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Summary

The Future Combat System (FCS) is a multiyear, multibillion dollar program at the heart of the Army's transformation efforts. It is the Army's major research, development, and acquisition program consisting of 14 manned and unmanned systems tied together by an extensive communications and information network. FCS is intended to replace current systems such as the M-1 Abrams tank and the M-2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. The FCS program has been characterized by the Army and others as a high-risk venture due to the advanced technologies involved and the challenge of networking all of the FCS subsystems together so that FCS- equipped units can function as intended. The FCS program exists in a dynamic national security environment which could significantly influence the program's outcome. Some question if FCS, envisioned and designed prior to September 11, 2001 to combat conventional land forces, is relevant in current and anticipated future conflicts where counterinsurgency and stabilization operations are expected to be the norm. The Army contends, however, that FCS is relevant throughout the "entire spectrum of conflict" and that a number of FCS technologies and systems have been used effectively in counterinsurgency and stabilization campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. The economic crisis and budgetary pressures may also play a prominent role in the future of the FCS program. FCS has achieved a number of programmatic milestones and is transitioning from a purely conceptual program to one where prototypes of many of the 14 FCS systems are under development. With a variety of estimates on the total cost of the FCS program, questions have been raised about FCS affordability. In 2007, citing the impact of past budget cuts, the Army restructured the program from 18 to 14 systems. In June 2008, primarily in response to both congressional and Department of Defense (DOD) concerns about deploying FCS technologies to forces in the field sooner and overall program affordability, the Army restructured the program again. As currently restructured, the Army will instead focus its initial FCS equipping efforts on Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) as opposed to heavier FCS BCTs. The overall FCS program is in a variety of developmental phases, with some technologies having been fielded to units and others still under development with varying degrees of success. The 111th Congress, in its appropriation, authorization, and oversight roles may wish to review the FCS program in terms of its projected capabilities, relevance to current and possible future military operations, and program costs. This report will be updated as the situation warrants.

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