Soldier Systems - Advanced Development

The Soldier Systems - Advanced Development program is focused on enhancing the combat effectiveness and safety of soldiers through the integration of advanced technologies. This initiative aligns with the Army's modernization priorities, emphasizing increased soldier lethality and survivability. It encompasses various projects, such as Integrated Soldier Systems Prototyping, Personnel Airdrop System Development, advancements in Clothing and Equipment, Small Arms Improvement, and enhancements to Soldier Protective Equipment. Each project addresses specific needs within the soldier system framework to ensure soldiers are equipped with state-of-the-art tools for diverse operational environments.

The Integrated Soldier Systems Prototyping project aims to develop a synchronized modernization plan for soldiers, squads, and companies to execute multi-domain operations. This involves evaluating new methodologies from the science and technology community and supporting soldier system modeling. The project provides prototyping capabilities for evaluation and integration, aligning with national defense priorities.

The Personnel Airdrop System Development project focuses on improving parachute systems for airborne soldiers by integrating technologies that enhance safety, performance, reliability, and durability. In terms of clothing and equipment, efforts are directed towards transitioning advanced materials from laboratory settings to operational use. This includes developing modular clothing systems suitable for various environments such as arctic or jungle conditions. The focus is on improving flame resistance, moisture-wicking capabilities, insect protection, and camouflage technologies.

Additionally, the Small Arms Improvement project works on maturing technologies for small arms weapon systems to enhance lethality, target acquisition, fire control, usability, training effectiveness, and reliability. The Soldier Protective Equipment project supports initiatives to transition personal protective equipment from development stages to operational use. This includes exploring new materials for ballistic protection and enhancing existing protective gear's durability and functionality. The overarching goal across these projects is to ensure that soldiers are equipped with cutting-edge technology that enhances their operational capabilities while maintaining safety standards in various combat scenarios.