Land warrior: dominating dismounted operations

Infantry Magazine, May-June, 2008 by W.W. Prior

Although most combat Soldiers probably cringe a bit at the thought, each Land Warrior is really a node in a wireless network. As such, the Land Warrior network is only as strong as the wireless carrier. The limited range and performance of Land Warrior data radios sometimes causes this network to fracture into cells, decreasing situational awareness, limiting shared information and otherwise degrading the most advantageous aspects of the system. In addition, due to its short voice range, Soldiers cannot take maximum advantage of the Land Warrior radio that they are already carrying and hence must also carry FM radios. Longer range, more reliable radios will improve the performance of Land Warrior and could decrease Soldier load by making dismounted FM radios unnecessary.

Finally, the individual weapon components of Land Warrior show promise, but must improve to make the cost of carrying them worth the benefit. The daylight video sight (DVS-think gun camera) provides full motion video with zoom capability to the helmet-mounted display. The DVS has adjustable digital reticles and can be zeroed to the Soldier's M4 or M16. This allows Soldiers to accurately shoot off-hand or "around corners." But the DVS suffers from poor resolution and low light capability. If it had better resolution and a night sight, most Soldiers would want to use it. If we could send still or video images from the camera over the wireless network, I would probably require all Manchus to use it. While the weapon components are clearly not the most important features of Land Warrior, they have inherent value that could be realized with a few modifications.

The Manchu battalion, 4-9 Infantry, has dominated the enemy in dismounted operations in Iraq with the help of Land Warrior. The combat information available to leaders through the system helps us to decide and act faster than the insurgents can match. Land Warrior could, with some improvements, provide the same advantages to the entire U.S. infantry force. Our national priorities should demand no less and our national treasure--our Soldiers--deserve no less.

The author wishes to thank MG (R) Robert H. Scales for inspiration and impetus to write this article. He also thanks all Manchu Soldiers for their dedication to duty and work with Land Warrior and to the TRADOC and PM Soldiers and civilians for their support to the battalion.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL W.W. PRIOR

LTC (P) W. W. Prior commands the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment in Iraq. He was commissioned in the U.S. Army from U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1987 and holds a master's degree in Applied Physics from Stanford University.