Soldier Enhancement Program

CML Army Chemical Review, Oct, 2004 by Thomas House, Larry T. Hasty

The Army has established a process to help soldiers get needed commercial items fielded in a short period of time The Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) was congressionally approved in 1989, initially for the "foot soldier," but was revised in 1992 to include all soldiers. The objective of the SEP is to increase the lethality, survivability, mobility, command and control, and sustainability of the soldier through an accelerated acquisition process to get lighter, more lethal weapons and improved "soldier items" into the hands of soldiers quicker. SEP recommendations from soldiers and their commanders are highly encouraged. Participation by soldiers and their commands enhances the credibility of the program and ensures that SEP dollars are focused where they will do the most good. Proposals go to the SEP Council, which convenes quarterly. To qualify for a SEP project, a proposal must be--

* An item that will be worn, carried, or consumed by individuals in a tactical environment.

* A nondevelopmental item that is now commercially available, off the shelf.

* An item soldiers are buying with their own money to make life better in the field.

Upon approval by the SEP Council, the proposal will be assigned to one of the US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) proponent schools to develop a tailored capability development document (CDD) for the item. The CDD will be approved by that school's commandant to expedite the process. For some items, such as other government agency items or items in the General Services Administration catalog, a CDD may not be required.

The SEP is not an incentive awards program. No monetary awards are given for proposals that are adopted for use and result in a savings to the government. Current programs in various stages of the SEP process include the following:

* Rapid wall-breaching kit.

* XM102 reloadable hand grenade.

* M9 pistol rail.

* Blast-protective footwear.

* Enhanced fuel bar.

* Electric stun device.

* Petroleum, oil, and lubricants handler's glove.

* Family of metal detectors.

* Semiautomatic sniper system.

* Close-combat mission capability kit.

* Close-quarters battle kit.

* Modular accessory shotgun.

* Family of suppressors.

* Integrated-laser, white-light pointer.

* 12-gauge, extended-range, nonlethal round.

* XM104 nonlethal, bursting hand grenade.

* Fuel handler's coveralls.

* Future handgun system.

* Military operations in urban terrain lifeline.

* Maxillofacial shield.

SEP proposals can be submitted through the automated process at <http://www.peosoldier.army.mil>. SEP proposal forms can be obtained by e-mailing Sergeant Major Thomas House <houset@benning.army.mil> or Mr. Ken Sutton <suttonk@benning.army.mil> at the TRADOC System Manager, Soldier (TSMS) Office, Fort Benning, Georgia, or by calling DSN 835-1189/6047/3327 or commercial (706) 545-1189/6047/3327. Mail proposals to Mr. Ken Sutton, 6751 Constitution Loop, Building 4, Room 632, Fort Benning, GA 31905.

The Assistant TSMS Office, Fort Knox, Kentucky, can also provide information and SEP proposal forms. E-mail Lieutenant Colonel Craig Carson <craig.carson@knox.army.mil> or Mr. Larry Hasty <larry.hasty@knox.army.mil> or call DSN 464-3662/3519 or commercial (502) 624-366213519. Mail proposals to Unit of Action Maneuver Battle Lab, Building 2002, Knox Street, Attn: ATZK-UA (LTC Carson or Mr. Hasty), Fort Knox, KY 40121.

Sergeant Major House is the TSMS Sergeant Major at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Mr. Hasty is the deputy and senior technical advisor to the Assistant TSMS at the US Army Armor Center, Fort Knox, Kentucky.