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Battlefield Automation: Army's Restructured Land Warrior Program Needs More Oversight

NSIAD-00-28 Published: Dec 15, 1999. Publicly Released: Dec 15, 1999.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO assessed the Army's implementation of the Land Warrior system, focusing on: (1) the status of the system; (2) whether the level of monitoring and oversight is sufficient based on projected Land Warrior development costs; (3) how the Army is ensuring that Land Warrior will be able to operate with other digitized battlefield systems; and (4) whether technical and human factor problems still need resolution.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
In view of the significant changes and revised design to the Land Warrior system, Congress may wish to consider withholding further funding until the Army determines what it plans to develop and provides a detailed approach, including revised cost, schedule, and performance estimates, to acquire and field the system.
Closed – Not Implemented
No congressional action has been taken.

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense In order to ensure that Land Warrior development is completed before systems are fielded, the Secretary of Defense should direct the Army to reclassify the Land Warrior as an Acquisition Category I system to ensure appropriate program monitoring and oversight.
Closed – Implemented
According to the Program Manager for Soldier Systems, Land Warrior is now classified as an acquisition category I program.
Department of Defense In order to ensure that Land Warrior development is completed before systems are fielded, the Secretary of Defense should direct the Army to be required to demonstrate operablity with Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below before any systems are fielded to minimize the risk of Land Warrior-equipped soldiers not having adequate battlefield situational awareness.
Closed – Implemented
According to the program manager, Land Warrior/FBCB2 interoperability is now a requirement (for Block II) in the Land Warrior operational requirements document. Additionally, Block I Land Warrior/FBCB2 interoperability is achieved via standard text messaging.
Department of Defense In order to ensure that Land Warrior development is completed before systems are fielded, the Secretary of Defense should direct the Army to be required to thoroughly field test prototypes and ensure that they pass water immersion, electromagnetic interference, and airborne certification tests before any systems are fielded.
Closed – Implemented
The Program Manager overseeing Land Warrior development stated that preliminary water immersion, EMI, and jump tests have been on-going and successful. Full and final independent testing of all three will begin in December in support of a Milestone C (production) decision.

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Topics

Army procurementCombat readinessCommand and control systemsDefense capabilitiesProtective clothingSoftware verification and validationSystems compatibilityWeapons research and developmentU.S. ArmyMilitary forces