The Lead Element

Tough choices surround the decision about whether to lead the attack with the Army’s Current Force or Future Combat Systems technology. The Manned Ground Vehicle (MGV) is a key component in the US Army’s transformative program, Future Combat Systems (FCS). The replacement for today’s Abrams tank features a hybrid electric power train, vastly improved intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, multiple rings of defensive capabilities including active protection measures and an auto-load 120mm cannon. The story is told from two points of view: the commander of a Joint ground force and two Staff Sergeants, one from a Heavy Brigade Combat team using today’s tank technology, the other from an FCS Brigade Combat Team. The merits of both technologies are discussed and debated as the force prepares for the fight. The decision is made…and it’s personal.