The strap cutter provides the classic example of how lessons learned were rapidly integrated back into the RFI list and how their presence on the RFI led to broader application in support of the warfighter. The addition of the device was prompted by IED events and traffic accidents in which soldiers needed to extricate themselves from damaged vehicles. Not only has their intended use been validated on countless occasions, but reports of medical application of the device to quickly remove a casualty’s clothing have led some companies to develop new specialized medical variants that will further enhance combat casualty care.
The latest FY 12 list not only continued to include elements like the ACH but further expanded the fielding with ACH accessories like the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) Helmet Cover, Eyewear Retention Strap, and Night Vision Optical Device Front Mounting Device.
Rapid Fielding Initiative Team 3 fits soldiers with the gear necessary to deploy April 27, 2010, on Fort Sill, Okla. According to Christopher Grigsby, Directorate of Logistics director, the team issued about $6 million worth of equipment. U.S. Army photo by Marie Berberea
Other individual components on the current RFI list include: Army Combat Shirt (ACS); Army Combat Pant (ACP); Ballistic Spectacles Kit; Mountain Combat Boots; knee and elbow pads (Improved UCP); CVC/Aviation Boots, Fire Resistant (Hot Weather); CVC/Aviation Fire Resistant Environmental Ensemble (FREE); Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) III; fuel handler coveralls; flyer’s gloves; combat glove; winter glove; goggles kit; Lightweight Performance Hood; Improved First Aid Kit (IFAK); MOLLE hydration bladder kit; MOLLE hydration cleaning kit; Modular Sleep System; multi-purpose tool; moisture wicking sports bra; strap cutter; Neck Armor Protective Enhancement Pad (NAPE); Tactical Assault Panel (TAP); MOLLE Medium Ruck; Visual/Language Translator Card (OEF); Visual/Language Translator Card (OND); Improved First Aid Contents Kit; and Combat Gauze.
The unit equipment component of the RFI continues to include earlier items like the M68 close combat optic, M24 small binoculars, CQB Improved Gun Cleaning Kit, and M4/M16 improved magazine, along with a mix of continuing and new elements including: initial ACH spares (chin strap, hardware, and pads); Army Combat Uniform-Fire Resistant/IF Repair Kit; combat earplugs; disposable handcuffs; Improved Spotting Scope with Tripod; Infrared Strobe, Small w/IR-14 Strobe 9V battery; Infrared (IR) Strobe, Large; Laser Target Locator Module; Modular Holster (M9); MOLLE grenadier accessories; MOLLE medic accessories; MOLLE pistol man accessories; MOLLE SAW gunner accessories; Mono-Lock (PVS-14); M150 Rifle Combat Optic (RCO); Survival Axe (SPAX); weapon light; Medical Visual/Language Translator Card; Military Police Visual/Language Translator Card; Tactical Communications and Protective System (TCAPS); and Improved Ghillie Suit with Accessories Kit (IGSAK).
Moreover, while some nomenclatures may have remained on the list from year to year, the specific element provided may have evolved and improved. A case in point is the M68 Close Combat Optic, a non-magnifying red dot aiming device that mounts to the M4/M16 series accessory mounting rails and enhances target acquisition speed and situational awareness by facilitating soldier engagement of targets out to 300 meters while keeping both eyes open. The system is provided by Aimpoint®and, while M68 has become a ubiquitous presence on the RFI listings, the actual scopes provided under that designator have been improved through multiple models of Aimpoint Comp-M, Comp-MXD (Extreme Duty), Comp-M2, and Comp-M4 (two versions of the Comp-M4 differ in the location of the battery compartment).
The M249 5.56 mm light machine gun with all RFI modifications, including short barrel and collapsible buttstock. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon D. Barnwell
In addition, the shifting of fielding emphasis back to Afghanistan seems to have expanded the recent and current RFI lists to reflect longer-range tactical engagements. As examples, just as the non-magnifying M68 is now joined by the Trijicon 4X M150 Rifle Combat Optic (RCO) (enhancing engagements out to 600 meters and beyond), the addition of Improved Spotting Scope with Tripod or Improved Ghillie (sniper) Suit implies a view toward longer-range tactical engagements.
With an eye toward tighter future budgets, the continued presence of certain long-lasting items on the RFI list, combined with the significant operational tempo of multiple overseas deployments, has allowed the Army to develop an RFI “lean fielding” concept, in which soldiers may decline being issued some items that they may have been issued at a prior RFI fielding event. The process results in eliminating certain item issues and translates to cost savings to the Army.
Reflecting on the program accomplishments over the past decade, PEO Soldier representatives pointed to “a logistical operation that started as a temporary program has become an essential resourcing requirement and modernization effort for soldiers headed to war.”
Looking well beyond today’s combat operations and battlefields, they added that the program “can expand and contract operations on short notice to meet and exceed the needs of the fighting Army and our soldier.”
This story was first published in Defense: Fall 2012 Edition.