AUSA releases two publications
AUSA releases two publications
AUSA’s Institute of Land Warfare has recently released two new publications.The first, "Capability Set Production and Fielding: Enhancing the U.S. Army’s Combat Effectiveness" (Torchbearer Issue Paper, October 2012), explores the iterative process that allows the Army to incrementally modernize over time and successfully incorporate new technologies as they mature.The Capability Set Management construct allows the Army to modernize its information systems far more rapidly and at far better total value than ever before.In October 2012, the Army began to equip deploying brigade combat teams (BCTs) with Capability Set (CS) 13, the Army’s first integrated package of radios, satellite systems, software applications, smartphone-like devices and other network components.CS 13 is the first fully integrated suite of network gear fielded as part of the Army’s new Agile Capabilities Life Cycle Process (or Agile Process), a fundamental change in the way the service delivers equipment to soldiers.This unified approach permits the Army to buy the right amounts and types of gear for the brigade combat teams (BCTs) that need them first and then modernize incrementally – instead of spending resources to develop technology that may be obsolete by the time it can reach the entire force.Capability Set 13 is anchored by two major upgrades: allowing commanders to take the network with them in their vehicles (mission command on the move) and bringing dismounted soldiers into the network, empowering ground troops with a new level of real-time information.The implications of the Army’s unified approach to operational testing, acquisition and deployment are clear.Capability Set 13 will give soldiers a significant advantage over adversaries by enhancing their situational awareness, improving maneuverability, speeding decision cycles and connecting soldiers at the lowest level with one another and their higher headquarters.The second publication, "Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program: Building Communities of Readiness" (Torchbearer Issue Paper, October 2012), discusses one of the reserve component’s most successful readiness initiatives and the impact it has had on service members and families throughout all phases of military life.The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) eases transitions for service members and families as they move between their military and civilian roles. As the premier deployment-cycle training and support program, it provides access to deployment-cycle information, resources, programs, services and referrals – helping maintain the readiness of the force and building stronger, more resilient families.Previous operational tempo shifts demonstrated that the long-term success of readiness and reintegration programs depends on continued support from people and organizations in communities around the country.YRRP has made significant headway in building knowledge management capabilities to allow for seamless collaboration among the program’s service providers and the military community at large.YRRP has also built sustainability and scalability into its operations to ensure that the capability exists to immediately ramp up deployment support in the event of any future large-scale mobilization.YRRP’s outreach efforts create and maintain partnerships with federal, state and local entities to build community-based resource networks and enhance community capacity, harnessing the character of America and channeling it where it is most needed.Efforts to provide service members, families and communities the tools they need for successful reintegration and long-term readiness remain critical to the health and prosperity of the nation.In fact, it will be years after the end of the current conflict before the medium- and long-term effects of accelerated deployments are fully realized.Timely and predictable funding for service member and family total wellness will continue to be necessary into the future.These and other ILW publications are available online at http://www.ausa.org/ilw and can also be obtained by calling (800) 336-4570, ext. 4630, or by e-mailing a request to ilwpublications@ausa.org.