Family Of Engr Combat and Construction Sets

The Family of Engineer Combat and Construction Sets (ECACS) program is a key procurement initiative within the Army's Other Procurement appropriation, specifically under Combat Service Support Equipment. The primary goal of ECACS is to equip Army engineer units with modernized, portable, and rapidly deployable tool sets to support a wide range of combat and construction operations in urban, rural, and complex environments. These sets address critical capability gaps identified in Brigade Combat Team (BCT) lethality and mobility, as well as wet gap crossing operations, which are essential for large-scale ground combat and infrastructure support missions.

Hydraulic, Electric, Pneumatic, Petroleum Operated Equipment (HEPPOE) is a central component of ECACS, designed to replace legacy systems such as the Hydraulic Electric Tool Outfit and Pneumatic Tool & Compressor Outfit. The objective is to provide engineer teams with a modern, standardized toolkit that enhances their ability to clear buildings, repair infrastructure, and conduct rescue operations during both military and civil emergencies. The Army Acquisition Objective for HEPPOE reflects the scale of modernization required to meet current operational demands.

Engineer Equipment Set: Urban Operations, Platoon Set and Squad Set are specialized toolkits aimed at improving engineer capabilities in urban terrain. The platoon set equips units with advanced tools such as remote viewing instruments, explosive and gas detectors, portable welders, and rescue equipment, directly addressing capability gaps at the platoon level. The squad set provides portable blast shields, assault ladders, entry tools, and rappelling gear, supporting safe and efficient operations in Military Operations in Urban Terrain.

Vertical Skills Engineer Construction Kits (VSECK) encompass six distinct types, each tailored to specific construction and maintenance tasks. VSECK Type I and Type II focus on providing hand and battery-powered tools for carpentry tasks at squad and platoon levels, respectively, replacing outdated legacy systems. Type III offers pneumatic, electric, and hand tools for constructing fighting positions, shelters, and repairing structures. Type IV enables electrical construction and maintenance, while Type V and Type VI address masonry and plumbing needs. Each VSECK type has a defined Army Acquisition Objective, ensuring standardized, mission-ready equipment across engineer units.

Power Utility Kits support both the Family of Power Utility Kits and the Family of Utility Support Equipment, which are essential for maintaining and repairing high and medium voltage power systems. The power utility kits provide lineman's tool kits, personal protective equipment, maintenance shelters, and test equipment, enabling Prime Power Soldiers to safely operate and maintain electrical generation and distribution systems. Utility support equipment includes aerial trucks, cable tensioning trailers, digger trucks, and combo pole reel trailers, improving the Army's ability to install and remove power distribution lines during contingency operations. These kits are vital for both wartime missions and defense support to civil authorities.

The justification for the Family of Engineer Combat and Construction Sets line item is rooted in the need to close existing capability gaps in engineer operations, modernize outdated equipment, and support both military and civil missions. The procurement of these sets enables the Army to respond more effectively to homeland defense requirements, domestic emergencies, and infrastructure repair tasks. By standardizing tools and equipment, the program also reduces logistical burdens and improves operational readiness across active and reserve components.