Jittery Over JTRS, Pentagon Puts Boeing on Notice

No, NOT the
John Tesh Radio Show

According to Federal Computer Weekly, Defense Department officials may cancel a contract with Boeing for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Cluster 1 program. Army Lt. Col. Chris Conway, spokesman for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Networks and Information Integration and Chief Information Officer, confirms that the Pentagon sent Boeing officials a “show cause” letter to notify them that the $856 million JTRS Cluster 1 deal may be terminated because of an anticipated failure to meet cost, schedule and performance requirements.

Boeing officials must send a letter within 30 days to Army officials managing the program at Fort Monmouth, NJ to explain how they can execute the contract. After reviewing the letter, U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and service officials can decide to terminate, restructure or continue the contract.

• What Is JTRS?
  
• The Cluster 1 Contract
  
• Pentagon Steps Taken
  
• Next Steps
  
• JTRS Program Updates
  
• Additional Readings & Sources
  

Europe’s 21st Century Infantry Programs

Britain’s new FIST
(click for labeled view)

The USA isn’t the only country with a Future Soldier/Land Warrior type program that aims to equip its infantry for the 21st century. “Europe’s Future Infantry” at eDefense Online looks at current trends and programs in a number of European countries with similar programs.

Efforts covered include Germany’s Infanterist der Zukunft, France’s FELIN (Fantassin a Equipements et Liaisons Integrees; or Integrated Soldier Equipment and Communications), the UK’s Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) program, the more gradual approach of the Dutch Soldier Modernization Program, Sweden’s MARKUS (Markstridsutrustad Soldat; Ground Warfare Equipped Soldier), and some thoughts on Russia’s programs as it transitions to a professional force.

This article looks at the framework underneath the trend.