Stryker Brigade News

“For those of you who have fought battles in the dark, under fire in cold, wet weather, the layout of one’s command post can make all the difference to the success or failure of a battle,” Coker said, “Many of us have entered CPs and tripped over wires and machines, thus blanking-out current force positions and maneuvers. In addition, commanders and liaison officers moving between forces will often come across different CP layout and systems.

“We believe that to achieve essential force performance in battle, all command posts must be built on a common platform and operating environment. Not only should the systems be common and centrally linked, but also the command post itself should have no internal support posts that may exclude the commander’s vision of the developing battle. In addition, we must ensure that these command posts are also available in aerial platforms while the commander is visiting his forward echelons, and in mechanized systems for advancing mechanized troops,” Coker continued.

“Operation OIF underlined the urgent need for new command post technology,” said Lieutenant General William S. Wallace, who commanded V Corps during the Iraq campaign and currently serves as commanding general, Combined Arms Center, Army Training and Doctrine Command. “It was a disaster during OIF. In the past we spent four to six hours in the command post, now it can be as little as 10 minutes or even on the move.”

As prime contractor, Northrop Grumman will develop and field Army command posts, where commanders direct operations and control forces. CPP provides common command centers with advanced command-and-control hardware and technology to give commanders improved control over their digital forces using Force XXI FBCB2 and other Army battlefield command systems. It will also allow soldiers and officers to move between echelons without having to retrain command post operations.

“Northrop Grumman is committed to the effective and timely transformation of the Army,” said Otto J. Guenther, vice president and general manager, Tactical Systems Division, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. “This award validates how Northrop Grumman can leverage the deep, broad capabilities and knowledge resident in its sectors to bring truly transformational systems to military operations. Our strong partnership with the Army in developing and fielding battle command-and-control systems such as FBCB2 and Blue Force Tracking will be instrumental in assuring success of the CPP program.”

Following the initial 18 month contract award, the Army will execute follow-on options to develop command posts for Stryker Brigade Combat Teams 5 and 6, which will be the first units equipped with the operational test units. Full-rate production options, which begin in 2006 and continue through 2010, will equip the remaining Army units.

The current contract covers 10 active divisions and 10 brigades, with 26 shelters per division and nine to 11 for separate brigades. The first equipped division will be 1st Cavalry Division, prior to its redeployment to Iraq. This requirement could grow to as much as $1.4 billion as the Army moves to equip command posts at the battalion and lower level.