When money and operational needs meet

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When money and operational needs meet
Tweet Topic Started: Aug 15 2005, 09:08 AM (579 Views)
adroth	Aug 15 2005, 09:08 AM Post #1
Member Posts: 1,127 Group: Regulars Member #13 Joined: July 12, 2004	The wonders of having the money to "shop" From: https://www.ref.army.mil/nonflash/default.asp Related discussion: US Army - Rapid Equipping Force What is REF? The REF is an organization that takes its operational guidance from the G-3 and reports directly to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. It has a broad mission to rapidly increase mission capability while reducing risk to Soldiers and others. The REF accomplishes this mission in three ways: EQUIP operational commanders with off-the-shelf (government or commercial) solutions or near-term developmental items that can be researched, developed and acquired quickly. INSERT future force technology solutions that our engaged and deploying forces require. It does this by developing, testing, and evaluating key technologies and systems under operational conditions. ASSESS capabilities and advise Army stakeholders of findings that will enable our forces to rapidly confront an adaptive enemy. Why REF? Conflicts invariably produce emerging requirements from operational commanders. The changing demands and increased complexity of 21st century battles require speedy materiel solutions to enhance mission capabilities and to reduce risk to the Soldier. The Army needs an established means to assess emerging requirements of combatant commanders and to suggest solutions that can be implemented rapidly. Beyond that need, solutions must be evaluated for their possible contribution to the future force.
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adroth	Aug 15 2005, 09:08 AM Post #2
Member Posts: 1,127 Group: Regulars Member #13 Joined: July 12, 2004	Whether you like the US or not, you have give them credit for innovation: Systems fielded by REF: Packbot: -Remote-Controlled, full sensor package capable tracked vehicle. -System weight 42 pounds. -System can be fitted with a variety of cameras, audio sensors, and with minor modifications, weapons and NBC sensors. -Controlled by the M7 computer system. -Requires one trained operator, limited contractor maintenance support, and a modest Prescribed Load List. PocketTerp: -iPaq modification allows user to prerecord translations for specific phases with voice print recorded that can be recalled -System can be programmed to hold hundreds of phrases -Reprogram-able in the field -System can be used for other functions as well as a translator. -Specifications: 400 MHz Intel Xscale Processor, 64 MB SDRAM, 32 MB Flash ROM -Modified to hook up to speaker system -Power Supply: 1400 mAh lithium rechargeable battery with rocking cradle and AC adapter -Weight: <1 lb Magnetometer: -COTS ultra-sensitive metal detecting wand. -Required for testing as a means toward searching piles of hay, dirt, etc. for possible weapons. -Lightweight and handheld with long operating life on a single battery. -Detects a variety of ferromagnetic objects -System cost $800 per unit. Lock Shims: -Small hand-held lock picking devices, used by Soldiers to gain entry into premises to conduct searches, without actually breaking the lock of the door. -Lock shims come in a set of four different sizes -Individual Weight: < 1 gram -Provides non-destructive entry to locked facilities during patrols. -Effectiveness: 80% of locks are opened with the shim when no key is available without damage. -Avoids use of bolt cutters and/or damage to private property. -Endurance: System can be used to open 3-10 locks before wear out. -Distribution controlled due to capability of equipment -System Quantity: 40 sets -System Cost: < $4 a set Wellcam: -Complete man-portable video system to search wells. -System includes small waterproof camera (similar to webcam) with white-light LEDs, monitor, power supply and cable. -Camera is lowered into well, cavern, or other vertical in-ground shaft, providing an illuminated live video link to monitor well contents. Armor Kit: -4-door vehicle protection kit. -Protection Coverage: 4 Doors, Windshields, Back Plate. PILAR: -Acoustically based, fully passive system -Operational Benefits: Determines sniper fire direction on LCD screen. -Weapon and video camera are slewed to the location. -Fully automatic and manual mode. -The PILAR system consists of three main components: A foldable Acoustic Sensor Array (ASA) with embedded sensors and electronics; A Data Interface Acquisition Module (DIAM) which processes the signal of the array(s) in real time; A rugged or military standard PC (CPU) to control the system and visualize the results using SHOTGUARD, the PILAR operating software.
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saver111	Aug 15 2005, 12:06 PM Post #3
PDFF Moderator Posts: 10,625 Group: PDFF Mod Group Member #408 Joined: March 23, 2005	Quote: When money and operational needs meet You shop but what if there's a great operational need but there's no money? hanggang window shopping na lang...
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adroth	Aug 15 2005, 02:04 PM Post #4
Member Posts: 1,127 Group: Regulars Member #13 Joined: July 12, 2004	At the heart of the idea behind the organization is how to make the most of what is available to meet operational needs. The programs the REF implements aren't big ticket items. The AFP needs a similar organization. One that institutionalizes what MBLT used to do for the Marines -- look for ideas in unconventional sources. For example, the idea for the gun trucks partly came out of discussions in the old Kawal Pilipino forum. The MSSR was the result of suggestions from enthusiasts. Once in a while, fora like this one really do produce REAL ideas. The AFP ought to be poised to watch out for them.
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saver111	Aug 15 2005, 02:42 PM Post #5
PDFF Moderator Posts: 10,625 Group: PDFF Mod Group Member #408 Joined: March 23, 2005	And maybe a thread exclusive for ideas that is doable and and can be of use by the AFP. How about in the Reservist Fora? Why not encourage the ROTC Command to have contest of ideas that can be adapted by the military. Like in other countries' Engineering universities where they conduct annual competitions of simple inventions like in robotics, programs, etc. Each ROTC units with it's own R & D. It would encourage cadet participation. Kinda makes the ROTC worth taking right?
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fieldmouse	Aug 16 2005, 06:08 PM Post #6
Member Posts: 173 Group: Regulars Member #354 Joined: February 24, 2005	adroth Aug 15 2005, 02:04 PM At the heart of the idea behind the organization is how to make the most of what is available to meet operational needs. The programs the REF implements aren't big ticket items. The AFP needs a similar organization. One that institutionalizes what MBLT used to do for the Marines -- look for ideas in unconventional sources. For example, the idea for the gun trucks partly came out of discussions in the old Kawal Pilipino forum. The MSSR was the result of suggestions from enthusiasts. Once in a while, fora like this one really do produce REAL ideas. The AFP ought to be poised to watch out for them. gun trucks aren't exactly original, the US used them widely in Vietnam. I don't the AFP missed that, the development phase came when someone stood up for it - someone with the tenacity and dedication of MBLT6
	the mouse assault


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