Mobile Soldier Power

The Mobile Soldier Power program is a critical Army procurement initiative under budget line item 8827R80800, aimed at equipping dismounted soldiers with advanced power generation, storage, and charging systems. The overarching goal is to reduce the logistical burden of battery resupply and fuel transport, thereby enhancing the operational independence and effectiveness of soldiers in austere environments. This program directly supports the Army's modernization priorities, aligning with the Small Unit Power Capability Development Document (CDD), Army Futures Command Power and Battery Modernization Framework, and the draft Army Operational Energy Strategy.

Integrated Soldier Power Data System - Core (ISPDS-C) is a key component of this line item. Its objective is to procure and field a suite of power and data management devices, including the power and data hub, Conformal Wearable Battery (CWB), and Squad Power Management (SPM) systems. These devices are designed to bridge the power and energy gaps for soldiers who increasingly rely on electronic systems such as Nett Warrior, Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC), GPS, weapon sensors, and radios.

The ISPDS-C ensures that soldiers can operate these mission-essential devices for extended periods without being tethered to vehicles or large generators. The effort also includes the procurement of initial spares and Soldier Worn Power Generation (fuel cells), as well as supporting equipment like C1F cables, CWB pouches, and the Power & Data Hub. These acquisitions are synchronized with the fielding of Nett Warrior and other modernization efforts across Armored, Stryker, and Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (A/S/I BCTs), Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs), Rangers, and Special Forces units.

Universal Battery Charger (UBC) is another major procurement focus within the Mobile Soldier Power line. The UBC addresses the growing demand for portable power by providing versatile charging and scavenging solutions for a range of military batteries and handheld communication devices. The UBC is available in both mounted and dismounted configurations, supporting operations at the company level and below. The mounted version integrates with combat vehicle platforms, while the dismounted UBC and UBC-Lite (UBC-L) are tailored for squad-level use.

The Platoon Power Generator (PPG) is a new start in FY 2025 and is intended to provide small units with portable power generation capabilities to sustain Modified Table of Organization and Equipment (MTOE) unit power demands for 48- to 72-hour missions. The PPG will be used for charging batteries and powering various Army communications and electronic devices. Until low-rate initial production quantities of the PPG are established, the Lightweight Tactical Power Source (LWTPS) will serve as a bridging solution through an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

The Mobile Soldier Power program is justified by the increasing electronic power requirements on the modern battlefield, driven by the integration of digital capabilities such as Nett Warrior, IVAS, SBMC, Leader Radios, Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW), and Assured Position Navigation and Timing (A-PNT). The program is essential for enabling soldiers to conduct longer, more complex missions with reduced dependency on traditional resupply chains. It also supports homeland defense missions, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities as required by Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act.