicles, the Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV), and Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment Vehicle (MULE) variants; and the eight manned ground vehicles (14 individual systems), plus the network (14+1), plus the Soldier (14+1+1). It is designed to be networked via an advanced architecture called System of Systems Common Environment (SOSCOE). There are 5 layers in the FCS Network: Sensor/Platform Layer, Application Layer, Services Layer, Transport Layer, and Standards Layer. These layers provide diversity in waveform, frequency and environment to ensure there are multiple paths to transport the data.

Used For:

Sustainment WFF

Acronym:

FCS

Broader Terms:

Army modernization
Army transformation

Narrower Terms:

Aerial Common Sensor
Brigade Support Battalion
combat support equipment
equipment fielding
equipment modernization
fires and effect systems
futuristic combat gear
High Explosive Armor Piercing
Integrated Army Active Protection System
Manned Ground Vehicle
Multi-Function Radio Frequency System
Quick Kill Active Protection System
Trophy Active Defense System
Unattended Ground Sensor
Warfighter Information Network-Tactical
XM1201 Reconnaissance and Surveillance Vehicle
XM1202 Mounted Combat System
XM1203 Non Line of Sight-Cannon
XM1205 Recovery and Maintenance Vehicle
XM1206 Infantry Carrier Vehicle
XM1209 Command and Control Vehicle

Related Terms:

Army Capabilities Integration Center
Army Evaluation Task Force
Brigade Combat Team Modernization
Center for Emerging Threats and Opportunities
FCS (BCT)
Full Spectrum Active Protection
Full Spectrum Active Protection Close-In Shield
Full Spectrum Active Protection System
Future Modular Force
military vehicles
quarterly futures reviews
Tactical Ground Reporting
Unit of Action Maneuver Battle Lab
Unit of Action/Future Combat System Directorate
US Army Test and Evaluation Command
weapon