State of the Field Artillery 2000: Looking Ahead to the Objective Force.

What will the Field Artillery look like in the year 2035? What will be our weapons systems? How will our battalions be organized--will we be organized around battalions, division artilleries, FA brigades and corps artilleries? What doctrine will we use to fight? How will we train artillery soldiers and develop leaders? How will the Field Artillery branch evolve? These are all compelling questions being addressed within the scope of Army Transformation and Field Artillery Modernization and Transformation.

Like so many times during our Army's storied history, we are in a period of rapid change that is presenting opportunities and challenges. This is an exciting time to be a soldier in the best and most powerful Army in the world. But the winds of change are blowing. The "view from Blockhouse Signal Mountain" is not as clear as it once was.

The post-bipolar world of today has set the conditions for significant change. The world conditions are more fluid than a decade ago, and this has a tremendous impact on the security requirements of the US and the role of the Army.

In this article, I discuss the Chief of Staff of the Army's (CSA's) vision for Army transformation, outline the Field Artillery vision and how it complements the CSA's vision, and address some issues facing our branch.

The CSA's Vision. The CSA understands that the Army must transform itself to remain relevant in our national security strategy. Our Army must be able to win two nearly simultaneous major theater wars (MTWs) while possessing the ability to conduct small-scale contingencies (SSCs) and stability and support operations (SASO). The Army is not reinventing itself--it is continuing its long-standing tradition of adapting itself to remain the world's dominant land force, a force capable of responding rapidly and decisively to our nation's call.

General Shinseki outlined transformation in The Army Vision. The Army always has been a strategic instrument of national policy whose mission is to fight and win the nation's wars. That has not changed. The manner in which we will accomplish our mission is evolving. As the venerable land warfighting component of our nation's military, our Army's vigilance, preparedness and overwhelming capabilities have laid the foundation for our victory in the Cold War. In turn, this set into motion the requirement for strategic response and decisive action at all points on the spectrum of conflict. To meet these requirements, Army forces must demonstrate the core operational qualities of enhanced responsiveness, deployability, agility, versatility, lethality, survivability and sustainability. There's a clear role for fire support and Field Artillery in the CSA's vision.

Army transformation will proceed along three vectors: the Objective Force, Interim Force and Legacy Force. The Objective Force is the end-state, a more deployable, responsive, survivable, lethal and sustainable force. Heavy forces will become lighter and more deployable without losing their lethality or survivability while our light forces will become more lethal. The logistical footprint for the Objective Force will be smaller than today's force. We will begin to field the Objective Force by the end of this decade.

The Interim Force will bridge the gap between our current capabilities and the transformed Army of the Objective Force. It will fulfill the requirement for a rapidly deployable land force and enable the Army to begin to train soldiers and leaders in organization and doctrine with an initial view of the transformed force. The first Initial Brigade Combat Team (IBCT)is standing up at Fort Lewis, Washington, including its direct support (DS) 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery.

Until the Objective Force is fielded, our Army must be prepared to dominate in all environments--should a potential adversary miscalculate our resolve and threaten our vital national interests. To that end, we will maintain a portion of our current Army as modernized heavy and light divisions with corps augmentation in both the Active Component (AC) and Reserve Component (RC). This Legacy Force will continue as the backbone of our formidable warfighting capability for decades to come.

The Field Artillery Vision. Our vision is an essential component of the Army Vision. The Field Artillery fully supports the CSA's vision and the initiative to transform our force to improve its strategic relevance.

Today's Field Artillery is a system-of-systems organized, equipped and manned to provide critical supporting fires and effects for all Army operations. However, the Army Vision demands significant changes in our operational approaches and enabling organizations, which will result in a transformed Field Artillery. We are compelled to assess Field Artillery contributions to the full spectrum of operations in the context of transformation and Objective Force capabilities.

The tenets of the Field Artillery Vision were defined five years ago and remain valid today: effects-based fires, organizational transformation, dynamic force tailoring and munitions centrality. These four tenets, coupled with the Army Vision, serve as our roadmap for transformation. They are enabling us to capitalize on emerging technologies and exploit them with new training and leadership methods and organizational adaptation.

Effects-Based Fires. Effects-based fires will permit a more dynamic allocation of assets to deliver the desired effects on the right target at the desired time to meet the needs of the maneuver commander. This will require an effects coordination system (ECS) or application within the Army's future battle command system that automates the targeting process using real-time intelligence-target fusion from all relevant sensors and available delivery systems-including joint systems. The result will be increased responsiveness throughout the battlespace and a better synchronization of effects.

There still is an important role for artillery DS to the maneuver brigade commander as a component of his combat power and in general support (GS) to the division commander, enhancing his lethality and force protection. I completely support maintaining our standard tactical mission relationships.

Organizational Transformation. This will allow the Field Artillery to separate effects management from the delivery system, making effects-based fires achievable. The increased complexity and accelerating tempo of battle demand we integrate target acquisition, fire support coordination and fire direction into a future effects coordination organization, such as the effects coordination cell (ECC). (The article "Effects-Based Fires--The Future of Fire Support Coordination and Execution" by Colonel Jerry C. Hill and Major Carl R. Trout in this edition describes the ECC and its functions and evolution.)

Dynamic Force Tailoring. To truly capitalize on effects management and strategic mobility, we must restructure our organizations and "break the mold" of our current rigid formations. This will enhance our ability to deploy the right mix of Field Artillery forces and expand our operational employment capabilities.

These enhancements will reduce layers of command by tailoring force packages into task force-like command, control and sustainment organizations. These structures will be more adaptable to different situations and more strategically and tactically agile. For example, the ability to rapidly deploy a force package of a pair of Crusaders and a high-mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) launcher in SASO is a very powerful strategic capability. Absent a battalion or battery headquarters, these tailored force packages could function through a direct link with the ECC.

Munitions Centrality. Finally, by focusing on munitions, we will use the smallest number of munitions capable of providing the desired range of effects and fired by the smallest number of platforms. This tenet exploits current technology to shift much of the burden from the delivery system to the munitions by combining the advantages of inertial guidance and smart submunitions and transcends the limitations of the delivery system. These munitions will have greater precision and may reduce the need to mass fires in some situations while producing the same or greater devastating effects.

Moving Toward the Objective Force. Although transformation is underway, it will not happen overnight. Ultimately, the Army will field new weapons systems for the Objective Force. Although it is too early to predict what those systems will look like, they will meet the criteria outlined in the CSA's vision, including increased range, greater platform mobility and the agility to maneuver fires and effects across the full spectrum of operations.

To meet today's security needs and respond to potential threats, the Legacy Force will be our decisive force during transformation. The Legacy Force will retain a counteroffensive capability that will include recapitalized and modernized systems to provide the combat power our Army needs until the Objective Force is in place.

The counteroffensive force will retain the US Army's lethality and survivability in an MTW and be fully capable of putting "boots on the ground" and defeating potential enemies. This force will be a corps-sized unit modernized with the M1A2 System Enhancement Program (SEP) Abrams, M2A3 Bradley, AH64-D Longbow, Crusader and the improved M270A1 multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) launcher.

The Army National Guard (ARNG) will continue to play a critical role in the US Army Field Artillery force. Today, nearly 70 percent of our Field Artillery organizations and personnel are ARNG. We are truly The Army, and the contributions the ARNG Field Artillery makes to our nation's defense are immeasurable. As we transition to the Objective Force, we must ensure we set the conditions for combat success by modernizing and transforming the ARNG FA alongside the AC.

Crusader. Crusader also is transforming to support the Interim and Objective Forces. Greatly reduced in weight from 55 tons to 38 to 42 tons, two Crusader howitzers can be airlifted strategic distances simultaneously in a C-5B or C-17 cargo aircraft. In just a few sorties, the US Army will be able to rapidly build overmatching indirect fire to augment Interim Brigade or Objective Force units.

Crusader will be fielded as an integral part of the modernized counteroffensive force. It will be the most revolutionary artillery system in the world for the next three decades. Today it has a functioning crew cockpit. Soldiers never touch its ammunition while in the howitzer. Automation and robotics enable the Crusader howitzer to fire 10 to 12 rounds per minute or four to five rounds that hit the same target simultaneously. Its operational architecture hosts and seamlessly integrates the advanced Field Artillery tactical data system (AFATDS), Force XXI battle command brigade and below ([FBCB.sup.2]) and global command and control system Army (GCCS-A). During the past six months while firing at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, this technologically advanced system achieved a 40-kilometer range with incredible accuracy.

Crusader will be the technology carrier to bridge the Legacy Force's traditional artillery and the Objective Force's revolutionary capabilities. It will greatly complement Objective Force efforts.

HIMARS. This system will provide the Objective Force a critical capability and continue to serve our light forces in future decades. It is a wheeled, indirect fire system capable of firing all current and future rockets and Army tactical missile system (ATACMS) missiles in the MLRS family of munitions. HIMARS can transport and fire one pod of rockets or an ATACMS. It complements cannon artillery and MLRS fires ability to attack in the tactical and operational deep zones and to strike at counterfire, air defense and other high-payoff targets. It is uniquely capable of supporting strategic early entry or contingency force operations because it can be deployed by C-5B,C-17 or intra-theater by C-130 cargo aircraft. The Marine Corps will field this highly capable system in its 14th Marine Regiment, and we consider HIMARS a critical component of the Army's Interim and Objective Forces.

NetFires: LAM and PAM. The Army is moving quickly toward an Objective Force built around Future Combat Systems (FCS). One possible FCS munition is NetFires, which is two types of missiles launched vertically from a container. The container is platform-independent--can launch its missiles while based on a variety of vehicles.

NetFires will be able to launch the turbojet-powered loiter attack missile (LAM) that can fly 100 kilometers and loiter for 30 minutes while passing real-time imagery back to the ECC. LAM will be programmable to differentiate among targets and automatically attack priority targets during autonomous operations. It will carry a warhead that can kill infantry and light armored targets.

NetFires also will be able to fire the high-velocity precision attack missile (PAM). The missile will quickly fly directly to the target or use a boost-and-glide trajectory to kill armored vehicles out to 40 kilometers.

NetFires must operate within current command and control ([C.sup.2]) systems and any developing FCS overarching [C.sup.2] system.

We will continue to work to ensure the FCS force can fight and win in all future engagements.

Lightweight 155-mm Howitzer (LW 155). The LW 155 (XM777) is being developed jointly by the Marine Corps and the Army and will replace the aging M198 towed howitzer. At 8,900 pounds, the LW 155 weighs 40 percent less than the M198 and has a smaller logistical footprint. The LW155 is more strategically deployable, tactically mobile, survivable, lethal and crew-friendly while matching the M198's range and exceeding its rate of fire.

In our new Field Artillery modernization and transformation strategy, we will incorporate the LW 155 into the Interim Brigade as its DS artillery.

The LW 155 towed artillery digitization (TAD) package will provide Paladin-like self-locating and orienting capabilities, on-board digital communications and ballistic computations, improved direct fire capabilities and easier to use digital sights. Rapid emplacement and displacement times and C-130 deployability will enable the LW 155 to meet our Army's fire support requirements for the Interim Force and GS requirements for the XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery.

MLRS. The M270A1 MLRS is designed for the Army's modernized counterattack corps and the AC-ARNG Field Artillery brigades that support our committed divisions. It fires both extended-range rockets and ATACMS variants and will dramatically improve responsiveness, operational tempo and launcher survivability.

The improved system will decrease the time required to execute fire missions and time spent on the firing point dramatically, thus minimizing the system's vulnerability to counterfire. Additionally, streamlined reloading operations will reduce launcher vulnerability further.

Cannon-Delivered Smart Munitions. The sense and destroy armor munition (SADARM) is the Army's first 155mm smart munition. In limited user tests at Yuma Proving Ground, SADARM proved its effectiveness as a lethal counterbattery precision munition. It supports Army initiatives to make weapons lighter and more lethal and reduce logistical requirements by decreasing howitzer ammunition consumption. One SADARM offsets a requirement for six to eight dual-purpose improved conventional munitions (DPICM)--a significant decrease in our logistics tail with no decrease in lethality. The developmental Excalibur ultimately will become the Objective Force's carrier of a SADARM-type smart munition. It is critical the Army commit itself to precision-smart artillery munitions now.

M119A1 105-mm Howitzer. The M119A1 will remain in our inventory through 2014. The fully funded light artillery system improvement program (LASIP) will extend the life of the system. As final Objective Force system decisions are made, we may pursue additional 105-mm munitions to complement the current high-explosive (HE) rocket assisted projectile (RAP) with a range of 19.5 kilometers and DPICM.

The recent Joint Contingency Force Advanced Warfighting Experiment (JCF-AWE) at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Fort Drum, New York, validated our enhanced digital connectivity and new equipment in the light force. The digitized Ml19A1 will provide our light forces automated capabilities similar to those of our heavy artillery and to those capabilities the LW 155 with TAD will provide the Interim Force and Marines. On-board digital communications systems greatly increase responsiveness and flexibility.

Other initiatives for our light artillery forces are ongoing and will enhance their lethality. Light optic capabilities under development, such as the digital mini eye-safe laser infrared observation set (MELIOS) and Viper, will enhance target location, help to streamline the digital call-for-fire and minimize the need for an forward observer (FO) to input call-for-fire data into a digital entry device.

ATACMSBIockII with BAT. This smart missile will provide joint task force, land component and corps commanders an immediately responsive weapon to shape their battlespace by precisely engaging moving armored forces at a range of up to 145 kilometers.

One ATACMS Block II missile contains 13 BAT submunitions that can sense specified targets and attack them. ATACMS Block II with basic BAT will be added to the stockpile inventory in 2001, and the ATACMS Block II with pre-planned product improvement (P31) BAT will begin fielding in 2005.

Guided MLRS (GMLRS). The GMLRS rocket is being developed cooperatively with Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy. The rocket contains a global positioning system (GPS)-augmented inertial navigation system that enables precision engagement.

For the first time, the guided MLRS rocket will provide a long-range (60 to 70 kilometers) capability to attack more targets with fewer munitions per engagement. This longer-range rocket will increase the number of targets we can service and, at the same time, reduce launcher and crew vulnerability to counterfire without increasing the logistic burden on the force. We also have established a unitary requirement for ATACMS and GMLRS to minimize collateral damage in urban and complex terrain.

MLRS Smart TacticalRocket (MSTAR). Although unfunded, MSTAR is a highly responsive and effective, precision-guided, fire-and-forget rocket with a maximum range of 60 to 70 kilometers. It can be fired from both the M270A1 launcher and HIMARS.

MSTAR will allow the maneuver commander to precisely engage critical mobile targets in his tactical deep zone, destroying enemy long-range cannon and rocket systems and interdicting and destroying threat maneuver formations before they can engage friendly forces in the close fight.

MSTAR is the key enabler--the combat multiplier--that allowed us to restructure MLRS battalions from 3x9 to the 3x6 configuration. Additionally, MSTAR gives early entry forces employing HIMARS enormous firepower that can be tailored to the situation without increasing the logistical burden on the force.

The Army must reestablish funding for MSTAR to provide our supported forces the capabilities they need to achieve success.

Issues and Concerns. The number one issue facing the Field Artillery today is the perception that our fires are unresponsive. The most cogent examples are missions that take 42-plus minutes to execute at the National Training Center (NTC) or that deliver fires "where the mortars used to be" at the JointReadiness Training Center (JRTC). We all have experienced such frustrations, but I firmly believe the perception is the result of three problems: deficient training aids, devices, simulations and simulators (TADSS); latency in our fire support doctrinal architecture; and a lack of true digital targeting devices.

TADSS. A key reason for the perception of unresponsiveness is the poor replication of indirect fires at our Combat Training Centers (CTCs), including the Battle Command Training Program (BCTP). This problem requires substantial resources to fix. Accurate replication of fires is inadequate in the close combat tactical trainer (CCTT) and other virtual and constructive simulations. Some maneuver commanders have stopped relying on indirect fires to be the combat multiplier that both history and recent operations have proven them to be.

The Army must fund fire support TADSS at the same level as the maneuver force TADSS to correct this problem and rebuild confidence in our fire support capabilities. We are working with Headquarters Department of the Army, the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and the Simulations, Training and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM) to do so.

Latency. The tactical fire direction system and top-down fire planning have encumbered our ability to provide timely, accurate fires. I have directed the Field Artillery School to address this issue and provide immediate solutions. It is our intent to demonstrate the results of this effort during the April 2001 Division Capstone Exercise and two fires-focused NTC and JRTC rotations in 2001.

Digital Targeting. Other problems include our fire support teams' (FISTs') and FOs' lack of ability to call for fire missions digitally. At some point in the process, our soldiers must manually enter the data into their hand-held digital devices, significantly reducing their speed.

Additionally, our operational architecture is complex. Many units continue to use AFATDS in a user-intervention mode--setting up "stop" points--requiring action from the FO to the brigade fire support element (FSE) through the DS battalion fire direction center (FDC) to the firing unit. We must move beyond this mentality and take advantage of the AFATDS' capabilities. The new M1A2SEP will allow the tanker to designate targets and process a completely digital call-for-fire over [FBCB.sup.2] software, but the Field Artillery has not yet implemented the tactics, techniques and procedures (TPP) to receive these digital missions.

One caution, however: while we move to institute new systems and procedures to streamline processing fire missions digitally, the fire support coordinator (FSCOORD) must remain postured to monitor and refocus fires for the maneuver commander, as required.

Transformation Issues. Many issues remain unresolved as we continue to field the Initial Brigades and plan for the fielding of the Interim Brigades, an Interim Division and the Objective Force.

Early trends include combined arms organizations with embedded or organic Field Artillery. In years past, organic indirect fire assets faced challenges in providing adequate fires for their supported maneuver commanders. DS Field Artillery is the basis for combined arms fire support--provides maximum flexibility of fires within the brigade and division. I suspect we will have to let this initiative play out over time to its logical conclusion.

Division artilleries and Field Artillery brigades are the central units of Field Artillery organizations, leadership development, training and branch progression. As long as the Army maintains its current branch system, these organizations will be compatible with the Objective Force. Obviously, they will have to adapt over time; however, it would be a great mistake to eliminate them. I believe we need a division artillery-like organization and functionality in the Objective Force.

A division, corps and land component commander must have the capability to acquire, engage and destroy the enemy at depth with organic, all-weather Army fire support systems. Reliance on a balanced complement of joint effects capabilities is highly desirable; however, over-reliance will place Army soldiers at risk.

Transformation will not be easy. At Fort Sill, we are working hard on these issues. But we all must be prepared for the path leading us through the 21st century to change our traditional organizations, training, doctrine and missions/support relationships.

The Army is changing and so is the Field Artillery. We must seize the opportunity to ensure our Army always has lethal, effective fires and full-spectrum effects to get the job done. Field Artillery--On Time, On Target!

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Major General Toney Stricklin has been Chief of Field Artillery and Commanding General of Fort Sill, Oklahoma, since August 1999. In his previous assignment, he was the Director of Requirements in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans on the Army Staff at the Pentagon. He also served as Deputy Commanding General for Training of Fort Sill and Assistant Commandant of the Field Artillery School. He was Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Combat Developments at Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Director of Combat Developments at the Field Artillery School. He commanded the 210th Field Artillery Brigade at Fort Lewis, Washington, and the 3d Battalion, 3d Field Artillery in the 2d Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas.