Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team

Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team. It is a key modernization cell within the United States Army Futures Command, established to enhance the combat effectiveness of the Infantry and other close combat formations. The team rapidly integrates new technologies, weapons, and training methods to ensure overmatch against near-peer adversaries like the People's Liberation Army and the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Its work is central to the Army's broader modernization strategy outlined in documents like the Army Modernization Strategy.

Mission and Establishment

The Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team was formally established in 2018 as part of the creation of the Army Futures Command under the leadership of then-Secretary of the Army Mark Esper and Army Chief of Staff General Mark A. Milley. Its core mission is to accelerate the delivery of enhanced lethality, situational awareness, and survivability capabilities to Army and Marine Corps squads. This initiative was a direct response to assessments from conflicts like the War in Afghanistan and the Battle of Mosul, which highlighted the need for decisive advantages at the small-unit level. The team is colocated with the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Moore to maintain close ties with the Infantry School.

Organization and Leadership

The team is organized as a streamlined, agile unit composed of military personnel, civilian experts, and scientists from organizations like the Combat Capabilities Development Command. It is led by a director, typically a Brigadier General, who reports directly to the Deputy Commanding General of Army Futures Command. Key leadership has included figures like Brigadier General David Hodne and Brigadier General Larry Q. Burris Jr.. The structure integrates representatives from across the Department of Defense, including Program Executive Office Soldier, the United States Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, and the U.S. Special Operations Command to ensure joint warfighter perspectives.

Key Initiatives and Programs

A flagship initiative is the Next Generation Squad Weapon program, which aims to replace the M4 carbine and M249 light machine gun with the XM7 rifle and XM250 light machine gun. Another major effort is the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, a tactical augmented reality headset designed to improve situational awareness and targeting. The team also oversees the Enlisted Soldier sensor program and the development of advanced Body armor and ballistic protection. These programs are rigorously tested at locations like the Army Test and Evaluation Command facilities and during exercises such as Project Convergence.

Technology and Capability Development

Development focuses on creating a connected, high-tech squad as part of the Army's contribution to Joint All-Domain Command and Control. This involves integrating fire control systems, thermal and night vision capabilities, and advanced Ammunition like the 6.8mm family of cartridges. Research partnerships with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the United States Army Research Laboratory, and industry leaders are critical. The team also advances simulation and synthetic training tools to enhance readiness at installations like Fort Johnson and Fort Liberty.

Integration and Interoperability

Ensuring new systems work seamlessly with existing and future joint force platforms is a paramount concern. The team coordinates closely with other Cross-Functional Teams such as those focused on Long-Range Precision Fires, Next Generation Combat Vehicle, and Network Modernization. Interoperability with allies, particularly through initiatives like the NATO Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, is also pursued. This ensures compatibility with systems used by key partners like the British Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Impact and Future Direction

The Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team has fundamentally shifted how the Army develops and fields capabilities, moving from decades-long cycles to a more rapid, soldier-centric process. Its efforts are expected to deliver the first operational units equipped with Next Generation Squad Weapon systems in the mid-2020s. Future direction involves continuous upgrades to the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, further development of Artificial intelligence-enabled targeting aids, and adapting to emerging threats identified by organizations like the Training and Doctrine Command. Its work remains critical to maintaining the qualitative edge of the American soldier in potential future conflicts against adversaries like the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force or the Wagner Group. Category:Cross-functional teams of the United States Army Category:United States Army Futures Command Category:Military units and formations established in 2018