FUTURE COMBAT SYSTEM(FCS)

Future Combat System(FCS)

Future Combat System(FCS)

Introduction

Each military service is facing a common challenge: creating an affordable purchase program that can deliver comprehensive modernization of the army that meets deadlines, force goals and performance needs. (Andrew 2008)

This challenge has reached crisis point in each of the four services, although the level of this crisis is difficult to measure.

Army Future Combat System (FCS) modernization program now drives the U.S. Army and many of its procurement costs. It is an integrated family of advanced, networked combat and logistics systems, unmanned ground and aerial vehicles, sensors and surveillance and munitions destined for processing equip new Army modular combat brigades. (Tyson 2008)

The FCS Mission

Army Future Combat System is a key part of the largest most comprehensive reform of the army in more than 50 years. Not just a weapon system, but the practical application of a new doctrine, which emphasizes the war on network-centric joint.(GAO 2008)

Team

The Future Combat System fulfills the requirements of the Army initiative to modernize the force with greater agility, connectivity and flexibility. (CRS 2008)

"It's hardly an exaggeration to say that the FCS is the Army's modernization program. Military officers have confirmed that the FCS is about 30 percent of the Army's modernization effort. An initial requirement for the system was that none of its components, weighs more than 20 tons, so that air can be transported by aircraft-type C-130.

Cost and accessibility

We face a crisis at defense as a result of years of poor recruitment planning and escalating costs. Questions about the value, cost and affordability of the FCS has caused divided reactions from experts, government officials and legislators. (Tiboni 2004)

Although the FCS prevailed in the debate on the budget for year 2009 and was fully funded, the pendulum can swing the other end with a new administration. As the cost of government under increasing pressure to mandatory and economic rescue plans, perceived by some advanced weapons systems as a luxury complex.

Secretary Gates has been an advocate for the financing of the current wars and the needs of the team. The FSC has faced the opposition of members of the Armed Services Committee, which has repeatedly advocated budget cuts. Representative Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), who heads the Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, said after a visit to Fort Bliss, where systems are being tested FCS, - [e] s no connection between the FCS and needs right now ...