Special Operations Research, Development, and Acquisition Center

The Special Operations Research, Development, and Acquisition Center (SORDAC) workforce of acquisition professionals, the SOF acquirers, are committed to excellence and continue to deliver the most effective capabilities to our special operations forces (SOF).

The Program Executive Officers (PEOs), directors, and the cadre of SOF acquirers manage the entire mate-rial acquisition lifecycle process for special operations-peculiar equipment employed by SOF—a unique responsi-bility they possess over any other combatant command. SOF acquirers are mindful of their responsibility to execute taxpayer-sourced operating funds. They wisely, prudently and openly manage and spend these funds to effectively acquire goods and services on behalf of their supported organizations.

PEOs and their managed program and equipment portfolios are aligned to support and deliver requirements to multiple USSOCOM lines of operation. Our continued recapitalization of critical assets across the fixed wing, rotary wing, maritime and land mobility portfolios bring superior and enhanced capabilities to support SOF’s global mis-sions.

Ongoing C4, special reconnaissance and exploitation, and SOF warrior efforts ensure SOF operators are equipped with effective and interoperable intelligence, information and individual equipment systems. SORDAC is rapidly inserting technology to increase our intelligence gathering capabilities, provide greater access to the SOF informa-tion environment and improve personal protective equipment and casualty care for our warfighters. Our Director-ate of Science and Technology efforts are aligned with our SOF operators, the service labs, international and other agency partners, industry, and the services to identify key emerging technologies.

We’ve embraced initiatives across the PEOs, directorates and the entire SORDAC enterprise to achieve better buy-ing power and to minimize overhead costs and maximize contracting efficiencies by streamlining requirements, incentivizing innovation, increasing competition and harnessing emerging technologies.

As we move forward, our success is only achieved as a team effort; it requires continuous collaboration with our industry partners. SORDAC remains committed to working with our industry stakeholders to ensure SOF operators are well equipped and able to successfully perform their critical operational missions today and into the future.

James W. Cluck Acquisition Executive U.S. Special Operations Command

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Program Executive Office for Fixed Wing

Air Force Colonel Michael Schmidt leads the Program Execu-tive Office for Fixed Wing (PEO-FW). Its mission is to deliver special operations (SO)-peculiar manned and unmanned fixed wing airpower capabilities to effectively enable special operations forces (SOF). To meet this mission, PEO-FW partners with the warfighter and various development and support organizations to synchronize acquisition activities to field an array of advanced technology sensors, defensive countermeasures, advanced avionics and mission training systems. This process ensures SOF fixed wing aircraft can accomplish missions in expected threat environments and address supportability challenges of an aging legacy fleet.

SOCOM’s manned and unmanned fixed wing aircraft provide the backbone for SOF airborne mobility, aerial refueling support, airborne precision engagement and aerial surveillance capabilities. They pro-vide critical infiltration and exfiltration, and they resupply capabilities for SOF in and out of hostile territory through weapon systems such as the MC-130P Combat Shadow, MC-130H Combat Talon II and CV-22 Osprey aircraft. The AC-130H Spectre, AC-130U Spooky and the MC-130W Dragon Spear provide critical precision engagement and close-air support. Various manned and unmanned systems deliver real-time aerial surveillance of the battlefield for the individual soldier, sailor, airman, Marine and task force commander.

The low-density, high-demand nature of the SOF fixed wing fleet is a key driver in the acquisition approaches used to continue to improve and sustain the force. The high operational tempo of these aircraft requires innovative means to incorporate capability and sustainment improvements while ensuring adequate aircraft availability.

c-130 – backbone of the sof fixed Wing fleet

PEO-FW continues to face the mounting challenges of sustaining the low-density, high-demand legacy SOF C-130 fleet while simulta-neously satisfying roadmaps for modernization. PEO-FW manages numerous SOF C-130 sustainment, modification and modernization programs.

SOCOM, in conjunction with the Air Force, is procuring 37 new MC-130J aircraft through a joint program with Air Combat Com-mand’s combat search and rescue community to recapitalize the aging MC-130E/P tanker fleet. The first MC-130J was delivered to Cannon Air Force Base (AFB), N.M., in September 2011. Two additional aircraft were delivered to Cannon AFB, and one was delivered to Kirtland AFB, N.M., in October 2011. An additional six aircraft are scheduled to deliver in 2012.

In 2011, SOCOM began a program to replace the aging AC-130H gunship fleet with new AC-130J aircraft. The AC-130J program will modify MC-130J aircraft with the Precision Strike Package. This pro-gram executed risk reduction in 2011 in preparation of the first aircraft modification scheduled for 2013.

Ongoing operations continue to stress the legacy SOF C-130 fleet. In 2011, SOCOM and Warner Robins Air Logistics

Center, Ga., implemented a new program to replace obsolete mis-sion computers on the AC-130U and the MC-130H aircraft. A competitive contract was awarded in June 2011, and the new mission computers will begin fielding in 2013. The center wing box replacement (CWR) on the AC-130U and MC-130H aircraft also con-tinued in 2011. To date, six AC-130Us and 14 MC-130Hs have had their center wing boxes replaced. An additional five AC-130U and three MC-130H aircraft will complete the CWR modification in 2012. In Decem-ber 2011, the final AN/AAQ-39 sensor was installed on the last AC-130U gunship; this new gunship multi-spectral sensor greatly enhances the AC-130U mission capability.

A consolidated, low-cost modification program also continues in 2012 to address ongoing obsolescence and other sustainment issues across the SOF C-130 fleet.

mc-130W dragon spear – sof’s multi-mission aircraft

In response to direction from the secretary of defense, SOCOM executed a rapid acquisition strategy to field 12 modified multi-mission aircraft with enhanced combat capabilities. These modi-fications—designated the Precision Strike Package (PSP)—were completed in 20 months, and SOCOM’s fleet of MC-130Ws became Dragon Spear aircraft. With delivery of the 12th (and final) aircraft in 2011, the production line closed three months ahead of schedule and 13 percent under budget.

The modular PSP modification equips Dragon Spear with enhanced electro-optical/infrared sensors, a trainable 30 mm cannon, the Stand-Off Precision Guided Munition family of missiles, and a networked Bat-tle Management System. These modifications provide Dragon Spear the capability to execute intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), strike and mobility missions in support of deployed forces. In addition to supporting immediate combat operations, Dragon Spear’s modular PSP provides a risk reduction platform for SOCOM’s AC-130J program. The PSP combat-proven modular capability will provide the initial combat capability for the AC-130J. The Dragon Spear platform continues to serve as a test bed for risk reduction activities and the evaluation of future enhanced capabilities.

Two Dragon Spear aircraft have been continuously deployed since 2011. Crews have flown over 700 sorties in support of combat operations. The MC-130W Dragon Spear aircraft are operated by crews based at Cannon AFB.

cv-22 osprey – sof’s long-range insertion platform

The CV-22 fulfills the requirement for high-speed, long-range insertion and extraction of SOF in hostile or denied territory in a single period of darkness. The range, altitude and speed of the CV-22 provide flexibility, unpredictability and less dependency on staging bases or

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refueling assets. As a result, the CV-22 can self-deploy worldwide to sat-isfy current combat operations and higher authority taskings. CV-22s have deployed to multiple locations around the globe and have been actively supporting Operation Enduring Freedom since 2010. SOCOM has delivered 24 of the programmed fleet of 50 CV-22s.

The unique characteristic of the CV-22 is its ability to take off and land like a helicopter, but once airborne, its engine nacelles tilt to convert the aircraft into a high-speed, high-altitude turboprop airplane. The CV-22 is tailored for special operations missions through an enhanced electronic warfare suite, specifically the AN/AAQ-24 Directional Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM), the AN/ALQ-211 Suite of Integrated Radio Frequency Countermeasures (SIRFC), and the AN/APQ-186 Terrain Following/Terrain Avoidance (TF/TA) multi-mode radar. The DIRCM system provides active protection against infrared homing missiles. SIRFC counters threats through its missile-warning receivers and jammers and provides real-time threat information to the aircrew through a dedicated display unit in the cockpit. The TF/TA radar provides the aircrew with the ability to mask the aircraft by flying low and taking advantage of surrounding terrain. To further enhance aircraft and crew survivability, the CV-22 includes a GAU-18 .50 caliber or M-240D 7.62 mm ramp-mounted weapon system. The CV-22 is powered by two turbo shaft engines that produce 6,150 shaft horsepower each, which enable a cruising speed of 230 knots. The CV-22 is a fly-by-wire aircraft that provides twice the speed, three times the payload, five times the range, and more than twice the altitude of a conventional CH-46 helicopter.

u-28a

In response to an escalating need for ISR, PEO-FW procured six Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in 2005. These aircraft were modified with a suite of military communications and sensor equipment and were subsequently fielded as U-28A aircraft in 2006. The aircraft was selected for its versatile performance and ability to operate from short and unimproved runway surfaces. Weight-reduction and mission-enhancement modifications were implemented on these aircraft in 2007, extending their operational range and effectiveness. Nine addi-tional aircraft were procured in 2007 for subsequent delivery during 2008. Through DoD supplemental funding in 2008, SOCOM procured another six aircraft to meet increased operational demands and stan-

dardize the entire fleet. The final aircraft delivered in January 2010, and the fleetwide modifications were completed in September 2010.

rc-26b aircraft

SOCOM partnered with the National Guard Bureau to support SOF objectives for overseas contingency operations. Six RC-26B air-craft were expeditiously modified and fielded with a SO-peculiar com-munication and sensor suite. These aircraft provide critical, manned, persistent ISR capabilities for SOF operations. Two aircraft support a training mission in the continental United States, and four assets are continuously deployed for immediate real world operations.

non-standard aviation

The Non-Standard Aviation (NSAV) mission provides dedicated intra-theater airlift and contractor logistics support for the geographic combatant commander’s theater special operations commands. The NSAV program delivers 21 light aircraft (11 Pilatus PC-12s and 10 M-28 Skytrucks) and 17 medium aircraft (Do-328s) to support command mobility requirements worldwide. All NSAV aircraft are modified with a common suite of military communications equipment. Light aircraft funding and deliveries began in fiscal year 2008 and continue through FY12. Of the 21 light aircraft, all 11 PC-12s have been procured and delivered to the 318th Special Operations Squadron at Cannon AFB. NSAV initial operational capability was met when two of the PC-12s successfully forward deployed with full contractor logistics support in mid-2008. Nine of the 10 M-28s have been delivered to Cannon AFB, and the last remaining M-28 delivered in March 2012. The Do-328 aircraft procurement began in FY10. Of the 17 medium Do-328 aircraft, 12 air-craft have been procured and five more are on contract. Seven Do-328s have delivered to the 524th Special Operations Squadron at Cannon AFB; the remaining Do-328 aircraft will deliver between 2012 and 2013.

unmanned aircraft systems

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), from the Puma small UAS (SUAS) to the larger Air Force MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper systems, support many different ISR requirements across each of the component commands.

The MC-130J provides special operations forces infiltration, exfiltration, resupply and aerial helo refueling. [Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin]

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The hand-launched Puma of the SUAS family was fielded in FY09 to expand the operational environment of the current SUAS and provide SOF units with enhanced capability. The Puma was upgraded with an encryption-capable digital data link to improve security and increase overall performance.

The Medium Altitude Long Endurance Tactical (MALET) plat-forms are SO-peculiar variants of the Air Force MQ-1s and MQ-9s. These platforms are equipped with capabilities to support SO-peculiar missions and personnel. Capability enhancements include video trans-mission, infrared modifications, signals intelligence and delivery of low collateral damage weapons. SOCOM currently operates a full squadron of MQ-1s and 15 MQ-9s. The remaining MQ-9 platforms are scheduled for delivery in FY12–14.

UASs are proving their value in a wide range of current combat operations by providing SOF with day and night surveillance plat-forms, the ability to see over the next hill or corner, and “eyes in the sky” to protect them from improvised explosive devices. SOCOM con-tinues to develop and field advanced unmanned airborne capabilities in support of ongoing operations around the world.

munitions and emerging technology

PEO-FW procures stand-off precision guided munition (SOPGM) variants for use on the MC-130W Dragon Spear and AC-130J and sur-rogate aircraft. The SOPGM provides a small, lightweight precision guided weapon for irregular warfare. The architecture was established under an advanced concept technology demonstration and utilizes a common launch tube (CLT), a government-developed battle manage-ment system (BMS), and various munitions that either fit into the CLT or, if not, use the BMS. The Griffin missile is a SOPGM that is procured as a commodity product. There are two versions: an aft ejecting A ver-sion and a forward firing B version. Since initial fielding, PEO-FW has worked with the Griffin vendor to continually improve the missile’s one shot lethality and reliability; an improved Block II missile was fielded in 2011. PEO-FW is also working with the vendor to develop a land-based SOPGM for ground forces.

PEO-FW is developing an ongoing emerging technology effort to ensure SOF aviation forces maintain their technological edge over all opponents. Improved warheads, better seekers and target auto-track-ers are a few of the areas that are being explored to improve opera-tional effectiveness. PEO-FW is also looking for other munitions as part of the emerging technology effort; the laser small diameter bomb and other SOPGM are being considered. PEO-FW will use advanced concept technology demonstrations, joint capability technology dem-onstrations, cooperative research and development agreements, and foreign comparative tests to evaluate new technologies to rapidly transition new capabilities to the field.

directional infrared countermeasures program – protecting the fleet

Infrared guided missile systems have become the adversary’s weapon of choice due to their passive nature (i.e., low probability of detection prior to launch), simple operation, low cost and avail-ability. At least 80 nations on six continents employ infrared guided

surface-to-air missiles that can be carried and launched by one per-son. To address this evolving threat, SOCOM teamed with the United Kingdom to execute a cooperative acquisition program with merged requirements.

The AN/AAQ-24 DIRCM system, the first successful program of its type, ensures fast, accurate threat location through on-board missile warning sensors. DIRCM was designed in modular fashion to allow multiple installation configurations on a wide range of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. The front-end production qualification and per-formance certification phase of the effort was completed in early 1999, and final installation occurred in 2004.

The success of the DIRCM system is self-evident. The Air Force requirement has grown to well over 400 aircraft, resulting in the transi-tion of program management and sustainment responsibilities for all common components to the Department of the Air Force. SOCOM is transferring sustainment responsibilities of the SO-peculiar compo-nents to Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in the third quarter of 2012.

aircreW training systems – training the fleet

Aircrew training system acquisitions address training needs for the Air Force Special Operations Command’s multiple C-130 variants, along with CV-22 and U-28A. Additional aircrew training systems are being studied to address non-standard aviation and small unmanned aircraft systems. A current priority is the MC/AC-130J simulator pro-gram to develop and procure capability to support MC-130J and AC-130J aircrew training. Along with a front-end weapon system trainer for the pilots, this program procures an AC-130J mission training device that will support training back-end gunship aircrew. It will also deliver a simultaneous independent operations capability for AC-130J, allowing the front-end and back-end devices to operate either simulta-neously as one interoperable training system or independently as two separate training capabilities. This capability enhances aircrew col-lective training, individual training and overall training management flexibility, resulting in greater training throughput and proficiency for mission crews.

The Simulator Block Update (SBUD) program ensures opera-tional availability and relevancy of fixed wing aviation training capa-bilities through procurement of training device modifications and sustainment via contractor logistics support. This program procures modifications to sustain legacy training devices and replace obsolete

An RC-26B with the 130th Airlift Wing out of Charleston, W.Va., is poised for flight. [Photo courtesy of U.S. Army]

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subsystems to maintain fidelity, enhance reliability and maintain-ability, and ensure operational availability. In addition to upgrade procurements, the SBUD program sustains the operational availability of aircrew training devices and overall training management through contractor logistics support.

special operations mission planning environment – preparing the fleet

The Special Operations Mission Planning Environment (SOMPE) program is a computer-based suite of software products

developed in response to SOCOM user-specified needs for rapid and accurate SOF time-sensitive planning. SOMPE products enable detailed mission planning using imagery, digital terrain/nautical/man-made structural data, two- and three-dimensional mission views, threat positions, weapon system ranges, friendly positions, weapon system performance data and limited environ-mental data. Looking forward, SOMPE program objectives are to address SOCOM air, ground and maritime operator mission plan-ning gaps, enable a three-dimensional planning environment in a network disconnected environment, and migrate to a modern software architecture

Program Executive Office for Rotary Wing

Army Colonel Douglas Rombough leads the Program Executive Office for Rotary Wing (PEO-RW), which is responsible for provid-ing the special operations forces community with the most advanced vertical lift capability available to the U.S. military. PEO-RW has placed emphasis on rotary wing transformation, with the initial focus on commonality of platforms and inventory reduction from 11 different platforms to three newer, more capable platforms while accommo-dating programmed growth in numbers. The rotary wing fleet now consists of the MH-47G Chinook, three different models of the MH-60 Black Hawk and the A/MH-6M Little Bird. The Silent Knight Radar (SKR) program was realigned to the PEO-RW portfolio in 2011 to bet-ter address the integration and testing of SKR into the MH-47G lead platform. This realignment is another significant step in providing a complete capability to PEO-RW’s primary customer, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR).

PEO-RW continues its focus on rotary wing transformation with growth in numbers and an increase in the capabilities of an already capable fleet of aircraft. Various mission equipment programs address increased payloads, lethality, survivability and situational awareness while decreasing crew workload. Additionally, PEO-RW is involved in

providing SOF with an increased future vertical lift capability through the execution of developmental programs, such as the YMQ-18A Vertical Lift Unmanned Aerial System, and participation in the Under Secretary of Defense Science & Technology-led Future Vertical Lift Science & Technology Working Group.

Along with the Technology Applications Program Office at Fort Eustis, Va., the PEO-RW mission is primarily accomplished by inte-grating special operations (SO)-peculiar mission equipment packages onto proven U.S. Army helicopter platforms. This acquisition strategy supports the SOF warfighter while providing SOCOM with a cost-effective method of supplying a SOF platform capable of completing worldwide SOF-unique missions. Both the U.S. Army and SOCOM benefit from the partnership of merging U.S. Army and SO-peculiar components and technologies.

mh-47g chinook

The heavy lifter of the SOF rotary wing fleet is the venerable MH-47G Chinook. With a maximum gross weight of 54,000 pounds and the ability to travel at more than 150 knots, the MH-47G provides SOF

with a proven durable workhorse that fulfills a variety of missions around the world. The MH-47G was deployed in fiscal year 2007 and is currently supporting deployed SOF in multiple locations.

The SOF MH-47G completed its service life extension program in 2011, and work has begun on a new build of additional MH-47G Chinook consisting of a zero-time monolithic machined airframe and new dynamic components. The new-build Chinook will have the same extended range fuel tanks, improved transportability provisions, advanced aircraft surviv-ability equipment, and a new cockpit structure with the common avionics Coalition special forces wait for the MH-47G Chinook to land so they can extract their high value target. [Photo courtesy of U.S. Army]

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architecture systems. Based on the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review, work is continuing on the MH-47G program, which will increase the total number of MH-47Gs to 69 by FY15.

mh-60m black haWk

Complementing the MH-47G is the medium lift MH-60M Black Hawk. The SOF Black Hawk supports two configurations: a troop transport configuration and a defensive armed penetrator (DAP) configuration. The DAP aircraft provides armed security for the MH-47G and MH-60 aircraft. The MH-60M modernization program began delivering new-build MH-60M aircraft in the second quarter of FY11. Once complete, the MH-60M modernization program will provide the 160th SOAR with 72 MH-60M SOF Black Hawks. The MH-60M pro-gram will complete its transition to a common MH-60M fleet in FY15.

The MH-60M SOF modernization program takes Sikorsky’s new-build UH-60M aircraft from the U.S. Army and modifies them with SO-peculiar mission equipment. The MH-60M aircraft will feature common avionics architecture systems, the suite of integrated radio frequency countermeasures, wide-chord rotor blades, active vibra-tion reduction and the improved electro-optical sensor system. The most significant modification, however, is the incorporation of two 2,500 shaft horsepower engines, which will give the aircraft a high/hot capability unmatched by any H-60 variant currently fielded. As the MH-60M is fielded, the 160th SOAR will continue phasing out the current MH-60K/L fleet.

a/mh-6m little bird

The A/MH-6M Little Bird program transforms a civilian aircraft into the Mission Enhanced Little Bird through a series of SO-peculiar modifications, including an improved tail boom and tail rotor drive system, a full complement of weapon systems, an enlarged aft cargo door, an increase of the maximum gross weight to 4,700 pounds, and Mark IV rails. The Little Bird is fully configurable and is capable of serving in an attack or assault role. The aircraft is in the final stages of an upgrade to Block 2.0 configuration, which provides an improved mission processor, transponder, Ethernet data bus, embedded global inertial navigation system, and new ergonomic crashworthy seat. An upgrade to a Block 3.0 configuration will start in 2012 to address improved cockpit avionics, airframe structures and rotor systems. The serial block upgrade acquisition strategy is designed to extend the service life of the A/MH-6M while analyzing the long-term alternatives for replacement.

ymQ-18a unmanned aerial system

The A-160T vertical lift unmanned aerial system (UAS) received the DoD mission designation series YMQ-18A in 2009. The YMQ-18A rotary wing UAS is designed to perform long endurance verti-cal take-off and landing. The system has demonstrated endurance flights of 18.7 hours with a 300-pound payload and 8.1 hours with a 1,000-pound payload during developmental flight tests in the conti-nental United States. During a recent operational assessment outside the continental United States, the YMQ-18A with Forester payload

demonstrated a 10.5-hour flight. The aircraft’s current maximum gross weight is 5,500 pounds, with a design objective of 6,500 pounds, and it has demonstrated speeds over 140 knots, with a design objec-tive of 165 knots. The YMQ-18A’s mission radius is designed to exceed 300 nautical miles upon completion of ongoing beyond line-of-sight control capability integration.

The YMQ-18A’s speed and endurance is combined with a designed service ceiling of 20,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) based on a commer-cial off-the-shelf 207D turbine engine certification and a demonstrated out-of-ground effect hover of 20,000 feet MSL.

Although there is an immediate interest in intelligence, surveil-lance and reconnaissance (ISR) and cargo UAS precision resupply, the YMQ-18A is designed to support a variety of modular payloads and a wide range of mission scenarios to meet the ever-changing demands of SOF. PEO-RW maintains close coordination with U.S. Army PM UAS and U.S. Navy PMA 266 for further development of YMQ-18A ISR and cargo UAS support to deployed operational forces.

mission eQuipment

PEO-RW continues its focus on rotary wing mission equipment improvement with a concentration on conducting software modifica-tions to existing sensors and electronic equipment. These software modifications will provide new capabilities at a reduced cost while minimizing size, weight and power usage.

PEO-RW worked with numerous service acquisition offices on the inaugural Office of the Secretary of Defense-led rotorcraft aircraft survivability equipment experiment at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., in August. This experiment utilized three Maverick unmanned aircraft to allow for near miss unguided shots to determine different approaches to the hostile fire indication system solution. By working with the Army and Navy, PEO-RW was able to see the effectiveness of nine dif-ferent types of sensors on aircraft in flight and more than 20 different types of sensors on the test tower. PEO-RW’s partnership with the Helicopter Survivability Task Force (HSTF) has been a great success and has led to other joint efforts with the Army for modifying the AVR-2B sensor to detect unguided threats. PEO-RW expects to leverage this capability and conduct tests with the Army in 2012.

Another HSTF initiative was the multi-hit transparent armor system effort that replaced opaque down look windows on the MH-47 with transparent windows. Once complete, these windows will have a mosaic pattern that allows the panel to absorb multiple shots without degrading the visibility of the pilot. It is critical that these windows are transparent so pilots can see through them during take-off and landing in a brownout environment.

While the majority of recent mission equipment acquisition efforts have been focused on aircraft survivability equipment upgrades, PEO-RW has not neglected critical avionics systems. This year was the beginning of a seven-year program to upgrade the mission processors for each aircraft’s control display units and multi-function displays. This effort will support the common avionics architecture systems by upgrading the processing power from a Power PC 750 to a Power PC 7448, and it will provide flexibility to add complex software pro-grams that will aid in route selection and flight in degraded visual environments.

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The SOCOM degraded visual environments (DVE) program is a combination of science and technology efforts to address aircraft operations and obstacle avoidance under reduced situational aware-ness conditions. An FY13 DVE program of record illustrates SOCOM’s participation in the development of a technical solution expected to become a service-common item. The program addresses various aspects of reduced situational awareness common to all rotary wing aircraft operations, and SOCOM’s effort is part of a larger effort being conducted by the individual services with significant coordination from the HSTF. SOCOM is currently working on a synthetic vision backbone using digital terrain data and undefined sensors. Addi-tionally, the command is sponsoring technology demonstrations of sensors such as LADAR to expand the overall solution to the DVE challenge.

silent knight radar

The Silent Knight Radar (SKR) program provides SOCOM with an affordable replacement for today’s aging terrain following/terrain avoidance (TF/TA) multi-mode radars employing Cold War radar technology. The required capabilities of SKR include TF/TA capability with a low probability of intercept and detection feature, color display of weather and weather intensity, high-resolution display of prominent terrain features, and detection and location of other aircraft and ships.

The program initiated a contractor flight test in May 2010 when the first Silent Knight engineering unit was integrated onto a contrac-tor-owned Convair. Testing of basic radar functionality continued until December 2010 when the contractor flight test program transitioned to a contractor-owned Huey UH-1 that continued throughout 2011. Five pre-production radars completed assembly in March 2011. A pre-production radar was installed in a government-owned MH-47G helicopter in October 2011, and the system completed safety of flight ground testing in December 2011. Developmental flight testing started in January 2012 on board an MH-47G and will continue into 2014. Low-rate initial production is planned for FY13.

rotary Wing simulation

Rounding out the rotary wing portfolio is the family of simulators supporting SOF platforms and missions. PEO-RW, along with the SOF Training Systems Product Manager in Orlando, Fla., provides the 160th SOAR with high-fidelity, full-motion training systems for

the MH-47E, MH-47G, MH-60K, MH-60M and A/MH-6M aircraft that support SOCOM requirements. The combat mission simulators (CMS) provide aircrews a real-world capability to practice, validate and verify tactics, techniques and procedures to support training and mission rehearsal. Additionally, the aquatics training device provides for aircrew emergency egress training in a variety of environmental conditions.

The simulators are continuously updated to reflect the latest air-craft modifications and to ensure SOF aircrews are provided training systems that are reliable, technically advanced and concurrent with the operational aircraft on the flight line.

The MH-47E CMS started a legacy upgrade to an MH-47G CMS in 2011 and will be followed by an upgrade of the MH-60K to MH-60M. The upgrades will parallel the induction of newer-model aircraft into the fleet and accommodate increased training requirements while taking advantage of the latest simulation technology and processor advancements

Program Executive Office for Special Operations Forces Warrior

Army Colonel James Smith leads the Program Executive Office for Special Operations Forces Warrior (PEO-SW). This diverse orga-nization provides rapid and focused acquisition of special operations (SO)-peculiar capabilities to SOCOM operators conducting decisive ground special operations forces activities and global operations against terrorist networks. PEO-SW is a critical enabler to the Special Operations Research, Development and Acquisition Center’s no-fail

mission to provide effective, wide-ranging, time-sensitive capabilities to widely dispersed and often isolated SOF in several unique commod-ity areas. PEO-SW manages a portfolio that includes 160 programs and projects, using an investment budget of over $1 billion of Major Force Program-11 (MFP-11) funds over the future years defense plan. The portfolio is diversified and includes six primary war fighting com-modity areas:

The new special operations MH-60M Black Hawk brings many impressive capabilities, including state-of-the-art day and night optics systems, enhanced integrated weapons systems, multi-mode radar with all-weather capability and new high-performance engines. [Photo courtesy of 160th SOAR]

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1. Ground Mobility2. Visual Augmentation Systems3. Weapon Systems4. Ammunition/Demolition5. Soldier Protection and Survival6. Medical Systems

To preserve critical MFP-11 funding and compress acquisition cycle times, PEO-SW participates in joint, collaborative war fighting equipping boards. Through participation in these inter-service boards, PEO-SW has found creative solutions through leveraging the research and development (R&D) efforts of the services and other govern-ment organizations. In addition, PEO-SW works in conjunction with component commands to ensure service-provided logistics support is utilized to the maximum extent possible.

ground mobility

The Program Manager for Family of Special Operations Forces Vehicles (PM-FSOV) is responsible for the acquisition, product improve-ment, modification and sustainment of four classes of SOF vehicles: individual, light, medium and heavy. As the land contingent of SOF mobility, the FSOV portfolio being developed and sustained includes all-terrain vehicles, lightweight tactical all-terrain vehicles, non-standard commercial vehicles, ground mobility vehicles, RG-31 and RG-33 mine resistant ambush protected vehicles, and the mine resistant ambush protected all-terrain vehicles. These SO-peculiar vehicles provide enhanced tactical mobility and force protection as well as platforms to support command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities. Currently, PEO-SW is managing all acquisition and procurement production initiatives for these specialized SOF combat wheeled vehicles. Concurrently, PM-FSOV is providing cradle-to-grave sustainment for more than 4,600 SOF-configured vehicles supporting SOF operations around the world.

The all-terrain vehicle (ATV) provides individual, all-terrain mobil-ity to deployed SOF in austere locations to support a myriad of spe-cial operations missions. These vehicles are internally transportable within rotary wing assets and provide mobility to fully equipped SOF operators. ATVs enable them to rapidly maneuver in terrain not easily navigated by larger, heavier vehicles. They fulfill an enduring capability need by enabling operators to efficiently manage and transport their combat load. In 2012, PM-FSOV will field 431 ATVs as part of a life cycle management strategy to replace an aging fleet of 450 previously fielded ATVs.

The lightweight tactical all-terrain vehicle (LTATV) incorporates a side-by-side seat design and provides a lightweight, all-terrain capa-bility to allow SOF to undertake operations across a wide variety of missions with increased mobility and maneuverability. The LTATV is internally transportable by CH-47 rotary and V-22 variant aircraft. It carries two personnel and can be used for a multitude of operations spanning logistic support to casualty evacuation. It also provides a high degree of speed and mobility over rough terrain. To date, PEO-SW has fielded 530 LTATVs and will field an additional 353 this year.

The non-standard commercial vehicle (NSCV) is a medium class vehicle and provides low-profile commercial vehicles modified

with ballistic protection, mobility enhancements, communications, navigation and night vision equipment, enabling SOF to operate non-obtrusively supporting a multitude of special operations. NSCVs provide SOF with the capability to conduct missions where a low visual signature is preferred or the vehicles must be maintained on the local economy. To date, PEO-SW has fielded 120 NSCVs and will field an additional 255 this year.

The ground mobility vehicle (GMV) is a medium class wheeled tactical combat vehicle that provides general support to numerous SOF activities. The M1165A1B3 high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) is the current base vehicle with standardized SOF-specific modifications, including enhanced C4ISR capabilities. This year, PEO-SW will field 126 GMVs to complete the first increment of production, bringing the quantity of GMVs being sustained to 1,216.

In September 2011, SOCOM approved a capability production document update. This update, referred to as GMV 1.1, sets the stage for the next increment of production to provide SOF with a new and improved variant of a medium class of vehicles. The GMV 1.1 is designated to replace the SOF-modified, service-common HMMWV. Purpose built, different configurations of the vehicle will be available to support a variety of combat, combat support and combat service support roles. PEO-SW has begun initiating acquisition planning activities seeking potential materiel solutions. A significant key per-formance parameter driving vehicle design is meeting an internal transport capability in a CH-47 helicopter.

PEO-SW is executing the sustainment phase of the mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) life cycle. To date, 618 RG-31s/RG-33s/RG-33 auxiliary utility vehicles have been fielded to SOF warfighters. These vehicles provide operators with protection against the expanded use of improvised explosive devices; they also enable direct support action by hosting an offensive capability in the form of an integrated remote weapon station. In the last year, PEO-SW completed a block upgrade for the existing RG-33 fleet, which included the installation of an improved suspension system for enhancing ground mobil-ity, and they completed other engineering changes that emerged as requirements from the deployed operators in the field.

The 101st Airborne Division is receiving sensors that mount on Kevlar helmets to record blast data. U.S. Army Maj. William Schaffer in the Army’s Program Executive Office Soldier at Fort Belvoir, Va., displays the helmet. [Photo courtesy of DoD]

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The MRAP all-terrain vehicle (M-ATV) provides a mine-resistant all-terrain vehicle capability specifically for the conduct of small unit combat operations in highly restricted rural, mountainous and urban environments. SOCOM determined approximately 30 modifications must be made to the vehicle to provide a platform with greater protec-tion and mobility, including a larger windshield, improved gunner’s platform, rear cargo access door, cargo bed protection, and several safety-related items. PEO-SW has fielded a total of 455 M-ATVs and will field the final 46 on/around the third quarter of fiscal year 2012`. PEO-SW will also begin a block upgrade for the M-ATVs beginning in late FY12, which will address emerging requirements from the operators in the field.

visual augmentation systems

The Program Manager for Target Engagement Systems (PM-TES) is responsible for the acquisition, product improvement, modification, and sustainment of visual augmentation systems (VAS). This commod-ity area provides SOF operators with an ability to conduct missions while operating at night and during periods of low visibility when battlefield obscurants or bad weather are encountered. By minimizing the effect of these adverse conditions, VAS enable continuity of fire control, surveillance and land navigation while performing mounted and dismounted operations.

The VAS commodity area focuses on materiel solutions for head-mounted goggles, weapon-mounted night vision sights and day scopes, handheld imagers, ground vehicle-mounted systems for drivers and crewmembers, and laser rangefinders and designators to ensure the accurate delivery of precision-guided missiles and munitions. Emerg-ing requirements include a capability need for sensor and clip-on ther-mal image fusion, expanded field-of-view color night vision goggles, digital technology, SOF VAS accessory kits, SOF VAS countermeasures and a handheld target location device.

A scope for the precision sniper rifle was produced off of a new five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity scope contract. This scope is also interchangeable with the MK13 for long-range shooting. The delivery/fielding of approximately 1,000 scopes will continue through-out FY12.

During 2011, PEO-SW fielded 107 ground vehicle-mounted VAS; 1,840 head-mounted night vision goggles; 1,566 clip-on thermal

imagers (COTI); and 343 laser markers. During 2012, the PEO expects to field a COTI, providing the operator with a fused I2/thermal image using the existing PVS-15 night vision goggles and a small, lightweight handheld laser marker.

Weapon systems

PM-TES develops, acquires and manages weapon systems that provide SOF with highly reliable and accurate direct action offensive capabilities to increase the combat effectiveness of operators.

The multi-purpose anti-armor anti-personnel weapon system (MAAWS) is a man-portable, shoulder-fired, recoilless, line-of-sight, re-loadable, anti-armor, anti-structure and anti-personnel weapon system. The MAAWS development effort includes a cannon caliber training round used to maintain operator proficiency while not having to consume the more expensive 84 mm combat round.

The lightweight assault weapon development activities have been updated, adding a fire-from-enclosure capability that will allow operators to fire both the M72A7 anti-armor and M72A9 anti-structure rounds from confined spaces. This improvement will also dramatically reduce the firing signature of the projectiles as they leave the weapon, helping to conceal the location of the shooter. This enhancement pro-gram will transfer to the U.S. Marine Corps in 2012 and become Navy/Marine Corps common.

The MK13 MOD5 is part of the family of sniper weapons systems. This weapon provides a sub minute of angle accuracy out to ranges of 1,200 yards. During FY11, the basis of issue was increased for the MK13 MOD5 (300 WINMAG) sniper rifle for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC). A quantity of 259 MK13 MOD5 sniper rifles was fielded to USASOC, and 30 were fielded to MARSOC. An additional 117 of these rifles will be fielded to USASOC during FY12.

The combat assault rifle (CAR) family of weapons includes the 40 mm enhanced grenade launcher modules, the MK17 CAR heavy (7.62 mm) assault rifles, and the MK20 (7.62 mm) sniper support rifles. The CAR program achieved the goal of caliber modularity by fielding a 5.56 mm conversion kit for the MK17. This kit enables the MK17 to fire either 5.56 mm or 7.62 mm ammunition. In FY11, the following CAR family of weapons was fielded to SOCOM component commands: 148 each MK13 40 mm enhanced grenade launcher modules; 1,258 each MK17 CAR heavy (7.62 mm) assault rifles; and 531 each MK20 (7.62 mm) sniper support rifles. In FY12, overseas contingency opera-tions procurement funds were acquired supporting the procurement of additional quantities of MK13s (279) and MK20s (163) for the Air Force Special Operations Command.

A precision sniper rifle (PSR) requirement (rifle and ammunition) exists to increase the effective engagement range of SOF snipers at 1,500 meters and beyond. The PSR is envisioned to replace the exist-ing M24 and MK13 sniper systems for anti-personnel engagements. The procurement package for a PSR system occurred in November 2011. Product bid sample testing commenced in the second quarter of FY12, followed by source selection, with contract award(s) scheduled for third quarter. A future increment will seek to replace the M107 and MK15 heavy sniper rifle for anti-materiel engagements.

The RG-31 vehicle. [Photo courtesy of DoD]

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A number of weapons accessories successfully completed opera-tional test for crew served weapons. These accessories are set to operationally enhance the M2-HB .50 caliber by providing aiming, illuminating and targeting capabilities to improve target recognition and engagement. Fielding is scheduled for the third quarter of FY12. The Integrated Fire Control program is an approved defense acquisi-tion challenge effort that kicked off in FY11. The goal for this program is to provide a low-cost modular and preferable integrated fire control for the M2HB, MK47, M240 and MK44 mini guns. Contract award for this effort is expected during the fourth quarter of FY12.

Two contracts were awarded in September 2011 as part of the fam-ily of muzzle brakes and suppressors program. The focus is to provide accessorized components that minimize flash, sound and thermal signature for currently fielded machine guns, M4 carbine, and the MK13 sniper rifle. The first contract was awarded for flash hiders and suppressors for the MK46 lightweight 5.56 mm belt fed machine gun and the M240B 7.62 mm belt fed machine gun. The second contract was awarded for flash hiders and suppressors for the M4 carbine and the MK13 MOD5 sniper rifle. All material is scheduled to begin field-ing in the third quarter of FY12. During FY11, the program procured approximately 3,150 10.3-inch M4A1 upper receiver groups and 3,400 14.5-inch upper receiver groups.

Also in FY11, a small arms signature reduction (SASR) capabilities development document was prepared outlining the requirements for the next generation of suppressor technology. This is an R&D program and will be conducted in a phased approach with the initial contract award(s) scheduled for early fourth quarter of FY12. The objective is to provide revolutionary advancements in flash, sound and thermal suppression over current commercial off-the-shelf solutions. In addi-tion, advancements in the areas of durability, maintainability, overall size, weight, etc., will be considered. The development effort will begin with the belt fed machine guns and then transition to the assault rifles.

ammunition/demolition

The program manager for munitions (PM-Munitions) develops, acquires and manages SO-peculiar ammunition, demolition and breaching devices that provide SOF operators with a multitude of mis-sion performance capabilities.

This commodity area is very dynamic, with challenges to develop ammunition and munitions that enable operators to maintain pre-cision and accuracy at greater stand-off ranges against high-value targets (personnel and material). Ongoing munitions efforts include support to the aforementioned multi-purpose anti-armor anti-person-nel weapon system and shoulder-fired lightweight assault weapon as well as the improved flash bang grenade.

In order to support the SOF weapon systems mentioned earlier, approximately 19.5 million rounds of small arms ammunition were procured in FY11, including the enhanced SOF rounds that consist of the 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm special operations special technology rounds, the 7.62 mm special ball long range, and the 220 Grain 300 WINMAG product improved sniper round. Additional rounds include the MK318 5.56 mm round, the MK319 7.62 mm round, the MK316 7.62 mm special ball long range round, and the MK248 MOD1 .300 WINMAG sniper round that extends the range of the current MK13

MOD5 rifle from 1,200 to 1,400 yards. All rounds provide the SOF warfighter with better accuracy, insensitivity to extreme temperatures, reduced visible signature, and consistent terminal ballistic effects over service-common small arms rounds. For MAAWS, PEO-SW fielded more than 10,000 rounds in FY11.

The improved flash bang grenade development effort is under way with funding from the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons program to improve the currently fielded flash bang devices. This program will increase the visual flash incapacitation, remove all the perchlorate oxidizers from the payload, and decrease the smoke output while keeping all other grenade parameters the same. The removal of the perchlorates will ensure the DoD is in compliance with new Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

soldier protection and survival

The systems acquisition manager for survival and the program manager for SOF survival, support and equipment systems are respon-sible for protection, individual equipment and casualty care improve-ments for our SOF warriors; thus R&D, testing and acquisition of personal protective and tactical casualty care continue.

The SOF Personal Equipment Advanced Requirements (SPEAR) program provides individual and personal protective equipment for special operations. The SPEAR program fields equipment that is worn or carried by SOF warfighters to increase their survivability, mobil-ity and effectiveness. During 2011, PEO-SW fielded 740 sets of body armor plates; 1,500 body armor vests; 1,422 sets of soft filler; 926 sets of modular supplemental armor plates; 99 MICH helmets; 417 VAS mounts; 4,362 load carriage systems; 8,475 backpacks; 2,198 protec-tive combat uniforms in various camouflage patterns, including AOR 1, AOR 2, and Multi-Cam; 2,788 modular glove systems; 78 ops-core helmets; and 3,778 MICH communications headsets. All SPEAR prod-ucts are designed and developed to provide an integrated modular sys-tem for the SOF warfighter. Recent Office of the Secretary of Defense ballistic test initiatives have been integrated into the SOCOM acquisi-tion process, and several mission-specific protective systems are now available. Optimization of signature management and camouflage initiatives are underway to provide multi-spectral protection for SOF operators. These and other technology advancements are part of the continuous product improvement efforts to advance the survivability and individual equipment for SOF operators.

The SOF counter radio controlled improvised explosive device electronic warfare (CREW)/electronic countermeasures (ECM) pro-gram provides continuous threat detection and neutralization systems to counter a range of high- and low-powered radio controlled threats. Currently, the SOF CREW/ECM systems include both a vehicle mount and dismount system, the EGON and THOR II, respectively. In Janu-ary 2011, PEO-SW completed production and fielding of both systems while sustaining 2,340 fielded EGONs and 435 THOR-IIs.

medical systems

The program manager for medical systems (PM-Medical) is respon-sible for product improvement, fielding and sustainment of a full spectrum of medical devices and equipment enabling SOF personnel to

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treat and sustain the force. SOCOM continues to focus robust efforts in the medical R&D arena to discover new lifesaving technologies that can benefit our SOF warfighters at the point of injury, often in remote, denied areas. One example of SOCOM responding to an urgent medi-cal readiness issue involved the acquisition of a freeze-dried plasma (FDP) capability for SOF medical use outside the continental United States. As a result of a series of high-level engagements, USASOC gained authorities to procure a critical lifesaving French FDP product until a domestic product is approved for use in 2016.

The program manager for SOF survival, support and equipment, in conjunction with PM-Medical, is the program manager for the SOF Tactical Combat Casualty Care program that provides for individual first-aid kits, combat medic kits and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) sets. During 2011, the program manager fielded 5,838 operator first-aid kits and 907 combat medic kits. Another high priority require-ment for medical care at the point of injury includes a CASEVAC set enabling SOF to care for casualties from the point of wounding to the employment of definitive medical treatment.

In October 2011, PEO-SW awarded a contract to a system integra-tor to produce the CASEVAC set for SOF use; this system will provide SOF with an organic capability to extract, stabilize, mobilize and transport from the point of wounding to the point of definitive medi-

cal treatment. The CASEVAC sets bring a broad range of medical and casualty evacuation capabilities such as extraction, mobility, transport and sustainment modules to SOF units in FY12.

Program Executive Office for Maritime

Navy Captain Timothy Kelly leads the Program Executive Office for Maritime (PEO-M), which is dedicated to providing special opera-tions forces warfighters with operationally effective and sustainable surface and subsurface maritime mobility platforms and maritime equipment.

PEO-M manages over $1 billion of Major Force Program-11 (MFP-11) dollars over the current Future Years Defense Plan. PEO-M’s MFP-11 management responsibility includes a wide latitude of control and decision-making authority for all budget activities, regardless of whether the SOCOM program is managed within the PEO or by a pro-gram manager in a military department. PEO-M’s portfolio includes 25 surface and subsurface acquisition programs and subprograms, with its primary customer being the Naval Special Warfare Command (NAVSPECWARCOM).

undersea programs

Undersea programs include the SEAL delivery vehicle, dry deck shelter, diver propulsion device, semi-autonomous hydrographic reconnaissance vehicle, hydrographic mapping unit and a variety of related subsystems and pre-planned product improvement programs. New acquisitions under development include the Shallow Water Com-bat Submersible [SWCS] program, Dry Combat Submersible [DCS] program, and Dry Deck Shelter/SSGN replacement studies.

The SWCS is a new wet submersible program (SWCS Block I) capable of operating from an existing dry deck shelter (DDS), and will replace the legacy SEAL delivery vehicle. The SWCS will be able

to operate from future large ocean interfaces or surface ships and will provide the capability to conduct undersea missions in support of theater and national taskings. The primary method of launch and recovery will be from a DDS on board a host submarine, but alterna-tive methods are available.

SOCOM has a long-term goal to develop and field an affordable small lock-in/lock-out submersible system. Prior studies and analyses have determined a number of technical challenges exist that must be overcome on the path toward fielding an affordable operational dry combat submersible. The DCS program is currently in the technol-ogy development phase and is pursuing commercial prototype sub-mersibles. Prototypes will be utilized in conducting early operational assessment and demonstrating potential key performance parameters. The current prototype project is progressing toward a detailed design phase. A Broad Agency Announcement was issued soliciting qualified companies to develop concept designs for prototype submersibles. SOCOM has solicited industry solutions and plans on an anticipated delivery of the first production units in 2017.

surface mobility programs

Surface mobility programs include the MK V Special Operations Craft (MK V SOC), Naval Special Warfare Rigid Inflatable Boat (NSW RIB), Special Operations Craft-Riverine (SOC-R), Patrol Boat-Light (PBL), Maritime Craft Air Deployment System (MCADS), Security Force Assistance (SFA) Craft, Combatant Craft Assault (CCA) and Combatant Craft Forward Looking Infrared (CCFLIR) systems as well

A U.S. Army soldier, from 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, trains on the advanced mobility course on an all-terrain vehicle, in Boeblingen, Germany. [Photo courtesy of U.S. Army]

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as a variety of related subsystems. New acquisition programs under-way include the Combatant Craft Medium MK1 (CCM MK1), which is intended to replace the legacy NSW RIB and the SFA Craft.

Surface mobility programs are managed by the Surface Systems Program Management Office (SSPMO), which includes the Combatant Craft Medium MK1 Program Management Office. SSPMO has cradle-to-grave management responsibility for in-service NAVSPECWARCOM combatant craft systems. SSPMO duties include program acquisition strategy and planning; decision risk analysis; scheduling; funding profiles; resource allocation throughout the planning, programming, budgeting and execution system; design and engineering; produc-tion; fielding and systems integration. The office also explores the commercial market for new technologies, foreign technologies and non-developmental items that offer innovative alternatives for current and future acquisitions. The SSPMO staff has the inherent capability to manage systems acquisition for engineering, procurement, program control, configuration, test, manufacturing and integrated logistics support. Currently, the office is responding to SOF requirements for new, more capable combatant surface craft to replace legacy systems and meet future demands.

SSPMO has three new acquisition programs in the next year: the CCA, the SFA-Patrol Coastal Officer (PCO) Craft and the CCM MK1. The CCA program is the interim platform solution that will bridge the gap between the phasing out of the NSW RIB and the introduction of the CCM into the SOF inventory. The SFA-PCO Craft program will be used to train partner nations at the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School at Stennis Space Center, Miss. The CCM MK1 program will replace the legacy NSW RIB at the end of its service life. Additionally, it will function as an interim replacement for the MK V Special Operations Craft. The CCM MK1 will be a multi-role surface combatant craft with the primary mission of inserting and extracting SOF in low-to-medium threat environments. Compared with the NSW RIB, the CCM MK1 will be faster, have longer range, operate in higher

sea states, be more survivable against modern and future threats, have superior communications and situational awareness, and have increased shock mitigation for the crew and passengers. CCM MK1 is envisioned as an essential step in providing a modern, clandestine, agile, adaptive and operationally capable maritime craft as a force mul-tiplier within the SOF structure.

additional roles

PEO-M actively participates in Small Business Innovation Research, Joint Capability Technology Demonstrations, and Special Operations Special Technology processes, which are administered by SORDAC’s Directorate of Science and Technology. To fulfill these requirements, PEO-M serves as an interface among the end user, doctrinal proponent, developer, test evaluator and the SOCOM staff.

Program Executive Office for Special Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Exploitation

Douglas Richardson, senior executive service, leads the Program Executive Office for Special Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Exploi-tation (PEO-SRSE). This PEO is responsible for the acquisition, field-ing and sustainment of intelligence systems for special operations forces that contribute directly to SOCOM priorities to deter, disrupt and defeat terrorist threats and sustain and modernize the force in persistent intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance. The current and projected threats to our national security continue to evolve in response to the increased technological sophistication and effective-ness of our fielded capabilities. PEO-SRSE acquisition strategies have evolved as well—relying primarily on innovative contracting approaches, robust systems engineering processes, evolutionary tech-nology insertions, and a prudent balance of cost, schedule and perfor-mance requirements.

PEO-SRSE’s broadly scoped system acquisition responsibilities include technical collection, intelligence support and identity opera-tions, supported by a uniquely organic and focused research and devel-opment (R&D) program. Responsiveness, with technical depth and program management excellence, is accomplished through product line expert matrix support of SRSE program managers.

tagging, tracking and locating systems

Tagging, tracking and locating systems and enabling technolo-gies provide SOF with critical tools to enhance situational awareness for the planning and execution of SOF missions. These capabilities allow SOF to find, fix and finish targets, such as enemy personnel and

An M-ATV, the newest MRAP vehicle. [Photo courtesy of DoD]

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mobility platforms, through the emplacement of sophisticated tagging and tracking devices that feed into an integrated command and control architecture. The fielded portfolio of tagging/tracking, close-target audio and video tracking, optical tracking and close-target reconnais-sance systems is continuously adapted and updated to meet dynamic SOF operational requirements across all theaters of operation.

sensor systems

The Tactical Video System/Reconnaissance Surveillance Target Acquisition program provides sensor systems that equip SOF with enhanced stand-off capabilities for both manned and unmanned spe-cial reconnaissance missions. Capabilities within the portfolio range from man-in-the-loop imagers and data transmission devices to fully automated, programmable unattended ground sensors emplaced by SOF operators that support information and intelligence-gathering operations. Operations planning and decision-making capabilities are further enhanced with real-time and near real-time capture and trans-fer of imagery and data, increased situational awareness, and state-of-the-art information display and processing.

biometrics and forensics systems

Biometrics and forensics system equipment provide SOF with the capability to rapidly and efficiently examine and exploit sensitive sites and to perform timely laboratory analysis of evidence in the theater of operation. Biometric tools are also used to gather and store infor-mation on captured combatants and other persons of interest and to verify the identities of local nationals seeking employment or access to foreign and domestic U.S. bases and installations. The collection of forensic evidence and the identity verification of personnel detained onsite produce actionable intelligence that expedites SOF decision-making processes on the ground. The deployment of mobile forensic laboratories, called exploitation analysis centers, provide in-theater capabilities for advanced forensic analysis of evidence collected onsite.

Joint threat Warning system

The Joint Threat Warning System (JTWS) provides SOF with a family of signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems that enable SOF

operators to provide their operational commanders with direct and applicable force protection, threat warning, target identification and enhanced situational awareness information. The JTWS family of systems is configured into four variants: Ground SIGINT kit, a light-weight mobile/body worn and team transportable static system with remoting and reach-back capability configurations for SOF ground forces; Air, which provides SIGINT equipment for the Air Force Special Operations Command; Precision Geo-Location, a SIGINT system that provides accurate locations for various signals of interest; and Mari-time, which provides situational awareness information for the SOF MK V patrol boat. JTWS uses an evolutionary acquisition strategy with spiral development based on the latest improvements in technology.

JTWS provides systems that are integrated and, as a result, a single interface controls multiple capabilities. It has common software, so the program develops solutions once and then exports those solutions to all variants. Because it is upgradable, JTWS eliminates stovepipes and delivers a new software/hardware system that works in the existing environment. JTWS is scalable, allowing operators to task/organize equipment based on mission and anticipated signal environment. Additionally, JTWS addresses power and weight challenges by using low-weight, alternative power sources and busing conformal antennas and wireless devices.

distributed common ground/surface system – special operations forces

Distributed Common Ground/Surface System – SOF (DCGS-SOF) provides a globally responsive, broad set of end-to-end fixed site command, control, communications computers and intelligence and mobile/tactical tasking, processing, exploitation and dissemination (TPED) capabilities for SOF-collected intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data. DCGS-SOF is a system of systems integrated across the SOF information environment and with DoD DCGS. It is focused on developing solutions that will satisfy both current and future special operations-peculiar capability gaps and provide essential organic net-centric, collaborative and distributed ISR TPED capabili-ties for SOF. DCGS-SOF will enable SOF to take full advantage of all available strategic, theater and tactical ISR data and exploitation support systems. It is being developed and implemented as part of the DoD DCGS family of systems and evolving joint network-centric enterprise. DoD DCGS is the processing and exploitation component of the ISR enterprise. Key to this capability is the mandated DCGS integration backbone, which provides a common standard technical infrastructure to enable required joint integration and interoperability across the DoD.

integrated survey program

The Integrated Survey Program (ISP) supports Joint Chiefs of Staff contingency planning by conducting comprehensive technical surveys worldwide where U.S. citizens or national interests may be at risk. The ISP surveys produce detailed tactical planning data on high-threat locations and supply the necessary information to support operational planners in formulating their tactical plans to conduct permissive or non-permissive evacuations and/or hostage rescue missions. The ISP

Personnel practice employing a biometrics system. [Photo courtesy of DoD]

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supports the short-notice, quick turn-around of critical operational planning data during ongoing crises and contingency operations. The program consists of two subsystems: data survey system (DSS) and production system (PS). DSS consists of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and government off-the-shelf (GOTS) software and hardware that comprise items such as digital still and video cameras, laptops, global positioning systems, rangefinders and common software appli-cations. PS consists of integrated COTS and GOTS applications and hardware fielded to the SOCOM Intelligence Directorate. The ISP production responsibilities are in part delegated under the DoD Intel-ligence Production Program.

counter-proliferation analysis and planning system

The Counter-proliferation Analysis and Planning System (CAPS) program produces engineering assessments of hostile nation and non-state actor weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs, facilities and activities. Assessments address DoD priorities and are used in ongoing updates to DoD contingency plans to counter WMD threats. These assessments leverage engineering competencies to analyze proliferators’ weapons production capabilities and processes at multiple levels; identify detectable signatures of proliferation; and communicate information to decision-making agencies through DoD’s computer architecture. Assessments are continuously updated to retain relevancy and support contingency planning. CAPS supports DoD and partner agency activities to understand and categorize WMD proliferation activities at multiple levels throughout the world.

special operations forces planning, rehearsal and execution preparation

Special Operations Forces Planning, Rehearsal and Execution Preparation (SOFPREP) provides enhanced geospatial intelligence data and three-dimensional scene visualization databases to sup-port SOF operators worldwide. As a focal point for the gathering of sophisticated geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) source data and the generation of databases, SOFPREP integrates applications to support SOF mission and training preparation systems. GOTS/COTS systems acquire and consolidate elevation, feature, maps, imagery and other source data required for database production. Systems validate the geospatial accuracy and certify the use of data in the completed databases and datasets. GEOINT and three-dimen-sional scene visualizations are also archived for use in contingency planning, humanitarian assistance and response to natural disasters. Geo-specific training databases use common database, Medallion, and Vital formats for SOF simulators. SOFPREP helps SOF units set the course and understand the area of operations before they get there.

technical support systems

The Technical Support Systems Office acquires and sustains com-mon items and supporting systems and services that have applica-tion across the entire PEO-SRSE product portfolio. These enabling capabilities include data dissemination architectures, integration facilities, power and antenna subsystems, cabling, concealments,

miniaturization and anti-tamper measures. PEO-SRSE also oversees and manages the identification and leveraging of critical enabling technologies under its Rapid Capability Insertion Program Office, which include tactical exploitation of national capabilities (TENCAP), special reconnaissance capabilities (SRC), and clandestine tagging, tracking and locating (CTTL) programs. The key to PEO-SRSE’s suc-cess in this area is constant contact with the user and acquisition com-munities of interest, including their involvement in project selection and transition planning.

The TENCAP program is an intelligence systems R&D rapid proto-typing effort focused on national and commercial space systems. TEN-CAP seeks to improve the combat effectiveness of SOF operators by leveraging service and national agency development efforts on space-based intelligence and communications technologies and systems.

The SRC program identifies, integrates and operationalizes new capabilities to perform persistent surveillance and clandestine prepara-tion of the battlespace against a variety of targets and mission require-ments. SRC develops and delivers unattended ground sensors and other tagging, tracking and locating systems to satisfy SOF warfighter-defined capability gaps.

The CTTL program exploits emerging technologies to locate and track targets or items of interest. CTTL is a science and

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technology development and prototyping program that is unique in its focus on SOF warfighter-defined capability gaps and selection of highly promising technology solutions.

TENCAP, SRC and CTTL resource the foundation of future capabil-ities that will transition into PEO-SRSE managed programs of record as evolutionary technology insertions.

Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications and Computers

Anthony Davis leads the Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications and Computers (PEO-C4). Chartered in March 2009, PEO-C4 manages the development, acquisition and field-ing of C4 and military information support operations (MISO) systems that collectively form the SOF information environment (SIE). The SIE is an extension of the Department of Defense Global Informa-tion Grid (GIG) that provides additional special operations-peculiar capabilities and extends those capabilities to remote, austere locations. It allows garrison and tactical special operations forces users to reach back into the GIG to access national assets, allowing SOF elements to operate with any force combination in multiple environments.

PEO-C4’s portfolio consists of 14 programs with a budget of over $3.8 billion across the Future Years Defense Plan. It includes four pri-mary capability areas: 1) enterprise networks, 2) transport systems, 3) tactical communications, and 4) miso and civil affairs systems.

PEO-C4 will continue to focus on the integration of state-of-the-art technologies and standardization throughout the SOF community. An additional future priority is ensuring voice, video, data and ser-vices—regardless of the source—can be properly accessed, processed and stored and made available immediately to worldwide SOF users through enterprise services. PEO-C4’s efforts emphasize the utilization of commercial off-the-shelf products and the leveraging of DoD and other government agency programs to supplement SOF capabilities.

enterprise netWorks

The Enterprise Networks division is responsible for designing, acquiring, fielding and sustaining the garrison and tactical network automation infrastructure systems. It manages three PEO-C4 pro-grams: Special Operations Command Research, Analysis and Threat Evaluation System (SOCRATES); C4 and Intelligence Automation Systems (C4IAS); and Tactical Local Area Network (TACLAN).

The SOCRATES program is the SOF extension of the Joint World-wide Intelligence Communications System network and is used to develop, acquire and support garrison automated intelligence system requirements for SOF organizations worldwide.

The C4IAS program is the SOF extension of the Non-Secure Inter-net Protocol Router Network and Secure Internet Protocol Router Net-work, and it is used to acquire and support garrison command, control, and collaboration requirements for SOF organizations worldwide.

The TACLAN program is the tactical equivalent of the SOCRATES and C4IAS systems; it is used to develop, acquire and support tactical command, control and collaboration requirements for SOF opera-tional commanders and forward deployed forces.

The Enterprise Networks programs are an important contributor to realizing some of the SOCOM chief information officer’s key initia-tives for efficient and effective delivery of enterprise services to all SOF users worldwide, including consolidation of services to reduce total ownership costs. The programs operate in an evolutionary technology insertion mode through spiral development, acquisition and imple-mentation of next-generation technology solutions.

transport systems

The Transport Systems division is responsible for developing, acquiring, fielding and sustaining the SIE transport systems. It man-ages three PEO-C4 programs: SOF Deployable Node (SDN), Product Distribution System (PDS) and Scampi.

The SDN program fields command and control (C2) packages uti-lizing tri/quad band satellite communications (SATCOM) systems; very small aperture terminals; International Maritime Satellite Broadband Global Area Network packages; microsatellite terminals; beyond line and line-of-sight extension capabilities; and the Mobile SOF Strategic Entry Point. The SDN portfolio is composed of heavy, medium and light evolutionary technology insertion subprograms as well as a capital equipment replacement program. The SDN systems provide unclassified and classified voice, data, video teleconferencing and full motion video support to SOF personnel.

The PDS program provides the SATCOM transport path for the worldwide MISO architecture. PDS consists of  fixed, heavy internet protocol presence, medium and light variants. Each variant is used at different levels of command, from the Media Operations Complex to the tactical MISO teams, to link planners with review/approval authorities, production facilities and dissemination elements.

The Scampi program is the telecommunications system that enables garrison and deployed SOF to access the SIE. It provides real-time voice, data, full motion video and video teleconferencing capabilities on various classification levels for all SOF. Scampi provides the ability to disseminate information between SOCOM, SOF deployed forces, component commands and major subordinate units, theater special operations commands, and selected government agencies and activities directly associated with SOF.

tactical communications

The Tactical Communications Division is responsible for acquir-ing, fielding and sustaining the tactical communications seg-ment of the SIE. It manages four PEO-C4 programs: Blue Force

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Tracking, Joint Tactical C4I Transceiver System, Joint Base Sta-tion/Radio Integration System, and SOF Tactical Communications. These tactical communications systems provide the critical C2 link between SOF commanders and SOF teams deployed globally. They also provide interoperability with all services, various government agencies, air traffic control, commercial agencies and coalition forces, allowing SOF to operate with any force combination in multiple envi-ronments.

military information support operations and civil affairs systems

The MISO and CA Systems division is responsible for developing, acquiring, fielding and sustaining the MISO and CA segment of the SIE. It manages four PEO-C4 programs: MISO-Broadcast (MISOB), Next Generation Loudspeaker System (NGLS), MISO-Print (MISOP), and Civil Information Management Data Processing System (CIM-DPS).

The MISOB program is an umbrella program consisting of the Media Production Center (MPC) heavy, medium and light; Special Operations Media System-Broadcast (SOMS-B); Fly-Away Broadcast System (FABS); and Product Distribution System (PDS). These sys-tems primarily provide the capability to develop, produce, distribute and disseminate MISO products to overseas target audiences. The

MPC systems provide fixed and deployable multi-media production and editing capabilities with options for imagery, audio, animation and audio/video products of varying degrees of technical complexity and operational responsiveness. The SOMS-B provides a tactical, mobile, and deployable radio and television system for developing and dissemi-nating MISO audio and video products. The FABS provides tactical and deployable, transit-case-packaged, modular radio and television systems capable of producing and disseminating MISO audio and visual products. The PDS provides the SATCOM transport path for the worldwide MISO architecture.

The NGLS program consists of six variants of modular amplifiers and speakers that can be interconnected to form sets that provide a high quality recorded or live audio capability. Equipment is trans-ported, operated and mounted in ground vehicles, watercraft and rotary wing aircraft and is dismounted for ground operations.

The MISOP program consists of a family of systems for creating, editing and producing MISO printed materials. It consists of four vari-ants with varying print volume and deployable capabilities as deter-mined by mission requirements.

The CIMDPS is a fiscal year 2012 new start program. Its purpose is to provide an automation capability to assist active CA and oth-ers engaged in civil/military operations to collect, process, analyze, maintain, mine and deliver civil information and analysis products in support of military operations. 

Program Executive Office for Special Operations Forces Support Activity

Army Colonel Timothy Chyma leads the Program Executive Office for Special Operations Forces Support Activity (PEO-SOFSA) based out of Bluegrass Station in Lexington, Ky. PEO-SOFSA is respon-sible for executing SOCOM’s largest service contract vehicle, which provides a wide range of tailored contractor logistics support services to the command’s special operations forces service components and warfighters worldwide. The PEO-SOFSA mission is to support the SOF community through the execution of contracting, financial manage-ment and operations oversight to ensure dedicated, responsive and cost-effective contractor logistics support services. To meet this mis-sion, PEO-SOFSA partners with both the warfighter and the SOFSA prime contractor to ensure best-value logistics services and products are being provided to meet the mission-critical, time-sensitive needs of the SOF community.

PEO-SOFSA awarded more than $440 million in fiscal year 2011 obligations to meet current and future DoD logistics requirements. PEO-SOFSA oversaw the execution of more than 250 task orders dur-ing this timeframe. The majority of work performed was in support of aviation repair/modification, logistics support teams, life cycle sustain-ment management (LCSM) support efforts and supply/warehousing. For the ninth consecutive year, the amount of SOF funded efforts outpaced the number of non-SOF funded programs, accounting for approximately 92 percent of the FY11 total obligated funds.

The SOFSA indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract offers the full gamut of services recognized under the elements of LCSM

and includes design interface; sustaining engineering; supply support; maintenance planning and management; packaging, handling, stor-age and transportation; technical data; support equipment; training and training support; manpower and personnel; facilities and infra-structure; and computer resources.

Any DoD organization may use the SOFSA contract for their LCSM needs—as long as the desired work is within contract scope and resources exist to perform the work. Examples of work performed today include MH-60M kits and aircraft production; A/MH-6 repairs and modifications; MH-47G modifications; C-130 refurbishments; International Organization for Standardization inspections; family of special operations vehicles modifications and maintenance support; deployment of logistics support teams worldwide; SOF personal equip-ment advanced requirements supply operations; and joint operational stock program support. PEO-SOFSA oversees the contractor’s support to meeting all the contractual small business goals, all of which were met or exceeded in FY11.

Manpower changes and additions to the PEO-SOFSA staff began in February 2011, with more anticipated for FY12, to improve the appro-priate government oversight of the complex and growing SOFSA work-load. These improvements are designed to ensure PEO-SOFSA remains as the Center of Excellence for SOF logistical support and to provide a capability to rapidly meet SOF contractor logistics support service requirements when the service depots lack the capacity or responsive-ness required for its mission taskings and readiness standards.

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Joint Acquisition Task Force-Agile Dagger

The Joint Acquisition Task Force-Agile Dagger (JATF-AD) aggres-sively pursues development, testing and fielding of technologies in support of contingency requirements for operational forces deployed.

mobile technology and repair complex

JATF-AD’s Mobile Technology and Repair Complex (MTRC) efforts include the use of forward engineering resources to innovate, fabricate and repair—turning great ideas into tangible, rapid onsite solutions. During 2011, eight teams were deployed throughout Afghanistan in support of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan mission, with a focus on village stability operations (VSO). The MTRC workload well surpassed 2,000 work orders, including everything from a three-vehicle emergency egress tool and drop-down adapter for mine rollers to custom weapons and vehicle improve-ments. MTRC is also a significant resource for VSO efforts, providing metal fabrication, machining/welding, electrical wiring, carpentry, small engine, generator, night vision goggles and weapons repair capabilities, which allow rapid and robust SOF presence in austere environments.

precision acQuisition Weaponized system

This joint capability technology demonstration has continued to achieve its milestones in the exploration, development and testing to field a precision strike low-yield, limited collateral damage, miniature unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) weapon deployed from a tactical UAV. Several testing events conducted during 2011 proved this technology is achievable on a small unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The year ended with two successful live fires at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz.; during the live fire, the tests demonstrated the ability to lock onto and navigate to a target utilizing optical tracking. The warhead, electrical safe and arming device, and fuse worked exceptionally well under somewhat challenging arming environments. This project incorpo-rated numerous technologies, many of which were developed by gov-ernment labs and services that enabled the government to maintain a preponderance of the intellectual property.

uav flight demonstrations (mavericks)

JATF-AD provides airframe integration support for various camera, radar, weapons, radio, sensor systems and components in manned and unmanned platforms. In April 2011, the Maverick Team completed a test/demonstration of a radiation sensor at the Nevada Test Site so it could be done with live radiation sources. In May, the Maverick Team completed an automated sling load demonstration of a system designed to enable autonomous pick-up and delivery of cargo by verti-cal take-off and landing UAS. In August, the Maverick Team completed its largest demo to date through participation in rotary wing aircraft

survivability experiment. All three Mavericks were utilized during the two-and-a-half-week event conducted at Yuma Proving Ground. Each Maverick had a unique bundle of hostile fire indicator (HFI) systems. The experiment involved shooting a variety of weapons from AK-47s to RPGs and rockets at the Mavericks to test the HFI systems with close miss distances otherwise not achievable with manned helicopters; the team completed 33 flights during the test. Finally, JATF-AD formalized a cooperative research and development agreement for a small form gimbaled cameras that will be integrated onto the Maverick and tested during selected demonstrations.

kibosh non-lethal Weapons

During 2011, JATF-AD continued work on the Kibosh project to provide a 40 mm low velocity less-than-lethal escalation of force option to remove people from a space/deny a space. In April 2011, spi-ral development began for a round to perform against vessel targets; this project incorporated numerous technologies, many of which were developed by government combat acquisition detachment team members that enabled the government to maintain the intellectual property. In May, JATF-AD completed the development of a 40 mm low velocity delivery round that will insert payloads into vehicle targets to remove personnel from an enclosed space, stop a vehicle/vessel, and deny a space. Working with the Human Effects Center of Excellence and Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate, multiple payloads have been developed to disrupt and disorient people by attacking hearing, sight, and smell and creating overpressure effects. In October, JATF-AD began development of an obscuration payload under Small Business Innovation Research funding designed to provide visual impairment.

silent echo

The Silent Echo Team has developed and matured an advanced payload to support a fixed wing requirement—a capability that will greatly improve the ability to find and fix enemy forces. This program also includes integrating the payload into an existing platform. The platform has presented unique challenges due to its particular design and size, weight and power constraints; the team, however, is success-fully overcoming numerous technical challenges and has successfully demonstrated the capability. It has strong potential to be integrated into other platforms; several component commands are investigating the opportunity to test this capability.

silent viper

JATF-AD is being funded by other agencies to develop a special payload for an existing platform to enhance present capabilities in a program of record. In 2011, the Silent Viper Team successfully com-pleted development of three payloads and fabrication of three pods with pylons, and they completed all flight qualification test events,

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including shock and vibration, electromagnetic and environmental effects ground testing, thermal testing and structural analysis. The team also planned and coordinated flight testing conducted in Janu-ary 2012. By successfully integrating this technology, JATF-AD will enhance the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability of the tactical forces.

small cooled infrared

The small cooled infrared initiative resulted in the development of a small cooled mid-wavelength infrared/electro-optical camera

for the Scan Eagle UAV for fixed wing. Present configurations do not include both cameras in a single turret; program development of a dual camera turret is a significant enhancement to supporting operations. This project includes modifying an existing payload for integration onto Scan Eagle. During 2011, the project team completed final design of modifications to the turret to fit into the existing Scan Eagle payload space, component fabrication, and suc-cessful bench testing. The project concluded with a successful flight test in September 2011. The payload performed as expected and was able to collect both infrared and electro-optical imagery during the same flight.

Directorate of Science and Technology

Lisa Sanders leads SORDAC’s Directorate of Science and Tech-nology (SORDAC-ST). Its mission is to create an effective science and technology (S&T) enterprise that develops the technologies and new capabilities needed by the special operations forces operator. SORDAC-ST continues to pursue concepts and technologies that energize a think ahead, push forward approach to supporting SOF through development of technology roadmaps coordinated with program executive offices, component commands and SOF user community support and through maintained research and develop-ment (R&D) collaboration with international partners. SOCOM, inherently joint in all it does, is in a unique position to leverage and apply service and department S&T efforts to field new and improved capabilities on the battlefield.

s&t organization – supporting the sof operator

SORDAC-ST has aligned the directorate into commodity-based offices to provide better linkage between S&T support and SOF material acquisition efforts. Commodity areas that now facilitate transition paths between S&T and acquisition programs for emerg-ing capabilities include warrior systems; weapons and materials; command, control, communications and computers;  power/energy and mobility; and experimentation/joint capability technology demonstrations. SORDAC-ST also manages Small Business Innova-tion Research (SBIR) projects and international partnerships. This organizational structure provides increased levels of S&T engineer-ing expertise to respond to high priority, unforeseen and/or time-sensitive requirements.

s&t priorities

Operational enhancements focus on rapidly inserting new technologies and capabilities into the battlefield; these enhance-ments take hardware and software items and adapt, modify, integrate and assess their ability to rapidly meet SOF operational needs. Acquisition programs transition equipment and capabilities from successful S&T projects, and SORDAC provides them to the warfighter.

SORDAC-ST plans to implement a collaborative technology development process this year through the Special Operations Advanced Technology Collaborative. This development will align SOF capability gaps with technology enablers and developers, focusing ongoing efforts across the S&T enterprise and identifying additional innovation that is required to address these gaps. Many organizations’ R&D activities often overlap SOF interests—this new process will improve coordination and collaboration among various research organizations to efficiently deliver technology to overcome SOCOM’s technology challenges.

Through comprehensive technology assessments, SORDAC-ST assesses SOF’s critical capability and technology needs and develops strategies to meet them. SORDAC-ST pursues a technology develop-ment strategy for the mid to far term. USSOCOM, as a combatant command, develops an annual S&T Integrated Priority List that outlines its broader capability needs to the DoD Research and Engi-neering community. SORDAC-ST is coordinating with USSOCOM program executive offices (PEOs) and component and theater special operations commands to develop advanced digital night vision capa-bilities, comprehensive signature management capabilities, mobile force protection systems for remotely-deployed SOF in austere envi-ronments, low profile antennas, combat identification systems and

The L-3 Communications Rover handheld unit provides comms on the move for special operators. [Photo courtesy of L-3 Communications]

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related technologies, shock mitigating equipment and other improved capabilities for SOF mobility platforms, novel materials to improve protection and performance, non-lethal weapons, mobile systems that detect, identify, locate and defeat threats, improved precision targeting and strike capabilities, mobile distributed common architectures, and efforts to support tagging, tracking and locating.

Technology roadmaps are developed, coordinated and integrated with each SOCOM PEO to improve the ability to select, manage and transition projects funded by core research, SBIRs and international project agreements. These roadmaps guide SOCOM resourcing to meet multiple SOF requirements, critical gaps and needs while increasing the potential for technology transitions.

technical experimentation and demonstrations

SORDAC-ST, in collaboration with the Naval Postgraduate School, continues to sponsor quarterly Tactical Network Testbed events where capability and mission-based experimentation is conducted to provide focus for industry’s emerging technologies and capabilities to support SOF. Technical experimentation creates synergy among industry part-ners and academia and connects SOF operators to developers.

Demonstrations showcase SOF-related technologies, assess mili-tary utility, and help develop complementary concepts of operations. Demonstrations often leverage resources from different sponsors and serve to accelerate technology insertions into acquisition programs. SORDAC-ST is an active participant in the DoD’s Joint Capability Technology Demonstration program and also conducts independent Advanced Technology Demonstrations.

small business innovation research

SORDAC-ST manages SOCOM’s SBIR program, which supports the full spectrum of the directorate’s commodity areas. The SBIR pro-gram stimulates technology innovation in small businesses, awarding contracts to discover, develop and rapidly insert new capabilities to solve SOF needs. SORDAC-ST awarded 20 SBIR efforts in fiscal year 2011 and plans to award 34 SBIR efforts in FY12.

international partnerships

SORDAC-ST’s International Agreements Office oversees the Spe-cial Forces Equipment Capability Memorandum of Understanding with special forces from the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. SOCOM’s international efforts focus on more mature technologies that can become rapid capability insertions, leveraging partner nation R&D capacity through mutual collaboration.

capability transition

One of SORDAC’s top priorities is to “Accelerate the Force.” SORDAC-ST is working closely with the SOF user community, PEOs and the Joint Acquisition Task Force to provide a more rapid, suc-cessful transition of technologies into acquisition programs of record. SORDAC-ST will serve as the enabler for the center to fulfill future SOF warfighter needs, and it is well positioned to support the future strategic vision by aligning longer-term technology development efforts with capabilities needed for that future state.

Acquisition Services

Leah Treppel leads SORDAC’s Services Acquisition Management Office (SORDAC-AS), which was established in July 2011. SORDAC-AS provides the SOCOM commander and acquisition executive an innovative approach to improve the efficiency and oversight in the administration of all SOCOM service contracts. Additionally, the office supports SOCOM, component commands and theater special opera-tions commands with services acquisition training, requirements documentation, policy and process oversight, and contract administra-tion support to requiring activities.

SORDAC-AS focuses on the effective and efficient management of over $1.5 billion spent each year on contracted services in support of special operations forces. The acquisition professionals in the office

coordinate with requiring activities throughout the command to ensure scarce special operations resources are used in the most effec-tive manner to support our war fighting mission. Office personnel work side-by-side with the requiring activities’ points of contact across the organization to ensure services requirements are clearly articu-lated to support the most optimal acquisition strategy.

By exercising the services acquisition senior manager’s responsi-bilities for governance in planning, execution, strategic sourcing and management of service contracts, SORDAC-AS collects and reports on all data required to provide visibility of services contracts to SOCOM’s commander and acquisition executive, and ultimately to Congress, as required under public law.

Directorate of Acquisition Comptroller

Margaret Iverson leads the SORDAC Directorate of Acquisi-tion Comptroller (SORDAC-AC), a flexible, surge-capable orga-nization dedicated to supporting the procurement, delivery and

sustainment of special operations (SO)-peculiar equipment from cra-dle to grave. The directorate prepares all acquisition budget submis-sions, analyzes the organization’s financial health and reports trends,

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and recommends funding-related courses of action to the acquisition executive, program executive officers and directors. SORDAC-AC also oversees the development, integration and presentation of briefings to congressional staffers and reviews all congressional requests for information to ensure financial aspects and programmatic impacts are considered.

FY11 marked a significant transition in SORDAC’s financial management capability. SORDAC-AC managed a checkbook worth $4.1 billion, processed more than 5,000 documents in support of

the day-to-day mission, and supported the development, submission and defense of SOCOM’s FY13 president’s budget request. Equally impressive was the implementation of informative, portal-based visual management tools that enabled the center to accomplish its mission of providing SO-peculiar equipment and materials to the warfighter. Recently, SORDAC-AC reorganized based on initial lessons learned. To improve its effectiveness, SORDAC-AC now has a military deputy and four divisions: Programming & Budgeting, Execution, Integration and Classified.

Directorate of Resources and Analysis

Theodore Koufas leads the SORDAC Directorate of Resources and Analysis (SORDAC-RA). Its mission is to improve the ability of the acquisition executive, program executive officers, directors and pro-gram managers to modernize and sustain special operations forces to defend the United States and its interests. The directorate is composed of two divisions: Acquisition Policy and the Technology and Industry Liaison Office/Office of Small Business Programs. The divisions are responsible for acquisition policy, acquisition support and rapid acqui-sition support; industry/small business interface; and center tasking and development of strategic planning initiatives. SORDAC-RA also

includes five staff elements: Personnel/Manpower Support, Security Support, System Safety Engineer/Developmental Test Support, Facili-ties Support, and Center Tasking and Operational Support. The staff elements provide critical specialized support, including workforce development; information security and operations security oversight; safety policies and guidance support; center facilities maintenance and modification activities oversight; and center taskings (internal and external) and other operational support, including acquisition executive staff meetings, continuity of operations/disaster prep and readiness.

Logistics Directorate (J4)

Army Colonel Scott Portugue leads the Directorate of Logistics, which plans, coordinates, synchronizes and integrates strategic and operational logistic requirements and acquisition sustainment strategy to support, sustain and modernize special operations forces (SOF) worldwide. The directorate performs these functions in coordination with the combatant and unified commands and the joint sub-unified and component commands. During the recent reorganization of SORDAC, the Directorate of Logistics re-integrated into the center to reinforce the cradle to grave life cycle management under the acquisi-tion executive in concert with DoD guidance. This re-integration will streamline acquisition functions and processes while maximizing syn-ergy within the headquarters.

materiel division

The Materiel Division (J4-M) acts as the strategic materiel manager and is responsible for managing the authorization, cataloging, account-ability and disposal of special operations (SO)-peculiar materiel. On April 23, 2010, the under secretary of defense for acquisition, technol-ogy and logistics officially designated SOCOM as a primary inventory control activity (PICA) for all SO-peculiar materiel. Based on the PICA designation, the Federal Cataloging Committee, in conjunction with the services, generated specific catalog coding to support the creation of a source of supply (SOS) for SO-peculiar materiel. SOS H9D was

created with specific major organization entity rules to allow the man-agement of SO-peculiar materiel within each of the service’s account-ability, maintenance and supply logistics management information systems. On October 1, 2011, approximately 5,000 national stock numbers transitioned to SOS H9D. In addition to transitioning the SOS, J4-M has been conducting end-to-end testing with the services’ supply systems to enable MILSTRIP [Military Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures] requisitioning and status capabilities.

operations and plans division

The Operations and Plans division (J4-O) serves as the tip of the spear for the Directorate of Logistics’ sustainment efforts. Its mission is to optimize logistics support for the approximately 66,000 SOF person-nel executing worldwide contingency operations; key functional areas include not only logistical support, but also readiness assessment and strategic planning. J4-O assigns dedicated logistics officers to reach the regionally-focused Global Support Group within the SOCOM Director-ate of Operations (J3). These embedded officers maintain situational awareness of theater-specific requirements and, when required, deploy to assist theater Special Operations Command missions. They actively coordinate logistical solution sets to include leveraging the combat mission needs statement (CMNS), 1208 and similar processes. The CMNS represents critical material needs for either a new or existing

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capability requiring fast-track development, acquisition and field-ing. The 1208 refers to Section 1208 of the 2005 National Defense Authorization Act and allows for the provision of up to $25 million in equipment support per year for foreign entities directly engaged in sup-porting U.S. SOF operations combating terrorism.

When it comes to readiness assessment, the Defense Readiness Reporting System provides key system of record inputs. To fulfill the mandate to monitor preparedness, logisticians must continually review and analyze equipment status information measured against the Joint Mission Essential Task List. The process, as expected, involves the application of both art and science to paint an accurate picture of SOF readiness postures and identify courses of action that maximize equip-ment readiness.

Beyond addressing the needs of today, J4-O works to shape the logistics support structures of tomorrow by coordinating with the

Office of the Secretary of Defense, the joint staff, four-star combatant commands and other government agencies to complete strategic-level studies, review new and existing operational plans for logistics feasibil-ity, and explore cutting-edge proofs of concept. These efforts lead to the development of effective policies and procedures and feed input to the Joint Strategic Planning System and the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System.

acQuisition and sustainment division

The Acquisition and Sustainment division (J4-A) is responsible for the performance of independent assessments of life cycle sustainment, readiness and supportability of SO-peculiar equipment and systems procured with Major Force Program-11 funds. J4-A assigns logisticians who provide direct interface with SORDAC, program executive offices, program offices, other SOCOM organizations, and components to support, sustain and modernize SOF worldwide. Assigned logisticians conduct integrated logistics support assessments to determine viability of program support necessary to meet operational capability and needs. J4-A is responsible to review adequacy of program life cycle cost esti-mates and ensures all SOF-procured items are properly catalogued and inventoried in applicable information systems. In support of these acqui-sition, fielding and sustainment efforts, J4-A assists in the preparation and staffing of documents, including fielding and deployment releases and material fielding plans. Lastly, J4-A provides subject matter experts in direct support of SOCOM’s flying hour program for U.S. Army Special Operations Command and Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft.

Procurement Directorate

Air Force Colonel Kurt Bergo leads the SORDAC Directorate of Procurement (SORDAC-K). Its mission is to rapidly transform acquisi-tion strategies into superior technologies, equipment and services for special operations forces worldwide. To meet this challenging mission, SORDAC-K’s vision is to be DoD’s finest contracting team and provide rapid, focused and innovative support to SOF.

SORDAC-K directly supports the SOCOM acquisition executive, SORDAC and other SOCOM joint staff directorates. SORDAC-K awards commandwide, large-dollar special operations equipment and per-formance-based service contracts. It fulfills its mission through 20 contracting offices located throughout the continental United States. Each office is geographically situated to provide support to a particular SOCOM program executive office, directorate, or service SOF compo-nent or unit. Additionally, SORDAC-K manages contingency contract-ing operations in support of overseas contingency operations (OCO). In 2011, SORDAC-K awarded a number of key contracts, including: Spe-cial Operations Forces Information Technology Enterprise Contract, Non-Standard Commercial Vehicles, and Combatant Craft Medium MK1. SOCOM has a good track record of meeting or exceeding the command’s competition goals—in FY11, the command exceeded the 61 percent goal by competing 66 percent of total dollars obligated.

SORDAC-K strives to apply innovative and streamlined contract-ing practices in every acquisition process. Within DoD and through the military departments, it may take several weeks for a proposed con-tract award to be approved. In contrast, SOCOM can approve contract awards in just a few days, or less, if needed. This streamlined process can be attributed to several factors. First, SOCOM has been delegated its own procurement authority. Second, SOCOM’s acquisition approval authorities are resident at the same location as the program and con-tracting teams at the headquarters. Third, contract quality reviewers participate in integrated product team meetings and other early plan-ning meetings to help expedite the approval process and to minimize misunderstandings rather than inspect quality into the product in the final phase of the process before contract award. Collectively, these factors effectively minimize the organizational distance between the contracting officer and the approving official, which results in expe-dited approvals.

By using innovative techniques, minimizing organizational fric-tion and streamlining procurement processes, SORDAC-K is able to execute rapid acquisitions crucial to the success of our SOF warriors participating in OCO. Each day, on average, SORDAC-K awards over 50 contracting actions worth more than $12 million.

Special operations dog handlers in Afghanistan. [Photo courtesy of DoD]

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Acquisition Policy

Jack “JJ” Duran leads the Acquisition Policy division. The interface to the DoD acquisition policy community, the Acquisition Policy divi-sion is responsible for ensuring DoD and SOCOM acquisition guid-ance and direction are included in the center’s acquisition functions. This is accomplished primarily by integrating DoDI 5000.02, Defense

Acquisition System, requirements into the HQ SOCOM Directive 70-1, SOCOM Acquisition Management System Policy. The division then develops and implements policies, processes and products designed to assist the center’s acquisition organizations with DoDI 5000.02 and SOCOM Directive 70-1 compliance.

Technology and Industry Liaison Office/ Office of Small Business Programs

Christopher Harrington leads the Technology and Industry Liaison Office (TILO). SOCOM established the TILO to assist indus-try representatives and the command with communications, col-laboration and connections that facilitate business opportunities and a better understanding of the command’s acquisition interests. Specifically, the TILO is the primary point of contact for the sub-mission of white papers on areas of interest that are relevant to SOCOM and then connects industry’s best ideas and capabilities to the right organizations within the command. Because partner-ships with industry have a direct impact on the success of the SOF warfighter, SOCOM is committed to ensuring industry has the information necessary to determine which opportunities best suit their business and where to find more information.

The TILO publishes SOCOM’s capability areas of interest on its website, and industry’s large and small businesses, entrepreneurs, research companies, labs and academia can access the information and submit their ideas directly to the command. The TILO team provides direct communication with submitters regarding subject matter expert interest in the capabilities submitted, and they assist with the possible application of those ideas and capabilities to solu-tions for warfighters.

On the SORDAC website (www.socom.mil/sordac), the TILO also receives and coordinates unsolicited proposals (in accor-dance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 15.6) and cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs) for SOCOM. CRADAs provide a collaborative mechanism for SOCOM to partner with industry on research and development initiatives with mutu-ally desirable results. Through CRADAs, SOCOM is able to provide direct feedback to industry as they commit funding to develop or mature new technology and demonstrate or provide it to the com-mand for testing. This feedback serves as intellectual capital that companies and researchers can use to guide their future work and to further develop solutions for SOF warfighter needs. In addi-tion, these agreements often serve as a springboard for companies to market their technologies to other services and government agencies and to commercialize their technology in the private sector.

The TILO educates, trains, informs and assists the command and industry with communications and events that strengthen government and industry ties. They work closely with the Direc-torate of Science and Technology, program executive offices, and various SOCOM personnel who provide the scientific, technical and engineering assistance to help assess all submitted information. The TILO also organizes, maintains and archives the capabilities information for collaboration within SOCOM.

The TILO developed the Business Partner Network—a place for industry to self-register their capabilities under the various com-mand areas of interest. This development affords industry the ability to network and form relationships to aid SOCOM; it also provides valuable market research information for headquarters personnel.

In addition to leading TILO, Harrington serves as the director of the Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) for SORDAC. The OSBP is designated to advocate on behalf of small businesses; it strives to meet the goals mandated by Congress and the office of the secretary of defense, ensuring equal opportunities to conduct business with the command. The OSBP provides information and guidance on defense procurement policies and procedures as well as methods for identifying prime contracting and subcontract-ing opportunities. SOCOM continually strives to increase the number of contract awards to small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, woman-owned small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, historically underutilized business zones, and historically black colleges, universities and minority institutions.

SOCOM did well in supporting small businesses in fiscal year 2011. The command awarded 25.2 percent of all prime dollars to small businesses, which represented over $620 million in prime award dollars. The command exceeded its small disadvantaged businesses goal along with its woman-owned small businesses and historically underutilized business zones goals. Overall, FY11 was a successful year for the OSBP.

To contact the TILO or OSBP with questions, you may call Harrington at 813-826-9475 or email the offices at tilo@socom.mil and christopher.harrington@socom.mil, respectively. O

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