Army Futures Command: Difference between revisions

{{Organization

|OrganizationName=Army Futures Command

{{Short description|U.S. Army Command that runs modernization projects}}

The '''United States Army Futures Command''' ('''AFC''') is a [[United States Army]] [[Structure of the United States Army#Army Commands, and Army Service Component Commands|command]] that runs modernization projects.{{efn|name=g357}} It is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

The AFC began initial operations on 1 July 2018.<ref>US Army {{cite news |date=13 July 2018 |title=Army announces Austin as the home of new Army Futures Command |work=C-SPAN |url=https://www.army.mil/article/208477/army_announces_austin_as_the_home_of_new_army_futures_command |access-date=17 July 2018 |archive-date=17 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717185238/https://www.army.mil/article/208477/army_announces_austin_as_the_home_of_new_army_futures_command |url-status=live }}</ref> It was created as a peer of [[United States Army Forces Command|Forces Command]] (FORSCOM), [[United States Army Training and Doctrine Command|Training and Doctrine Command]] (TRADOC), and [[United States Army Materiel Command|Army Materiel Command]] (AMC).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Organization {{!}} The United States Army |url=https://www.army.mil/organization/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=Organization {{!}} The United States Army |language=en |archive-date=8 July 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030708025938/https://www.army.mil/organization/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AR10-87" /> While the other commands focus on readiness to "fight tonight", AFC aims to improve future readiness for competition with near-peers.<ref name="MilleyReadiness2019">{{Cite web |title=The number one priority: An interview with Gen. Mark Milley |url=https://www.army.mil/article/219028/the_number_one_priority_an_interview_with_gen_mark_milley |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=www.army.mil |language=en |archive-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401183412/https://www.army.mil/article/219028/the_number_one_priority_an_interview_with_gen_mark_milley |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="mdb">{{Cite web |title=Multi-Domain Battle The Advent of Twenty-First Century War |url=https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/November-December-2017/Multi-Domain-Battle-The-Advent-of-Twenty-First-Century-War/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=www.armyupress.army.mil |archive-date=6 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906195353/https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/November-December-2017/Multi-Domain-Battle-The-Advent-of-Twenty-First-Century-War/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="1oct2019">Sébastien Roblin [https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/china-s-stealth-drones-hypersonic-missiles-surpass-threaten-u-s-ncna1064841 (11 Oct. 2019) China's stealth drones and hypersonic missiles surpass—and threaten—the U.S.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012033146/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/china-s-stealth-drones-hypersonic-missiles-surpass-threaten-u-s-ncna1064841 |date=12 October 2019 }}

*Binkov  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KO5bc2TNaI (11 Oct 2019) New game changing weapons shown at Chinese military parade; October 2019] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113192116/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KO5bc2TNaI |date=13 January 2020 }} Binkov explains and animates Hypersonic glide trajectories for under-the-radar operation; Binkov estimates which weapons displays are mockups; Compares and contrasts Chinese, Russian, and US capabilities</ref> The AFC commander functions as the Army's chief modernization investment officer.<ref name="aal,CTO" /><ref name="afc,alt,g8" /><ref name="aal,baa" group="Note" /><ref name="reformers" />

It is supported by the United States Army Reserve Innovation Command ([[75th Innovation Command]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=75th Innovation Command Page - About Us |url=https://www.usar.army.mil/Commands/Functional/75th-Innovation-CMD/About-Us/ |access-date=2021-02-12 |website=US Army Reserve |archive-date=20 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420232632/https://www.usar.army.mil/Commands/Functional/75th-Innovation-CMD/About-Us/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{see also| Transformation of the United States Army#Four Army commands}}

Army Futures Command was established by Secretary of the Army Mark Esper to improve Army acquisition by creating better requirements and reducing the time to develop a system to meet them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Sydney J. Freedberg |date=2018-05-07 |title=Permanent Evolution: SecArmy Esper On Futures Command (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2018/05/permanent-evolution-secarmy-esper-on-futures-command-exclusive/ |access-date=2023-11-26 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308161640/https://breakingdefense.com/2018/05/permanent-evolution-secarmy-esper-on-futures-command-exclusive/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Barone |first=Chelsea |date=2018-08-07 |title=The Army Futures Command Finds a Home in Austin, TX |url=https://modernbattlespace.com/2018/08/07/army-futures-command-finds-home-in-austin/ |access-date=2023-11-26 |website=Modern Battlespace |language=en-US |archive-date=26 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126202012/https://modernbattlespace.com/2018/08/07/army-futures-command-finds-home-in-austin/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-06-14 |title=Authority Transfers Begin to Army Futures Command |url=https://www.ausa.org/news/authority-transfers-begin-army-futures-command |access-date=2023-11-26 |website=AUSA |language=en |archive-date=3 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003141910/https://www.ausa.org/news/authority-transfers-begin-army-futures-command |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Matthew |date=2018-07-13 |title=It's Official: Austin Is Home of New Army Futures Command |url=https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2018/07/13/its-official-austin-home-new-army-futures-command.html |access-date=2023-11-26 |website=Military.com |language=en |archive-date=27 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827085359/https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2018/07/13/its-official-austin-home-new-army-futures-command.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Between 1995 and 2009, the Army spent $32 billion on programs such as the [[Future Combat System]]<ref name="misuseOTA">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2014/08/pentagon-struggles-to-get-small-biz-tech/ (8 August 2014) Pentagon Struggles To Get Small-Biz Tech] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222074800/https://breakingdefense.com/2014/08/pentagon-struggles-to-get-small-biz-tech/ |date=22 December 2019 }}: FCS misuse of OTA, other acquisition issues.</ref> that were later cancelled with no harvestable content.<ref>Dan Lamothe ''Washington Post'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2018/07/12/army-to-unveil-details-about-new-futures-command-in-biggest-reorganization-in-45-years/ (2018-07-12) Army to unveil details about new Futures Command in biggest reorganization in 45 years] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005182627/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2018/07/12/army-to-unveil-details-about-new-futures-command-in-biggest-reorganization-in-45-years/ |date=5 October 2023 }}</ref> As of 2021, the Army had not fielded a new combat system in decades.<ref name="fp2015,03,02">{{Cite web |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/03/02/why-hasnt-the-armys-regular-acquisition-process-produced-anything-in-decades/ |title=Thomas E. Ricks (MARCH 2, 2015)Why hasn't the Army's regular acquisition process produced anything in decades? --Future of War conference. |access-date=5 September 2018 |archive-date=5 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905180206/https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/03/02/why-hasnt-the-armys-regular-acquisition-process-produced-anything-in-decades/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="howFCSfailed">Matthew Cox [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/04/28/could-armys-quest-leap-ahead-technologies-be-its-undoing.html (28 April 2018) How Future Combat Systems Failed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711073214/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/04/28/could-armys-quest-leap-ahead-technologies-be-its-undoing.html |date=11 July 2018 }}</ref><ref name="saferSmarterFaster">Arpi Dilanian and Matthew Howard Army.mil [https://www.militarynews.com/peninsula-warrior/features/army_features/safer-smarter-faster-an-interview-with-gen-james-mcconville/article_6af79dce-b16d-11e8-9c32-17be6e92ab04.html (6 September 2018) Safer, smarter, faster: An interview with Gen. James McConville] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907032525/https://www.militarynews.com/peninsula-warrior/features/army_features/safer-smarter-faster-an-interview-with-gen-james-mcconville/article_6af79dce-b16d-11e8-9c32-17be6e92ab04.html |date=7 September 2018 }}</ref><ref name="edgeEroded">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/live/video/20181114222400-the-u-s-could-lose-the-next-war-it-fights-after-appearing-to-lose-its-military-edge/?ftag=CNM15cf32c |title="US edge has eroded to a dangerous degree" |website=[[CBS News]] |access-date=15 November 2018 |archive-date=15 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115194952/https://www.cbsnews.com/live/video/20181114222400-the-u-s-could-lose-the-next-war-it-fights-after-appearing-to-lose-its-military-edge/?ftag=CNM15cf32c |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BigSix5yrTest1st">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2019/03/army-big-six-ramp-up-in-2021-learning-from-fcs/ (14 March 2019) Army 'Big Six' Ramp Up in 2021: Learning From FCS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403204154/https://breakingdefense.com/2019/03/army-big-six-ramp-up-in-2021-learning-from-fcs/ |date=3 April 2019 }}</ref><ref name="afcClarification" />

General Mark Milley, then Army Chief of Staff, helped establish the Army Futures Command.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Sydney J. Freedberg |date=2018-08-24 |title=How McCain & Milley Created Army Futures Command: It Almost Didn't Happen |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2018/08/how-mccain-milley-created-army-futures-command-it-almost-didnt-happen/ |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308161714/https://breakingdefense.com/2018/08/how-mccain-milley-created-army-futures-command-it-almost-didnt-happen/ |url-status=live }}</ref>  Under Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy played a major role in its development.  Its first commander was General John Murray,<ref>Carlson, Kara {{Cite news |date=2021-05-11 |title='Modernizing is key': Austin-based Army Futures Command continues to grow, adapt |work=Austin-American Statesman |url=https://www.statesman.com/story/business/2021/05/11/austin-based-army-futures-command-continues-grow-adapt/5042406001/ |access-date=2022-03-18 |archive-date=15 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515223314/https://www.statesman.com/story/business/2021/05/11/austin-based-army-futures-command-continues-grow-adapt/5042406001/ |url-status=live }}</ref> formerly the Army's [[Deputy Chief of Staff G-8 Programs of The United States Army|G-8]].{{efn|name=g357}}

Over his tenure as Army Secretary, Esper led a process known as "night court", working with other top service officials, to free up and shift billions of dollars into modernization programs and based the new command in Austin, Texas, an area known for its innovative, technology-focused workforce.<ref name=jJudson2018 >Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/08/28/can-austin-make-the-army-weird/ (28 Aug 2018) Can Austin make the Army weird?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308161641/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/08/28/can-austin-make-the-army-weird/ |date=8 March 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=2018-10-09 |title=Army's 'night court' finds $25 billion to reinvest in modernization priorities |url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/ausa/2018/10/08/armys-night-court-finds-25-billion-to-reinvest-in-modernization-priorities/ |access-date=2023-11-26 |website=Defense News |language=en |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207060631/https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/ausa/2018/10/08/armys-night-court-finds-25-billion-to-reinvest-in-modernization-priorities/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Back to the (Army's) Future: A Conversation with Secretary of the Army Mark Esper |url=https://www.aei.org/events/back-to-the-armys-future-a-conversation-with-secretary-of-the-army-mark-esper/ |access-date=2023-11-26 |website=American Enterprise Institute - AEI |language=en-US |archive-date=26 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126203925/https://www.aei.org/events/back-to-the-armys-future-a-conversation-with-secretary-of-the-army-mark-esper/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Beinart |first=Matthew |date=2019-02-08 |title=Esper: Army Cut $25 Billion From Low-Tier Programs To Fund Modernization Priorities |url=https://www.defensedaily.com/esper-army-cut-25-billion-low-tier-programs-fund-modernization-priorities/army/ |access-date=2023-11-26 |website=Defense Daily |language=en-US |archive-date=26 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126203927/https://www.defensedaily.com/esper-army-cut-25-billion-low-tier-programs-fund-modernization-priorities/army/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Army gave the command's chief and the leaders of new groups, dubbed "[[#Cross-functional teams|§ cross-functional teams]]", the authority to manage requirements and the leeway to direct dollars.

At its founding, Futures Command was focused on six priorities:<ref name="aCFT" group="Note">The capabilities as prioritized by the Chief of Staff, will use [[subject-matter expert]]s (SMEs) in the realms of requirements, acquisition, science and technology, test, resourcing, costing, and sustainment, using [[#Cross-functional teams|CFTs]] for:

#Improved long-range precision fires (artillery):—(Fort Sill, Oklahoma) Lead: BG John Rafferty <!--  BG Steve Maranian 30Mar2018--> ... [[Program executive officer#PEO Ammunition (AMMO)|PEO Ammunition (AMMO)]]

#[[Next Generation Combat Vehicle]]—(Detroit Arsenal, Warren, Michigan) Lead: [https://breakingdefense.com/2022/06/randy-george-assigned-as-next-army-vice-chief-new-leaders-named-in-modernization-offices/ BG Geoffrey Norman] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701055341/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/06/randy-george-assigned-as-next-army-vice-chief-new-leaders-named-in-modernization-offices/ |date=1 July 2022 }}  <!--BG Ross Coffman,BG Dave Lesperance--> ... [[Program executive officer#PEO Ground Combat Systems (GCS)|PEO Ground Combat Systems (GCS)]]

##Network Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence—Lead: BG Jeth Rey<!-- BG Patrick Ellis to succeed MG Rey https://www.defensenews.com/battlefield-tech/it-networks/2024/04/16/ellis-to-succeed-rey-as-director-of-army-network-cross-functional-team/ --MG Pete Gallagher--> ... [[Program executive officer#PEO Command Control Communications Tactical (C3T)|PEO Command Control Communications Tactical (C3T)]]

#Air and missile defense—(Fort Sill, Oklahoma) Lead: BG Brian Gibson, ... [[Program executive officer#PEO Missiles and Space (M&S)|PEO Missiles and Space (M&S)]]

##Soldier Lethality—(Fort Moore, Georgia) Lead: BG Larry Q. Burris, Jr. ... [[Program executive officer#PEO Soldier|PEO Soldier]]

##Synthetic Training Environment—(Orlando, Florida) Lead: BG William Glaser <!--MG Maria Gervais--> ... [[Program executive officer#PEO Simulation, Training, & Instrumentation (STRI)|PEO Simulation, Training, & Instrumentation (STRI)]]

*Above, 'dotted line' relationship (i.e., coordination) is denoted by a ' ... '</ref> [[#mdoLRPF|Long-range precision fires]], [[Next Generation Combat Vehicle]], [[Future Vertical Lift]] platforms, a mobile & expeditionary Army network, [[#mdoAMD|air and missile defense capabilities]],<ref name="ccdcAmdRoadMap">MG [[Cedric T. Wins]] [https://www.dvidshub.net/news/339225/ccdcs-road-map-modernizing-army-air-and-missile-defense (09.10.2019)  CCDC'S road map to modernizing the Army: air and missile defense] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915140740/https://www.dvidshub.net/news/339225/ccdcs-road-map-modernizing-army-air-and-missile-defense |date=15 September 2019 }} DVIDS release

* [https://www.army.mil/article/226920/ccdcs_road_map_to_modernizing_the_army_air_and_missile_defense (10 September 2019)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920134247/https://www.army.mil/article/226920/ccdcs_road_map_to_modernizing_the_army_air_and_missile_defense |date=20 September 2019 }} Same CCDC text but with 3 more images. Fifth in a series.</ref> and soldier lethality.

Murray announced plans to stand up an Army Applications Lab<ref name="aal,baa" group="Note">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://aal.army/ Army Applications Lab] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409011209/https://aal.army/ |date=9 April 2021 }}: [https://breakingdefense.com/2018/10/army-futures-command-wants-you-to-innovate/ (23 October 2018)  Army Futures Command Wants YOU (To Innovate)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024113103/https://breakingdefense.com/2018/10/army-futures-command-wants-you-to-innovate/ |date=24 October 2018 }}

* —Adam Jay Harrison's list for types of Funding Authority</ref> to accelerate acquisition and deployment of materiel to the soldiers, including by using [[artificial intelligence]] (AI).

<ref name="a-aitf" /><ref name="r45178">Kelley M. Sayler, CRS [https://sgp.fas.org/crs/natsec/R45178.pdf (10 Nov 2020) Artificial Intelligence and National Security] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127045818/https://sgp.fas.org/crs/natsec/R45178.pdf |date=27 November 2021 }} R45178</ref>

 

 

 

 

In 2018, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said Futures Command would have three areas of focus:<ref name="sjFjr26Mar2018">Sydney Freedberg, Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2018/03/army-outlines-futures-command-org-chart-in-flux/ (26 March 2018) Army Outlines Futures Command; Org Chart In Flux] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826064120/https://breakingdefense.com/2018/03/army-outlines-futures-command-org-chart-in-flux/ |date=26 August 2018 }}</ref>

# Combat Development: stabilized concepts.<ref name="holland" /><ref name="RandApB" /> Balance the current state of technology and the cash-flow requirements of the defense contractors providing the technology, that they become deliverable experiments, demonstrations, and prototypes, in an iterative process of [[United States Army Acquisition Corps|acquisition]].<ref name="6Dec2017">Neil Hollenbeck and Benjamin Jensen [https://warontherocks.com/2017/12/army-needs-futures-command/ (6 December 2017) Why the Army needs a Futures Command] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905214737/https://warontherocks.com/2017/12/army-needs-futures-command/ |date=5 September 2018 }} Enable a culture of experimentation, and develop concepts and technology together.</ref>{{efn| name= 24of35InFy2023}}{{efn|name= waypointsToMDO}} (''See [[#Value stream|Value stream]]'')

# Combat Systems: experiments, demonstrations, and prototypes.<ref name="MDA" /> Transition to the acquisition, production, and sustainment programs of AMC.<ref name="asaWSH2018">[[ASA(ALT)]] [https://www.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/533115.pdf Weapon Systems Handbook 2018] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019121934/https://www.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/533115.pdf |date=19 October 2018 }} [https://www.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/558424.pdf update] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207060407/https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/558424.pdf |date=7 February 2024 }}</ref>{{efn|name= asaWsh2018ToC| [[ASA(ALT)]] [https://www.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/533115.pdf (2018)] Weapon Systems Handbook [https://www.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/558424.pdf update] Page 32 lists how the Weapon Systems Handbook is organized. 440 pages.

*ACAT I, II, III, IV are defined on page 404.<ref name=MDA/><ref name=BigSix5yrTest1st/><ref name=sharkTank/><ref name=foc31July2019Kimmons>Sean Kimmons, Army News Service [https://www.army.mil/article/224660/futures_command_showcases_efforts_ahead_of_upcoming_foc (18 July 2019) Futures Command showcases efforts ahead of upcoming FOC] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720152006/https://www.army.mil/article/224660/futures_command_showcases_efforts_ahead_of_upcoming_foc |date=20 July 2019 }}</ref><ref name=standoff>Kerensa Crum [https://www.theredstonerocket.com/military_scene/article_dadc42e4-bea4-11e9-94c0-773e72931076.html CCDC Aviation & Missile Center Public Affairs (14 August 2019)  Leader updates Army's modernization priorities ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815093034/https://www.theredstonerocket.com/military_scene/article_dadc42e4-bea4-11e9-94c0-773e72931076.html |date=15 August 2019 }} Standoff</ref>}}{{efn|name= unclMdoConcept |1= The Army's  unclassified Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) concept is "the combined arms employment of capabilities from all domains that create and exploit relative advantages to defeat enemy forces, achieve objectives and consolidate gains during [[Reorganization plan of United States Army#Competition|competition]], [[Reorganization plan of United States Army#Crisis|crisis]], and [[Reorganization plan of United States Army#Conflict|armed conflict]]".<ref name=mdoUnclass >Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/03/23/multidomain-operations-concept-will-become-doctrine-this-summer/ (23 Mar 2022) Multidomain operations concept will become doctrine this summer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207060506/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/03/23/multidomain-operations-concept-will-become-doctrine-this-summer/ |date=7 February 2024 }}</ref>}}

{{anchor|Flexible, accessible command}}Army Secretary Mark Esper said that the 2018 administrative infrastructure for the Futures and Concepts Center (formerly [[United States Army Capabilities Integration Center|ARCIC]]) and United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC, now called DEVCOM, (formerly RDECOM)) remains in place at their existing locations.<ref name="evolution">Sydney J. Freedberg, Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2018/05/permanent-evolution-secarmy-esper-on-futures-command-exclusive/ (7 May 2018) Permanent Evolution: SecArmy Esper On Futures Command] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905065355/https://breakingdefense.com/2018/05/permanent-evolution-secarmy-esper-on-futures-command-exclusive/ |date=5 September 2018 }}</ref> What has changed or will change is the layers of command (operational control, or OPCON)<ref name="jp1" /> needed to make a decision.<ref name="evolution" />

AFC declared its full operational capability in July 2019,<ref name="foc31jul19">Scott Maucione [https://federalnewsnetwork.com/army/2019/07/army-futures-command-fully-operational-dinged-by-gao-on-announcement/ (19 July 2019) Army Futures Command fully operational, dinged by GAO on announcement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803013253/https://federalnewsnetwork.com/army/2019/07/army-futures-command-fully-operational-dinged-by-gao-on-announcement/ |date=3 August 2019 }}</ref><ref name="noUniforms">Sean Kimmons, Army News Service (11 July 2019) {{Cite web |title=Embracing a new culture at Army Futures Command |url=https://www.army.mil/article/224201/embracing_a_new_culture_at_army_futures_command |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=www.army.mil |date=11 July 2019 |language=en |archive-date=11 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711230350/https://www.army.mil/article/224201/embracing_a_new_culture_at_army_futures_command |url-status=live }}</ref> after an initial one-year period.<ref name="24aug2018">{{Cite web |title=Army Futures Command Press Conference |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/video/621108/army-futures-command-press-conference |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=DVIDS |language=en |archive-date=27 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827142454/https://www.dvidshub.net/video/621108/army-futures-command-press-conference |url-status=live }}</ref> The FY2020 military budget allocated $30 billion for the top six modernization priorities over  next five years.<ref name=fy2020,30billion>Devon L. Suits, Army News Service [https://www.army.mil/article/217813/army_fy20_budget_proposal_realigns_30_billion Army (26 February 2019) FY20 budget proposal realigns $30 billion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228121756/https://www.army.mil/article/217813/army_fy20_budget_proposal_realigns_30_billion |date=28 February 2019 }}</ref> The $30 billion came from $8 billion in cost avoidance and $22 billion in terminations.<ref name="fy2020,30billion" /><ref name=big6tenBillionReallocationBy2025>Sydney J Freedberg Jr [https://breakingdefense.com/2019/05/army-big-6-gets-10b-more-over-2021-2025/ (29 May 2019) Army Big 6 Gets $10B More Over 2021-2025] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529212120/https://breakingdefense.com/2019/05/army-big-6-gets-10b-more-over-2021-2025/ |date=29 May 2019 }}</ref> More than 30 projects<ref name="31sigEfforts">[[Michael A. Grinston]], [[James C. McConville]], and [[Ryan McCarthy (U.S. Army)|Ryan McCarthy]][https://www.army.mil/e2/downloads/rv7/2019_army_modernization_strategy_final.pdf (2019) 2019 Army Modernization Strategy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230055953/https://www.army.mil/e2/downloads/rv7/2019_army_modernization_strategy_final.pdf |date=30 December 2019 }} revision 7, CFTs' 31 signature efforts</ref><ref name="g8OnMilestoneCs">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.  [https://breakingdefense.com/2019/09/can-army-control-costs-of-its-new-weapons/ (19 September 2019)  Can Army Control Costs Of Its New Weapons?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920224434/https://breakingdefense.com/2019/09/can-army-control-costs-of-its-new-weapons/ |date=20 September 2019 }} Currently the Army has 692 programs of record</ref> were envisioned to become the materiel basis needed for [[overmatch]]ing any potential competitors in the '[[conflict continuum|continuum of conflict]]' over the next ten years<ref name="BigSix5yrTest1st" /><ref name="FOC2019">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2019/01/2019-forecast-12-moments-of-truth-for-army-modernization/ (11 January 2019) 12 Moments Of Truth For Army Modernization In 2019] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116200430/https://breakingdefense.com/2019/01/2019-forecast-12-moments-of-truth-for-army-modernization/ |date=16 January 2019 }}</ref> in multi-domain operations ([[Transformation of the United States Army#Multi-domain operations ((MDO)|MDO]]).<ref name="mdo101">MDO Challenge [https://community.apan.org/wg/aucoi/multi-domain-operations-in-education/w/wiki/25794/start-here---mdo-101/ (15 May 2019) *Start here* MDO 101] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515103106/https://community.apan.org/wg/aucoi/multi-domain-operations-in-education/w/wiki/25794/start-here---mdo-101/ |date=15 May 2021 }}  General explanation of multi-domain operations (MDO) for the layman</ref>

From an initial 12 people at its headquarters in 2018, AFC grew to more than 17,000 people<ref name= sizeUpdate >America's Future Series [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aXM4TjrduA (April 2023) GEN Mike Murray - Army Futures Command "What we got right"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031150831/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aXM4TjrduA |date=31 October 2023 }}</ref> across 25 states and 15 countries in 2019.<ref>Sean Kimmons {{citation |url=https://www.army.mil/article/224744/in_first_year_futures_command_grows_from_12_to_24000_personnel |publisher=Army News Service |date=July 19, 2019 |title=In first year, Futures Command grows from 12 to 24,000 personnel |access-date=7 February 2024 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408032511/https://www.army.mil/article/224744/in_first_year_futures_command_grows_from_12_to_24000_personnel |url-status=live }}</ref>  research facilities and personnel (including ARCIC and RDECOM) moved from other commands and parts of the Army such as the [[United States Army Research Laboratory]].<ref>{{citation |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2018/09/futures-command-wont-hurt-oversight-army-tells-congress/ |first=Sydney J. |last=Freedberg Jr |date=13 September 2018 |title=Futures Command Won't Hurt Oversight, Army Tells Congress |publisher=Breakingdefense.com |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914203804/https://breakingdefense.com/2018/09/futures-command-wont-hurt-oversight-army-tells-congress/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[ASA(ALT)]] Bruce Jette started xTechsearch to reward private innovators.<ref name="xTechSearch202x">Futures Command [https://www.arl.army.mil/xtechsearch/xtechsearch.html (2022) xTechSearch] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803125943/https://www.arl.army.mil/xtechsearch/xtechsearch.html |date=3 August 2022 }} The Army's ongoing search for capabilities</ref>{{efn|name=xtechsearch|1= {{anchor|xTechSearch}}The 2020 {{Proper name|[[xTechSearch]]}} top ten semifinalists (who will each receive $120,000) are:<ref name=xTechSearch2020semi>Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. (20 March 2020) [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/03/xtechsearch-army-picks-top-10-tech-innovators "xTechSearch: Army Picks Top 10 Tech Innovators"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321081219/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/03/xtechsearch-army-picks-top-10-tech-innovators/ |date=21 March 2020 }} breakingdefense.com</ref>

<ref name=xTechSearch202x /> }} The COVID-19 pandemic led the Army to run an {{Proper name|xTechsearch}} [[Ventilator]] Challenge.<ref name="ventilatorChallenge">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. (13 April 2020)  [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/04/covid-19-army-offers-prizes-for-new-ventilator-tech-asap/ COVID-19: Army Tries Prizes To Get Ventilator Tech ASAP ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414010827/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/04/covid-19-army-offers-prizes-for-new-ventilator-tech-asap/ |date=14 April 2020 }} breakingdefense.com</ref>  TRX Systems won an {{Proper name|xTechsearch}} award for technology that allows navigation in a GPS-denied environment.

On 13 October 2021, Army officials said most of AFC's 31 signature systems,<ref name="mccarthy2019">[https://www.army.mil/e2/downloads/rv7/2019_army_modernization_strategy_final.pdf Grinston, McConville, and McCarthy (2019) 2019 Army Modernization Strategy: Investing in the future] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230055953/https://www.army.mil/e2/downloads/rv7/2019_army_modernization_strategy_final.pdf |date=30 December 2019 }} 7 —Figure 3. Current Cross Functional Teams and Signature Efforts</ref> and the four rapid capability projects of the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office would be fielded by fiscal year 2023.<ref name="by2023">{{Cite web |title=Chief of staff: Most signature systems to be fielded by 2023, people still No. 1 |url=https://www.army.mil/article/251126/chief_of_staff_most_signature_systems_to_be_fielded_by_2023_people_still_no_1_priority |access-date=2021-12-15 |website=www.army.mil |date=13 October 2021 |language=en |archive-date=16 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016112629/https://www.army.mil/article/251126/chief_of_staff_most_signature_systems_to_be_fielded_by_2023_people_still_no_1_priority |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn| name= 24of35InFy2023|Andrew Eversden [https://breakingdefense.com/2021/12/heres-the-armys-24-programs-in-soldiers-hands-by-2023/ (17 Dec 2021) Here's the Army's 24 programs in soldiers' hands by 2023]

# [[Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon]] (LRHW) will not deploy by 1 Oct 2023.<ref name= failsPreflightCheck >Anthony Capaccio [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-14/us-army-faces-facts-its-hypersonic-weapon-will-miss-a-deadline (14 Sep 2023) US Army Faces Facts:Its Hypersonic Weapon To Miss a Deadline] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119031242/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-14/us-army-faces-facts-its-hypersonic-weapon-will-miss-a-deadline |date=19 January 2024 }}

*Sharon Weinberger, WSJ [https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/hypersonic-missiles-america-military-behind-936a3128 (15 Sep 2023) Hypersonic Missiles Are Game-Changers, and America Doesn't Have Them] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204101402/https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/hypersonic-missiles-america-military-behind-936a3128 |date=4 February 2024 }}</ref>

# Mid-range capability ([[Field Artillery Branch (United States)#Strategic Mid-Range Fires (SMRF)|§ MRC]]) missile, also called Strategic Mid-Range Fires (SMRF)<ref name=if12135update >Andrew Feickert, Specialist in Military Ground Forces, Congressional Research Service (CRS) [https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12135 (27 Dec 2022) The U.S. Army's Strategic Mid-Range Fires (SMRF) System (Formerly Mid-Range Capabilities &#91;MRC&#93; System)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111105802/https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12135 |date=11 January 2023 }} report IF12135</ref>

# Future Unmanned Aircraft Systems/ Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FUAS)/(FTUAS)<ref name=ftuas1Bct >Ashley Roque [https://www.janes.com/defence-news/c4isr-command-tech/latest/us-army-picks-aerovironments-jump-20-for-ftuas-increment-1 (22 Aug 2022) US Army picks AeroVironment's Jump 20 for FTUAS Increment 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822160609/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/c4isr-command-tech/latest/us-army-picks-aerovironments-jump-20-for-ftuas-increment-1 |date=22 August 2022 }}</ref><ref name= sizeOfUnmannedUnits >Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/unmanned-drones-take-too-many-humans-to-operate-says-top-army-aviator/ (27 Feb 2023) 'Unmanned' drones take too many humans to operate, says top Army aviator] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005155159/https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/unmanned-drones-take-too-many-humans-to-operate-says-top-army-aviator/ |date=5 October 2023 }}</ref>

# Common Operating Environment: Command Post Computing Environment<ref name= cpce >Jaspreet Gill [https://breakingdefense.com/2022/01/army-well-on-its-way-to-first-oconus-cloud-in-indo-pacific/ (14 Jan 2022) Army 'well on its way' to first OCONUS cloud in Indo-Pacific] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005154942/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/01/army-well-on-its-way-to-first-oconus-cloud-in-indo-pacific/ |date=5 October 2023 }}</ref>/Mounted Computed Environment (CPCE)/(MCE) ''See [[Common operational picture ]]''

# Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing System (MAPS)<ref name= daps/><ref name= updated24 >Andrew Eversden  [https://breakingdefense.com/2021/12/heres-the-armys-24-programs-in-soldiers-hands-by-2023/ (Feb. 2, 2022 at 12:09 PM ET update) Here's the Army's 24 programs in soldiers' hands by 2023] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207061557/https://breakingdefense.com/2021/12/heres-the-armys-24-programs-in-soldiers-hands-by-2023/ |date=7 February 2024 }} Updated by AFC</ref>

# Dismounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing System (DAPS)<ref name= daps>[https://peoiews.army.mil/pm-pnt/ Alternative PNT & Area Protection] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224043338/https://peoiews.army.mil/pm-pnt/ |date=24 December 2021 }} DAPS</ref>

#Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor|§ LTAMDS]])<ref name= mdaa>MDAA [https://missiledefenseadvocacy.org/defense-systems/lower-tier-air-and-missile-defense-sensor-ltamds/ (24 Jul 2020) Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216090554/https://missiledefenseadvocacy.org/defense-systems/lower-tier-air-and-missile-defense-sensor-ltamds/ |date=16 December 2023 }}</ref> - Patriot radar replacement

# Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense  (DE M-SHORAD)<ref name= 50kwHels>Jen Judson [https://news.yahoo.com/army-readies-deliver-first-set-181848878.html (13 Jan 2022) Army readies to deliver first set of Strykers with 50-kilowatt laser weapons] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110162145/https://news.yahoo.com/army-readies-deliver-first-set-181848878.html |date=10 November 2022 }}</ref> High energy lasers

# One World Terrain/ Training Management Tools/ Training Simulation Software (OWT) / (TMT) / (TSS) - [[#ste|Synthetic training environment]],<ref name= owtMaxar >Jaspreet Gill [https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/maxar-plans-geospatial-data-multi-source-collection-for-armys-one-world-terrain/ (27 Feb 2023) Maxar plans geospatial data, multi-source collection for Army's One World Terrain] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005154905/https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/maxar-plans-geospatial-data-multi-source-collection-for-armys-one-world-terrain/ |date=5 October 2023 }}</ref>

<ref name= mccarthy2019 /><ref name="by2023" /><ref name=34signaturePrograms>Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/05/army-braces-for-post-covid-cuts-gen-murray (20 May 2020) Army Braces For Post-COVID Cuts: Gen. Murray ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528082610/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/05/army-braces-for-post-covid-cuts-gen-murray/ |date=28 May 2020 }} 34 Signature Programs: 31 in Futures Command, 3 in RCCTO</ref>

<!--Modular Active Protection Systems (MAPS)--><ref name= mapWins>MG [[Cedric T. Wins]] [https://asc.army.mil/web/news-alt-jfm19-rdecoms-road-map-to-modernizing-the-army-next-generation-combat-vehicle/ (5 Dec 2018) RDECOM'S ROAD MAP TO MODERNIZING THE ARMY: NEXT GENERATION COMBAT VEHICLE] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207145949/https://asc.army.mil/web/news-alt-jfm19-rdecoms-road-map-to-modernizing-the-army-next-generation-combat-vehicle/ |date=7 December 2023 }} MODULAR ACTIVE PROTECTION SYSTEMS. Second in a series.</ref><ref name= drBush19Sep2023 >U.S. Army Public Affairs  [https://www.army.mil/article/270148/transcript_media_roundtable_with_douglas_bush_asa_for_alt_september_19_2023 (21 Sep 2023) Transcript: Media Roundtable with Douglas Bush, ASA for AL&T, September 19, 2023] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006213258/https://www.army.mil/article/270148/transcript_media_roundtable_with_douglas_bush_asa_for_alt_september_19_2023 |date=6 October 2023 }} Updates for IBCS, IVAS 1.2, Mid-range capability (MRC), AMPV, Abrams M1E3, XM30 (MPF), XM7, XM250, {Ukraine-related: 155mm shells, GMLRS, HIMARS, Javelin, Stinger, 777 tubes}, {other questions which are out of the scope of [[ASA(ALT)]], etc.}</ref>  

}}{{efn|name= waypointsToMDO| In Future Vertical Lift, FARA and FLRAA are projected to be prototyped by 2028, with fielding by 2030.<ref name="flraaRFI"/><ref name=fvlEntersServiceFy2030 >Steve Trimble [https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/us-army-upgrades-vision-future-vertical-lift-programs (24 July 2020) U.S. Army Upgrades Vision For Future Vertical Lift Programs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729110301/https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/us-army-upgrades-vision-future-vertical-lift-programs |date=29 July 2020 }}</ref> The OMFV prototype is projected for 2025.<ref name="omfvByPhasesFor2023,25,28">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.  [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/02/omfv-army-seeks-industry-advice-on-bradley-replacement/ (10 April 2020) Army Revamps OMFV Bradley Replacement For Russian Front ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226195834/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/02/omfv-army-seeks-industry-advice-on-bradley-replacement/ |date=26 February 2020 }} OMFV digital designs by 2023, prototypes by 2025, operational by 2028

*Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2021/03/a-war-with-china-would-spread-to-land-says-army-tanker/ (11 Mar 2021) A War With China Would Spread To Land, Says Army Tanker] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311232344/https://breakingdefense.com/2021/03/a-war-with-china-would-spread-to-land-says-army-tanker/ |date=11 March 2021 }}</ref>}}

In 2022, Army leaders projected that 24 of the top-35 priority modernization programs would be deployed by fiscal 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=2022-09-06 |title=Futures Command faces identity crisis as Army shifts mission |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/09/06/futures-command-faces-identity-crisis-as-army-shifts-mission/ |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=Defense News |language=en |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207060921/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/09/06/futures-command-faces-identity-crisis-as-army-shifts-mission/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Army Secretary Christine Wormuth announced the top six areas for the Army of 2030:<ref name="topSixIn2030">Andrew Eversden [https://breakingdefense.com/2022/09/wormuth-here-are-the-6-areas-the-army-must-be-prepared-for-in-2030/ (15 Sep 2022) Wormuth: Here are the 6 areas the Army must be prepared for in 2030] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915145257/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/09/wormuth-here-are-the-6-areas-the-army-must-be-prepared-for-in-2030/ |date=15 September 2022 }}</ref><ref name="6AreasArmy2030">[[Christine Wormuth]], 25th Secretary of the Army [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6N6rRAKl3o (10 Oct 2022) AUSA 2022 Opening Ceremony] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509123353/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6N6rRAKl3o |date=9 May 2023 }}  hour 0:37:50 to 1:05:41</ref>{{rp|minute 43:30}} 1) improved intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; 2) "Coordination at greater speed";{{efn|name= leoLRPFKillChain}} 3) "Win the Fires fight"; 4) concealment<ref name="milleyOnUkr">Patrick Tucker [https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2022/09/ukraine-war-offers-clues-future-war-joint-chiefs-chairman-says/377150/ (14 Sep 2022) Ukraine War Offers Clues to Future War, Joint Chiefs Chairman Says] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220917010525/https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2022/09/ukraine-war-offers-clues-future-war-joint-chiefs-chairman-says/377150/ |date=17 September 2022 }}</ref><ref name="economist">The Economist [https://www.economist.com/europe/2022/11/30/what-is-the-war-in-ukraine-teaching-western-armies? (30 Nov 2022) What is the war in Ukraine teaching Western armies?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007082311/https://www.economist.com/europe/2022/11/30/what-is-the-war-in-ukraine-teaching-western-armies |date=7 October 2023 }} "It shows the importance of dispersal, firepower and stockpiles"</ref> via improved mobility and reduced signature; 5) "talk often and quickly";<ref name="goldfeinRaymond" />{{efn|name=hyten2020}} and 6) logistics.<ref name="topSixIn2030" /><ref name="3lrpf2030">Joe Lacdan, Army News Service [https://www.army.mil/article/261388/army_of_2030_collaboration_key_to_army_modernization (24 Oct 2022) Army of 2030: Collaboration key to Army modernization] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026061947/https://www.army.mil/article/261388/army_of_2030_collaboration_key_to_army_modernization |date=26 October 2022 }}</ref><ref name="csaPaper1" /><ref name="csa2" />

<ref name="combArms">US Army Public Affairs [https://www.dvidshub.net/video/860148/ausa-contemporary-military-forum-army-2030-preparing-today-tomorrows-fight (10 Oct  2022) AUSA Contemporary Military Forum: Army 2030 - Preparing Today for Tomorrow's Fight] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011075756/https://www.dvidshub.net/video/860148/ausa-contemporary-military-forum-army-2030-preparing-today-tomorrows-fight |date=11 October 2022 }} Gen. McConville, Gen.(Ret) Perkins, DepUnderSec Diaz, Gen. Rainey, LTG Beagle, Prof. Greer (SAMS)</ref><ref name="ukrExample">Caitlin Kenny [https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2022/10/divisions-corps-replace-brigades-armys-wartime-formation-choice/378234/ (10 Oct 2022)  Divisions, Corps to Replace Brigades As Army's Wartime Formation Of Choice] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528160753/https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2022/10/divisions-corps-replace-brigades-armys-wartime-formation-choice/378234/ |date=28 May 2023 }} "Brigades that operated largely independently in Iraq and Afghanistan will fight as part of larger units in future conflicts, officials said".</ref>

<!--UAS, Combined Arms, MDO, CFTs, Large formations, Sustainment over time --><ref name="afcAmcContestdLogist">Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/03/29/us-army-has-a-gigantic-problem-with-logistics-in-the-indo-pacific/ (29 Mar 2023) US Army has a 'gigantic problem' with logistics in the Indo-Pacific] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207060922/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/03/29/us-army-has-a-gigantic-problem-with-logistics-in-the-indo-pacific/ |date=7 February 2024 }} AMC is lead, AFC sets requirements</ref>  

<ref name="tradoc2022">TRADOC [https://adminpubs.tradoc.army.mil/pamphlets/TP525-92.pdf (13 Apr 2022)  The Operational Environment and the Changing Character of Warfare] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228055047/https://adminpubs.tradoc.army.mil/pamphlets/TP525-92.pdf |date=28 February 2022 }} TP 525-92</ref>

{{anchor|Project Convergence}}By 2022, Futures Command was conducting the third annual iteration of [[Transformation of the United States Army#Project Convergence 2024|Project Convergence]]: experiments and joint tests of 300 technologies by the Defense Department and its allies and partners.<ref name="jadc2Works">Colin Demarest  [https://www.defensenews.com/battlefield-tech/it-networks/2022/10/21/project-convergence-shows-jadc2-alignment-leaders-from-3-services-say/ (21 Oct 2022) Project Convergence shows JADC2 alignment, leaders from 3 services say] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207060958/https://www.defensenews.com/battlefield-tech/it-networks/2022/10/21/project-convergence-shows-jadc2-alignment-leaders-from-3-services-say/ |date=7 February 2024 }}  Interoperations "show the services are aligned and not disjointed".</ref><ref name="1stSpBrigade300Tech">Jason Cutshaw [https://www.army.mil/article/262533/experiment_demos_army_space_capabilities (5 Dec 2022) Experiment demos Army space capabilities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005160457/https://www.army.mil/article/262533/experiment_demos_army_space_capabilities |date=5 October 2023 }} to test 300 technologies</ref><ref name="NavyOvermatch">Megan Eckstein and Colin Demarest [https://www.defensenews.com/outlook/2022/12/05/project-overmatch-us-navy-preps-to-deploy-secretive-multidomain-tech/ (8 Dec 2022) Project Overmatch: US Navy preps to deploy secretive multidomain tech] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207060924/https://www.defensenews.com/outlook/2022/12/05/project-overmatch-us-navy-preps-to-deploy-secretive-multidomain-tech/ |date=7 February 2024 }}</ref><ref name="pc24Rainey">Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/02/07/army-sets-sights-on-2024-for-next-project-convergence/ (7 Feb 2023) Army sets sights on 2024 for next Project Convergence] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207060924/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/02/07/army-sets-sights-on-2024-for-next-project-convergence/ |date=7 February 2024 }}</ref><ref name="nopc23">Ashley Roque [https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/no-convergence-in-2023-army-deliberating-the-path-ahead-for-signature-jadc2-exercise/ (8 Feb 2023) No Convergence in 2023: Army deliberating the path ahead for signature JADC2 exercise] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110143624/https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/no-convergence-in-2023-army-deliberating-the-path-ahead-for-signature-jadc2-exercise/ |date=10 November 2023 }}</ref>

{{anchor|Army of 2040}}In October 2022, Wormuth assigned AFC to work on "Army of 2040" concepts.{{efn|name=g357}}<ref name="army2040">Signal [https://www.afcea.org/signal-media/army-takes-extended-view-2040 (10 Oct 2022) The Army Takes an Extended View to 2040] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028133059/https://www.afcea.org/signal-media/army-takes-extended-view-2040 |date=28 October 2022 }}</ref><ref name="6AreasArmy2030" />{{rp|minute 51:00}}<ref name="3lrpf2030" /><ref name="aiAtPc22">Jaspreet Gill [https://breakingdefense.com/2022/10/with-new-tech-gateways-army-identifies-promising-ai-algorithms-at-project-convergence/ (19  Oct 2022) As Project Convergence tries new 'tech gateways', 2 AI algorithms to transition to programs of record] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023172339/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/10/with-new-tech-gateways-army-identifies-promising-ai-algorithms-at-project-convergence/ |date=23 October 2022 }} Todd Army 2040</ref><ref name="reverseEngineeringHimars">Parth Satam [https://eurasiantimes.com/decoding-himars-design-philosophy-latest-images-show-russia-could-be-analyzing-deadly-us-rockets/ (15 Nov 2022) Decoding HIMARS' 'Design Philosophy', Latest Images Show Russia Could Be Analyzing Deadly US Rockets] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115161841/https://eurasiantimes.com/decoding-himars-design-philosophy-latest-images-show-russia-could-be-analyzing-deadly-us-rockets/ |date=15 November 2022 }}</ref> Two months later, Futures Command hosted a conference with representatives from AMC, TRADOC, FORSCOM, and Headquarters Department of the Army.<ref name="futureReadiness">Maureena Thompson, Army Futures Command [https://www.army.mil/article/263056/afc_hosts_inaugural_army_future_readiness_conference (3 January 2023) AFC hosts inaugural Army Future Readiness Conference] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105154316/https://www.army.mil/article/263056/afc_hosts_inaugural_army_future_readiness_conference |date=5 January 2023 }}</ref><ref name="2040transformation">Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/02/08/new-futures-command-chief-shifts-main-effort-to-designing-army-of-2040/ (8 Feb 2023) New Futures Command chief shifts main effort to designing Army of 2040] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207061045/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/02/08/new-futures-command-chief-shifts-main-effort-to-designing-army-of-2040/ |date=7 February 2024 }}</ref><ref name="ferrari23">John Ferrari [https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/congress-can-put-army-modernization-back-on-track/ (2 Mar 2023) Congress can put Army modernization back on track] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629092137/https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/congress-can-put-army-modernization-back-on-track/ |date=29 June 2023 }} "AEI's John Ferrari asks five important questions that the Army needs to answer before committing to high-dollar procurments {{sic}} during its modernization push".</ref><ref name="rainey2040">Jen Judson [https://news.yahoo.com/us-army-moves-tweak-formations-195558014.html (4 Apr 2023) The US Army moves to tweak its formations for future conflicts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405141516/https://news.yahoo.com/us-army-moves-tweak-formations-195558014.html |date=5 April 2023 }} AFC to work with TRADOC</ref> AFC is leading the development of a new Army Operating Concept (v. 1.0) for the Army of 2030 to 2040.<ref name="aTheoryOfVictory">Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/07/31/army-futures-command-drafting-next-operating-concept/ (31 July 2023) Army Futures Command drafting next operating concept] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207061044/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/07/31/army-futures-command-drafting-next-operating-concept/ |date=7 February 2024 }}</ref><ref name="may23">Joe Lacdan, Army News Service [https://www.army.mil/article/266836/lanpac_2023_army_faces_most_disruptive_period_since_world_war_ii (19 May 2023) LANPAC 2023: Army faces most 'disruptive' period since World War II] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002060046/https://www.army.mil/article/266836/lanpac_2023_army_faces_most_disruptive_period_since_world_war_ii |date=2 October 2023 }}</ref>{{efn|name=g357}}

The 'All-domain sensing cross-functional team' (CFT) is standing up to support the plethora of data coming from data sources across the joint and combined services, allies, and partners.<ref name= adSensing >Ashley Rocque [https://breakingdefense.com/2024/03/army-creates-new-all-domain-sensing-cross-functional-team-out-of-success-of-pnt-team/ ( Army creates new 'All-Domain Sensing' cross-functional team out of 'success' of PNT team]</ref> This CFT is built from the existing PNT (positioning, navigation, and tracking) CFT.<ref name= adSensing /> ''See Combined [[JADC2]]''. The contested logistics CFT was stood up in 2023.<ref name= clog2023 >Ashley Rocque [https://breakingdefense.com/2024/03/army-creates-new-all-domain-sensing-cross-functional-team-out-of-success-of-pnt-team/ (9 Oct 2023) Army’s contested logistics team close to ‘fully’ operational: General Rainey]</ref><ref name=afcAmcContestdLogist />

* The '''Futures and Concepts Center''':<ref name="arcicTransitionOfAuthority,FuturesAndConceptsCenter">Army Futures Command [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDTizak7Ja0 YouTube clip (7 December 2018) ARCIC Transition of Authority Ceremony 7 Dec 2018] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190919003819/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDTizak7Ja0&gl=US&hl=en |date=19 September 2019 }} to Futures and Concepts Center, AFC</ref> The first commander was AFC deputy commanding general General Eric J. Wesley,<ref>Army Futures Command {{Cite web |last=FCC Leadership |date=February 20, 2020 |title=Futures and Concepts Center |url=https://futuresconcepts.army.mil/ |access-date=February 20, 2020 |website=Futures and Concepts Center |archive-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509025829/https://futuresconcepts.army.mil/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="15Aug2018">US Army [https://www.army.mil/article/209932/army_futures_command_aims_to_tap_into_innovative_culture_in_austin_and_beyond (15 August 2018) Army Futures Command aims to tap into innovative culture in Austin and beyond] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816194334/https://www.army.mil/article/209932/army_futures_command_aims_to_tap_into_innovative_culture_in_austin_and_beyond |date=16 August 2018 }}</ref><ref name="Wesley2Aug2018" /><ref name="holland" /><ref name="RandApB" /> and it was led in 2021 by Lieutenant General Scott McKean.<ref name="fccAustin" /> The center operates along four lines of effort: science and technology,<ref name="usableEffects" group="Note">As an example, any number of effects can be weaponized (see p.1 ''The New York Times'' 2 September 2018 "Invisible strikes may be cause of envoy's ills", describing the [[Microwave auditory effect]]), or else countered. Hypersonic vehicles are a countermeasure to ballistic missiles.</ref><ref name="directedEnergyAttacks">BETSY WOODRUFF SWAN, ANDREW DESIDERIO, LARA SELIGMAN and ERIN BANCO [https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/22/pentagon-russia-attacks-us-troops-484150 (22 Apr 2021) Pentagon investigated suspected Russian directed-energy attacks on U.S. troops] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105031311/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/22/pentagon-russia-attacks-us-troops-484150 |date=5 November 2021 }}</ref> experiments, concepts development,<ref name="reformers" /><ref name="MS,TRAC">TRADOC Analysis Center. [http://www.trac.army.mil/MS_TRAC.html Combined Arms training center. Fort Leavenworth] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602165623/http://www.trac.army.mil/MS_TRAC.html|date=2 June 2018}}</ref><ref name="mcbl">{{Cite web |title=Mission Command Battle Lab (MCBL) |url=https://usacac.army.mil/organizations/mccoe/cdid/mcbl |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=usacac.army.mil |publisher=US Army Combined Arms Center |archive-date=15 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115054501/http://usacac.army.mil/organizations/mccoe/cdid/mcbl |url-status=live }}</ref> and requirements development.<ref name="returnToCompetition" />

* '''Combat Development''':<ref name="rdecom,ccdc">Argie Sarantinos-Perrin, CCDC HQ Public Affairs [https://www.army.mil/article/216858/rdecom_transitions_to_army_futures_command (31 January 2019) RDECOM transitions to Army Futures Command] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201185701/https://www.army.mil/article/216858/rdecom_transitions_to_army_futures_command |date=1 February 2019 }}</ref><ref name="10dec2018">Sydney Freedberg [https://breakingdefense.com/2018/12/us-armys-brain-transplant-futurists-move-to-futures-command/ (10 Dec 2018) US Army's Brain Transplant: Futurists Move To Futures Command] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211023506/https://breakingdefense.com/2018/12/us-armys-brain-transplant-futurists-move-to-futures-command/ |date=11 December 2018 }}</ref><ref name="arcicTransitionOfAuthority,FuturesAndConceptsCenter" /> Helps AFC commander to assess and integrate the future operational environment, emerging threats, and technologies to develop and deliver concepts, requirements, and future force designs.

The capability development integration directorate ([[#AFC branch locations|CDID]]) of each [[Center of excellence#United States Army|Center of Excellence]], works with its [[#Cross-functional teams|CFT]]<ref name="aCFT" group="Note" /> and its research, development and engineering center to develop operational experiments and prototypes to test.

The Battle Labs and the Research Analysis Center<ref name="TRAC">{{Cite web |title=TRAC makes official move to Futures Command |url=https://www.army.mil/article/214721/trac_makes_official_move_to_futures_command |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=www.army.mil |date=6 December 2018 |language=en |archive-date=9 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209130034/https://www.army.mil/article/214721/trac_makes_official_move_to_futures_command |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="MS,TRAC" /> prototype and analyze the concepts to test.

The [[Brigade Modernization Command|Joint Modernization Command]] (JMC) provides live developmental experiments to test those concepts or capabilities, "scalable from company level to corps, amid tough, realistic multi-domain operations".<ref name="JMC,AFC5sep2018" /><ref name="mdb" /><ref name="indoPacCom">US Army [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ9e38B4sxQ (4 Sep 2018) U.S. Army Pacific Commander Gen. Robert Brown: State of the Pacific ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920091503/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ9e38B4sxQ&gl=US&hl=en |date=20 September 2018 }}</ref>

The [[United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command|Combat Capabilities Development Command]] (CCDC, or DEVCOM), the former RDECOM, part of the Combat Development element. Stood up on 3 February 2019.<ref name="rdecom,ccdc" /><ref name="ccdc8feb2019cg">{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Sydney J. Freedberg |date=2019-02-08 |title=Army R&D Chief: 'I Don't Think We Went Far Enough' – But Futures Command Can |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2019/02/army-rd-chief-i-dont-think-we-went-far-enough-but-futures-command-can/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207060921/https://breakingdefense.com/2019/02/army-rd-chief-i-dont-think-we-went-far-enough-but-futures-command-can/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ccdc31jan2019" /><ref name="STforTerminalBallistics">CCDC Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs [https://www.army.mil/article/221048/army_selects_senior_research_scientist_for_terminal_ballistics (29 April 2019) Army selects senior research scientist for terminal ballistics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922153855/https://www.army.mil/article/221048/army_selects_senior_research_scientist_for_terminal_ballistics |date=22 September 2020 }} Fewer than 50 STs across the Army: An ST is a general-officer equivalent

[[File:Multi-domain operations,investmentPlan2020.png|upright=1.4|thumb|right|''Multi-domain operations ([[#mdoJadc2|MDO]])'': Friendly forces (denoted in black)<ref name="2020fy19,21accomplishments,investmentPlan">US Army [https://www.army.mil/e2/downloads/rv7/about/usarmy_fy19_21_accomplishments_and_investment_plan.pdf (2020) AMERICA'S ARMY: READY NOW,INVESTING IN THE FUTURE] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406143601/https://www.army.mil/e2/downloads/rv7/about/usarmy_fy19_21_accomplishments_and_investment_plan.pdf |date=6 April 2020 }}  FY19-21 accomplishments and investment plan</ref> operating in multi-domains (gray, yellow, light blue, dark gray, and dark blue)—Space, Cyber, Air, Land, and Maritime respectively—cooperate across domains,{{efn|name= unclMdoConcept}} working as an integrated force against adversaries (denoted in red). These operations will disrupt these adversaries, and present them [[Reorganization plan of United States Army#jadoConceptBy2020|multiple simultaneous dilemmas]],{{efn|name=leoLRPFKillChain}} to encourage adversaries to return to competition rather than continue a conflict.<ref name=mdo101/><ref name=mdoBottomUp>Andrew Smith [https://othjournal.com/2020/04/09/convergence-within-socom-a-bottom-up-approach-to-multi-domain-operations/ (9 Apr 2020) Convergence within SOCOM – A Bottom-Up Approach to Multi Domain Operations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410220446/https://othjournal.com/2020/04/09/convergence-within-socom-a-bottom-up-approach-to-multi-domain-operations/ |date=10 April 2020 }}</ref><ref name= reskillingNewSkills>Todd South [https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/06/17/even-generals-must-learn-new-skills-in-tech-dominated-special-operations-future/ (17 Jun 2021) Even generals must learn new skills in tech-dominated special operations future] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617175703/https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/06/17/even-generals-must-learn-new-skills-in-tech-dominated-special-operations-future/ |date=17 June 2021 }}</ref>]]

In 2023, the Army announced that it would create a ninth team, for Contested Logistics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=2023-03-29 |title=US Army forms new modernization team to tackle contested logistics |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/03/29/us-army-forms-new-modernization-team-to-tackle-contested-logistics/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=Defense News |language=en |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207061456/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/03/29/us-army-forms-new-modernization-team-to-tackle-contested-logistics/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="afcAmcContestdLogist" /><ref name="aps3LessonsLearned">Ashley Rocque  [https://breakingdefense.com/2023/08/from-petroleum-pipes-to-pest-problems-what-a-us-army-2-star-learned-from-talisman-sabre-23/ (7 Aug 2023) From petroleum pipes to pest problems, what a US Army 2-star learned from Talisman Sabre 23] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807175530/https://breakingdefense.com/2023/08/from-petroleum-pipes-to-pest-problems-what-a-us-army-2-star-learned-from-talisman-sabre-23/ |date=7 August 2023 }}</ref> The 2023 exercises for IndoPacom will test its prepositioned stocks.<ref name="sustTest">Ashley Roque [https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/army-to-use-pacific-pathways-to-test-assumptions-about-contested-logistics-prepositioned-stocks/ (31 Mar 2023) Army to use Pacific Pathways to test assumptions about ‘contested logistics,’ prepositioned stocks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401081841/https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/army-to-use-pacific-pathways-to-test-assumptions-about-contested-logistics-prepositioned-stocks/ |date=1 April 2023 }}</ref> The CG of Army Materiel Command is taking the lead for contested logistics.<ref name="cgAmcLeadsCft">Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/global-force-symposium/2023/03/31/army-materiel-command-boss-says-logistics-are-key-to-future-warfare/ (31 Mar 2023) Army Materiel Command boss says logistics are key to future warfare] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207061501/https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/global-force-symposium/2023/03/31/army-materiel-command-boss-says-logistics-are-key-to-future-warfare/ |date=7 February 2024 }}</ref><!-- <ref name= > [ ( ] </ref> <→·→—°→—°←<\·<|>/>-->

In 2018, McCarthy characterized a CFT as a team of teams, led by a requirements leader, program manager, sustainer and tester.<ref name="cftIsaTeamOfTeams">Scott Maucione [https://federalnewsradio.com/army/2018/09/army-leaders-ask-for-trust-in-lieu-of-metrics-for-futures-command/ (14 Sep 2018) Army leaders ask for trust in lieu of metrics for Futures Command] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917181618/https://federalnewsradio.com/army/2018/09/army-leaders-ask-for-trust-in-lieu-of-metrics-for-futures-command/ |date=17 September 2018 }}</ref> Some CFTs also have representatives of U.S. allies.<ref name="embeddedAllies">{{Cite web |title=Allies to join Army Futures Command |url=https://www.army.mil/article/219670/allies_to_join_army_futures_command |access-date=2021-12-15 |website=www.army.mil |date=8 April 2019 |language=en |archive-date=8 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408200322/https://www.army.mil/article/219670/allies_to_join_army_futures_command |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="noUniforms" /> Each CFT lead is mentored by a 4-star general.<ref name="lean,mean">{{Cite web |last=Freedberg Jr |first=Sydney |date=2018-08-14 |title=Inside Army Futures Command: CFT Chiefs Take Charge |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2018/08/inside-army-futures-command-cross-functional-teams-take-root/ |access-date=2021-12-15 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207061453/https://breakingdefense.com/2018/08/inside-army-futures-command-cross-functional-teams-take-root/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Each CFT can have a Capability Development Integration Directorate.<ref name="aCFT" group="Note" /> For example, the Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, in coordination with the Aviation Program Executive Officer (PEO), contains the Vertical Lift CFT and the Aviation CDID. "We were never above probably a total of eight people", the Aviation CFT's Brigadier General Wally Rugen said in 2018.<ref name="lean,mean" /> Four of the eight CFT leads have now shifted from dual-hat jobs to full-time status.

Each CFT must strike a balance amid constraints—the realms of requirements, acquisition, science and technology, test, resourcing, costing, and sustainment—to produce a realizable concept before a competitor achieves it.<ref name="AD2017,24">US Army [https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN6101_AD2017-24_Web_Final.pdf (6 Oct 2017) Army Directive 2017-24 (Cross-Functional Team Pilot In Support of Materiel Development)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727183847/https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN6101_AD2017-24_Web_Final.pdf |date=27 July 2021 }}</ref>

The [[United States Army Acquisition Corps|Army Requirements Oversight Council]] (AROC) itself serves as a kind of CFT,{{efn|name=g357}} operating at a higher level<ref name="ar71_9">Headquarters, Department of the Army  [https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN31331-AR_71-9-000-WEB-1.pdf (29 Jun 2021) Army Regulation 71–9 Force Management. Warfighting Capabilities Determination] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023123743/https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN31331-AR_71-9-000-WEB-1.pdf |date=23 October 2022 }} °1-6c, p.1) tasks for CG,AFC; °2-24 p.13) CG,AFC is a principal member of AROC, with 43 duties ''a through qq''; °3-1 ch.3 pp20-21) AROC is a forum for requirements decisions (RDF); °4-1 p.24)  CG,AFC is responsible for force design; °6-4 p39) figure 6-1 Deliberate staffing and review process; ''figures for more staffing and review processes follow.''</ref><ref name="ar71,9">Research, Development, and Acquisition [https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN11041_AR71-9_FINAL.pdf AR 71–9 (2009) Warfighting Capabilities Determination] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422114434/https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN11041_AR71-9_FINAL.pdf |date=22 April 2021 }} Aug 15, 2019 update</ref><ref name="ad220207a"/><ref name="ar70,1">Research, Development, and Acquisition [https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/ccap/cc/jcchb/Files/FormsPubsRegs/Pubs/Army%20Regulation%2070-1.pdf (22 Jul 2011) Army Acquisition Policy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422112931/https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/ccap/cc/jcchb/Files/FormsPubsRegs/Pubs/Army%20Regulation%2070-1.pdf |date=22 April 2021 }} AR 70-1</ref><ref name="Milley2016">Jared Serbu [https://federalnewsnetwork.com/army/2016/03/army-puts-chief-staff-center-acquisition-decisions/ (11 Mar 2016) Army puts its chief of staff 'at the center' of acquisition decisions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422112931/https://federalnewsnetwork.com/army/2016/03/army-puts-chief-staff-center-acquisition-decisions/ |date=22 April 2021 }}</ref><ref name="ArocRoadmap">USAASC, Army ALT Magazine, Best Practices [https://asc.army.mil/web/news-a-model-and-process-for-transitioning-urgent-acquisition/ (16 February 2018) A Model and Process for Transitioning Urgent Acquisition] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422112933/https://asc.army.mil/web/news-a-model-and-process-for-transitioning-urgent-acquisition/ |date=22 April 2021 }} - USAASC (United States Army Acquisition Corps)</ref> as response to Congressional oversight, budgeting, funding, policy, and authorization for action.<ref name="holland" /><ref name="RandApB" /><ref name="afcScope">Jen Judson  [https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/09/06/futures-command-faces-identity-crisis-as-army-shifts-mission/ (6 Sep 2022) Futures Command faces identity crisis as Army shifts mission ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207060921/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/09/06/futures-command-faces-identity-crisis-as-army-shifts-mission/ |date=7 February 2024 }}</ref><ref name="afcTimer" /><ref name="afcCg">{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=2022-09-06 |title=Army's next Futures Command leader could come 'in short order' |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/09/06/armys-next-futures-command-leader-could-come-in-short-order/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=Defense News |language=en |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207061047/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/09/06/armys-next-futures-command-leader-could-come-in-short-order/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="newAfcCgNom">{{Cite web |last=Eversden |first=Andrew |date=2022-09-07 |title=After months of delay, Army nominates new commander for Futures Command |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2022/09/after-months-of-delay-army-nominates-new-commander-for-futures-command/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207061457/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/09/after-months-of-delay-army-nominates-new-commander-for-futures-command/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="cgBackgrounder">{{Cite web |title=Army announces new Futures Command leader as Texas senator calls for clarity on innovating force |url=https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2022-09-08/army-futures-command-ndaa-texas-7260624.html |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=Stars and Stripes |language=en |archive-date=10 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220910001800/https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2022-09-08/army-futures-command-ndaa-texas-7260624.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

AFC and the CFTs are expected to unify control of the Army' s $30 billion modernization budget.<ref name=esper29aug2018>Sydney Freedberg [https://breakingdefense.com/2018/08/army-futures-command-100m-500-staff-access-to-top-leaders/ (29 August 2018) Army Futures Command: $100M, 500 Staff, & Access To Top Leaders] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831211812/https://breakingdefense.com/2018/08/army-futures-command-100m-500-staff-access-to-top-leaders/ |date=31 August 2018 }}</ref><ref name=noUniforms/>[[File:Multi Domain Operations,space.png|thumb|upright=1.4|[[Reorganization plan of United States Army#Multi-domain operations (MDO)|Multi-domain operations (MDO)]]{{efn|name= unclMdoConcept}} span multiple domains: cislunar space, land, air, maritime, cyber, and populations.<ref name=mdoSpace>Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, US Army [https://www.dvidshub.net/video/715345/2019-ausa-warriors-corner-tacticalspace-delivering-future-force-space-capabilities (10.16.2019) 2019 AUSA Warriors Corner - TacticalSpace: Delivering Future Force Space Capabilities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022185406/https://www.dvidshub.net/video/715345/2019-ausa-warriors-corner-tacticalspace-delivering-future-force-space-capabilities |date=22 October 2019 }}</ref>{{rp|minute 17:45}}<ref name=apntTacSpaceNavWar/><ref name="afatdsKillChain">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/08/army-tests-new-all-domain-kill-chain-from-space-to-ai/ (5 August 2020) Army Tests New All Domain Kill Chain: From Space To AI ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806065556/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/08/army-tests-new-all-domain-kill-chain-from-space-to-ai/ |date=6 August 2020 }}

# satellites perform Battle damage assessment, to update the list of threats and targets.</ref><ref name="intelDataFeedToKillChain">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/08/can-army-intel-data-feed-the-kill-chain/ (14 August 2020) Can Army Intel Data Feed The Kill Chain? ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816060013/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/08/can-army-intel-data-feed-the-kill-chain/ |date=16 August 2020 }} Quickly pooling data will take AI and cloud—"Project Convergence"</ref>  Echelons above brigade (division, corps, and theater army) engage in a [[continuum of conflict]]. —This illustration is from ''The MDO Concept'', TRADOC pamphlet 525-3-1.{{efn |name= mdoExplainer |1= Echelons above brigade (division, corps, and theater army) engage in a [[continuum of conflict]].{{efn|name=hyten2020|1= Colin Clark [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/02/gen-hyten-on-the-new-american-way-of-war-all-domain-operations/ (18 Feb 2020) Gen. Hyten On The New American Way of War: All-Domain Operations] (ADO)

}} {{efn|name= leoLRPFKillChain|1= Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.  [https://breakingdefense.com/2019/11/secarmys-multi-domain-kill-chain-space-to-cloud-to-ai/  (November 22, 2019)  SecArmy's Multi-Domain Kill Chain: Space-Cloud-AI ] Army Multi-Domain Operations Concept, December 2018 slide from [https://adminpubs.tradoc.army.mil/pamphlets/TP525-3-1.pdf TRADOC pamphlet 525-3-1 (Dec 2018)].

{{anchor|jadoDevFromMdo}}[[File:Multi Domain Operations,space.png|thumb|Multi-domain operations (MDO) span multiple domains: [[Outer space#Cislunar space|cislunar space]], land, air, maritime, cyber, and populations.]]

# Adversary retreats to standoff. The populations perceive that the adversary is defeated, for now. (Compare to [[Reorganization plan of United States Army#mdbPerkinsMdo|Perkins' cycle]], 'return to competition', in which deterrence has succeeded in avoiding a total war, in favor of pushing an adversary back to standoff (the red threat bar). Blue force projection still has overmatched red threat.)}}<ref name= mdoSpaceRef >Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, US Army

[https://www.dvidshub.net/video/715345/2019-ausa-warriors-corner-tacticalspace-delivering-future-force-space-capabilities  (10.16.2019) 2019 AUSA Warriors Corner - TacticalSpace: Delivering Future Force Space Capabilities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022185406/https://www.dvidshub.net/video/715345/2019-ausa-warriors-corner-tacticalspace-delivering-future-force-space-capabilities |date=22 October 2019 }}

*#NavWar</ref>{{rp|minute 17:45}}<ref  name= usRussChina >Lt. Gen. Eric J. Wesley, U.S. Army, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jon Bates, U.S. Army [https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/May-June-2020/Wesley-Winning-Tomorrow/ (May-Jun 2020) To Change an Army—Winning Tomorrow] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324093735/https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/May-June-2020/Wesley-Winning-Tomorrow/ |date=24 March 2022 }} The MDO concept —TRADOC pamphlet 525-3-1</ref> }}]]

[[File:Project Convergence- A Campaign of Learning VbReHneabGw.webm|thumb|Project Convergence is a campaign of learning to aggressively pursue an Artificial Intelligence and machine learning-enabled battlefield management system.{{efn|name=hyten2020}}]]

AFC has given research funding to more than 300 colleges and universities<ref name="noUniforms" /> with one-year program cycles.<ref name="sara">SARA [https://www.army.mil/article/247978/army_program_introduces_new_software_for_robot_autonomy ARL (29 Jun 2021) Army program introduces new software for robot autonomy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701051711/https://www.army.mil/article/247978/army_program_introduces_new_software_for_robot_autonomy |date=1 July 2021 }} AIMM ERP (Artificial Intelligence for Maneuver and Mobility Essential Research Program)</ref> "We will come to you. You don't have to come to us," Murray said on 24 August 2018",<ref name="24aug2018" />{{rp|minute 6:07}}<!-- R&D funding ref name= bridgingToArmy2028 /--><ref name="afc209932">Sean Kimmons {{citation |url=https://www.army.mil/article/209932/army_futures_command_aims_to_tap_into_innovative_culture_in_austin_and_beyond |work=Army News Service |date=15 August 2018 |title=Army Futures Command aims to tap into innovative culture in Austin and beyond |access-date=16 August 2018 |archive-date=16 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816194334/https://www.army.mil/article/209932/army_futures_command_aims_to_tap_into_innovative_culture_in_austin_and_beyond |url-status=live }}</ref>

Multiple incubator tech hubs are available in Austin,<ref name="hubNames">{{citation |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2018/07/14/understanding-the-armys-reasons-for-putting-its-new-high-tech-futures-command-in-texas/ |first=Dan |last=Lamothe |date=14 July 2018 |title=Why the Army decided to put its new high-tech Futures Command in Texas |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=5 September 2018 |archive-date=5 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905175800/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2018/07/14/understanding-the-armys-reasons-for-putting-its-new-high-tech-futures-command-in-texas/ |url-status=live }}</ref> especially Capital Factory, with offices of [[Defense Innovation Unit]] (DIU) and [[AFWERX]] (USAF tech hub).<ref name="JMC,AFC5sep2018">{{citation |last=Lea |first=Maj. Brett |title=Army establishes Futures Command; U.S. Army JMC at Fort Bliss is operational arm |date=5 September 2018 |work=Fort Bliss Bugle}}</ref>

AFC will work with other organizations such as Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx) as needed.<ref name="15Aug2018" /><ref>''Technology Review'' [https://www.technologyreview.com/s/603084/the-pentagons-innovation-experiment/ (19 December 2016) The Pentagon's Innovation Experiment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219090731/https://www.technologyreview.com/s/603084/the-pentagons-innovation-experiment/ |date=19 December 2019 }}</ref>

{{Excessive citations|date=December 2021|section}}

AFC's headquarters is based in [[Austin, Texas]] where it spreads across three locations totaling 75,000&nbsp;ft²;<ref name="afc209932" /> One location is a [[University of Texas System]] building at 210 W. Seventh St. in downtown Austin, on the 15th and 19th floors; UT Regents did not charge rent to AFC through December 2019.<ref>University of Texas System [https://www.utsystem.edu/news/2018/07/13/university-texas-system-serve-home-base-us-army-futures-command (13 July 2018) University of Texas System to serve as home base for U.S. Army Futures Command] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719173533/https://www.utsystem.edu/news/2018/07/13/university-texas-system-serve-home-base-us-army-futures-command |date=19 July 2018 }}</ref><ref name="UTRegents">Ralph K.M. Haurwitz - American-Statesman Staff [https://www.mystatesman.com/news/local/regents-give-army-futures-command-free-use-space-temporarily/Vg3OqBPmFazj5LXcNrgkHK/ (10 August 2018) UT regents give Army's Futures Command free use of space temporarily ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810235323/https://www.mystatesman.com/news/local/regents-give-army-futures-command-free-use-space-temporarily/Vg3OqBPmFazj5LXcNrgkHK/|date=10 August 2018}}</ref>

AFC personnel also operate in and from dozens of military installations around the country, including:[[File:SHARPtestingAvatar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|A simulation used to put leadership teams in a situation akin to a Combat Training Center rotation, "an intellectually and emotionally challenging environment that forgives the mistakes of the participants"<ref name="simulationIsChallenging">{{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/229125/an_exercise_to_experience |title=Dr. Charles K. Pickar, Naval Postgraduate School (October 29, 2019) An exercise to experience |date=30 October 2019 |access-date=31 October 2019 |archive-date=31 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031103103/https://www.army.mil/article/229125/an_exercise_to_experience |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="chiarelli">{{Cite web |url=https://asc.army.mil/web/news-alt-jfm19-then-and-now-training-for-the-future/ |title=Army ALT Magazine (January 29, 2019) Then And Now: Training for the Future |access-date=13 March 2019 |archive-date=3 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403204218/https://asc.army.mil/web/news-alt-jfm19-then-and-now-training-for-the-future/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In a role-playing session; a trainer (not seen) must tell the virtual Soldier what the Soldier is not doing correctly. Trainers using this program show a 40% increase in their knowledge of the [[Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention]] policy.<ref>{{citation |last=Lacdan |first=Joe |title=Virtual program adds 'elite' dimensions to SHARP training |date=June 25, 2019 |url=https://www.army.mil/article/223453/virtual_program_adds_elite_dimensions_to_sharp_training |publisher=US Army |access-date=26 June 2019 |archive-date=26 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626032136/https://www.army.mil/article/223453/virtual_program_adds_elite_dimensions_to_sharp_training |url-status=live }}</ref> These simulations are created at Army Research Laboratory (ARL) West, and [[Institute for Creative Technologies|ICT]], [[Playa Vista]], CA ]]

[[File:US Army electroencephalogram.jpg|thumb|right|[[Combat Capabilities Development Command|CCDC]] [[United States Army Research Laboratory|Army Research Laboratory]] Neuroscience Big Data: over ten years of EEG data, comprising over 1,000 recording sessions (The [[Cognition and Neuroergonomics Collaborative Technology Alliance]])<ref name="neuroscienceBigData">U.S. Army CCDC Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs [https://www.army.mil/article/232275/army_develops_big_data_approach_to_neuroscience (3 February 2020) Army develops big data approach to neuroscience] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211125347/https://www.army.mil/article/232275/army_develops_big_data_approach_to_neuroscience |date=11 February 2020 }} Dr. Jonathan Touryan, co-author

 

* [https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/411371v1 (19 Sep 2018) Automated EEG mega-analysis II: Cognitive aspects of event related features] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206011803/https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/411371v1 |date=6 February 2020 }}</ref>]]

* AFSG Army Future Studies Group,<ref name="holland" /><ref name="RandApB" /> 2530 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202

*  AFC Futures and Concepts Center,<ref name="arcicTransitionOfAuthority,FuturesAndConceptsCenter" /><!--[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDTizak7Ja0 YouTube clip (7 December 2018) ARCIC Transition of Authority Ceremony 07 Dec 2018] to Futures and Concepts Center, AFC</ref --> formerly [[United States Army Capabilities Integration Center|ARCIC]] [[Fort Eustis]] VA

* JMC [[Brigade Modernization Command|Joint Modernization Command]],<ref name="JMC,AFC5sep2018" /> [[Fort Bliss]], which is contiguous to WSMR

* [[White Sands Missile Range]] NM,<ref name="wsmr" /> also houses ARL,<ref name="arl,Locations">{{Cite web |title=Locations and Facilities – DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory |url=https://www.arl.army.mil/who-we-are/locations/ |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=www.arl.army.mil |archive-date=25 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225234905/https://www.arl.army.mil/who-we-are/locations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> TRAC,<ref name="TRAC" /> and [[United States Army Test and Evaluation Command|Army Test and Evaluation Command]].<ref name="fy2019ArmyTestimony">{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIhC4zswW8I |title=DoD (16 May 2018) Army Officials Testify on FY 2019 Budget Request |website=[[YouTube]] |date=16 May 2018 |access-date=9 March 2019 |archive-date=6 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606001638/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIhC4zswW8I&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|minute 1:19:00}}  

* FT LVN Operations research: Mission Command Battle Lab,<ref name="mcbl" /><ref name="ftLeavenworthMCbl" /><ref name="armyTransToMdo">Maj. Chris Parker, Dr. Paul Reese, Director, Fielded Force Integration Division, COL E.J. Karlberg, Director, Combined Arms Integration Directorate, and Mr. Rich Creed, Director, Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate, ''Breaking Doctrine'' podcast at Fort Leavenworth [https://podcast.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cadd/Episode%2014/BREAKING%20DOCTRINE%20-%20Transitioning%20the%20Army%20to%20MDO.mp3 (2020) Breaking Doctrine: Episode 14 - Transitioning the Army to MDO] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112134202/https://podcast.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cadd/Episode%2014/BREAKING%20DOCTRINE%20-%20Transitioning%20the%20Army%20to%20MDO.mp3 |date=12 November 2022 }} 1:02:44 How a Concept becomes Doctrine at TRADOC Combined Arms Center, [[Fort Leavenworth]] [[DOTMLPF]]-P</ref><ref name="adp60missionCommand">[https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN18314_ADP%206-0%20FINAL%20WEB.pdf Headquarters, Dept of the Army (July 2019) ADP 6-0 Mission Command: Command and Control of Army Forces] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812165758/https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN18314_ADP%206-0%20FINAL%20WEB.pdf |date=12 August 2021 }} 4 chapters. See also ADP 3-0; ADP 6-22; FM 6-22; ADP 1-1; and ADP 5-0</ref><ref name="mdo400people">Todd South [https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/09/12/massive-simulation-shows-the-need-for-speed-in-multi-domain-ops/ (13 September 2019) Massive simulation shows the need for speed in multi-domain ops] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207061429/https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/09/12/massive-simulation-shows-the-need-for-speed-in-multi-domain-ops/ |date=7 February 2024 }} "400 participants working with 55 formations, 64 concepts and 150 capabilities"</ref>  Capability development integration directorate (CDID),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://usacac.army.mil/organizations/mccoe/cdid |title=Mission Command Center Of Excellence (MC-CoE CDID) |access-date=6 September 2018 |archive-date=8 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208184338/http://usacac.army.mil/organizations/mccoe/cdid |url-status=live }}</ref> The Research Analysis Center (TRAC), formerly TRADOC Analysis Center,<ref name="TRAC" /><ref name="MS,TRAC" /> [[Fort Leavenworth]] KS

  CFT: Synthetic Training Environment (STE):<ref>Maj. Gen. [[Maria R. Gervais]] [https://www.army.mil/article/210105/the_synthetic_training_environment_revolutionizes_sustainment_training (31 August 2018) The Synthetic Training Environment revolutionizes sustainment training ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911191442/https://www.army.mil/article/210105/the_synthetic_training_environment_revolutionizes_sustainment_training |date=11 September 2018 }}</ref><ref name="scaleIssue">Jacqueline M. Hames and Margaret C. Roth [https://www.army.mil/article/216068/virtual_battlefield_represents_future_of_training (14 January 2019) Virtual battlefield represents future of training] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115222104/https://www.army.mil/article/216068/virtual_battlefield_represents_future_of_training |date=15 January 2019 }} Training as a service; more content at scale needed.</ref><ref name="scaleIssue2">[https://asc.army.mil/web/news-alt-jfm19-then-and-now-training-for-the-future/ Army ALT Magazine (29 January 2019) THEN AND NOW: TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403204218/https://asc.army.mil/web/news-alt-jfm19-then-and-now-training-for-the-future/ |date=3 April 2019 }} critique</ref> The HQ for STE has opened in Orlando (28 January 2019).<ref name="orlando">{{Cite web |title=STE CFT Cuts Ribbon in Orlando |url=https://www.army.mil/article/218753/ste_cft_cuts_ribbon_in_orlando |access-date=2021-12-14 |website=www.army.mil |date=18 March 2019 |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325110155/https://www.army.mil/article/218753/ste_cft_cuts_ribbon_in_orlando |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="sttc,ict">{{Cite web |title=Army pursuing improved realism in live and virtual training |url=https://www.army.mil/article/230567/army_pursuing_improved_realism_in_live_and_virtual_training |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=www.army.mil |date=4 December 2019 |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205062140/https://www.army.mil/article/230567/army_pursuing_improved_realism_in_live_and_virtual_training |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="steFoc23">Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/05/17/us-armys-jumping-to-next-level-in-virtual-training-world/ (17 May 2019) US Army's jumping to the next level in virtual training] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207062037/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/05/17/us-armys-jumping-to-next-level-in-virtual-training-world/ |date=7 February 2024 }} reconfigurable virtual collective trainers (RVCTs)</ref><ref name="asaWSH2018" />{{rp|p.27}}{{efn|name= asaWsh2018ToC}}  

* CCOE Cyber CoE - (its CDID and Battle Lab),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://cybercoe.army.mil/index.php/direct-reporting-units/cdid |title=Cyber CoE - (its CDID) |access-date=5 September 2018 |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809223923/https://cybercoe.army.mil/index.php/direct-reporting-units/cdid |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Fort Eisenhower]] GA

  CFT: Mobile and Expeditionary Network<ref name="try,find,adapt,buy" />

* MCOE Maneuver CoE  - (its CDID and Battle Lab),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneuver CoE - (its CDID and Battle Lab) |url=http://www.benning.army.mil/MCoE/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905175710/http://www.benning.army.mil/MCoE/ |archive-date=5 September 2018 |access-date=5 September 2018}}</ref> [[Fort Moore]] GA

  CFT:  [[Next Generation Combat Vehicle]] (NGCV)<ref name="ngcv17sep2018">{{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/211236/preparing_for_future_battlefields_the_next_generation_combat_vehicle |title=Bob Purtiman, NGCV Cross-Functional Team (17 September 2018) Preparing for future battlefields: The Next Generation Combat Vehicle |date=17 September 2018 |access-date=18 September 2018 |archive-date=19 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919024949/https://www.army.mil/article/211236/preparing_for_future_battlefields_the_next_generation_combat_vehicle |url-status=live }}</ref>

* AVNCOE [[United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence|Aviation CoE]]  - (its CDID),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aviation CoE - (its CDID) |url=http://www.rucker.army.mil/usaace/directorates/cdid/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015100751/http://www.rucker.army.mil/usaace/directorates/cdid/index.html |archive-date=15 October 2018 |access-date=5 September 2018}}</ref><ref name="ftRuckerCG">{{Cite web |title=Aviation Industry Days: Army Aviation aims for more lethal Multi-Domain Operations capability |url=https://www.army.mil/article/225269/aviation_industry_days_army_aviation_aims_for_more_lethal_multi_domain_operations_capability |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=www.army.mil |date=August 2019 |language=en |archive-date=6 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806194345/https://www.army.mil/article/225269/aviation_industry_days_army_aviation_aims_for_more_lethal_multi_domain_operations_capability |url-status=live }}</ref> at [[Fort Novosel]]

* FCOE Fires CoE  - (its CDID and Battle Lab),<ref name="firesCdid">Matthew Murch, Futures and Concepts Center [https://www.army.mil/article/263570/fires_cdid_supporting_war_winning_future_readiness (30 Jan 2023) Fires CDID: Supporting war-winning future readiness] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202132852/https://www.army.mil/article/263570/fires_cdid_supporting_war_winning_future_readiness |date=2 February 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Fires CoE - (its CDID and Battle Lab) |url=http://sill-www.army.mil/cdid/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824153227/http://sill-www.army.mil/cdid/index.html |archive-date=24 August 2018 |access-date=5 September 2018}}</ref><ref name="gwon"><!--[https://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin/archives/2018/sep-oct/articles/18-5_Sept-Oct_04_Gwon.pdf]--> Col. Yi Se Gwon, Fort Sill ''Fires Bulletin'' (September–October 2018) The Army Multi-Domain Targeting Center</ref><ref name="tmoVideo">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4PHht7nSsk Army Multi-Domain Targeting Center (16 July 2019) Target Mensuration Only] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425151916/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4PHht7nSsk&gl=US&hl=en |date=25 April 2023 }} TMO</ref><ref name="tmoSill" /> Doctrine updates to support strategic fires<ref>[https://www.army.mil/article/238566/lawton_fort_sill_welcomes_fires_five_families Mitch Meador, Fort Sill Tribune (August 27, 2020) Lawton Fort Sill welcomes 'Fires Five,' families] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029174121/https://www.army.mil/article/238566/lawton_fort_sill_welcomes_fires_five_families |date=29 October 2020 }}

* DOTMLPF-P formulated at Fort Sill—[https://www.army.mil/article/238124/ceremony_recognizes_new_air_defense_artillery_capability_manager Mitch Meador, Fort Sill Tribune (August 13, 2020) Ceremony recognizes new Air Defense Artillery capability manager] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129104608/https://www.army.mil/article/238124/ceremony_recognizes_new_air_defense_artillery_capability_manager |date=29 November 2020 }}</ref><ref name="acmSill">{{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/238797/air_defense_army_capability_manager_gets_new_director |title=Karen Flowers, Fort Sill Tribune (4 September 2020) Air defense Army Capability Manager gets new director |date=4 September 2020 |access-date=17 September 2020 |archive-date=16 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916012427/https://www.army.mil/article/238797/air_defense_army_capability_manager_gets_new_director |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Fort Sill]] OK

  CFT:  Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF)<ref name="mdo,1000miTargeting" /><ref name="gwon" />

* ICOE Intelligence CoE  - (its CDID),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/190910/usaicoe_fort_huachuca_command_changes_hands |title=Intelligence CoE - no information on its CDID |date=14 July 2017 |access-date=5 September 2018 |archive-date=5 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905175651/https://www.army.mil/article/190910/usaicoe_fort_huachuca_command_changes_hands |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Fort Huachuca]] AZ

* MSCOE Maneuver Support CoE  - (its CDID and Battle Lab),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneuver Support CoE - (its CDID and Battle Lab) |url=http://www.wood.army.mil/newweb/documents/cdid2012.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209171036/https://www.wood.army.mil/newweb/documents/cdid2012.pdf |archive-date=9 February 2017 |access-date=17 September 2018}}</ref> [[Fort Leonard Wood]] MO

* SCOE Sustainment CoE  - (its CDID),<ref>[http://www.cascom.army.mil/s_staff/cpg/ Sustainment CoE CDID not found]{{Dead link|date=October 2022|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> [[Fort Gregg-Adams (Virginia)|Fort Gregg-Adams]] VA

* APG<ref name="APG">[https://www.apgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/APG-Guide-January-10-2019-1.pdf APG Guide (12 January 2019) Aberdeen Proving Ground 2019 Your road map to the 'Home of Innovation'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607164316/https://www.apgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/APG-Guide-January-10-2019-1.pdf |date=7 June 2019 }} with more than 90 tenant organizations</ref><ref name="apgOstrowski2018">PEO Command Control Communications - Tactical (PEO C3T) [http://apgnews.com/inside-the-innovation/asaalt-mildep-talks-apgs-role-in-futures-command/ (12 September 2018) ASA(ALT) MilDep talks APG's role in Futures Command] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218082026/http://apgnews.com/inside-the-innovation/asaalt-mildep-talks-apgs-role-in-futures-command/ |date=18 February 2019 }} Paul Ostrowski is PMILDEP to ASA(ALT)</ref> [[Aberdeen Proving Ground]], Aberdeen MD, also houses '''Combat Capabilities Development Command''' (CCDC, now called DEVCOM),<ref name="rdecom,ccdc" /> formerly RDECOM, Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity ([[AMSAA]]), and C5ISR center<ref name="apgPeoEW">{{citation |last=Suits |first=Devon L. |title=Army showcases new electronic warfare tech |date=22 August 2019 |url=https://www.army.mil/article/226082/army_showcases_new_electronic_warfare_tech |publisher=Army News Service |access-date=26 August 2019 |archive-date=26 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826001207/https://www.army.mil/article/226082/army_showcases_new_electronic_warfare_tech |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="pnt,iews,peo">Caitlin O'Neill, PM PNT staff writer [https://www.army.mil/article/197066/armys_pnt_programs_transition_to_peo_iews (17 November 2017) Army's PNT programs transition to PEO IEW&S] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224063245/https://www.army.mil/article/197066/armys_pnt_programs_transition_to_peo_iews |date=24 December 2019 }}</ref><ref name="mgGeorgeC5isr">Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs [https://www.army.mil/article/230030/c5isr_center_hosts_ccdc_commander_for_town_hall_lab_tours (19 November 2019) C5ISR Center hosts CCDC commander for town hall, lab tours] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123004440/https://www.army.mil/article/230030/c5isr_center_hosts_ccdc_commander_for_town_hall_lab_tours |date=23 November 2019 }}  "a renewed emphasis on collaboration across CCDC's eight research centers"</ref> (the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center was formerly [[CERDEC]])

  CFT:  Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (A-PNT)<ref name="apgPeoEW" /><ref name="apnt4DismountedSoldiers">Andrew Eversden [https://breakingdefense.com/2021/10/army-seeks-cutting-edge-network-aided-pnt-technologies-for-battle/ (25 Oct 2021) Army Seeks 'Cutting Edge' Network-Aided PNT Technologies For Battle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208021542/https://breakingdefense.com/2021/10/army-seeks-cutting-edge-network-aided-pnt-technologies-for-battle/ |date=8 December 2023 }}

* Army Applications Lab [https://sam.gov/opp/27f846929fe94d0a92cd09909bdf2479/view (19 Oct 2021) Broad Agency Announcement Special Notice W911NF-19-S-0004 Network Aided Position Navigation and Timing solutions for dismounted Soldiers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005154728/https://sam.gov/opp/27f846929fe94d0a92cd09909bdf2479/view |date=5 October 2023 }}</ref><ref name="atomicAvoc">Theresa Hitchens [https://breakingdefense.com/2021/11/sandias-atomic-avocado-could-allow-gps-free-pnt/ (1 Nov 2021) Sandia's Atomic 'Avocado' Could Allow GPS-Free PNT] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005155232/https://breakingdefense.com/2021/11/sandias-atomic-avocado-could-allow-gps-free-pnt/ |date=5 October 2023 }}</ref><ref name="pntGps">Tobias Naegele [https://www.airandspaceforces.com/qa-the-new-chief-of-space-operations-on-empowering-the-force/ (27 Nov 2022) Q&A: The New Chief of Space Operations on Empowering the Force] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129055439/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/qa-the-new-chief-of-space-operations-on-empowering-the-force/ |date=29 November 2022 }} "one B-2 hits 80 independent targets because of GPS".—Gen. B.Chance Saltzman, Space Force</ref>

  CFT:  Network CFT (N-CFT)<ref name="APG" />{{rp|p.5}}

  CFT:  Long Range Precision Fires,<ref name="rdecom,lrpf" />

* [[United States Army Aviation and Missile Center|Army Aviation and Missile Center]] (formerly Aviation and Missile research, development and engineering center—AMRDEC), [[Redstone Arsenal]], Huntsville AL<ref name="redstoneArsenal">RCCTO is located in Huntsville (26 August 2019): [https://rapidcapabilitiesoffice.army.mil/about/ RCCTO- About us] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424102449/https://rapidcapabilitiesoffice.army.mil/about/ |date=24 April 2019 }}

* Lee Roop [https://www.al.com/news/2019/09/lockheed-martin-opens-plant-to-test-hypersonics-in-alabama.html (17 Sep 2019) Lockheed Martin opens plant to test hypersonics in Alabama] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920222012/https://www.al.com/news/2019/09/lockheed-martin-opens-plant-to-test-hypersonics-in-alabama.html |date=20 September 2019 }}</ref>

* [[Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center|CCDC Soldier Center]]<ref name="soldierInSquadPeo">Thomas Brading, Army News Service [https://www.army.mil/article/226075/soldiers_at_the_heart_of_modernizing_warfighter_gear (23 August 2019) Soldiers 'at the heart of' modernizing warfighter gear] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826201125/https://www.army.mil/article/226075/soldiers_at_the_heart_of_modernizing_warfighter_gear |date=26 August 2019 }}</ref> (formerly Natick Soldier research, development and engineering center—NSRDEC), [[Harold J. Greene|General Greene]] Ave, Natick, MA

* [[United States Army Research Laboratory|Army Research Laboratory (ARL)]],<ref name="arnold">Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs [https://www.army.mil/article/217754/army_funded_researcher_wins_nobel_prize (25 February 2019) Army-funded researcher wins Nobel Prize] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043212/https://www.army.mil/article/217754/army_funded_researcher_wins_nobel_prize |date=6 March 2019 }}</ref><ref name="coldSpray">Argie Sarantinos-Perrin, CCDC [https://www.army.mil/article/225994/army_begins_transitioning_cold_spray_technology_for_bradley_turret_gun_mount_repairs (21 August 2019) Army develops cold spray technology to repair Bradley gun mounts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829031255/https://www.army.mil/article/225994/army_begins_transitioning_cold_spray_technology_for_bradley_turret_gun_mount_repairs |date=29 August 2019 }}</ref><ref name="top10ARL">Army Research Laboratory (ARL) {{Cite web |title=Army releases top 10 list of coolest science, technology advances |url=https://www.army.mil/article/231039/army_releases_top_10_list_of_coolest_science_technology_advances |access-date=2021-12-15 |website=www.army.mil |date=23 December 2019 |language=en |archive-date=24 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224162040/https://www.army.mil/article/231039/army_releases_top_10_list_of_coolest_science_technology_advances |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="neuroscienceBigData" /> Adelphi MD  

* ARL-Orlando Army Research Laboratory,<ref name="orlando" /><ref name="sttc,ict" /><ref name="asaWSH2018" />{{rp|p.27}}{{efn|name= asaWsh2018ToC}} Orlando FL

* ARL West, [[Playa Vista]]<ref>LATechdigest.com [http://latechdigest.com/us-army-research-lab-opens-at-usc-ict-in-playa-vista/ (15 April 2016) US Army Research Lab Opens at USC ICT in Playa Vista] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909150552/http://latechdigest.com/us-army-research-lab-opens-at-usc-ict-in-playa-vista/|date=9 September 2018}}</ref> CA

* AI task force at [[Carnegie-Mellon University]]<ref name="ai2018" /><ref name="ccdc8feb2019cg" />

In 2018, the Army secretary ordered AFC to draft an execution order to create an Army AI Task Force (A-AI TF) to support the [[Joint Artificial Intelligence Center#CDAO|DoD Joint AI center]].<ref name="ai2018">Defense.gov [https://media.defense.gov/2019/Feb/12/2002088963/-1/-1/1/SUMMARY-OF-DOD-AI-STRATEGY.PDF (12 February 2019) SUMMARY OF THE 2018 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STRATEGY] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213080117/https://media.defense.gov/2019/Feb/12/2002088963/-1/-1/1/SUMMARY-OF-DOD-AI-STRATEGY.PDF |date=13 February 2019 }}</ref><ref name="DoDD3000,09">Ashton Carter [https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodd/300009p.pdf (2012-11-21) Autonomy in Weapon Systems] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307173822/https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodd/300009p.pdf |date=7 March 2019 }} Most recent DoD guideline: 2012</ref><ref name="a-aitf">Army AI task force [https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN13011_AD2018_18_Final.pdf Army Directive 2018-18 (Army Artificial Intelligence Task Force in Support of the Department of Defense Joint Artificial Intelligence Center) ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031173944/https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN13011_AD2018_18_Final.pdf |date=31 October 2018 }} 2 October 2018</ref><ref name="cronk">Terri Moon Cronk {{citation |url=https://www.army.mil/article/215029/artificial_intelligence_experts_address_getting_capabilities_to_warfighters |date=13 December 2018 |title=Artificial intelligence experts address getting capabilities to warfighters |website=army.mil |access-date=13 December 2018 |archive-date=15 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215224000/https://www.army.mil/article/215029/artificial_intelligence_experts_address_getting_capabilities_to_warfighters |url-status=live }}</ref> The Army AI task force establish scalable machine learning projects at Carnegie Mellon University.<ref>Carnegie Mellon University [https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2019/february/army-ai-task-force.html (1 February 2019) Carnegie Mellon Hosts Activation of U.S. Army AI Task Force] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401214005/https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2019/february/army-ai-task-force.html |date=1 April 2019 }}. Brigadier General Matt Easley is Director of Army Artificial Intelligence task force (A-AI TF)</ref><ref name="A-AItfProjects">Gary Sheftick [https://www.army.mil/article/225642/ai_task_force_taking_giant_leaps_forward (13 August 2019) AI Task Force taking giant leaps forward] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814133412/https://www.army.mil/article/225642/ai_task_force_taking_giant_leaps_forward |date=14 August 2019 }} Coordinating with: NREC, Talent management task force, the CFTs, and DOD's Joint AI Center</ref>

That same year, the Army Applications Laboratory was established along with AFC to help connect Army-future efforts and commercial products and ideas.<ref name="aal,baa" group="Note" />

In 2019, the [[Army Chief Information Officer/G-6|Army CIO/G-6]] was ordered to create an Identity, Credential, and Access Management system to efficiently issue and verify credentials to non-person entities (AI agents and machines)<ref name="IdCredAccess">Douglas Scott [https://www.army.mil/article/225197/new_wearable_authentication_more_than_a_token_gesture (6 August 2019) New wearable authentication more than a "token" gesture] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806203904/https://www.army.mil/article/225197/new_wearable_authentication_more_than_a_token_gesture |date=6 August 2019 }} Tactical Identity and Access Management (TIDAM) ''see Army AI task force (A-AI TF)''</ref> As well, DCS G-2 will coordinate with CG AFC, and director of A-AI TF, to provide intelligence for Long-Range Precision Fires. CG AMC will provide functional expertise and systems for maintenance of materiel with AI. AFC and A-AI TF will establish an AI test bed for experimentation, training, deployment, and testing of machine learning capabilities and workflows.<ref name="explainabilityTellability">U.S. Army CCDC Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs [https://www.army.mil/article/233174/army_researchers_enhance_ai_critical_to_soldier_machine_teamwork (27 February 2020) Army researchers enhance AI critical to Soldier-machine teamwork] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229180306/https://www.army.mil/article/233174/army_researchers_enhance_ai_critical_to_soldier_machine_teamwork |date=29 February 2020 }} Explainability & tellability: coalition situational understanding (CSU) & human-agent knowledge fusion (HAKF)

*Alun Preece, Dave Braines, Federico Cerutti, Tien Pham [https://arxiv.org/abs/1910.07563 (16 Oct 2019) Explainable AI for Intelligence Augmentation in Multi-Domain Operations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229180303/https://arxiv.org/abs/1910.07563 |date=29 February 2020 }}</ref><ref name="blackhawkPilotInterns">RDECOM Research Laboratory Public Affairs [https://www.army.mil/article/215291/black_hawk_helicopter_pilot_interns_with_army_researchers (18 December 2018) Black Hawk helicopter pilot interns with Army researchers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221230813/https://www.army.mil/article/215291/black_hawk_helicopter_pilot_interns_with_army_researchers |date=21 December 2018 }}</ref><ref name="jointCollaboration2019">{{Cite web |title=Army aligning modernization programs with other services |url=https://www.army.mil/article/217305/army_aligning_modernization_programs_with_other_services |access-date=2021-12-15 |website=www.army.mil |date=12 February 2019 |language=en |archive-date=12 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212092732/https://www.army.mil/article/217305/army_aligning_modernization_programs_with_other_services |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="aiVictoryGardens">Sydney J. Freedberg, Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/09/jaic-wants-ai-victory-gardens-across-dod/ (11 September 2020) JAIC Wants AI 'Victory Gardens' Across DoD] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912170604/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/09/jaic-wants-ai-victory-gardens-across-dod/ |date=12 September 2020 }}</ref>

In 2022, DEVCOM Analysis Center (DAC) signed a cooperative agreement with Northeastern University's Kostas Research Institute (KRI) to build on KRI's analytic framework, with six other universities on artificial intelligence and assistive automation (AI/AA), to further Army sub-goals ("mission effectiveness analysis, ontology for decision making, automatic target recognition, human systems integration, cyber resilience/electronic warfare threat defense, and assessing autonomous maneuver/mobility").<ref name="dacSubgoals">Kaylan Hutchison, DAC Strategic Communications [https://www.army.mil/article/257531/collaborative_agreement_propels_army_analysis_of_artificial_intelligence (22 Jun 2022) Collaborative agreement propels Army analysis of artificial intelligence] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627214617/https://www.army.mil/article/257531/collaborative_agreement_propels_army_analysis_of_artificial_intelligence |date=27 June 2022 }}</ref>

Futures Command was to stand up Army Software Factory in August 2021, to immerse soldiers and Army civilians of all ranks in modern software development, in Austin.<ref name="newCulture">Eversden, Andrew {{Cite web|date=2021-04-14|title=Army Software Factory experiments with a new culture to unleash coders in its ranks|url=https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/it-networks/2021/04/14/army-software-factory-experiments-with-a-new-culture-to-unleash-coders-in-its-ranks/|access-date=2021-12-15|website=C4ISRNet|language=en|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414142839/https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/it-networks/2021/04/14/army-software-factory-experiments-with-a-new-culture-to-unleash-coders-in-its-ranks/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="armySoftwareFactory">Army Futures Command {{Cite web|title=STAND-TO!|url=https://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2020/08/21/|access-date=2021-12-15|website=www.army.mil|language=en|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920005431/https://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2020/08/21/|url-status=live}} Army Software Factory</ref><ref name="problemSolvingFactory">Katie Davis Skelley, DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center Public Affairs  [https://www.army.mil/article/256990/software_factory_helps_transform_army_from_industrial_to_information_age (27 May 2022) Software Factory helps transform Army from industrial to information age] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312004851/https://www.army.mil/article/256990/software_factory_helps_transform_army_from_industrial_to_information_age |date=12 March 2023 }} 16-week boot camp. Four different tracks (platform engineer, software developer, product manager and designer). Anyone (soldier or Army civilian) can submit a problem to the Factory; A team interviews the problem, performs an initial scoping, and then decides whether to accept the problem to work on.</ref><ref name="firstCohortPMCS">Lindsay Grant  [https://www.army.mil/article/256992/new_army_application_enhances_equipment_readiness (25 May 2022) New Army application enhances equipment readiness] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312010050/https://www.army.mil/article/256992/new_army_application_enhances_equipment_readiness |date=12 March 2023 }} PMCS app developed by first cohort in ASF; allows soldiers to gain access to field manuals without a CAC card, using only a cell phone.</ref><ref name="usafSoftwareFactory">USAF Assistant Secretary of Acquisition, Chief Software Office [https://software.af.mil/softwarefactory/spacecamp/ (19 Dec 2019) SpaceCAMP] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924141400/https://software.af.mil/softwarefactory/spacecamp/ |date=24 September 2020 }} USAF Software Factory</ref> Like the Training with Industry program, participants are expected to take these practices back with them, to influence other Army people in their future assignments, and to build up the Army's capability in software development. The training program lasts three years, and will produce skill sets for trainees as product managers, user experience and user interface designers, software engineers, or platform engineers.<ref name="newCulture" /> The Al Work Force Development program and this Software Factory will complement the Artificial Intelligence Task Force.<ref name="armySoftwareFactory" /><ref name="armySoftwareFactoryAiTf">[https://armyfuturescommand.com/aitf/?standto AI TF Artificial Intelligence Task Force ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324124234/https://armyfuturescommand.com/aitf/?standto |date=24 March 2021 }}

*U.S. ARMY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TASK FORCE  [https://armyfuturescommand.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/AITF-Scope-Areas.pdf (Nov 2019) U.S. ARMY FUTURES COMMAND, AREAS OF INTEREST] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318111409/https://armyfuturescommand.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/AITF-Scope-Areas.pdf |date=18 March 2021 }}</ref> The Army has identified soldiers who can already code at Ph.D.-level, but who are in unexpected MOSs.<ref name="usePersonnelSystem">Colin Clark [https://breakingdefense.com/2021/09/wormuth-hints-at-cuts-to-35-core-army-modernization-programs/ (8 Aug 2021) Wormuth Hints At Cuts To 35 Core Army Modernization Programs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920000458/https://breakingdefense.com/2021/09/wormuth-hints-at-cuts-to-35-core-army-modernization-programs/ |date=20 September 2021 }}</ref> In March 2023 the Marine Corps moved its software factory to the Army's software factory in Austin, Texas.<ref name="mcSoftwareFactory">Jaspreet Gill [https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/marines-teaming-with-army-on-three-year-software-factory-pilot/ (10 March 2023) Marines teaming with Army on 3-year software factory pilot] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311092550/https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/marines-teaming-with-army-on-three-year-software-factory-pilot/ |date=11 March 2023 }} technical accelerator; 3 year pilot is to build applications; at least 50 Marines; 8 to enter the technical accelerator every 6 months; each of them in a program to accelerate modernization as product managers, designers, or software developers. The teams will learn baseline skillsets using pair programming for one-on-one mentoring, and utilization.</ref>

The Army looks for ideas from defense contractors In 2018, for example, the Network CFT and the Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications—Tactical (PEO C3T) hosted a forum so  vendors could learn what products might soon work as testable or deployable systems.<ref name="try,find,adapt,buy">David Vergun [http://apgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf-light-viewer/6613-pdfs/page-00013.pdf (29 March 2018) Army network modernization efforts spearheaded by new Cross-Functional Teams. The Army conducts a network demonstration at Fort Bliss, Texas. The Army is pursuing network modernization through Cross-Functional Teams.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911191218/http://apgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf-light-viewer/6613-pdfs/page-00013.pdf |date=11 September 2018 }}</ref><ref name=Network,PEO>US Army [https://www.army.mil/article/207797/us_army_to_host_tactical_cloud_computing_industry_forum (27 June 2018) U.S. Army to host tactical Cloud computing industry forum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709070834/https://www.army.mil/article/207797/us_army_to_host_tactical_cloud_computing_industry_forum |date=9 July 2018 }} army.mil</ref><ref name=cs23 >Kathryn Bailey, PEO C3T Public Affairs [https://www.army.mil/article/230394/the_army_gathers_industry_to_inspire_network_modernization (26 November 2019) The Army gathers industry to inspire network modernization] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205062144/https://www.army.mil/article/230394/the_army_gathers_industry_to_inspire_network_modernization |date=5 December 2019 }} Network Cross-Functional Team (N-CFT) and PEO C3T hosted 670 industry partners at the Technical Exchange Meeting (TEM) 4, Capability Set (CS) 23. www.army.mil</ref><ref name=leoGps>Nathan Strout [https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/c2-comms/2019/11/29/can-hundreds-of-unrelated-satellites-create-a-gps-backup/ (30 Nov 2019) Can hundreds of unrelated satellites create a GPS backup?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206105905/https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/c2-comms/2019/11/29/can-hundreds-of-unrelated-satellites-create-a-gps-backup/ |date=6 December 2019 }}</ref> Vendors submitted hundreds of white papers; ones with "very mature ideas" were passed to the Army's acquisition community and to the [[United States Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center|Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center]] (CERDEC).<ref>Sean Kimmons, Army News Service [https://www.army.mil/article/209394/army_leveraging_industry_ideas_to_modernize_network (3 August 2018) Army leveraging industry ideas to modernize network] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806181658/https://www.army.mil/article/209394/army_leveraging_industry_ideas_to_modernize_network |date=6 August 2018 }}</ref>

The Army is interested in ways to accelerate acquisition programs. For example, this was an explicit request in the 2019 solicitation for requests for information about [[Future Vertical Lift]].<ref name="flraaRFI">Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/04/04/us-army-plans-to-field-a-future-long-range-assault-helicopter-by-2030/ (4 April 2019) US Army plans to field a future long-range assault helicopter by 2030] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207062037/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/04/04/us-army-plans-to-field-a-future-long-range-assault-helicopter-by-2030/ |date=7 February 2024 }} FLRAA

 

* fielding to first unit in second quarter of FY30</ref> In January 2020, the optionally manned fighting vehicle solicitation was cancelled when its requirements added up to an unobtainable project;<ref name="omfvReboot1">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/01/army-fully-committed-to-replacing-the-bradley-gen-mcconville/ (21 January 2020) Army 'Fully Committed To Replacing The Bradley': Gen. McConville] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122013601/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/01/army-fully-committed-to-replacing-the-bradley-gen-mcconville/ |date=22 January 2020 }} Bradley fighting vehicle replacement is still a project

* Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.  [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/02/omfv-army-seeks-industry-advice-on-bradley-replacement/ (26 February 2020) OMFV: Army Seeks Industry Advice On Bradley Replacement ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226195834/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/02/omfv-army-seeks-industry-advice-on-bradley-replacement/ |date=26 February 2020 }}</ref>  

[[File:RoboticCombatVehicle-light.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.7|Robotic combat vehicle (RCV)]][[File:ProjectOriginRcv.webp|thumb|left|upright=0.7|Project Origin unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany<ref name= rasCapability >Andrew Eversden [https://breakingdefense.com/2022/08/armys-robotic-vehicle-slipped-behind-enemy-lines-in-european-exercise/ (24 Aug 2022) Army's robotic vehicle slipped behind 'enemy' lines in European exercise] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825135657/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/08/armys-robotic-vehicle-slipped-behind-enemy-lines-in-european-exercise/ |date=25 August 2022 }}</ref><ref name="projOrigin">Spc. Garrison Waites [https://www.army.mil/article/257470/soldiers_get_hands_on_experience_with_new_tech_during_combined_resolve (12 Jun 2022) Soldiers get hands-on experience with new tech during Combined Resolve] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614030028/https://www.army.mil/article/257470/soldiers_get_hands_on_experience_with_new_tech_during_combined_resolve |date=14 June 2022 }} Using RCVs with Javelins and CROWS</ref><ref name="willert">Andrew Eversden [https://breakingdefense.com/2022/10/lightning-in-a-bottle-inside-the-origin-of-the-armys-future-robotic-fleet/ (21 Oct 2022) 'Lightning in a bottle': Inside the 'Origin' of the Army's future robotic fleet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026115733/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/10/lightning-in-a-bottle-inside-the-origin-of-the-armys-future-robotic-fleet/ |date=26 October 2022 }}</ref>]] By October 2021, experiments with a company-sized tele-operated / unmanned formation were underway at [[Camp Grayling]], Michigan.<ref name="pc21RcvsDrones">Andrew Eversden [https://breakingdefense.com/2021/11/robotic-vehicles-drones-coordinate-recon-at-armys-project-convergence-21/ (22 Nov 2021) Robotic vehicles, drones coordinate recon at Army's Project Convergence 21] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927235837/https://breakingdefense.com/2021/11/robotic-vehicles-drones-coordinate-recon-at-armys-project-convergence-21/ |date=27 September 2023 }}</ref><ref name="willert" /><ref name="watson6may">Ben Watson  [https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2022/05/defense-one-radio-ep-99-role-drones-russias-ukraine-invasion/366577/ (6 May 2022) Defense One Radio, Ep. 99: The role of drones in Russia's Ukraine invasion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009212735/https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2022/05/defense-one-radio-ep-99-role-drones-russias-ukraine-invasion/366577/ |date=9 October 2023 }}</ref><ref name="gvscRcv">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2021/03/army-outlines-ambitious-schedule-for-robots-armor/ (19 Mar 2021) Army Outlines Ambitious Schedule For Robots, Armor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319185037/https://breakingdefense.com/2021/03/army-outlines-ambitious-schedule-for-robots-armor/ |date=19 March 2021 }}</ref>  The 18 light and medium [[Next Generation Combat Vehicle|robotic combat vehicle]]s (RCV), in concert with surrogate heavy RCVs (modified [[M113 armored personnel carrier]]s), proxy manned control vehicles (MET-Ds), and drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance ([[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance#ISR (Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance)|ISR]]),  were to complete ATEC (Army Test and Evaluation Command) safety testing in May 2022<ref name=gvscRcv/> and live-fire drills in August 2022.<ref name=gvscRcv/><ref name="RCVsBy2023">Army.mil {{Cite web |title=Robotic combat vehicles could change way Army looks, fights |url=https://www.army.mil/article/223657/robotic_combat_vehicles_could_change_way_army_looks_fights |access-date=2021-12-15 |website=www.army.mil |date=26 June 2019 |language=en |archive-date=26 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626185817/https://www.army.mil/article/223657/robotic_combat_vehicles_could_change_way_army_looks_fights |url-status=live }}</ref>

By June 2022, Army RCVs had demonstrated some disruptive capabilities,<ref name=rasCapability/> in preparation for [[Transformation of the United States Army#Project Convergence 2022|Project Convergence 2022]]. At PC22, resupply by [[#darpaAlias|unmanned helicopters]] and other autonomous capabilities were demonstrated by systems from the US, Australia, and UK.<ref name= mckeanFcc >Defense One staff [https://www.stitcher.com/show/defense-one-radio/episode/what-lies-ahead-for-the-u-s-army-206584046 (9 Sep 2022) The Army's top officer discusses the future of the force and how the six-month-old Ukraine invasion is evolving.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912160435/https://www.stitcher.com/show/defense-one-radio/episode/what-lies-ahead-for-the-u-s-army-206584046 |date=12 September 2022 }} LTG Scott McKean</ref>{{rp|min 25:30}}<ref name="planPc22">Army Futures Command [https://www.army.mil/article/260345/project_convergence_2022_to_demonstrate_futuristic_joint_multinational_warfighting_technologies (19 Sep 2022) Project Convergence 2022 to demonstrate futuristic joint, multinational warfighting technologies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922145515/https://www.army.mil/article/260345/project_convergence_2022_to_demonstrate_futuristic_joint_multinational_warfighting_technologies |date=22 September 2022 }} inaugural PC22 Technology Gateway</ref><ref name="rcvsReachExerciseAuthorities">Joe Lacdan, Army News Service  [https://www.army.mil/article/260402/army_to_test_robotic_vehicles_on_land_and_sea_during_pc_22 (21 Sep 2022) Army to test robotic vehicles on land and sea during PC 22] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005154858/https://www.army.mil/article/260402/army_to_test_robotic_vehicles_on_land_and_sea_during_pc_22 |date=5 October 2023 }} AFC's McKean: JADC2 experiment to reach from continental US to Pacific: 1) establish an IAMD; 2) use Joint offensive fires; 3) examine which authorities and policies hinder the mission</ref><ref name="offroadRCVnavigation" />

In May 2023, Army Futures Command disclosed concepts for robotic combat platoons,<ref name= rcvPlatoons >Max Boot [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/05/28/army-futures-command-war-innovation (28 May 2023) Opinion:  An Army command like no other seeks to master the future of war] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831205319/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/05/28/army-futures-command-war-innovation/ |date=31 August 2023 }}</ref> akin to the [[collaborative combat aircraft]] (CCA) of the Air Force.<ref name=rcvOct2023 >AUSA 2023 Warriors Corner: BG Stephanie Ahern, moderator [https://www.bitchute.com/video/6XmSOC1qKbiS/ (9 Oct 2023) Human Machine Integrated Formations panel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207062059/https://www.bitchute.com/video/6XmSOC1qKbiS/ |date=7 February 2024 }} First fielding 2028</ref>

Futures Command works with the [[ASA(ALT)]],<ref name=ausaASAalt2018>Ms. Karen Diane Kurtz (ASA (ALT)) and Steven Y. Lusher (JPEO CBRND PAO) [https://www.army.mil/article/212178/asaalt_participates_in_us_army_futures_command_panel_at_ausa (8 October 2018) ASA(ALT) Participates in U.S. Army Futures Command Panel at AUSA] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010060639/https://www.army.mil/article/212178/asaalt_participates_in_us_army_futures_command_panel_at_ausa |date=10 October 2018 }}</ref><ref name="twoYears">Matthew Cox [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/09/14/head-army-futures-command-fields-tough-questions-congress.html (14 Sep 2018) Head of Army Futures Command Fields Tough Questions From Congress] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914120639/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/09/14/head-army-futures-command-fields-tough-questions-congress.html |date=14 September 2018 }}</ref> who as Army Acquisition Executive (AAE),<ref name="afc,alt,g8">[https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN12786_AD2018-15_Web_Final.pdf Army Directive 2018-15 (U.S. Army Futures Command Relationship With the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031173924/https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN12786_AD2018-15_Web_Final.pdf |date=31 October 2018 }} and DCS G-8, 27 August 2018</ref> has milestone decision authority (MDA)<ref name=MDA>Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.  [https://breakingdefense.com/2018/09/futures-command-wont-hurt-oversight-army-tells-congress/ (13 Sep 2018) Futures Command Won't Hurt Oversight, Army Tells Congress ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914203804/https://breakingdefense.com/2018/09/futures-command-wont-hurt-oversight-army-tells-congress/ |date=14 September 2018 }}</ref><ref name= afcClarification >Jaspreet Gill [https://breakingdefense.com/2022/05/exclusive-new-army-directive-shakes-up-modernization-enterprise/ (4 May 2022) EXCLUSIVE: New Army directive shakes up modernization enterprise] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505002714/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/05/exclusive-new-army-directive-shakes-up-modernization-enterprise/ |date=5 May 2022 }}</ref> at multiple points in a materiel development decision (MDD).<ref name=MDD/> AFC consolidates expertise into the relevant CFT, which balances the constraints needed to realize a prototype, beginning with requirements, science and technology, test, etc., then enters the acquisition process (typically the Army prototypes on its own and, as of 2019, initiates acquisition at Milestone B in order to have the Acquisition Executive, with the concurrence of the Army Chief of Staff, decide on production as a [[Government procurement in the United States#Program of Record|Program of Record]] at Milestone C).<ref name=acqnotes,MDD/> Next, refine the prototype to address the factors needed to pass the Milestone decisions A, B, and C which require Milestone decision authority (MDA) in an acquisition process.<ref name=acqnotes,MDD>{{Cite web |url=http://acqnotes.com/acqnote/acquisitions/materiel-development-decision |title=Acquisition process: Materiel development decision (MDD) |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-date=18 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918083919/http://acqnotes.com/acqnote/acquisitions/materiel-development-decision |url-status=live }}</ref> This consolidation of expertise thus reduces the risks in a Materiel development decision (MDD), for the Army to admit a prototype into a program of record.) The existing processes (as of April 2018) for a Materiel development decision (MDD) have been updated to clarify their place in the Life Cycle of a program of record:<ref name=afc,alt,g8/><ref name=MDD>Richard Simonetti (23 April 2018) [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/us-army-turns-new-technologies-richard-simonetti "US Army turns to new technologies"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425151916/https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/us-army-turns-new-technologies-richard-simonetti |date=25 April 2023 }} linkedin.com</ref><ref name=holland/> over 1,200 programs/projects were reviewed;<ref name=afcAsaAltAmc/> by October 2019, over 600 programs of record had been moved from the acquisition phase to the sustainment phase.<ref name=afcAsaAltAmc>{{Cite web |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2019/10/army-pushes-600-programs-from-acquisition-to-sustainment/ |title=(24 October 2019) Army Pushes 600 Programs From Acquisition To Sustainment |date=24 October 2019 |access-date=24 October 2019 |archive-date=24 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024235142/https://breakingdefense.com/2019/10/army-pushes-600-programs-from-acquisition-to-sustainment/ |url-status=live }}</ref> An additional life cycle management action is underway, to re-examine which of these projects or programs should be cancelled.<ref name=afcAsaAltAmc/>

Futures Command picks which programs to develop.<ref name=afcAsaAltAmc/><ref name=FuturesTweet>{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/USArmy/status/1012863317088653318 |title=USArmy tweet: Futures Command will have the overarching objective to achieve clear overmatch in future conflicts, making Soldiers and units more lethal to win the nation's wars, then return home safely. |access-date=23 August 2018 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408031007/https://twitter.com/USArmy/status/1012863317088653318 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="sxsw2019,8mar">Anthony Small {{citation |title=Futures Command Deputy Commanding General talks the U.S. Army's Future at South by Southwest |date=13 March 2019 |url=https://www.army.mil/article/218531/futures_command_highlights_changes_new_structure_at_sxsw |publisher=US Army |access-date=17 March 2019 |archive-date=21 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521213536/https://www.army.mil/article/218531/futures_command_highlights_changes_new_structure_at_sxsw |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=reformers/> Each CFT works with the [[United States Army Acquisition Corps|Army Acquisition Corps]],<ref name=asaALT>Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) [https://www.asaalt.army.mil/ ASA(ALT)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318183147/https://www.asaalt.army.mil/ |date=18 March 2020 }}—[https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/2020/05/05/e69ec49a/20200504-asaalt-org-chart-w-photos.pdf Org Chart as of May 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812165115/https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/2020/05/05/e69ec49a/20200504-asaalt-org-chart-w-photos.pdf |date=12 August 2021 }} see also [https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/576261.pdf February 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812165138/https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/576261.pdf |date=12 August 2021 }}, and  [https://www.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/569921.pdf 11/5/19] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106095726/https://www.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/569921.pdf |date=6 November 2019 }}, as well as [https://www.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/537012.pdf Org Chart as of 11/26/18] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104175923/https://www.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/537012.pdf |date=4 January 2019 }}</ref><ref>Mr. Craig A. Spisak, Director, Acquisition Career Management [https://www.army.mil/article/211985/a_vigorous_talent_management_strategy_keeps_the_acquisition_workforce_prepared_for_threats (3 October 2018) A vigorous talent management strategy keeps the acquisition workforce prepared for threats] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010134852/https://www.army.mil/article/211985/a_vigorous_talent_management_strategy_keeps_the_acquisition_workforce_prepared_for_threats |date=10 October 2018 }}</ref><ref name=twiWortIt>[https://www.army.mil/article/232270/twi_worth_it Jacqueline M. Hames, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center (31 January 2020) TWI: worth it] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021104037/https://www.army.mil/article/232270/twi_worth_it |date=21 October 2020 }} Training with Industry: a work-experience program for Army Acquisition officers (from captain to lieutenant colonel). "After their TWI rotation, officers are expected to identify industry best practices and implement them at their next duty station"</ref><ref>A sample career path here: [https://www.army.mil/article/208101/new_aviation_engineering_director_appointed_as_ses Aviation Engineering director to SES] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912210232/https://www.army.mil/article/208101/new_aviation_engineering_director_appointed_as_ses |date=12 September 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://asc.army.mil/web/news-military-career-corner-dacm-july-2018/ |title=(1 Aug 2018) Military (Officer) Corner: Army Acquisition Centralized Selection List |access-date=13 September 2018 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405162253/https://asc.army.mil/web/news-military-career-corner-dacm-july-2018/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/147519/army_acquisition_corps_recognized |title=(29 Apr 2015) Army Acquisition Corps Recognized |date=30 April 2015 |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914061243/https://www.army.mil/article/147519/army_acquisition_corps_recognized |url-status=live }}</ref> [[U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center]] (USAASC), and [[Army Contracting Command]].<ref name=MDD/>  The Principal Military Deputy to the [[ASA(ALT)]] is also deputy commanding general for Combat Systems, Army Futures Command,<ref name=afc,alt,g8/> and leads the [[Program Executive Officer]]s (PEO); he has directed each PEO who does not have a CFT to coordinate with, to immediately form one, at least informally.<ref name=pmildep>Ms. Audra Calloway (Picatinny) [https://www.army.mil/article/211337/with_new_army_futures_command_senior_acquisition_leader_discusses_role_of_program_executive_offices  (19 September 2018) With new Army Futures Command, senior acquisition leader discusses role of Program Executive Offices] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010062305/https://www.army.mil/article/211337/with_new_army_futures_command_senior_acquisition_leader_discusses_role_of_program_executive_offices |date=10 October 2018 }}</ref>{{blockquote|The current acquisition system has pieces all throughout the Army. ... There's chunks of it in TRADOC and chunks of it in AMC and then other pieces. So really all we're trying to do is get them all lined up under a single command…..from concept, S&T, RDT&E, through the requirements process, through the beginnings of the acquisition system—Milestone A, B, and C.<ref name=sjFjr26Mar2018/>|author=Defense Secretary Mark Esper}}

The PEOs work closely with their respective CFTs.<ref name=asaALT/> Operationally, the CFTs reduce degrees of separation between Army echelons,<ref name=lean,mean/> and provide a point of contact for Army reformers.<ref name="reformers">{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Sydney J. Freedberg |date=2017-10-25 |title=Can The Pentagon Protect Young Innovators? |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2017/10/can-the-pentagon-protect-young-innovators/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207061932/https://breakingdefense.com/2017/10/can-the-pentagon-protect-young-innovators/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=lean,mean/>

The development process will consist of one or more cycles (prototype, demonstration/testing, and evaluation,<ref name="sharkTank">Gary Sheftick, Army News Service [https://www.army.mil/article/219667/army_shark_tank_enabling_quick_prototyping_of_new_systems (3 April 2019) Army 'Shark Tank' enabling quick prototyping of new systems] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404155826/https://www.army.mil/article/219667/army_shark_tank_enabling_quick_prototyping_of_new_systems |date=4 April 2019 }}</ref><ref name="antiJamGPS" />) meant to find and discard unrealistic requirements before a project becomes a program.<ref name="noUniforms" /><ref name="afcClarification" /> "Our new approach is really to prototype as much as we can to help us identify requirements, so our reach doesn't exceed our grasp. ... A good example is [[Future Vertical Lift]]: The prototyping has been exceptional," Esper said in 2019.<ref name="fvl20190124">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2019/01/bell-v-280-flies-322-mph-army-secretary-praises-program/ (24 January 2019) Bell V-280 Flies 322 MPH: Army Secretary Praises Program] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125183334/https://breakingdefense.com/2019/01/bell-v-280-flies-322-mph-army-secretary-praises-program/ |date=25 January 2019 }}</ref>{{efn|name= waypointsToMDO}}

 

AFC activities include at least one cross-functional team, its capability development integration directorate (CDID),<ref name=G.O.2018-10/>{{rp|Para. 2b}} and the associated Battle Lab,<ref name="G.O.2018-10" />{{rp|Para. 2b}} for each Army Center of Excellence.  Each CDID and associated Battle Lab work with their CFT to develop operational experiments and prototypes to test.<ref name="ccdc8feb2019cg" />

ASA(ALT), in coordination with AFC, has dotted-line relationships between its PEOs and the CFTs. In particular, the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office of ASA(ALT) has a PEO to develop experimental prototype "units of action" for rapid fielding. In June 2019, the prototypes were for long-range hypersonic weapons, high-energy laser defense, and space,<ref name=rcctoOpenHouse>Nancy Jones-Bonbrest, Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office [https://www.army.mil/article/223154/partnering_for_speed_army_rapid_prototyping_office_hosts_industry_open_house (14 June 2019) Partnering for speed: Army rapid prototyping office hosts industry open house] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727042039/https://www.army.mil/article/223154/partnering_for_speed_army_rapid_prototyping_office_hosts_industry_open_house |date=27 July 2019 }}</ref><ref name="thurgood2019">Clark, Colin [https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2019/05/army-moves-out-on-lasers-hypersonics-lt-gen-thurgood/ (2019-05-24) Army Moves Out On Lasers, Hypersonics: Lt. Gen. Thurgood] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207061932/https://breakingdefense.com/2019/05/army-moves-out-on-lasers-hypersonics-lt-gen-thurgood/ |date=7 February 2024 }}</ref><ref name="rccto">Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/03/13/army-rapid-capabilities-office-is-getting-a-new-name-and-mission/ (13 March 2019) Army Rapid Capabilities Office is getting a new name and mission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207061958/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/03/13/army-rapid-capabilities-office-is-getting-a-new-name-and-mission/ |date=7 February 2024 }}</ref> The Army tripled its spending on speed and range capabilities from 2017 to 2019.<ref name=ahwJointHypersonic/><ref name=mdo,1000miTargeting/><ref name="strategicFiresBN">{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=2019-06-05 |title=Coming soon to the US Army: Combat-capable hypersonic and laser weapons |url=https://www.c4isrnet.com/land/2019/06/05/coming-soon-to-the-us-army-combat-capable-hypersonic-and-laser-weapons/ |access-date=2021-12-15 |website=C4ISRNet |language=en |archive-date=7 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607102809/https://www.c4isrnet.com/land/2019/06/05/coming-soon-to-the-us-army-combat-capable-hypersonic-and-laser-weapons/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=2023hypersonicTest/><ref>Sydney J Freedberg [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/10/army-tripled-prototyping-to-4-8b-in-just-3-years-gao/ (2 Oct 2020) Army Tripled OTA Prototyping To $4.8B In Just 3 Years: GAO] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005004607/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/10/army-tripled-prototyping-to-4-8b-in-just-3-years-gao/ |date=5 October 2020 }}</ref>

CFTs and PEOs order up tests run by [[Brigade Modernization Command|JMC]] and [[White Sands Missile Range]], which hosts [[United States Army Test and Evaluation Command]].<ref name="wsmr">{{Cite web|title=Team White Sands Organizations|url=https://www.wsmr.army.mil/testcenter/TWSO/Pages/default.aspx|access-date=2021-12-15|website=www.wsmr.army.mil|archive-date=3 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203200750/https://www.wsmr.army.mil/testcenter/twso/Pages/default.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=AR10-87>''Army Commands, Army Service Component Commands, and Direct Reporting Units'' ARN2541_AR10-87_WEB_Final.pdf section 20-2a, p.27</ref><ref>For example,

*[https://www.atec.army.mil/downloads/RFAS%20Acquisition%20Form%20(Help).pdf Request for ATEC Acquisition Support Form] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227010702/https://www.atec.army.mil/downloads/RFAS%20Acquisition%20Form%20(Help).pdf |date=27 December 2016 }}

*or Private industry test</ref><ref name=ccdc8feb2019cg/><ref name=Decker,Wagner2011>{{Cite web |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA546200 |title=(January 2011) Implementing Acquisition Reform: The Decker-Wagner Army Acquisition Review |access-date=17 March 2019 |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207062000/https://apps.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA546200 |url-status=live }}</ref> Test results are analyzed by the Research and Analysis Center at [[Fort Leavenworth]].<ref name=ccdc8feb2019cg/>

CCDC, now called DEVCOM (formerly RDECOM, at APG) includes the several Army research laboratory locations,<ref name="ccdcARL">{{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/157850/ccdc_research_laboratory |title=U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (4 February 2019) CCDC Research Laboratory |access-date=17 February 2019 |archive-date=21 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921061412/https://www.army.mil/article/157850/ccdc_research_laboratory |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as research, development and engineering centers listed:<ref name="G.O.2018-10">Secretary of the Army, Mark T. Esper, ESTABLISHMENT OF UNITED STATES ARMY FUTURES COMMAND [https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN11199_GO1810_FINAL.pdf Army General order G.O.2018-10] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903215148/https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN11199_GO1810_FINAL.pdf |date=3 September 2018 }}</ref><ref name="ccdc8feb2019cg" /><ref name="afcTF2017">[https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN6391_AD2017-33_Web_Final.pdf Army Directive 2017-33 (Enabling the Army Modernization Task Force) (7 November 2017)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403204155/https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN6391_AD2017-33_Web_Final.pdf |date=3 April 2019 }} References Decker-Wagner 2011</ref>

CCDC is focusing on long-range precision fires the six RDECs and the [[United States Army Research Laboratory|Army Research Laboratory]]. As of September 2018, RDECOM's "concept of operation" is first to support the LRPF CFT,<ref name="rdecom,lrpf">Maj. Gen. [[Cedric T. Wins]], CG RDECOM [https://www.army.mil/article/211569/rdecoms_road_map_to_modernizing_the_army_long_range_precision_fire (25 September 2018)  RDECOM's road map to modernizing the Army: Long-range precision fires] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406014036/https://www.army.mil/article/211569/rdecoms_road_map_to_modernizing_the_army_long_range_precision_fire |date=6 April 2019 }}  First in a series</ref> with [[United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center|ARDEC]]. [[Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center|AMRDEC]] is looking to improve the energetics and efficiency of projectiles. [[United States Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center|TARDEC]] Ground Vehicle Center is working on high-voltage components for extended range cannon artillery that save on size and weight.<ref name="rdecom,lrpf" /> Two dedicated RDECOM people support the LRPF CFT, with reachback support from two dozen more at RDECOM.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/212548/rdecom_at_the_forefront_of_creating_a_more_modern_lethal_army |title=Argie Sarantinos-Perrin (17 October 2018) RDECOM at the forefront of creating a more modern, lethal Army |access-date=18 October 2018 |archive-date=19 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019001532/https://www.army.mil/article/212548/rdecom_at_the_forefront_of_creating_a_more_modern_lethal_army |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2019, RDECOM was renamed CCDC; General Murray noted that CCDC will have to support more soldier feedback, and that prototyping and testing will have to begin before a project ever becomes a program of record.<ref name="ccdc31jan2019">Freedberg, Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2019/01/can-futures-command-end-acquisition-disasters-as-army-completes-biggest-reorg-since-1973 (31 Jan 2019) Army Completes Biggest Reorg In 45 Years: Can Futures Command End Weapons Disasters?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212070549/https://breakingdefense.com/2019/01/can-futures-command-end-acquisition-disasters-as-army-completes-biggest-reorg-since-1973/ |date=12 February 2019 }}  "... another thing we've not done very well—is doing the prototyping and experimentation with soldiers from the beginning, so we got soldier input into a program before it ever becomes a program of record" —Gen. 'Mike' Murray</ref><ref name="afcTF2017" />

Acquisition specialists are being encouraged to accept lateral transfers to RDECs where their skills are needed: Ground Vehicle Systems Center (formerly TARDEC, at [[Detroit Arsenal (Warren, Michigan)|Detroit Arsenal. Michigan]]), Aviation and Missile Center (formerly AMRDEC, at [[Redstone Arsenal]]), C5ISR Center (formerly CERDEC, at [[Aberdeen Proving Ground]]), Soldier Center (formerly NSRDEC, Natick, Massachusetts), and Armaments Center (formerly ARDEC, at [[Picatinny Arsenal]]) listed [[#AFC branch locations|below]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Get that moving truck ready|url=https://www.army.mil/article/212251/get_that_moving_truck_ready|access-date=2021-12-15|website=www.army.mil|date=11 October 2018 |language=en|archive-date=14 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014094303/https://www.army.mil/article/212251/get_that_moving_truck_ready|url-status=live}}</ref>

Esper said AFC will reduce the time needed to define requirements for a new program from 60 to 12 months.<ref name="8dec2017">{{Cite web|title=US Army Futures Command to reform modernization, says secretary of the Army|url=https://www.army.mil/article/197886/us_army_futures_command_to_reform_modernization_says_secretary_of_the_army|access-date=2021-12-15|website=www.army.mil|date=26 March 2018 |language=en|archive-date=2 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402184707/https://www.army.mil/article/197886/us_army_futures_command_to_reform_modernization_says_secretary_of_the_army|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MilleyReadiness2019" /><ref name="jp1" /> Requirements may be reduced to "a simple statement of a problem."<ref name="ausa,10.08.2018">[https://www.dvidshub.net/video/631508/ausa-2018-cmf-1-army-futures-command-unifies-force-modernization AUSA 2018 CMF #1: Army Futures Command Unifies Force Modernization] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011013614/https://www.dvidshub.net/video/631508/ausa-2018-cmf-1-army-futures-command-unifies-force-modernization |date=11 October 2018 }} DVIDS video of panelists Gen. Murray, Sec. McCarthy, Dr. Jette, and Trae Stephens</ref>{{rp|minute 41:50}}<ref name="traeStephens">Trae Stephens  [https://warontherocks.com/2022/06/rebooting-the-arsenal-of-democracy/ (6 Jun 2022) Rebooting the arsenal of democracy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606164630/https://warontherocks.com/2022/06/rebooting-the-arsenal-of-democracy/ |date=6 June 2022 }} 4 principles for the new defense companies</ref><ref name="24aug2018" />{{rp|minute 11:00}}<ref name="Wesley2Aug2018">Federal News Radio [https://federalnewsradio.com/on-dod/2018/08/the-army-has-picked-a-location-for-its-new-futures-command-but-now-comes-the-hard-part/ Army has picked a location for its new Futures Command, but now comes the hard part ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902084221/https://federalnewsradio.com/on-dod/2018/08/the-army-has-picked-a-location-for-its-new-futures-command-but-now-comes-the-hard-part/ |date=2 September 2018 }}</ref><ref name="Gourley13jan2017">[[Association of the United States Army]] (AUSA): [https://www.ausa.org/articles/closing-capabilities-gap-seven-things-army-needs-winning-future Scott R. Gourley (Friday, 13 January 2017) CLOSING THE CAPABILITIES GAP: SEVEN THINGS THE ARMY NEEDS FOR A WINNING FUTURE] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315091507/https://www.ausa.org/articles/closing-capabilities-gap-seven-things-army-needs-winning-future |date=15 March 2019 }}</ref><ref name="afcTF2017" /><ref name="holland" /> The development process will consist of repeated prototyping, demonstration/testing, and evaluation, designed to find and eliminated unrealistic requirements. ASA(ALT) Bruce Jette says the acquisition community should seek to fail and find a new solution rather than commit a program to a drawn-out failure.<ref name="gao17,457">United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) [https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/685425.pdf Report: GAO-17-457 (Jun 2017) ARMY CONTRACTING Leadership Lacks Information Needed to Evaluate and Improve Operations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110145747/https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/685425.pdf |date=10 January 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Building the Army of the future |url=https://www.army.mil/article/208403/building_the_army_of_the_future |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=www.army.mil |date=11 July 2018 |language=en |archive-date=23 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823105529/https://www.army.mil/article/208403/building_the_army_of_the_future |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="asaALT" />

Esper scrubbed through 800<ref name=cutsLikely>Hannah Wiley [https://www.upi.com/Program-cuts-likely-under-Army-secretarys-new-Futures-Command/6821522958394/ (6 April 2018) Program cuts likely under Army secretary's new Futures Command] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907183055/https://www.upi.com/Program-cuts-likely-under-Army-secretarys-new-Futures-Command/6821522958394/ |date=7 September 2018 }}</ref> modernization programs to reprioritize funding<ref name=reprioritize2018funding>Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/07/17/army-asks-congress-to-shift-millions-in-fy18-dollars-to-pay-for-big-modernization-efforts/ (17 July 2018) US Army asks Congress to shift millions in FY18 dollars. What's behind the request?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207061939/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/07/17/army-asks-congress-to-shift-millions-in-fy18-dollars-to-pay-for-big-modernization-efforts/ |date=7 February 2024 }}</ref> for the top six modernization priorities,<ref name=esper29aug2018/> which will consume 80% of the modernization funding,<ref name=modernizationFunding >David Vergun [https://www.army.mil/article/210734/richardson_confirmed_as_futures_command_deputy_commander (5 September 2018) Richardson confirmed as Futures Command deputy commander] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031064248/https://www.army.mil/article/210734/richardson_confirmed_as_futures_command_deputy_commander |date=31 October 2019 }}</ref> of 18 systems.<ref name=modernizationFunding/> His "night court" budget review process shifted $2.4 billion for modernization from programs that were not tied to modernization or to the 2018 National Defense Strategy.<ref name="fy2021budgetRequest">FY2021 budget request: [https://www.army.mil/article/232642/army_budget_request_eyes_2b_boost_for_modernization Sean Kimmons, Army News Service (13 February 2020) Army budget request eyes $2B boost for modernization] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213195647/https://www.army.mil/article/232642/army_budget_request_eyes_2b_boost_for_modernization |date=13 February 2020 }}

[[#ifpc|IFPC]] $236 million</ref>

Budgets will likely restrict the fielding of new materiel to one Armor BCT per year;<ref name="risk,mdo,afc" /> at that rate, updates would take decades.<ref name="risk,mdo,afc" /><ref name="budgetShare">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/01/army-to-navy-hey-we-already-get-less-than-you/ (15 January 2020) Army To Navy: Hey, We Already Get Less $$ Than You] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116093552/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/01/army-to-navy-hey-we-already-get-less-than-you/ |date=16 January 2020 }} Army: 26.6%; Navy: 28.7%; Air Force: 28.5%; Other: 16.3%</ref>

In 2019, the [[Army Chief Information Officer/G-6|CIO/G6]] piloted "enterprise IT-as-a-service"-style service contracts at AFC.  In July 2019, such a contract set up a [[sensitive compartmented information facility]] at AFC headquarters.<ref name="foc31jul19" />

In February 2020, the Army vice chief of staff said Army modernization was perceptibly speeding up.<ref name="viceChiefMartinInterview">Sean Kimmons, Army News Service [https://www.army.mil/article/232408/vice_chief_of_staff_speed_of_modernization_no_longer_at_glacial_pace (7 February 2020) Vice chief of staff: Speed of modernization no longer at 'glacial pace'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209185943/https://www.army.mil/article/232408/vice_chief_of_staff_speed_of_modernization_no_longer_at_glacial_pace |date=9 February 2020 }}</ref>

*[https://www.army.mil/article/38414/understanding_opcon see also C. Berry (3 May 2010) Understanding OPCON ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909035723/https://www.army.mil/article/38414/understanding_opcon |date=9 September 2018 }}. (COCOM is the legal authority of a combatant commander ([[Unified combatant command#Combatant commanders|CCDR]]).) OPCON, on the other hand, "is derived from the authorities of COCOM and delineated in JP-1".</ref> needed just for the sustainment function (AMC's need for Readiness today),<ref name=gao17,457/> rather than for its relevance to modernization for the future. AFC now serves as the deciding authority when moving a project in its Life Cycle, out of the Acquisition phase and into the Sustainment phase.<ref name=afcAsaAltAmc/><ref name= afcClarification/>{{efn|name=g357}}

During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]], the Acquisition Executive and the AFC commander created a COVID-19 task force to try to project supplier problems 30, 60, and 90 days out. In 2020, they tracked 800 programs and 35 priorities.<ref name=covid19Mitigation>Jon Harper [https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2020/4/3/army-trying-to-mitigate-disruptions-for-top-modernization-programs (3 April 2020) COVID-19 NEWS: Army Trying to Mitigate Disruptions for Top Modernization Programs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407190248/https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2020/4/3/army-trying-to-mitigate-disruptions-for-top-modernization-programs |date=7 April 2020 }}

*Devon Suits, Army News Service [https://www.army.mil/article/234290/army_looks_to_keep_critical_modernization_programs_on_schedule (7 April 2020) Army looks to keep critical modernization programs on schedule] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412100137/https://www.army.mil/article/234290/army_looks_to_keep_critical_modernization_programs_on_schedule |date=12 April 2020 }} "800 acquisition, logistics, and technology-related programs and nearly 35 key modernization priorities"

*Sydney J. Freedberg, Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/04/covid-19-wont-slow-new-army-weapons-mccarthy-murray-jette/ (23 April 2020) COVID-19 Won't Slow New Army Weapons: McCarthy, Murray, Jette ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427191556/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/04/covid-19-wont-slow-new-army-weapons-mccarthy-murray-jette/ |date=27 April 2020 }} Subcontractors are holding to their schedules when making up for COVID-19 shutdowns</ref>

The CFTs must balance requirements, acquisition, science and technology, test, resourcing, costing, and sustainment.<ref name=AD2017,24/><ref name=cftIsaTeamOfTeams/><ref name="aCFT" group="Note" />

Some modernization work will be done via the [[DOTMLPF|Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and education, Personnel and Facilities (DOTMLPF)]] framework.<ref name=MilleyReadiness2019/><ref name=DOTMLPF,2028,2035>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2019/3/26/army-looks-to-modernize-dotmlpf-in-modernization-strategy |title=Connie Lee (3/26/2019) NEWS FROM AUSA GLOBAL: Army Fleshing Out Updated Modernization Strategy |access-date=28 March 2019 |archive-date=28 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328135523/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2019/3/26/army-looks-to-modernize-dotmlpf-in-modernization-strategy |url-status=live }}</ref>

The plan is to have an MDO-capable Army by 2028{{efn|name= lessonsFromRUkr|1= As informed by lessons learned in light of the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]]}} and an MDO-ready Army by 2035.<ref name="DOTMLPF,2028,2035" /><ref name="40yearPerspective">{{Cite web |title=Readiness for the 21st Century: An interview with retired Gen. David McKiernan |url=https://www.army.mil/article/210106/readiness_for_the_21st_century_an_interview_with_retired_gen_david_mckiernan |access-date=2021-12-14 |website=www.army.mil |date=23 August 2018 |language=en |archive-date=27 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027061725/https://www.army.mil/article/210106/readiness_for_the_21st_century_an_interview_with_retired_gen_david_mckiernan |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2018, McConville said [[TRADOC]], ASA (ALT), and AFC are tied together.<ref name=McConville21aug2018>{{Cite web |url=https://fcw.com/articles/2018/08/21/peo-futures-command-williams.aspx |title=Lauren C. Williams (21 Aug 2018) PEO structure survives Army Futures reorg, for now |access-date=1 September 2018 |archive-date=1 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901182610/https://fcw.com/articles/2018/08/21/peo-futures-command-williams.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> The ASA(ALT) will coordinate the acquisition reform with AFC.<ref name="G.O.2018-10" />{{rp|Para. 1c}}<ref name="twoYears" /><ref name="afcClarification" /> He also said AFC will have to be "a little bit disruptive" to institute reforms within budget in a timely way.<ref name="aLittleDisruptive">Sydney Freeberg [https://breakingdefense.com/2018/09/a-little-bit-disruptive-murray-mccarthy-on-army-futures-command/ (6 September 2018) 'A Little Bit Disruptive': Murray & McCarthy On Army Futures Command ]</ref>

Congress has given the Army Other Transaction Authority (OTA),<ref>Acqnote [http://acqnotes.com/acqnote/careerfields/other-transaction-authority-ota AcqNotes (17 Jan 2017) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Guide – 17 Jan 2017 ]</ref><ref name="aal,baa" group="Note" /> which allows the PEOs to enter into Full Rate Production quicker by permitting the services to control their own programs of record, rather than DoD.<ref name="pmildep" /> This strips out one layer of bureaucracy.<ref name="pmildep" /><ref name="acqReformer">Paul McCleary [https://breakingdefense.com/2018/12/amidst-turmoil-pentagon-persists-on-acquisition-reform-ellen-lord/ (31 December 2018) Amidst Turmoil, Pentagon Persists On Acquisition Reform: Ellen Lord]</ref><ref name="dyneticsChgbLockheedLrhw">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2019/08/hypersonics-army-awards-699m-to-build-first-missiles-for-a-combat-unit/ (30 August 2019)  Hypersonics: Army Awards $699M To Build First Missiles For A Combat Unit] prototypes—Dynetics: Common hypersonic glide body (C-HGB); Lockheed: Long range hypersonic weapon (LRHW)

* Nancy Jones-Bonbrest, U.S. Army RCCTO [https://www.army.mil/article/226368/army_awards_hypersonic_weapon_system_contracts (30 August 2019) Army awards hypersonic weapon system contracts]</ref>

Middle tier acquisition authority is another tool.<ref name="mta">Mr. Kinsey Kiriakos (ASA (ALT)) [https://www.army.mil/article/230122/army_acquisition_leaders_must_speak_truth_to_power (20 November 2019) Army Acquisition Leaders Must "Speak Truth To Power"] MTA and OTA</ref><ref name="mtaForDevOps">Sydney J. Freedberg, Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/rapid-updates-flexible-authorities-key-for-modern-combat-says-army-acquisition-chief/ (27 Feb 2023) Rapid updates, flexible authorities key for modern combat, says Army acquisition chief] Use DOD Instruction 5000.87 for Software Pathway (SWP) acquisition process, under middle tier acquisition authority.</ref>

There is now a [[Program Executive Officer|PEO]] for Rapid Capabilities (RCO) with two program managers, one for rapid prototyping, and one for rapid acquisition, of a capability.<ref>Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/global-force-symposium/2018/03/26/the-next-army-program-executive-office-will-be-the-rapid-capabilities-office/ (26 March 2018) The next Army program executive office will be the Rapid Capabilities Office]</ref> Requirements are developed by the Cross-functional team (CFT).<ref name="rco">Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/ausa/2018/10/07/army-rapid-capabilities-office-realigned-to-focus-on-top-modernization-priorities/ (7 Oct 2018) Army Rapid Capabilities Office realigned to focus on top modernization priorities]</ref> In 2019 RCO became the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO).<ref name="rcctoRedstone">RCO [https://rapidcapabilitiesoffice.army.mil/ RCCTO (2019) Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office]</ref>

In 2019, Futures Command was formulating multiyear enterprise campaign plans.<ref name="enterpriseCampaign">Phil Fountain, U.S. Army Futures Command  [https://www.army.mil/article/225458/army_futures_command_charts_a_campaign_plan (7 August 2019)  Army Futures Command charts a campaign plan] No uniforms</ref><ref name="ftLeavenworthMCbl">{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=2018-02-26 |title=US Army's war-gaming is under-resourced, three-star says |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/02/26/armys-conceptual-experimentation-is-under-resourced-three-star-says/ |access-date=2021-12-15 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref> The planning process includes Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), AFC's cross-functional teams (CFTs), Futures and Concepts (FCC), Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC), and Army Reserve's Houston-based 75th Innovation Command. Pne goal is to formulate the plans in simple, coherent language which nests within the national security strategic documents.<ref name="enterpriseCampaign" /><ref name="goldfeinRaymond">Gen. David Goldfein and Gen. Jay Raymond [https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/02/27/americas-future-battle-network-is-key-to-multidomain-defense/ (28 Feb 2020) America's future battle network is key to multidomain defense] JADC2: " We cannot yet share data in a seamless and simultaneous way between the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or the Space Force"</ref><ref name="mosaJadc2ProjConvergence">Sydney J. Freedberg, Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/10/army-seeks-open-architecture-for-all-air-ground-systems-jette/ (14 Oct 2020) Army Seeks Open Architecture For All Air & Ground Systems: Jette] In the spirit of MOSA, JADC2, & Project convergence:

*Vehicle Integration for C4ISR/EW Interoperability (VICTORY)</ref><ref name="offroadRCVnavigation">Sydney J. Freedberg, Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2022/11/can-the-armys-robotics-programs-build-ai-the-silicon-valley-way/ (14 Nov 2022) Can the Army's robotics programs build AI the Silicon Valley way?] RCV navigation: "DIU has brokered a potentially groundbreaking contract between the Army's Robotic Combat Vehicle program and a small California firm that trains AI algorithms to navigate off-road".</ref><ref name="rcvL">Sydney J. Freedberg, Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/11/qinetiq-delivers-armed-scout-robot-to-army-rcv-l/ (13 Nov 2020) QinetiQ Delivers Armed Scout Robot To Army: RCV-L] uses [[UGV Interoperability Profile]]</ref><ref name="plainLang">Katherine Spivey and Wendy Wagner-Smith  [https://digital.gov/event/2021/05/19/positioning-yourself-as-a-plain-language-editor/ (19 May 2021)  Positioning Yourself as a Plain Language Editor]</ref>

By October 2022 Field Manual 3-0 said "Multi-domain Operations are at the root of all Army operations".<ref name= fm30Oct22 >Headquarters, Department of the Army [https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN36290-FM_3-0-000-WEB-1.pdf (1 October 2022) FM 3-0 OPERATIONS] 280 pages</ref>{{rp|§ 1-11, p.1-3 }}<ref name="10Oct2022">AUSA 2022 [https://www.dvidshub.net/video/860148/ausa-contemporary-military-forum-army-2030-preparing-today-tomorrows-fight (10 Oct 2022) AUSA Contemporary Military Forum: Army 2030 - Preparing Today for Tomorrow's Fight] Office of the Chief of Public Affairs</ref>{{rp|minute 28:09 to 36:00 }}

A goal of AFC is [[overmatch]] of the capability of a competitor or adversary, particularly the imposition of multiple simultaneous dilemmas upon a competitor or adversary.<ref name="mdb" /> By 2021, Army leaders recognized that the [[Transformation of the United States Army#Multi-domain operations (MDO)|multi-domain operations]] task force<ref name="if11797">Andrew Feickert, Specialist in Military Ground Forces, Congressional Research Service (CRS) [https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11797 (31 May 2022) The Army's Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF)] report IF11797</ref> could do so.<ref name="ausa2021">[[Christine Wormuth]] [https://www.dvidshub.net/video/817199/ausa-2021-opening-ceremony (10.11.2021) AUSA 2021]</ref>{{rp|min 30:45}}{{efn|name=leoLRPFKillChain}}

Planning for the [[#2022|Army of 2040]] is underway.<ref name="aTheoryOfVictory" />{{efn|name=g357}}<ref name="hicksUrgencyToInnovate">U.S. Department of Defense [https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3507156/deputy-secretary-of-defense-kathleen-hicks-keynote-address-the-urgency-to-innov/ (28 Aug 2023) Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks Keynote Address: 'The Urgency to Innovate' (As Delivered)] Replicator, introduced at the "NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference"— Replicator is meant to overcome PRC's mass with AI ''en masse''

* Brandi Vincent [https://defensescoop.com/2023/08/28/hicks-unveils-dods-new-replicator-initiative-to-counter-china-via-autonomous-tech/ (28 Aug 2023) Hicks unveils DOD's new 'Replicator' initiative to counter China via autonomous tech]</ref>

*Long-range precision fires developments include:{{efn| name= ccdcAvMcGoals |1= Munitions such as PrSM will need to fire and then move, at targets on the move.<ref name= shootAndMove >Todd South [https://www.defensenews.com/news/2022/09/20/army-missile-teams-will-add-robots-and-multi-payload-rockets/ (20 Sep 2022) Army missile teams will add robots and multi-payload rockets] —Hunter Blackwell, CCDC Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC)</ref><ref name=AvMcAml >US Army AvMC [https://www.defensenews.com/video/2021/06/16/autonomous-missile-launcher-destroys-enemy-threats/ (16 Jun 2021) Video: Autonomous missile launcher destroys enemy threats] [[United States Army Aviation and Missile Center|AvMC]] concept video —autonomous multi-domain launcher (AML): Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/06/16/us-army-fires-autonomous-launcher-in-pacific-focused-demo/ (16 Jun 2021) US Army fires autonomous launcher in Pacific-focused demo] AML demo at [[Fort Sill]] utilized a HIMARS launcher and the AML</ref>}}<ref name="ArmyStrategicFires">Breaking Defense [https://breakingdefense.com/tag/army-strategic-fires/ A series on: Army Strategic Fires]</ref><ref name="infArsenal">Sydney J. Freedberg, Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2019/05/beyond-inf-an-affordable-arsenal-of-long-range-missiles/ (28 May 2019) Beyond INF: An Affordable Arsenal Of Long-Range Missiles?] INF Treaty likely to expire in August 2019</ref>  

[[Hypersonic flight#Hypersonic weapons development|Hypersonic materiel development]]:<ref name="ahwJointHypersonic">Sydney J. Freedberg, Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2018/08/army-warhead-is-key-to-joint-hypersonics/ (22 August 2018) Army Warhead Is Key To Joint Hypersonics ]</ref> the Strategic long range cannon (SLRC), for a hypersonic projectile,<ref name="slrcQuestions">Loren Thompson [https://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2020/08/07/army-breakthroughs-in-long-range-fires-raise-novel-questions-about-targeting-organization--command/#565a921b6d7b (7 Aug 2020) Army breakthroughs in Long-range fires raise novel questions about targeting, organization, and command] about SLRC, a long-barrelled cannon which uses GPS-guided munitions</ref><ref name="slrc14sep18">Matthew Cox [https://www.businessinsider.com/army-seeks-strategic-cannon-that-can-fire-a-round-over-1000-miles-2018-9 (14 September 2018) The Army is developing a new strategic cannon to devastate targets over 1,000 miles away]</ref> is meant to have a range up to 1,000 nautical miles.<ref name="Slrc20191014">Sean Gallagher [https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2019/10/army-aims-to-test-extreme-long-range-strategic-cannon/ (10/15/2019) Bringing in the big gun: Army paves way for "strategic cannon"]

*Defense Updates [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3LCQ0yY86c (4 Feb 2019) U.S ARMY'S SUPER GUN - STRATEGIC LONG RANGE CANNON (SLRC)] Smaller GPS-enabled shells.</ref> An early ballistic test took place at [[Naval Support Facility Dahlgren]], as announced at AUSA in October 2019.<ref name="Slrc20191014" /><ref name="slrc2023">{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=2019-10-15 |title=Strategic, long-range cannon preps to jump its first tech hurdle |url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/ausa/2019/10/16/strategic-long-range-cannon-preps-to-jump-its-first-tech-hurdle/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref> SLRC was cancelled in March 2022.<ref name=xSlrc >Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/05/23/us-army-terminates-strategic-long-range-cannon-science-and-technology-effort/ (23 Mar 2022) US Army terminates science and technology effort for strategic long-range cannon]</ref>  

[[Extended Range Cannon Artillery]] (ERCA) development at Picatinny Arsenal: evaluate several manufacturing technologies, tied to the XM1113 munition.<ref>Eric Kowal [https://www.army.mil/article/238532/by_improving_artillery_shells_picatinny_engineers_seek_to_greatly_extend_range_of_cannon_artillery (August 27, 2020) By Improving Artillery Shells, Picatinny Engineers Seek to Greatly Extend Range of Cannon Artillery]</ref><ref>Richard P. Hansen, Scranton Army Ammunition Plant [https://www.army.mil/article/238269/scranton_army_ammunition_plant_manufactures_and_ships_large_caliber_ammunition_metal_parts (August 19, 2020) Scranton Army Ammunition Plant Manufactures and Ships Large-Caliber Ammunition Metal Parts]</ref> ERCA was cancelled in March 2024;<ref name=xErca >Ashley Rocque  [https://breakingdefense.com/2024/03/army-budget-request-2025-biden-pentagon-how-much-does-the-army-spend/ (11 Mar 2024) Army’s $186B budget request shuffles artillery, aviation plans]</ref> Gen. Rainey has ceded towed artillery as at its end-of-life.<ref name= endOfM777 >Ashley Rocque [https://breakingdefense.com/2024/03/towed-artillery-has-reached-end-of-the-effectiveness-army-four-star-declares/ (26 Mar 2024) Towed artillery has reached 'end of the effectiveness', Army four-star declares] Rainey</ref>

Targeting with thousand-mile missiles,<ref name="2023hypersonicTest">Sydney J. Freedberg, Jr.  [https://breakingdefense.com/2019/03/army-sets-2023-hypersonic-flight-test-strategic-cannon-advances/ (19 March 2019) Army Sets 2023 Hypersonic Flight Test; Strategic Cannon Advances]</ref><ref name="mdo,1000miTargeting">Sydney J. Freedberg, Jr.  [https://breakingdefense.com/2018/09/aiming-the-armys-thousand-mile-missiles/ (11 September 2018) Aiming The Army's Thousand-Mile Missiles] Multi-domain Ft Sill</ref><ref name="tmoSill"><!--Fyi: fortblissbugle.com is now a gaming site. Only use the archive version: https://web.archive.org/web/20190904235346/http://fortblissbugle.com/2019/09/04/target-mensuration-course-bulldog-brigade-trains-target-acquisition-with-precision/-->Maj. Anthony Clas, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Public Affairs: (SEPTEMBER 4, 2019) Target Mensuration course: Bulldog Brigade trains target acquisition with precision Target Mensuration Only (TMO) Including TMO in a unit training plan

*[https://www.army.mil/article/226393/bulldog_brigade_trains_target_acquisition_with_precision Maj. Anthony Clas (28 August 2019) Bulldog Brigade Trains Target Acquisition with Precision]</ref><ref name="MDO,Icorps" /><ref name="Northrop289" /> "streamlining the sensor-shooter link at every echelon"—BG<ref name="FtSillBG">Monica K. Guthrie, LRPF communications director [https://www.army.mil/article/228330/army_futures_command_gains_new_general (9 October 2019) Army Futures Command gains new general]</ref> John Rafferty,<ref name="mdo,1000miTargeting" /> in Integrated fire.<ref name="integratedFire">Daniel Cebul [https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/ausa/2018/10/08/army-looks-to-a-future-of-integrated-fire/ (8 Oct 2018) Army looks to a future of integrated fire]</ref><ref name="titanLrpf">Sean Kimmons, Army News Service [https://www.army.mil/article/228867/titan_system_being_developed_to_tie_deep_sensing_to_long_range_fires (24 October 2019) TITAN system being developed to tie 'deep sensing' to long-range fires] For use in I2CEWS battalion of a [[Reorganization plan of United States Army#mdoMDTF|Multi-domain task force]]</ref><ref name="tacticalSpaceLayer">Sandra Erwin [https://spacenews.com/u-s-army-approves-plans-for-a-future-tactical-space-layer/ (19 April 2021)  U.S. Army approves plans for a future 'tactical space layer'] "tactical space layer will be integrated with an existing ground station called Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN)"</ref>

*{{anchor|mobile,ExpeditionaryNetwork}}Mobile & Expeditionary Network<ref name="fccAustin">[[Scott McKean]] [https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/2021/07/19/b7aad354/20210714-afc-pam-71-20-9-concept-for-c2-pursuing-decision-dominance-approved.pdf (14 Jul 2021) AFC Pamphlet 71-20-9 Army Futures Command Concept for Command and Control - Pursuing decision dominance] AFCC-C2 is the future communications network. 14 Jul 2021 see: [https://www.army.mil/futuresandconceptscenter#org-resources FUTURES AND CONCEPTS CENTER resources]</ref> / [[Reorganization plan of United States Army#Multi-domain operations (MDO)|MDO]] Multi-domain operations<ref name="tp525,3,1" /><ref name="risk,mdo,afc">Todd South, Military Times [https://www.businessinsider.com/army-futures-command-general-4-things-needed-to-win-future-wars-2019-5#4-the-armys-culture-of-risk-aversion-needs-to-change-4 (8 May 2019) 4 things the general in charge of the Army's newest command says are needed to win the wars of the future]</ref>

*At [[Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake]], an FVL CFT-sponsored demonstration of interconnected sensors handed off control of a glide munition which had been launched from a Grey Eagle drone. When another group of sensors picked up a higher-priority target, another operator at the Tactical Operations Center redirected the glide munition to the higher-priority targe.<ref name="smartSensor">Gary Sheftick, Army News Service [https://www.army.mil/article/226890/smart_sensor_network_helps_redirect_missile (9 September 2019)  Smart sensor network helps redirect missile] The [[Lockheed AC-130#Recent and planned upgrades|GBU-69]] was redirected; FARA is slated to replace AH-64 in subsequent A3I experiments</ref><ref name="trax">Dan Gouré [https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2020/03/20/socom_has_solved_the_militarys_tower_of_babel_problem_115132.html (20 Mar 2020) SOCOM Has Solved the Military's 'Tower of Babel' Problem]</ref><ref name="mosaAIfvl">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/02/future-vertical-lift-armys-aerial-vanguard/ (25 February 2020) Future Vertical Lift: Army's Aerial Vanguard ] LRPF will be the prime customer for the AI targeting data provided via FVL. The Joint force is also a consumer of this data, provided by FVL's manned or unmanned missions.</ref>  

Network CFT sponsors sensor-to-shooter prototype for multi-domain battle, 2019 operational assessment.<ref name="mdb,usaf,usa,2019">Claire Heininger [https://www.army.mil/article/209672/army_air_force_team_on_sensor_to_shooter_prototype_for_multi_domain_battle (9 August 2018) Army, Air Force team on sensor to shooter prototype for multi-domain battle]</ref><ref name="mdc2,usaf">Mark Pomerleau [https://www.c4isrnet.com/c2-comms/2018/04/11/in-the-move-to-multi-domain-operations-what-gets-lost/ (11 April 2018) In the move to multi-domain operations, what gets lost? ] The space, cyber, and information domains transcend geographic AoRs</ref><ref name="reportCard">Dan Gouré [https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2019/08/02/army_futures_commands_report_card_after_its_first_year_114632.html (2 August 2019) Army Futures Command's Report Card After Its First Year] Need: MDO doctrine in DoD, Two theater operation at island & continent, augment BCTs with higher echelon capability</ref>

Night vision goggles thermal polarimetric camera.<ref>ARL [https://www.army.mil/article/211492/new_army_technology_guides_soldiers_in_complete_darkness (24 September 2018) New Army technology guides Soldiers in complete darkness]</ref> [[Integrated Visual Augmentation System]] (IVAS)<ref name="ivasFovDelay">Andrew Eversden [https://breakingdefense.com/2021/10/army-says-next-gen-ar-goggles-delayed-over-field-of-view-issues/ (18 Oct 2021) Army Says Next-Gen AR Goggles Delayed Over Field Of View Issues]</ref><ref name="ivasBy2021">Joe Lacdan [https://www.army.mil/article/221766/augmented_reality_training_on_the_horizon_to_give_soldiers_edge_in_combat (13 May 2019) Augmented reality training on the horizon to give Soldiers edge in combat] allows repetition, for training</ref><ref name="ivas19">Tom McKay [https://gizmodo.com/the-army-just-gave-a-press-demo-of-microsofts-hololens-1833863938 (6 April 2019) The Army Just Gave a Press Demo of Microsoft's HoloLens 2 Military Prototype]</ref><ref name="ivasSoldier1Touchpoint">Bridgett Siter [https://www.army.mil/article/230034/soldiers_test_new_ivas_technology_capabilities_during_hand_on_exercises (19 November 2019) Soldiers test new IVAS technology, capabilities with hand-on exercises] IVAS: 1 Soldier Touchpoint (STP) STP is becoming rapid acquisitions methodology for AFC</ref><ref name="ivas2stp">Kathryn Bailey, PEO C3T Public Affairs [https://www.army.mil/article/230047/the_armys_tactical_network_empowers_advanced_goggle_platform (19 November 2019)  The Army's tactical network empowers advanced goggle platform] IVAS is under STP 2-- "In July 2020, STP 3 will fully integrate the ITN with IVAS"</ref><ref name="ivasChanges">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2019/12/soldiers-coders-surprise-army-brass-changing-ivas-goggles/ (13 December 2019) Soldiers, Coders Surprise Army Brass By Changing IVAS Goggles] FOV is turning out to be more important to the infantrymen than the range of the goggles</ref><ref name="ivasResults">Devon L. Suits, Army News Service [https://www.army.mil/article/230765/third_ivas_evaluation_slated_for_july (9 December 2019) Third IVAS evaluation slated for July] Soldier Touchpoint successfully increased IVAS FOV to 80 degrees while range of the goggles was still at 900 meters, from thermal nightsight capability</ref><ref name="Hu2020">Thomas Brading, Army News Service [https://www.army.mil/article/232503/new_technology_recognizes_faces_in_the_dark_far_away (10 February 2020) New technology recognizes faces in the dark, far away] Combines night vision with facial recognition</ref><ref name="ivasWaterproof">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/10/from-frankengoggle-to-battle-ready-army-ivas/ (5 October 2020) From 'Frankengoggle' To Battle-Ready: Army IVAS ] waterproof IVAS</ref> The Synthetic Training Environment (STE) is available to some of the troops outfitted with IVAS.<ref name="glaser">Adam Stone [https://www.defensenews.com/training-sim/2021/09/30/us-army-makes-headway-on-synthetic-training-environment/ (30 Sep 2021) US Army makes headway on Synthetic Training Environment]</ref> Army Secretary [[Christine Wormuth]] said Army work on a common operating picture will be a foundation for joint operations.<ref name="copInTheFight">Andrew Eversden [https://breakingdefense.com/2021/12/heres-what-the-army-would-do-in-a-pacific-fight-wormuth/ (1 Dec 2021) Wormuth: Here's the Army's role in a Pacific fight]</ref><ref name="operationsCenters">Immersive Ops [https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/immersive-wisdom-briefs-secretary-of-the-army-at-project-convergence-21-on-future-of-army-operations-centers-301423723.html (15 Nov 2021) Immersive Wisdom briefs Secretary of the Army at Project Convergence '21 on future of Army operations centers]  3D Virtual Operations Center software platform</ref><ref name="5coreTasks">Caitlin M Kenney [https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2021/12/army-would-have-5-core-tasks-pacific-conflict/187212/ (1 Dec 2021) Army Would Have 5 'Core Tasks' in a Pacific Conflict]</ref><ref name= ivasNeedsToAceIt >Ashley Rocque [https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/if-armys-ivas-doesnt-ace-upcoming-test-it-could-become-bill-payer-rainey/ (15 May 2024) If Army's IVAS doesn't ace upcoming test, it could become bill payer: Rainey]</ref>

CCDC ARL researchers are developing a flexible, waterproof, [[lithium-ion battery]] of any size and shape, for soldiers to wear; the electrolyte is water itself. In 2020 the batteries were engineering prototypes; by 2021 soldiers will wear the battery for themselves for the first time.<ref name="waterproofBattery">Thomas Brading, Army News Service [https://www.army.mil/article/232406/army_scientists_on_verge_of_nearly_unbreakable_battery (6 February 2020) Army scientists on verge of nearly unbreakable battery] First announced in 2015</ref>

*CCDC ARL and DoE's PNNL are examining the solid-electrolyte-interphase (SEI) as it first forms during the initial charging of a lithium-ion battery. They have found an inner SEI (thin, dense, and inorganic—most likely [[lithium oxide]]) between the copper electrode, and an outer SEI which is organic and permeable—a finding which will be useful when building future batteries.<ref name="seiArl">U.S. Army CCDC Research Laboratory Public Affairs [https://www.army.mil/article/232404/army_scientists_look_inside_batteries_with_a_molecular_eye (5 February 2020) Army scientists look inside batteries with a molecular eye] CCDC ARL "teamed with researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory" (PNNL)

*[https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-019-0618-4 ''Nature Nanotechnology'' (27 January 2020) Real-time mass spectrometric characterization of the solid–electrolyte interphase of a lithium-ion battery]</ref>

CCDC ARL and MIT researchers are formulating atomically thin materials to be layered upon soldiers' equipment and clothing for MDO information display and processing.<ref name="moS2">CCDC Army Research Laboratory [https://www.army.mil/article/233325/researchers_imagine_devices_without_cords_or_batteries(3 March 2020) Researchers imagine devices without cords or batteries]{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} [[Molybdenum disulphide]]</ref>

Integrated, wearable cabling for capabilities such as IVAS, [[Next Generation Squad Weapon]] (NGSW), or [[Nett Warrior]] are under development;<ref name="intWearCabling">Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs [https://www.army.mil/article/235248/in_modernization_push_army_researches_integrated_power_cables_for_soldiers (4 May 2020) In modernization push, Army researches integrated power cables for Soldiers] uses technology from Foreign Comparative Testing program (FCT)</ref> the potential exists to reduce 20 pounds of batteries to half that weight.<ref name="intWearBatteries">Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs [https://www.army.mil/article/224879 (17 Jan 2020) Army boosts Soldier battery power for greater lethality, mobility] by using silicon-based anodes</ref>

CCDC ARL is studying [[3D printing|additive manufacturing]] (3D printing) for munitions.<ref name="3dPrintingOnHemisphere">U.S. Army CCDC Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs [https://www.army.mil/article/233054/additive_manufacturing_to_provide_soldiers_with_cutting_edge_munitions (25 February 2020) Additive manufacturing to provide Soldiers with cutting-edge munitions] They "printed the world's first 3-D hybrid microcontroller circuit on a hemisphere that survived high G environments".</ref>  

Natick Soldier RDEC has awarded an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract to prototype soldier exoskeletons which augment human leg strength under harsh conditions.<ref name="exoskel1">NSRDEC Public Affairs [https://www.army.mil/article/212426/naticks_exoskeleton_work_is_a_powerful_step_toward_the_future_of_soldier_lethality (15 October 2018) Natick's exoskeleton work is a powerful step toward the future of Soldier lethality]</ref><ref name="exoskel2">RDECOM Soldier Center, Public Affairs Office [https://www.army.mil/article/216423/army_looks_at_more_advanced_exoskeleton_technologies_options (23 January 2019) Soldier Center partners with industry experts to advance exoskeleton technologies]</ref><ref>Harvard [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N28bttqLoZE (17 Sep 2018) Multi-joint Personalized Exosuit Breaks New Ground] video clip</ref><ref name="exoskel3">David Roza [https://taskandpurpose.com/news/army-tests-exoskeleton/ (26 Aug 2022) The Army wants exoskeletons so soldiers can defeat their worst enemy: Lower back pain] Assistive technology adds 3 pounds of equipment, but stabilizes lower back</ref>

  DEVCOM Chem Bio Center (CBC) is developing sensors to detect contaminants.<ref name="cbcSensorsIoT">Jerilyn Coleman [https://www.army.mil/article/256202/devcom_teams_explore_low_cost_lightweight_sensors_for_warfighter_use (28 Apr 2022) DEVCOM teams explore low-cost, lightweight sensors for warfighter use] Chem Bio Center (CBC) sensors to detect possible hazardous contamination</ref>

The [[Infantry Squad Vehicle]] (ISV)<ref name="isv2019">Thomas Brading, Army News Service [https://www.army.mil/article/226439/army_closer_to_delivering_new_infantry_squad_vehicle (29 August 2019) Army closer to delivering new infantry squad vehicle] (ISV)

*Downselect to one vendor is expected 2nd Quarter of FY2020</ref><ref name="isvBy13Nov">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2019/10/who-will-build-651-of-the-armys-parachuting-truck/ (8 October 2019) Who Will Build 651 Parachuting Trucks For The Army?] 2 air-drop-able prototypes from each vendor due 13 November 2019,</ref> is meant to be airdropped for a squad of nine paratroopers.<ref name="airdroppedISV">Kyle Mizokami [https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a29432268/meet-the-armys-new-airborne-trucks/ (13 Oct 2019) Meet the Army's New Airborne Trucks]</ref> The GM design was selected; first unit is expected at 1/82nd AB division in February 2021.<ref name="isvGM2020">GM Defense LLC [https://euro-sd.com/2020/08/articles/18215/us-army-selects-gm-design-for-infantry-squad-vehicle/ (8 Aug 2020) US Army Selects GM Design for Infantry Squad Vehicle]

*Janes [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iywCrCRWlw (21 Oct 2019) AUSA 2019: GM Defense's Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) for U.S. Army ] Youtube clip, 9:27. No armor, has Roll bars.</ref><ref name="isvGreenFlag">Ashley Roque [https://breakingdefense.com/2023/04/us-army-waves-green-flag-for-infantry-squad-vehicle-full-rate-production/ (5 Apr 2023) US Army waves green flag for Infantry Squad Vehicle full-rate production]</ref>

*A-PNT devices are being miniaturized, with more redundant positioning sources.<ref name="APNTjmc" /><ref name="asaWSH2018" />{{rp|pp220-3}}{{efn|name= asaWsh2018ToC }}

*In September 2019 in the Maneuver [[center of excellence#United States Army|CoE]]'s Battle Lab at [[Fort Moore]], OneSAF simulations<ref name="mblDroneGcvAiPlatoon10X" /> of a platoon augmented by UAS drones, ground robots, and AI were able to dislodge a defending force 3 times larger, repeatedly. But by current doctrine, a near-battalion would have been required to accomplish that mission.<ref name="mblDroneGcvAiPlatoon10X">Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2019/12/ai-robots-crush-foes-in-army-wargame/ (19 December 2019) AI & Robots Crush Foes In Army Wargame]

*Roger Smith [http://www.simulationfirst.com/papers/RSmith_OneSAF_KIDA.pdf (2008) OneSAF: Next Generation Wargame Model] pdf</ref>

In February 2024 the department of the Air Force announced its intention to create the Space Futures Command.<ref name= sfc0 >Michael Marrow and Theresa Hitchens [https://breakingdefense.com/2024/02/air-force-reorganization-frank-kendall-china/ (12 February 2024) Air Force launches reorganization, as Kendall warns 'We are out of time' to match China]</ref><ref name= sfc1 >Unshin Lee Harpley [https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-fourth-field-command-space-futures-command/ (12 February 2024) Saltzman Announces Fourth Space Force Field Command: Space Futures Command]</ref> The US Air Force is seeking to launch Integrated Capabilities Command by year-end 2024 to set future requirements for the USAF.<ref name= integCapabCommand >Stephen Losey [https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/05/03/us-air-force-eyes-deadline-to-launch-new-command/ (3 May 2024) US Air Force eyes deadline to launch new command] Integrated Capabilities Command up and running by year-end 2024; responsible for future requirements for USAF.</ref>

Lieutenant General [[John M. Murray]] became Army Futures Command's first commanding general upon its [[Change of command|activation]] on 24 August 2018.<ref name="afc209932" /><ref name="CG">[https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2018/08/22/austin-gets-its-general-army-futures-command.html Austin gets its general; Army Futures Command leader confirmed]</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=16 July 2018 |title=PN2622—Lt. Gen. John M. Murray—Army |url=https://www.congress.gov/nomination/115th-congress/2262 |access-date=17 July 2018 |website=U.S. Congress}}</ref><ref name= murray2021 >Jen Judson [https://www.defensenews.com/interviews/2021/07/12/army-futures-command-chief-on-what-his-team-got-right-and-wrong-since-its-founding/  (12 Jul 2021) Army Futures Command chief on what his team got right — and wrong — since its founding]</ref><ref name= afcScope/><ref name= afcTimer/><ref name= Ad202207Timer /><ref name= afcCg/><ref name= newAfcCgNom/><ref name= cgBackgrounder/> Lieutenant General [[James E. Rainey]] (promoted to general on 7 October 2022)<ref name=rainey>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/video/860079/promotion-ceremony-iho-ltg-james-e-rainey|title=Promotion Ceremony iho LTG James E. Rainey|date=7 October 2022|access-date=13 October 2022|website=DVIDS}}</ref> became AFC's second commanding general on 4 October 2022.{{efn|name=g357|1= <!--Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans, and Training [[Staff (military)|G]]-[[Operations (military staff)|3]]/[[Staff (military)#Plans_and_strategy|5]]/[[Military education and training|7]].--> The CG,AFC is responsible for ''Force design'' (in the style of [https://www.tradoc.army.mil/g357/ TRADOC's G357],<ref>[https://adminpubs.tradoc.army.mil/regulations/TR10-5-1.pdf TRADOC Regulation 10-5-1] G357</ref> but applied to Force modernization, rather than training).<ref name= ar71_9 /> The Army's Force management model begins with a projection of the Future operating environment, in terms of resources: political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and the time available to bring the Current army to bear on the situation.<ref name= forceMgt /> The [[United States Army Acquisition Corps#AROC|AROC]] serves as a discussion forum of these factors.<ref name= ar71_9 />

*The Army [[Deputy Chief of Staff G-8 Programs of The United States Army|G-8]] and [[Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Training (G3/5/7)|G-3/5/7]] sit on the Army Requirements Oversight Council (AROC), chaired by the Chief of Staff  of the Army (CSA).<ref name=htar >United States Army War College and Army  Force Management School [https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1127933.pdf (2019-2020) How the Army Runs] HTAR: A senior leader reference handbook which synthesizes "existing and developing National, Defense, Joint, and Army systems, processes, and procedures currently practiced"</ref>{{rp|diagram on p.559}}<ref name= ar71_9 /><ref name= forceMgt >James Kennedy [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNY4nVNSOwE  (2019) Force Management Model - Complete]</ref>

*The relevant strategy is provided by the Army's leadership to guide Army staff.<ref name=htar />  

*The resources are "dictated by Congress".<ref name= forceMgt />

*A [[DOTMLPF]] analysis models the factors necessary to change the Current force into a relevant Future force.<ref name= dotmlpfAfc >Army Futures Command [https://www.army.mil/article/272603/army_coordinates_across_disciplines_to_advance_future_readiness (28 Dec 2023) Army coordinates across disciplines to advance future readiness]</ref>  

*A [[JCIDS]]/ACIDS<ref name= jcidsAcids >James Kennedy [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvMlcmKx2VI (Aug 2022) JCIDS (ACIDS)]</ref> process identifies the gaps in capability between Current and Future force.

Staff uses Synchronization meetings<ref name= weeklyAsmForceInteg >James Kennedy, CGSC [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQUGlS5uL94 (Jun 2022) AY22 Force Integration CGSC] Weekly meetings on Change, Crisis, Competition, or Conflict. 50:31</ref>{{rp|minute 8:29 }} before seeking approval —HTAR Force Management 3-2b: "Managing change in any large, complex organization requires the synchronization of many interrelated processes".<ref name=htar />{{rp|p.3-1}}   

{{Officeholder table

| order            = 1

| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|24 August 2018|3 December 2021}}

{{Officeholder table

| order            = -

| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|3 December 2021|4 October 2022}}

{{Officeholder table

| order            = 2

| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|4 October 2022}}