Items Less Than $5.0m (WOCV-WTCV)

The Items Less Than $5.0m (WOCV-WTCV) program is a line item within the Army's Procurement of Weapons and Other Combat Vehicles (W&TCV) appropriation, specifically under Support Equipment & Facilities. This program is designed to provide funding for the acquisition and fielding of a wide range of standard and non-standard small arms and their auxiliary components, each with a unit cost below a specified threshold. The primary objective is to ensure the Army and its partners have access to the necessary weapons and accessories to meet both routine and urgent operational requirements.

One of the key goals of this line is to support the procurement of small arms such as machine guns, handguns, shotguns, submachine guns, and anti-armor/anti-personnel weapon systems. This line also covers the acquisition of associated basic issue items and a variety of weapon accessories, including tripods, optics, suppressors, mounts, and adaptors.

Another important objective of this program is to provide the necessary equipment to facilitate training for both U.S. Army personnel and foreign security forces. Funding from this line supports the procurement of non-standard weapons required for training on host nation weapon systems, which is critical for Regionally Aligned Forces, Security Force Assistance Brigades, International Special Training Center, Security Force Assistance Foreign Weapons Course, and the Military Advisor Training Academy. This ensures interoperability and readiness for joint and coalition operations.

The Items Less Than $5.0m (WOCV-WTCV) line also supports specialized Army units and activities, such as the Army Marksmanship Unit and the National Guard, including their biathlon teams. Funding is used to procure and maintain specialized target rifles, pistols, shotguns, machine guns, grenade launchers, and associated accessories like shooting glasses and scopes. The program includes the acquisition of Olympic-grade marksmanship weapons and accessories to support the Army Marksmanship Unit's competitive and training needs.

Additionally, the program addresses unique requirements such as the procurement of air rifles and small caliber weapons for the Police/Provost Marshal Division, which are used for purposes like varmint control on military installations. The line also funds modifications and improvements to existing weapon systems, such as enhancements to programming units to enable air burst and counter-unmanned aerial system capabilities, reflecting the Army's commitment to adapting to emerging threats.

From a budgetary perspective, the procurement request is allocated to support these diverse needs, ensuring that the Army remains equipped with the necessary small arms and accessories for both operational and training missions. The program's flexibility allows it to address urgent requirements and initial buys, which is crucial for maintaining readiness and supporting evolving mission profiles.

In accordance with Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, this line item is justified as essential for the active and reserve components of the Armed Forces to fulfill homeland defense missions, respond to domestic emergencies, and provide military support to civil authorities. The broad scope and adaptability of the Items Less Than $5.0m (WOCV-WTCV) program make it a vital component of the Army's procurement strategy, ensuring that both standard and specialized requirements are met efficiently and effectively.