1. Entry training changes
In 2018, the Army extended initial entry training for the infantry. Instead of 14 weeks, training became 22 weeks to better prepare and train soldiers. Considered successful, the Army intended to also extend initial training for armor, cavalry, engineer and military police recruits.
One-Station Unit Training for armor recruits will take place this year, but it won’t happen for the cavalry scouts, combat engineers or military police.
2. Cemetery clarity
Attempting to clarify organizational responsibilities and missions, the Army National Military Cemeteries Office is being renamed. It will now be the Office of Army Cemeteries, a change intended to indicate the office controls 37 U.S. military cemeteries across the U.S., including Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery.
Army officials promise no policies, procedures or operations will change. Only the name is different.
3. Robotic value
The rise of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems could make it more difficult for the U.S. Army and its allies to deter potential adversaries. A wargame conducted by Rand Corp. researchers found that players were more hesitant to use force against manned platforms, and the speed of autonomous systems did lead to inadvertent escalation.
The Rand report calls for further study into the potential effects of AI and robots, including how their use might be viewed by America’s partners. “Allies in this specific wargame did not feel that replacing U.S. troops with robots was a sign of reduced commitment, but this may not always be the case,” the report says.
4. Space Force
Creation of the Space Force, a new military branch within the Air Force, has reopened discussions on Army space and missile defense programs, particularly on priorities, initiatives and key challenges facing the Army, industry and partners within the defense department and other nations.
AUSA will host a one-day Hot Topic on Army Space and Integrated Air and Missile Defense on March 5, with Lt. Gen. Daniel Karbler of Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Lt. Gen. James Dickinson of Space Command and Vice Adm. Jon Hill of the Missile Defense Agency among the speakers. For more information, click https://info.ausa.org/e/784783/events-amd-hot-topic/f9vc/93945166?h=fpuOi0qzlPSORkGIJbz6pZp1HXBKFZhYMLjD1JLcf04
5. Diamonds could be a Soldier’s best friend
Attempts to develop advanced ceramic ballistic protection involve testing by the Army of a variety of materials, including using synthetic diamonds to provide a low-density but tougher barrier to block small-arms rounds without restricting movement or increasing weight.
Diamond armor isn’t a new idea, but the Army’s research is looking for something more affordable than a $3.2 million waterproof, dirt-resistant, air-conditioned, bullet-proof three-piece suit created in 2012. Testing is underway of the less expensive Army material.