Army Futures Command: Difference between revisions

{{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 }}

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>

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" />

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:

* [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.

* Todd South [https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/08/11/this-3-star-army-general-explains-what-multi-domain-operations-mean-for-you/ (11 August 2019) This 3-star Army general explains what multi-domain operations mean for you] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207060500/https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/08/11/this-3-star-army-general-explains-what-multi-domain-operations-mean-for-you/ |date=7 February 2024 }} "think, assess and employ all domains when necessary"—General Wesley</ref><ref name="summaryOfStandoff2018">Yasmin Tadjdeh [https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2018/10/10/army-to-focus-on-defeating-enemies-standoff-capabilities (10/10/2018) Army to Focus on Defeating Enemies' Standoff Capabilities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224075431/https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2018/10/10/army-to-focus-on-defeating-enemies-standoff-capabilities |date=24 December 2019 }} Summary of standoff</ref> by presenting them with multiple simultaneous dilemmas.<ref name="jadc2MultiDilemmas">Sydney Freedberg, Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2020/01/army-chief-seeks-minimally-manned-vehicles-joint-c2/ (14 January 2020) Army Chief Seeks 'Minimally Manned' Vehicles, Joint C2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115153848/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/01/army-chief-seeks-minimally-manned-vehicles-joint-c2/ |date=15 January 2020 }} LRPF, ITN, IBCS, FARA, FLRAA, and "We need a joint command and control system" —Army Chief of Staff James C. McConville</ref><ref name="rangeSpeed">Sydney Freedberg, Jr. [https://breakingdefense.com/2021/02/army-chief-to-navy-air-force-weve-got-speed-range/ (2021) Army Chief To Navy, Air Force: We've Got 'Speed & Range'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426224515/https://breakingdefense.com/2021/02/army-chief-to-navy-air-force-weve-got-speed-range/ |date=26 April 2021 }} "The future is all about range and speed" —Gen. McConville</ref>{{efn|name=leoLRPFKillChain}} A goal is that by 2028, the ability to project rapid, responsive power across domains will have become apparent to potential adversaries.<ref name="csaPaper1">Chief of Staff paper #1, Headquarters, Department of the Army [https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/2021/03/23/eeac3d01/20210319-csa-paper-1-signed-print-version.pdf (16 March 2021) Army Multi-Domain Transformation: Ready to Win in Competition and Conflict] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516213122/https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/2021/03/23/eeac3d01/20210319-csa-paper-1-signed-print-version.pdf |date=16 May 2021 }} Unclassified version by 40th Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. [[James C. McConville]]</ref><ref name="csa2">Chief of Staff paper #2 [https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/2021/03/29/bf6c30e6/csa-paper-2-the-army-in-military-competition.pdf (1 March 2021) The Army in Military Competition] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602133203/https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/2021/03/29/bf6c30e6/csa-paper-2-the-army-in-military-competition.pdf |date=2 June 2021 }}</ref>{{efn|name= lessonsFromRUkr}}

# Futures and Concepts: assess gaps (needs versus opportunities,<ref name="reformers" /> given a threat).<ref name="sjFjr26Mar2018" /> Concepts for realizable future systems (with readily harvestable content)<ref name="holland">Lt. Col. Thomas "Bull" Holland, PhD, U.S. Army [https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/Online-Exclusive/2019-OLE/Jan/Army-Futures/ (15 January 2019) Proposed Army Futures Command Process Tenets] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403221017/https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/Online-Exclusive/2019-OLE/Jan/Army-Futures/ |date=3 April 2019 }}

*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>}}

=== 2019 ===

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>

*Novaa, for single-aperture antennas ( multi-band rather than 1 dedicated antenna per application)

*[[Vita Inclinata]], stabilized anti-spin hoisting for pulling injured people on a stretcher into a hovering helicopter

=== 2021 ===

== Organization ==

The commanding general is assisted by three deputy commanders.

* '''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.

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> <→·→—°→—°←<\·<|>/>-->

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>

=== Partners ===

[[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}}]]

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>

[[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>

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>

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}}

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>

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>

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)

*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>

<!-- Enterprise planning ref name= bridgingToArmy2028 / -->

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}}