Military

a.   Lethality. The M2A3 BFV features an improved Bradley acquisition system (IBAS), which adds an improved target acquisition subsystem and missile control subsystem. The improvements also include a second-generation, forward-looking infrared radar (FLIR); a thermal sight; a target-designation function; dual-target tracking; an eye--safe laser range finder; an automatic gun-target adjustment; automatic optical alignment; and "hunter-killer" capability. Second-generation FLIR allows the radley commander or the gunner to identify and acquire targets beyond the range f the vehicle's weapon systems. The IBAS enables the user to acquire, recognize, ientify, and automatically track two targets within the same field of view (FOV) an selected magnification, day or night. While moving (or stationary), the M2A3 BFV can use the 25--mm or 7.62-mm to engage either of two targets appearing in the same FOV, from any aspect. While stationary, the M2A3 BFV can use the TOW to engage either of two targets appearing in the same FOV, from any aspect.

b.   Survivability. Equipment on the M2A3 that helps ensure survivability includes:

• Roof fragmentation protection.
• Mounting capability for reactive armor tiles.
• Aluminum structure with steel applique, spaced laminate steel armor, or both.
• Titanium roof armor.
• Ten-soldier gas particulate filter unit.
• Halon fixed fire extinguisher systems in engine and personnel compartments.
• Portable CO2 fire extinguishers.

c.   Command, Control, Communications and Computers. Advances in C4 include C2 software, navigational software, digital communications capability, commander's independent viewer (CIV), and squad leader's display (SLD). Leaders of the platoon "see" a common battlefield and can see the locations of other platoon elements and known enemy positions relative to their own position. They also have access to the mission's operational graphics and Force XXI battle command brigade and below (FBCB2) (Table I-1).

d.   Sustainability. The M2A3 BFV contains state-of-the-art diagnostic, self-test, and digital logistics reporting via the digital electronics architecture database. The M2A3 BFV sustainment and diagnostic system manages several built-in tests that continually monitor the vehicle and its component functions. These extensive self-tests reduce (but do not omit) the need for manual checks.

e.   Mobility. The driver's vision enhancer (thermal) and the navigation display unit work together to improve the driver's visibility;, therefore improving his ability to drive. This M2A3 BFV has relatively unrestricted mobility in total darkness, in any weather conditions, and in degraded visibility conditions. The M2A3 BFV precision navigation system (PNS) consists of a precision lightweight GPS receiver (PLGR), an inertial navigation unit (INU), a precision lightweight GPS, precision lightweight GPS receiver (PLGR), and a vehicle motion sensor (VMS). These components can operate in five modes: integrated GPS/INU/VMS; GPS only (INU sensor failure); INU/VMS (the GPS receiver fails to acquire satellite signal or shows signs of damage); GPS/INU (VMS failure); and INU only (if the unit has neither a GPS receiver nor a VMS).

a.   Information. The FBCB2 provides a common database with automated friendly positional information. It also provides current tactical battlefield geometry for friendly forces as well as for known or suspected enemy forces. Collectively, the FBCB2 systems generate the friendly operating picture. It displays relevant information, showing the user's his location, the location of other friendly forces, observed or templated enemy locations, and all known obstacles. It also provides preformatted, standardized reports, allowing leaders to disseminate graphic overlays and written OPORDs and FRAGOs rapidly. The war-fighter receives data "pushed" from all other battlefield systems to maintain real--time battle information. These battlefield systems draw upon the reports and positional data passed on from the lower tactical internet (TI) to provide information at higher command levels. They push information such as location of adjacent units, known and templated enemy positions, graphics, and OPORDs down to the FBCB2 users.

b.   Architecture. Each BFV in the platoon has the three basic components of the FBCB2 system (Figure I-1), which communicate with systems at higher levels. Members of the platoon must remember that the FBCB2 can only produce a result (information) as accurate as what goes into it (data from reports received). It may never give a complete or accurate picture of the enemy. The platoon leader, platoon sergeant, section leaders, and squad leaders must ensure that their plans allow for detecting enemy forces not yet reported by digital means.

c.   FM Radio. A requirement remains for FM voice message traffic. Platoon leaders use FM to send contact reports to start battle drills, to cue the BCs to check their FBCB2 screens for new information, and to clarify by describing enemy locations, routes, or obstacles verbally. In urban terrain, the FBCB2 cannot display the terrain in sufficient detail to help leaders in making effective decisions, but leaders can use FM radio transmissions to discuss them.

d.   Combat Orders and Graphics. FBCB2 can increase the speed and precision of the planning process at the platoon level. It lets leaders add or change operational graphics during the planning process or during execution. This ensures that every element has the most current information to control movement and fires. Platoon leaders can use FBCB2 to transmit OPORDs, FRAGOs, and situational updates as free-text messages over extended distances. Unlike FM voice communications, FBCB2 causes no lost time or data. Like the standardized reports, orders and graphics can be stored for retrieval and reference.

e.   Standardized Reporting. FBCB2 streamlines the reporting process by enabling the platoon to send and receive preformatted, standardized reports (Figure I-2). Standardized reports afford several tactical advantages.

• They help to ensure all required information in a particular report or request areis   included.
• They reduce the chance of errors in transmission.
• They allow the user to store, retrieve, and refer back to messages.

a.   Platoon Leader. The platoon leader of an M2A3-equipped platoon still bears the responsibility for all that the platoon does or fails to do. His additional list of responsibilities and duties are as follows:

• Monitors his CTD for friendly position updates, overlay updates, and digital   reports.
• Monitors his CTD so he always knows the positions of the platoon's BFVs relative to the platoon formation, the dismounted rifle squads (if he remains   mounted).
• Ensures the platoon's Bradley commanders use the PNS to enhance navigation.

b.   Platoon Sergeant. The platoon sergeant in the M2A3-equipped platoon remains the senior NCO in the platoon. His tactical expertise in platoon operations includes maneuver of the platoon and employment of all weapons. The platoon sergeant must   also—

• Control digital reports (information management) during platoon contact to free the platoon leader to maneuver the rifle squads.
• Ensure soldiers conduct digital precombat inspections during preparation while the platoon leader plans for the upcoming mission.
• Ensure soldiers understand how to use the PNS when navigating the BFVs.
• Monitors his CTD to maintain awareness of squad and section positions relative to the platoon and company formation.

c.   Section Leader. The section leader in the M2A3-equipped platoon remains mounted and—

• Monitors his CTD for vehicle and section position relative to the platoon formation, digital overlays, and digital reports.
• Navigates correctly, aided by the PNS.
• Sends digital SPOTREPs as requested or when the section makes contact.

d.   Rifle Squad Leader. The rifle squad leader in the M2A3-equipped platoon bears the responsibility for all the squad does or fails to do. He remains a tactical leader—he leads by example. The rifle squad leader's additional responsibilities include the following:

• Monitors his squad leader's display (SLD), while mounted, for friendly position updates, overlay updates, and SITREPs.
• Monitors his SLD so he always knows the BFV's position relative to the platoon formation and the terrain.
• Create digital overlays.
• Create messages (free text or standard format).
• Initialize the system.
• Log on and log off the system.
• Send and receive free-text messages and digital overlays.
• Send or receive messages and overlays to or from another station.

e.   Team Leader. When no squad leader is present in the M2A3 BFV, the team leader assumes the squad leader's responsibilities.