land 400 - concept of operations 2012

8/16/2019 Land 400 - Concept of Operations 2012

1/45

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

LAND 400

LAND COMBAT VEHICLE SYSTEM

CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS

PROJECT DESTRIER

Uncontrolled if Printed

Current Version as at 1 December 2011


2/45

UNCLASSIFIED

2

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

DOCUMENTATION AND APPROVALS

Document Location

The master soft copy of this document is held in the following location:

Original paper copy is held on file by:

Revision History

Revision Date Version Summary of Changes

30 Mar 11 1.9 Initial working draft for

consideration by ACMC

Jun 11 2.0 Draft Restricted version

Nov 11 3.0 UNRESTRICTED Modified for public release

Date of this revision: Date of Next revision:

Endorsement

This document was endorsed by:

J.G. CALIGARI

Major General

Head Military Strategic Planning - Army

Nov 11

POC: COL A.R. Meacham

DDG CAFS / Director Land 400

R1-03-B143

PO Box 7901

CANBERRA ACT 2600

[email protected]




3/45

UNCLASSIFIED

3

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Documentation And Approvals ......................................................................... 2

Table Of Contents ............................................................................................... 3

Glossary ................................................................................................................ 4

Executive Summary ............................................................................................ 8

References: ......................................................................................................... 10

Introduction ....................................................................................................... 10

Situation ............................................................................................................. 11

Strategic Guidance ............................................................................................ 11

Operational Guidance ....................................................................................... 12

Land 400 Guidance ........................................................................................... 14

AOF Operating Context ................................................................................... 14

Land 400 Capability Context ........................................................................... 18

Land 400 Description ........................................................................................ 18

Operational Construct ...................................................................................... 22

Lcvs Operational Use Overview....................................................................... 22

Mission ................................................................................................................ 23

Intent ................................................................................................................... 23

Scheme Of Manoeuvre ...................................................................................... 23

Supporting Battlespace Operating System (BOS) Concepts ........................ 27

Other Supporting Concepts .............................................................................. 28

Annexes: ............................................................................................................. 29




4/45

UNCLASSIFIED

4

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

GLOSSARY

Battlegroup A combined arms grouping based on a manoeuvre unit

headquarters

Battlespace The area of influence and the area of interest. It includesthe traditional domains of land, air and sea, space, the

electromagnetic spectrum and cyberspace. Note: Also

embraces the social, political and temporal contexts in

which conflict is waged.

Battlespace Operating System Battlespace operating systems represent the combination

of personnel, collective training, major systems,

supplies, facilities and command and control, organised,

supported and employed to perform a designated

function as part of a whole.

Combined Arms Fighting System

The Combined Arms Fighting System (CAFS) includes

those force elements, systems and platforms, that are

necessary to work together to realise Australia’s Task

Organisation principles. CAFS will deliver integrated

combined arms teams (CAT) capable of conducting

Close Combat and of enabling Joint Land Combat by

2030. The CAFS Project Management Steering

Group is the authority that guides this realisation of

combined arms and CAFS.

Cavalry Cavalry is a multi-role combat capability that combines

integral firepower, mobility, protection and network

communications to achieve effects on the battlefield.

Cavalry fights as an integral element of a combined

arms team.

Close Combat – Dismounted Combat carried out with direct fire weapons, against

identifiable individuals, supported by indirect fire, air-

delivered fires and non-lethal engagement means by

soldiers on foot

Close Combat – Mounted Combat carried out with direct fire weapons, against

identifiable individuals, supported by indirect fire, air-

delivered fires and non-lethal engagement means

(doctrine) by soldiers mounted in mobility platforms

during the assault and subsequently dismounted at a

specified point from the objective in order to fight.

Close Combat, High Survivable lift The capacity to manoeuvre within the range of direct

fire weapons while operating in complex terrain that

includes complicated obstacles and ambush weapons

systems.




5/45

UNCLASSIFIED

5

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

Close Combat Reconnaissance The capacity to find and identify threat capabilities in

complex terrain while under direct and indirect fire.

Combat Team A combined-arms grouping based upon a manoeuvresub-unit headquarters.

Combined Arms Team A case-by-case mix of combat, combat support, combat

service support and command support elements selected

on the basis of a specific combination of task, terrain

and threat.

Common Operational Picture A single identical display of relevant information shared

by more than one command. A common operational

picture facilitates collaborative planning and assists all

echelons to achieve situational awareness.

Core Land Integration

Primary Systems (CLIPS) An AOF concept derived and evolved from the BOS

approach but designed to reflect the core systems of an

army and the way they need to integrate.

Decisive Manoeuvre The conduct of synchronised operations, using assets

from and within any or all environments, to defeat the

adversary by positioning in time and space the most

appropriate force to threaten or attack critical

vulnerabilities, thereby, unhinging the centre of gravity

and obtaining maximum leverage.

Intimate and Direct Fire Support The capacity to effectively and precisely engage

adversary personnel, vehicle and fortifications with

integral direct fire weapon systems by day and night and

in extreme weather conditions; and

Land Vehicle Combat System(LCVS) The LCVS will provide the mounted close combat

capability within the Combined Arms Fighting System

(CAFS) . The LCVS will be able to be employed across

the full spectrum of conflict in all environments up to

and including close combat as part of the combined

arms team (CAT). LCVS will be capable of integration

with legacy and new equipments in order to contribute

to the overall commanders’ situational awareness and

combat power as part of a networked capability. LCVS

will be characterised by precision lethality, land combat

survivability, situational awareness and combatcapability integration to deliver a system that enables the




6/45

UNCLASSIFIED

6

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

successful conduct of sustained close combat against

emerging and future threats.

LCVS Operational Tasks The LCVS operational tasks are those functional tasks

that are required to execute close combat operations.

Each of these tasks has a discreet set of characteristicsand requirements. LCVS vehicles/platforms will be

development to perform either an individual task or a

collection of tasks. The aggregation of tasks that an

LCVS vehicle/platform may be required to perform is

largely guided by the commonality of characteristics.

Further definition can be found at annex B.

Littoral That area defined by the close proximity of the land,

sea and air, where the operational effects of land, sea

and aerospace power would overlap. It encompasses

areas on land that can be influenced by JTF elementsoperating at or from the sea and those areas of sea that

can be influenced by JTF elements operating on or from

the land. The distances involved will be determined by

technology, but the littoral currently spans 200

kilometres offshore to 200 kilometres inland.

Mobility – Tactical A quality or capability of military forces which permits

them to move from place to place while retaining the

ability to fulfil their primary mission.

Military Of The Self (MOTS) Military Off The Shelf equipment is equipment that is

already established in-service with the armed force of

another country or Australia; is sourced from an

established production facility (not just a Military Off

The Shelf design); and has at most minor modifications

to deliver interoperability with existing ADF

and/or allied assets.

Reconnaissance – Dismounted An enabling activity undertaken to obtain, by visual

observation or other detection methods, informationabout the activities and resources of an enemy or

potential enemy, or to secure data concerning the

meteorological, hydrographic, or geographic

characteristics of a particular area by a soldier on foot.

Reconnaissance – Mounted An enabling activity undertaken to obtain, by visual

observation or other detection methods, information

about the activities and resources of an enemy or

potential enemy, or to secure data concerning the

meteorological, hydrographic, or geographic

characteristics of a particular area by soldiers mountedin mobility platforms.




7/45

UNCLASSIFIED

7

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

Survivability All aspects of protecting personnel, weapons, and

supplies, including frequent movement, while

simultaneously deceiving the enemy.




8/45

UNCLASSIFIED

8

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. The Land 400 Land Combat Vehicle System (LCVS) will be acquired to fulfil anidentified strategic capability need for a mounted close combat system for future warfighting.

The broad capability need, IAW strategic guidance, is set out in the User Requirement.

Fidelity in the user requirements for the LCVS will be developed as this Concept ofOperations (CONOPS) is tested through wargaming and experimentation of the planned

future mounted close combat system and increased definition of the enabling capability

solutions.

2. The conceptual way in which the LCVS will be operated is set out under the AdaptiveCampaigning – Future Land Operating Concept (AC-FLOC) and other core concepts. The

LCVS CONOPS is responsive to the specific sub-concepts of joint land combat as part of the

future mounted close combat system of Army Objective Force (AOF) 2030.

3. The LCVS will be required to operate across the full spectrum of threats and

environments which may be encountered by the AOF. This will include hybrid enemycapabilities. The LCVS will be capable of defeating comparable enemy combat systems. The

AOF operating context necessitates a combat force capable of amphibious and expeditionary

operations. The LCVS must be capable of being projected for sustained operations against an

adaptive enemy in complex terrain.

4. The LCVS will be part of the wider Combined Arms Fighting System (CAFS), whichwill include legacy, parallel and future capabilities. These will include: the M1A1 Main

Battle Tank; Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter; the communications and battle management

systems; Land 121 Field Vehicles, Modules and Trailers; the Land 125 soldier combat

system, offensive fire support systems; and ADF strategic and tactical lift assets. CAFS will

deliver integration of legacy and new equipments. The LCVS will allow the close combat

force elements to develop clear situational awareness of the battlespace by drawing from, and

connecting with, the future CAFS network architecture. The close combat force elements will

be able to use the sensors and systems of the LCVS to target enemy personnel, platforms,

weapon systems and installations with either the integral weaponry or by real time integration

with other offensive fire support (sea, land and air based weapon systems). The LCVS may

operate with both manned and unmanned sensor systems that can be deployed to extend the

knowledge and strike range of the Combined Arms Team.

5. Land 400 is to equip the mounted close combat force and those CS and CSS assets

that are required to provide direct support within the close combat zone. The size andstructure of these force elements will be determined by Army under the AOF and Army

Funded Force (AFF). LCVS will be introduced into service during the period from 2025,

spanning the current AFF and AOF planning periods. IAW PLAN BEERSHEBA the LCVS

will equip designated manoeuvre forces and be used in the functional tasks of close combat

reconnaissance, intimate and direct fire support in combined arms offensive and defensive

operations and close combat high survivable lift. Land 400 will also include the required

Combat Support (CS) and Combat Service Support (CSS) land mobility platforms for close

combat that will close the gap with legacy and parallel capabilities. These in addition to

rotary wing assets will support the required close combat CS and CSS tasks in the direct fire

zone, whilst seeking the greatest commonality and interoperability to make sustainment,

transportability and support practical and affordable.




9/45

UNCLASSIFIED

9

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

6. The LCVS will enable the combat functions and battlespace effects through thesystem components, and will be characterised by precision lethality, survivability, integration

and sustainability to enable an effective combined arms close combat capability. Specific

characteristics for LCVS components will be defined as the User Requirement is further

developed. The LCVS will be able to be flexibly configured based on threat, environment

and mission profile.

7. The Scheme of Manoeuvre sets out specific examples of how an AFF/AOF combatforce might be organised when equipped with the LCVS. This is supported by Annexes

containing mission profiles, scenarios and vignettes to further develop a framework for how

the future close fight utilising the LCVS may occur. The Battlespace Operating System

(BOS) and other concepts and operational risks are set out in support of the exemplar scheme

of manoeuvre and broader LCVS CONOPS. The development of this section of the

CONOPS is currently constrained by the parallel development of the future force under

PLAN BEERSHEBA and the AOF, which means that fundamental changes being considered

for force structures under the manoeuvre brigades are yet to be confirmed or supported by

doctrine.

8. The desired Land 400 LCVS endstate will be a future professional, multi-purposecombat force equipped with a LCVS integrated into the CAFS providing enhanced land

combat lethality, survivability, situational awareness, close combat mobility and combat

power in order to win the land battle over time.




10/45

UNCLASSIFIED

10

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

LAND 400 – LAND COMBAT VEHICLE SYSTEM (LCVS)

CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS

References:

A. Land 400 LCVS User Requirement dated 30 Mar 11

B. PLAN BEERSHEBA

C. The Army Objective Force 2030, 10 Nov 11

D. Australia’s Amphibious Concept, Version 5 dated 9 Mar 10

E. Adaptive Campaigning AFLOC-C

F. Defence White Paper, Force 2030

G. Army Simulation Plan, 10 Nov 11

INTRODUCTION

1. The Land 400 LCVS will provide a mounted close combat system that enables aneffective close combat capability for the Army Funded Force (AFF) and the Army Objective

Force (AOF) combat system. The LCVS represents both a generational replacement of the

Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV), Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) and

Armoured Personnel Carrier (M113) fleets; and filling the current mounted close combat

capability gap, for the future combat system. The LCVS is to be able to defeat developing

threat capabilities during future complex warfighting that cannot be defeated utilising current

vehicle variants. The LCVS will enhance existing capability, or remove current and future

close combat gaps, through the employment of precision lethality, survivability, integration,

mobility and sustainability.

2. This Concept of Operations (CONOPS) outlines strategic and operational guidance,operating contexts, system description, operational construct and the anticipated use and

necessary support of the LCVS as part of the future combined arms capability of the

Australian Army. The purpose of the CONOPS is to align the LCVS with future Army

planning, and define the way the LCVS will be used on future operations. The CONOPS will

also inform the LCVS capability acquisition process and inter-dependant capabilities.

3. The LCVS will be an enabler for the future wider Combined Arms Fighting System(CAFS). The CAFS is yet to be defined by Army, but is anticipated to be characterised by the

integration of legacy and new equipments in order to contribute to the overall commanders’

situational awareness and the flexible and precise application of combat power as part of a

networked capability.

4. The LCVS will be acquired and introduced into service to meet the endorsed UserRequirement (Ref A), including the approved Basis of Provisioning (BOP). The LCVS will

be operated within the force structures established by PLAN BEERSHEBA and the AOF (Ref

B and C). These plans have been determined in response to strategic guidance, Adaptive

Campaigning – Future Land Operating Concept (AC-FLOC), the environment, the emerging

threat and other key factors in the operating context. These References, in combination with

current and emerging concepts and doctrine, specify the way the Army will organise and fight

utilising the LCVS as part of the future combat system.




11/45

UNCLASSIFIED

11

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

SITUATION

STRATEGIC GUIDANCE

5. Defence White Paper. The Defence White Paper 09, (DWP09) determined thatAustralia needed a force that will meet the requirement for self-reliance for our direct defence

and our unique strategic interests, with a capacity to selectively do more in relation to ourwider strategic interests1. The DWP09 followed the force structure review which examined

plausible defence planning contingencies, the capabilities required for successful operations in

those contingencies, and the systems and equipment that would deliver the necessary

capabilities. The DWP09 specified the basis for pursuing the future development of the ADF

in a strategic manner to create the future force and remediate the most important gaps and

deficiencies in the current and projected force2. Part of the future development identified by

the DWP09 was the requirement for a new LCVS of approximately 1100 deployable

protected vehicles in response to the increasing complexity and lethality of land operations3.

6. The DWP09 also specified a requirement for tailored operations avoiding high rates of

attrition and mass casualties among our forces. To achieve this, battle on unfavourable termsis to be avoided, force is to be applied in a precise manner, in a way that the adversary is not

expecting, and overmatch at decisive points in battle is to be sought4. The DWP09 specified a

requirement for the Army to be able to combine its combat and combat support units to

generate 10 battalion-sized battlegroups (BG) tailored for a wide range of operations5.

7. To guide the development of Force 2030, the Government identified a number of forceattributes and capability development principles relevant to the LCVS, which are described

below6:

a. Precise Force Application. Achieve precise effects, especially in the

discriminate application of kinetic and non-kinetic force with enhanced precisiontargeting and discrimination assisted by technologies, systems and processes.

b. Networked Capability. Achieve information technology to link sensors,weapons systems and commanders and their personnel in a networked

environment with common battlespace awareness and information superiority

over an adversary.

c. Operational Flexibility. Achieve operational flexibility and multiroleemployment in the ADF's systems, platforms and organisations. This might

involve achieving greater platform flexibility by way of inter-changeable modular

design and construction techniques.

d. Fully Developed Capability. While mission-specific capability enhancementswill be applied where necessary, as a capability development principle the ADF

will acquire fully developed capabilities, which are fully deployable and effective

within readiness warning times.

1 DWP09, 8.4

2 Ibid, 8.2 – 8.3

3 Ibid, 9.38

4 Ibid, 7.55

Ibid, 9.3. Note, in the Australian context, a BG is defined as combined arms grouping based on a manoeuvreunit headquarters. (LWD 3-0-2 Battlegroup Tactics, 1.1)6 DWP09, 8.58




12/45

UNCLASSIFIED

12

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

e. Capability Advantage. The ADF will acquire the most capable platforms andsystems we can afford within our policy settings, in order to offset the relatively

small size of our forces and give them a war-winning edge. Exploiting and

applying new advanced technologies will be crucial to achieve this.

f. Survivable and Robust Capability. Achieve protection against the range ofexisting and evolving threats including investments in lower signatures and stealth

for our capabilities and systems, force protection, countermeasures, protective

security and systems redundancy.

g. Interoperable Capability. Sensible and cost-effective capabilities and systemsshould be designed to be interoperable from conception.

h. Cost-Effective Capability. Defence will continue to drive down the costs ofownership of military capability. This will include greater use of simulation, a

more active role for ADF Reserves, smarter maintenance and leaner logistics

systems, improved information management and, where appropriate, a biastowards military- and commercial-off-the shelf capabilities.

OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE

8. AC-FLOC. AC-FLOC establishes the core land warfighting concept of ‘adaptivecampaigning’ which comprises five mutually supporting and interdependent lines of operation

(LOO); joint land combat, population protection, information actions, population support, and

indigenous capacity-building. These LOO relate to the generic concepts considered during

the planning campaigns for war amongst the people and are prosecuted in a Whole of

Government (WoG) and joint framework, often as part of a coalition.

9. The AOF 2030 is optimised for the LOO joint land combat, although it has the capacityto contribute to each of the other LOO as required. This recognises that joint land combat is a

prerequisite for the conduct of the other LOO. Within the joint land combat LOO there are

six sub-concepts; distributed manoeuvre, dynamic sensor-shooter coupling, isolation of the

battlespace, dominant response, focused understanding and mission oriented force protection.

The LCVS CONOPS is responsive to these specific sub-concepts of joint land combat as part

of the future combat system of AOF 2030.

10. Core Combat System Concepts. The AOF core combat system concepts are7:

a. Combined Arms. The AOF will deal with a complex environment through theemployment of Combined Arms Teams (CAT)8. These are credible, professionalmulti-purpose forces with flexible combat power. AOF elements need to foster

habitual relationships between the elements contributing to the CAT both within,

and external to, the manoeuvre brigades.

b. Network Enabled Warfare. The use of networking to link all elements of theAOF to enable automated information sharing to support situational awareness

and decision superiority. The system is supported by the right levels of human

7 AOF 2030 Handbook Version 2.0, 6.10 outlines the core concepts, sub-paras a – c(4)8

DWP09, 8.20 states ‘…for ces which are able to operate as combined-arms teams and undertake combat in ourlittoral environment and territory, are necessary to secure offshore territories and facilities, defeat incursions onto

Australian territory and potentially deny adversaries access to staging bases from which they could attack us.




13/45

UNCLASSIFIED

13

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

cognition in order to operate during uncertainty and when network functionality is

degraded. This is envisaged to occur under CAFS9, supported by AOF force

structures. Better communications allow commanders to pass on decisions more

efficiently, enabling smaller, dispersed forces to operate to a disproportionately

greater effect. Increased connectivity underpins the ADF’s goal for network -

centric warfare. The dividend sought is highly responsive and tailored effectswithin the framework of the commander's intent to facilitate network-enabled

operations10.

c. Manoeuvre Warfare. The philosophy that underpins the way in which thecombat system will f ight by destroying the enemy’s will to fight11. At the tactical

level, to shatter enemy physical cohesion, this will include:

(1) Tactical Manoeuvre. The purpose of tactical manoeuvre is to destroy theenemy's cohesion and cause their capitulation by the coordinated use of

speed, shock action and lethal force. It requires the integration of joint and

coalition force elements and the effects they generate with land force CAT.Tactical manoeuvre will usually be conducted within the framework of

operational manoeuvre to position forces for decisive engagement. This is

done in order to reinforce the potential disruption or dislocation of the

enemy's centre of gravity (COG) achieved through operational manoeuvre12.

(2) Littoral13 Manoeuvre. To achieve a disproportionate effect through theemployment of scalable, flexible and agile forces from over the horizon

directly to objectives inland. This will require all combat elements to

possess sufficient combat power to conduct immediate surface manoeuvre,

including riverine and estuarine operations.

(3) Ship to Objective Manoeuvre (STOM). STOM emphasises focus on the projection of force by both surface and air means directly to the objective

from the sea, to dislocate the adversary in time and space. STOM balances

high impact with a smaller footprint and offers freedom of manoeuvre to

achieve surprise and maintain tempo. The commander is provided with

agility in timing and force application to sustain a range of concurrent tasks

and avoid an implied loss of tempo and initiative when establishing a

traditional beachhead. The Amphibious Deployment and Sustainment

(ADAS) STOM concept is for the insertion of two company groups by air in

two waves and concurrent insertion of another two company groups by

surface means in multiple waves. Embarked aviation offers quick, flexibleinsertion and extraction of combat forces with air deployable fire support,

vehicles and logistics. Landing craft provide the capability to insert and

9 For CAFS definition see glossary

10 LWD 3-0 Operations, Para 2711 LWD 3-0-3 Land Tactics, 1.1312 LWD 3-0-1 Formation Tactics, 1.2513 The littoral environment is defined as ‘ ..that area defined by the close proximity of the land,sea and air, where the operational effects of land, sea and aerospace power would overlap. It encompasses areason land that can be influenced by JTF elements operating at or from the sea and those areas of sea that can be

influenced by JTF elements operating on or from the land. The distances involved will be determined bytechnology, but the littoral currently spans 200 kilometres offshore to 200 kilometres inland. LWD 3-0-0

Manoeuvre Operations in the Littoral Environment, 1.18




14/45

UNCLASSIFIED

14

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

extract the heavy elements of the landing force14. STOM is characterised by

the speed and agility of air and surface manoeuvre to achieve surprise,

increase tempo and employ discrimination in target selection. The AOF

requires STOM capabilities that are both marine capable15 and air portable,

and that possess sufficient firepower and protection to enable an effective

‘first wave’ to secure its objectives. Combat elements involved in STOMneed to retain sufficient mobility and firepower to manoeuvre once

deployed.

(4) Distributed Manoeuvre16. In order to achieve a persistent, pervasive and proportionate presence in complex terrain, the AOF may need to employ

large numbers of small CAT in distributed manoeuvre. These CAT will

close with and destroy the enemy without presenting a targetable mass. The

AOF needs to generate modular, robust CAT capable of ‘burrowing’ into

complex terrain and conducting semi-independent operations17.

11. Other Core Warfighting Concepts. Joint Land Combat will encompass campaigns planned under emerging operational concepts that will impact on operations undertaken

utilising the LCVS, including Decisive Manoeuvre18.

LAND 400 GUIDANCE

12. Australia’s Military Strategy includes operating across the full spectrum of threats incomplex terrain, both on land and within the littoral environment. The future LCVS must be

able of operating in the combined arms team as part of amphibious operations and be capable

of insertion by strategic sea and air lift assets. The LCVS is to be developed as an integrated

combat capable system and is to include the use of simulation. The LCVS BOP is to address

both preparedness and concurrency requirements. The BOP should enable the WP09requirements and remain consistent with the 10 x BG design. This includes enabling

Command and Control (C2), Combat Support (CS), Combat Service Support (CSS) and

Raise, Train and Sustain (RTS) functions.

AOF OPERATING CONTEXT

13. The strategic guidance, together with AC-FLOC, the environment, technology, theenemy, legacy capability, the human dimension, and joint and inter-agency partners shapes

the context of the AOF 203019. The AOF describes the way Army operates and thus should

provide the context against which all future land-focused capability development activities

can be conducted20. The operating context defined by AOF 2030 is outlined below:

14 ADDP 3-2 Amphibious Operations, 1.2315 Army has specified that the LCVS was not to have the capability to swim (directed by DGDP-A at L400 IPTmeeting Oct 10 (date TBC)) but requires review in light of the development of this CONOPS.16

AC-FLOC 2009, 5.4517

Land Warfare Studies Centre 134, Distributed Manoeuvre: 21st Century Offensive Tactics

18 Decisive Manoeuvre is defined as the conduct of synchronised operations using assets from and within any or

all environments to defeat the adversary by positioning in time and space the most appropriate force to threatenor attack critical vulnerabilities thereby unhinging the centre of gravity and obtaining maximum leverage.

Australian warfighting concepts to guide campaign planning , Chap 319 AOF 2030 Handbook Version 2.020

Ibid, Para 2




15/45

UNCLASSIFIED

15

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

a. Environment. Australia’s Primary Operating Environment (POE) is illustrated inFigure 2 below. The POE is focused on the Asia-Pacific region characterised by

complex physical, human and information terrain.

(1) Physical Terrain. The physical terrain of the POE is largely littoral, with a

combination of jungle, mountain and urban terrain. It is likely to experiencefurther urbanisation and to continue to have poor infrastructure21. Almost

all strategic infrastructure and population centres are located within 25

kilometres of the coast22.

(2) Human Terrain. The human terrain is a mix of cultures, ethnicity,religions and political views, both between and within nations. An extreme

range of population densities occur within POE.

(3) Information Terrain. The information terrain will continue to beinfluenced by language barriers and cultural norms at the micro level. The

information terrain is being modified by the influx of communicationstechnologies and media influences. This modification is more prevalent in

urban areas.

21

Doctrine on operations in specific environments is contained in LWD 3-0-0 Manoeuvre Operations in theLittoral Environment and LWD 3-9-1 Operations in Specific Environments.22

AOF 2030 Handbook Version Version 2.0




16/45

UNCLASSIFIED

16

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

Figure 1: Primary Operating Environment

b. The POE environment will not be dissimilar to the global environment, becomingincreasingly complex and interconnected over time. Land operations in the

complex terrain of the POE will be characterised by23;

(1) their manpower-intensive nature,

(2) the degraded performance of stand-off sensors and communications,

(3) reduced detection and engagement ranges,

(4) restricted mobility, and

(5) the attenuation of weapon effects.

c. Land operations beyond the Australian mainland will be reliant on strategic air-sea force projection assets. Operations are likely in the littoral environment and

this, in combination with jungle, mountain and urban terrain, will impact on future

operations utilising the LCVS.

23 AOF 2030 Handbook Version 2.0, 2.12




17/45

UNCLASSIFIED

17

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

14. Technology and Future Trends. AOF 2030 outlines 15 key areas of technologydevelopment of relevance to future force design.24 However, it was assessed that the scope of

future enhancements are unlikely to drive a fundamental change to the way the AOF operates.

Legacy capabilities will also exist within the AOF. For the LCVS, there will be a requirement

to accept the development of emerging technologies during LOT and to operate effectively

with legacy capabilities including the M1A1 Main Battle Tank (MBT), Land 200 BattleManagement System and Land 121 Field Vehicles, Trailers and Modules (FVT&M).

15. Threat. The AOF 2030 broadly adheres to the concepts of hybrid threats andunrestricted warfare in undertaking force design25.

a. Enemy force structures. Potential adversaries can range from a major power to acollection of ad-hoc and irregular forces. It should be expected that an enemy can

and will operate within populations and below the detection threshold, negating

much of the AOF’s technological advantage. Complete or partial enemy force

elements may deliberately merge with local populations to avoid identification,

exploit the potential for civilian casualties and deliberately engage ADF onground of their choosing. Enemy forces should be expected to range from a

sophisticated, intelligent and lethal force through to elements that are rudimentary

utilising legacy systems. However, enemy elements across the capability spectrum

will be capable of achieving operational and/or tactical superiority for periods of

time.

b. Enemy force technical capabilities. LCVS operational test and evaluation(OT&E) will be evaluated against a range of enemies of differing capabilities

likely to be encountered in the future context.

16. Identified impacts of enemy and terrain for the combat system of the AOF26

will requirethe AOF to:

a. conduct close combat within range of enemy threat systems as ISTAReffectiveness can be degraded by terrain and an adaptive enemy.

b. continue to fight for and collect information in close contact with the enemy andcivilian population.

c. win the close fight which will require mobility, lethality and protection to closewith and defeat the enemy in the POE.

d. be able to manoeuvre to a position of advantage, both strategically and tactically,while avoiding or overcoming enemy denial capabilities.

e. be capable of conducting area security operations over broad swathes of terrain inorder to deny the enemy sanctuary and to protect civilian populations, friendly

forces, installations, routes, borders and friendly actions such as reconstruction.

24

AOF 2030 Handbook, Version 2.0, 2.1725 Ibid, 2.2326

Ibid, 6.9




18/45

UNCLASSIFIED

18

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

f. provide security to local populations in order to set the conditions forreconstruction and transition to indigenous control.

17. The AOF 2030 operating context necessitates a combat force capable of amphibious,expeditionary operations. The LCVS will be utilised within this context and must be capable

of being projected for sustained operations against an adaptive enemy in complex terrain.Future land operations will require modular, highly educated and skilled forces with a

capacity for network-enabled operations, optimised for close combat in CAT.

LAND 400 CAPABILITY CONTEXT

18. Land 400 is the project that will introduce the LCVS as a capability. The LCVS is the platform that will form the centre piece of the mounted close combat capability. There will be

key interfaces and development friction between the LCVS and other capabilities. Land 400

will aim to deliver a system that is functionally integrated with legacy systems, is, or makes

provision for, integration with CAFS27 equipments and has capacity to absorb technological

change within Life of Type (LOT).

19. An initial scan of legacy and parallel equipment acquisitions shows that there are somekey limitations and constraints that may impact upon the capability solutions considered in

order to place Land 400 within the CAFS, these include:

a. The requirement to operate with the key legacy systems including M1A1 MBT,ARH, Land 121 FVT&M fleets, communications and battle management systems

(L200/JP2072), Land 125 Soldier Combat System, Land 146 Combat

Identification and Land 19 Ph 7 Ground-based Air and Munitions Defence

(GBAMD).

b. The ability to achieve transition between mission profiles and tasks.

c. Compatibility with strategic lift assets. Ref D, Australia’s Amphibious Concept(AAC) states ‘the force projection capabilities (utilising air and surface

manoeuvre) of available amphibious platforms will shape the Landing Force (LF)

scheme of manoeuvre.’ This will impact the numbers, weight and size of the

LCVS platforms in relation to overall carrying capacity and the ship to shore

connectors. Air 8000 Ph 2 will impact the type and number of available strategic

air lift platforms.

d. Key technology development timeframes (especially integration, power packs,scalable armour and modularised components).

LAND 400 DESCRIPTION

20. Land 400 Land Combat Vehicle System. The LCVS will provide the mounted closecombat capability within the CAFS. The LCVS will be able to be employed across the full

spectrum of conflict in all environments up to and including close combat as part of the CAT.

LCVS will be capable of integration with legacy and new equipments in order to contribute to

the overall commanders’ situational awareness and combat power as part of a networked

capability. LCVS will be characterised by precision lethality, land combat survivability,

27 As defined in the Glossary




19/45

UNCLASSIFIED

19

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

situational awareness and combat capability integration to deliver a system that enables the

successful conduct of sustained close combat against emerging and future threats.

21. Functional Roles. The LCVS will be introduced into service within the future MMB.The LCVS will enable each of the brigades to perform the following roles:

a. Close Combat Reconnaissance – the capacity to find and identify threatcapabilities in complex terrain while under direct and indirect fire;

b. Intimate and Direct Fire Support in combined arms offensive and defensiveoperations - the capacity to effectively and precisely engage adversary personnel,

vehicle and fortifications with integral direct fire weapon systems by day and

night and in extreme weather conditions; and

c. Close Combat, High Survivable lift – the capacity to manoeuvre within therange of direct fire weapons while operating in complex terrain that includes

complicated obstacles and ambush weapons systems.

22. Land 400 will also equip CS and CSS elements within the three regular manoeuvre brigades, specifically:

a. Mounted Joint Fires Team (JFT) capability to support all mounted Combat Teamswithin the Manoeuvre Brigades.

b. A mobility and survivability capability.

c. A repair, recovery and evacuation capability to support all mounted CombatTeams within the Manoeuvre Brigades.

23. Future Combat System. The LCVS will be deployed in the battlespace28 as part of thefuture combat system29 as defined for the AOF. The future combat system is to be optimised

to detect and defeat the adversary in complex terrain and support the central soldier system.

LCVS will provide options for the future combat system to balance firepower, mobility and

protection in order to maximise mounted close combat capability in the direct fire zone. The

CS and CSS core systems are the future combat system enablers.

24. Combat Functions. The future combat system, equipped with LCVS, is pivotal tothree of the six combat functions that are derived directly from combat; ‘know’, ‘strike’ and

‘shield’. The future combat system will also contribute to the other combat functions;

‘shape’, ‘adapt’ and ‘sustain’. The land force will require a LCVS as part of the CAFS to

perform these functions for the close combatant in future complex warfighting.

a. Know. The AOF requires the combat system to fight for information as a uniquecontribution to the ‘know’ function as a product of reconnaissance. The ACR

multi-role sub-units, as part of a combined arms grouping, will conduct this task

utilising the LCVS. The LCVS will use integral systems and sensors in

combination with the networked and integrated CAFS to predict, detect,

28 The battlespace encompasses the area of influence and the area of interest. It includes the traditional domains

of land, air and sea, space, the electromagnetic spectrum and cyberspace. Note: Also embraces the social, political and temporal contexts in which conflict is waged. LWD 3-0-3 Land Tactics, Glossary29

A Core Land Integration Primary System (CLIPS) as defined in AOF 2030 Handbook Version 1.3, Para 63




20/45

UNCLASSIFIED

20

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

recognise, understand and determine strengths, vulnerabilities and opportunities

within the battlespace. The exploitation of knowledge, as a part of decision

superiority, provides forces with a distinct advantage over the enemy. The LCVS

will be able to share information as part of CAFS.

b. Strike. The conduct of close combat will contribute to the ‘strike’ function. TheLCVS will enable the close combatant to orient, organise, move and apply

appropriate levels of combat power through mounted close combat and intimate

support to the CAT. Manoeuvre elements equipped with LCVS will be able to

strike through integral direct fire and to integrate offensive support indirect fire

effects.

c. Shield. The combat system will contribute to the ‘shield’ function through avariable combination of close combat, reconnaissance and security operations.

The LCVS will enable this through integration as part of CAFS and survivability

measures, shown at Figure 2. The LCVS survivability measures will comprise

networked resources and sensors, signature management, electronic counter-measures, active protection, armour, tactical mobility and system redundancy.

The priorities for shielding are30;

(1) survivability of combat system personnel,

(2) survivability of the LCVS, and

(3) survivability of the CAT.

Figure 2: Survivability

30 ACND Ground Fighting Mobility Draft, undated, Para 25




21/45

UNCLASSIFIED

21

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

25. LCVS Components. Whilst the capability solution is yet to be determined, the LCVScomponents are expected to comprise:

a. Mounted close combat platforms fitted with:

(1) A range of firepower effects achieving precision overmatch of atechnologically advanced near peer enemy within complex terrain. Thismay include main armament direct fire weapon systems capable of precision

and varied ammunition effects.

(2) Active and passive defensive aid suites, survivability systems and scalablearmour.

(3) Networking and a range of fitted and deployable sensors that are integratedwithin the CAFS.

(4) Non-kinetic threat defences such as stealth, counter Electronic Attack andImprovised Explosive Devices measures.

(5) Redundancy within, and between, sub-systems.

(6) Support equipment for the soldier system.

(7) CS and CSS variants as within the LCVS, or more broadly funded by Land400 within legacy combat platforms, including specialised equipments

required for CS and CSS tasks.

(8) A sustainment and support system based on the principles of commonality,

predictive and diagnostic analysis, modularity and operational durability.

(9) A simulation environment within the Defence Simulation Network capableof experimentation, development and dispersed individual and collective

training.

26. The LCVS will be an adaptable equipment solution, with design capable of readyupgrades to key components such as battle management systems and defensive aid suites

during Life of Type (LOT). This will maintain a buffer against obsolescence and support the

integration of technologies with a shorter life span than the hulls and major systems.

27. LCVS Variant Characteristics. Generic variant characteristics and attributes incascading priorities and sub-priorities will be refined by subsequent versions of the User

Requirement. Integration and networking remains as a fixed requirement across the LCVS to

enable the CAFS effect.

28. The LCVS will not replace the MBT, nor will it have the ability to swim31.

29. Battlespace Effects. The LCVS, as part of the CAT within the future CAFS willenable the battlespace effects of suppression, neutralisation and destruction of the enemy; and

the seizure and retention of ground in all seasons, weather and terrain32.

31 Army has specified that the LCVS was not to have the ability to swim (directed by DGDP-A at L400 IPT

meeting Oct 10 (date TBC)) but requires review in light of the development of this CONOPS.




22/45

UNCLASSIFIED

22

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

30. Characteristics. The LCVS will enhance the characteristics of the manoeuvre brigadeas part of the future combat system through the following characteristics in the direct fight:

a. Firepower. The LCVS firepower will either be synchronised with manoeuvre,where CAT elements can either fire on the move, or in mutual support of other

manoeuvre elements. This gives balance to the CAT weapon systems and allowseach to be employed to its best effect while providing time for manoeuvre. Or

LCVS firepower will be used in shaping and strike, where weapon systems are

used to destroy, neutralise or suppress specific targets and limit the enemy’s

ability to manoeuvre. Enemy forces are delayed, disrupted and engaged in depth

or while uncommitted to the close battle. The aim of employing firepower in this

way is to limit the time spent in close combat or to shape the enemy prior to the

close fight.

b. Mobility. LCVS will be the means of concentrating combat force at the decisive point to achieve surprise, shock action, physical momentum and dominance as

part of ground manoeuvre. Mobility will be used to gain positional advantage ineither the battlespace or time. The LCVS will be able to be synchronised with air

manoeuvre as part of CAFS.

c. Protection. The LCVS will provide part of the networking, reconnaissance andsensors required to enable early detection, fixing and destruction of the enemy

before it can attack effectively. The LCVS will also provide physical hardening

through platform material and defensive aid suite solutions.

OPERATIONAL CONSTRUCT

LCVS Operational Use Overview

31. The LCVS will maximise the most advance proven technologies available in both thecombat system and the network enabled warfare capability for the close combat force. It

provides an enhanced platform for the traditional cavalry roles; it provides protected close

combat support for the Land 125 equipped infantry soldier and lightens the soldier ’s load. It

will also provide platforms for those CS and CSS elements required to prosecute the close

fight.

32. The LCVS will allow the close combat force elements to develop clear situationalawareness of the battlespace by drawing from, and connecting with, the future CAFS network

architecture. The close combat force elements will be able use the sensors and systems of theLCVS to target enemy personnel, platforms, weapon systems and installations with either the

integral weapons or by real time integration with other offensive fire support (sea, land and air

based weapon systems). The LCVS will also use integral systems to increase survivability by

seeing and striking first, avoiding detection, avoiding acquisition, avoiding the hit, avoiding

penetration and surviving the hit. The LCVS may incorporate both manned and unmanned

sensors systems that can be deployed to extend the knowledge and strike range of the CAT.

The LCVS will be capable of defeating comparable future enemy close combat systems.

33. The LCVS will be able to be flexibly configured based on risk and mission profile.This includes the use of scalable armour solutions to vary survivability profiles. The LCVS

32 LWD 3-0-1 Formation Tactics, 1.20




23/45

UNCLASSIFIED

23

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

will include variants that support the required roles and tasks, whilst seeking greatest

commonality and interoperability to make sustainment, transportability and support practical

and affordable.

34. Annex B provides a detailed description of the LCVS roles and tasks, outlining how it

will generate, organise and fight given likely scenarios and mission profiles. To supportunderstanding and consideration of function requirements, these scenarios and mission

profiles are set within a strategic campaigning framework. Importantly, this allows

consideration of force generation and concurrency implications.

MISSION

35. Land 400 LCVS Mission. The Mission of Land 400 LCVS is to provide enhancedland combat survivability and lethality to the combined arms team through the provision of an

integrated combat vehicle system with superior mobility, firepower, protection, situational

awareness and command and control which can fight and win sustained close combat

engagements in open and complex terrain.

INTENT

36. Purpose. The purpose of the Land 400 LCVS is to provide a mounted close combatsystem for the future combat force in order to win the land battle.

37. Method. Land 400 seeks to deliver this requirement by:

a. Providing a LCVS that is capable of employment on multi-role tasking,encompassing modularity, scalability, and versatile and agile configuration and

employment options for the commander IAW Army’s capability requirement.

b. Introducing the LCVS into service and integrating the LCVS into the CAFS.

c. Supporting the force generation of the future combat system, equipped withLCVS, to meet future threats.

d. Supporting the adaption and sustainment of the future combat system, includingdevelopment of the LCVS during LOT, to maintain flexibility and the capability

advantage over time.

38. Endstate. The future combat force will be equipped with a LCVS integrated into theCAFS providing enhanced land combat survivability, situational awareness, close combat

mobility and combat power in order to win the land battle over time.

Scheme of Manoeuvre

39. Force Generation (FORGEN). PLAN BEERSHEBA is the Raise, Train and Sustain(RTS) structure that will be equipped with LCVS. The focus for the employment of LCVS

will be in the Multi-role Manoeuvre Brigades (MMB). The MMB RTS structure contains

Combat, CS and CSS force elements (FE). The Combat FE consists of an ACR and two

infantry battalions; CS consists of Offensive Support (OS), Mobility and Survivability (MS)

and C2; CSS is based on the Combat Service Support Battalion (CSSB). The LCVS willequip the ACR of each of the MMB. The focus of the PLAN BEERSHEBA RTS structure is




24/45

UNCLASSIFIED

24

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

the FORGEN of all force elements of the MMB that will be grouped with FE from the

Supporting Brigades IOT form the tailored BG and Taskforce (TF) required to meet

operational and strategic needs.

40. Operational Employment. The LCVS will fight as part of the CAFS. In this future

system integration will be achieved between the dismounted close combatant and the mountedclose combatant. LCVS will also integrate with all elements of CS and CSS. LCVS will be

the network node around which mounted and dismounted combatants will operate in close

combat. This will enable close combat33 in complex terrain by mounted and dismounted

forces with the ability to fight for information and close with, and defeat, a lethal threat. It

will have a high degree of individual platform-soldier networked integration allowing the

coordination effects at the lowest level to enable fire and movement in the contested direct

fire zone.

41. Current and evolving threats have reduced the utility of unprotected and lightly protected close combat mobility and have led to an increase in reliance on detection,

recognition and identification systems in the CAT. LCVS will enable the concentration ofcombat effects to achieve a Main Effort (in time and space) without compromising Supporting

Effort actions and survivability. This demands increased terrain accessibility by LCVS and

will enhance the combatant’s ability to manoeuvre to points of advantage. This will mitigate

shaping by threat fires, obstacles and complex terrain. The increased soldier-platform

integration, freedom of manoeuvre and access to networked effects (sensor-shooter) will

generate combat force multipliers within the direct fire zone.

42. Within the direct fire zone, there will be the combatants and enablers required to win theclose battle. Both the close combatant and the enabler systems will need to operate within the

direct fire zone but their role and task will determine the level of firepower, mobility and

protection that they require. For those forces that are part of the future combat systemrequired to survive and fight consistently in the direct fire zone, the LCVS will be the close

combat platform. Those enablers that transit the direct fire zone will be mounted in protected

mobility platforms provided by L121 and legacy fleets34. Figure 4 shows the relationship

between LCVS (close combatant) and protected mobility (enablers).

33

Close Combat is defined as – combat carried out with direct fire weapons, supported by indirect fire, airdelivered fires and non-lethal engagements. Close combat focuses on the defeat or destruction of enemy forces.34

M113, ASLAV and PMV




25/45

UNCLASSIFIED

25

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

Figure 3. The elements of the CAFS that operate within the direct fire zone.

43. There will be an increased reliance on L121, legacy fleet protected mobility and rotarywing assets to transport dismounted systems (e.g. personnel, weapons, sensors) to support

LCVS based Schemes of Manoeuvre. Without this supporting mobility it will not be possible

to achieve synchronised effects at the BG and TF level. It will also impact on the ability to

sustain combat power in the direct fire zone, with protected CS and CSS assets capable of

supporting dismounted and mounted combat elements in contact.

44. Task Organisation. The RTS MMB can be organised into a number of groupings thatcan be tailored to suit specific operational needs. These groups are built from the available

FE to achieve specific effects over a specified period of time. At the higher level they will

include organic and non organic effects. This is shown in Figure 4.

MOUNTED CLOSE

COMBAT

Combat enablers

CAFS

Legacy Fleets

DISMOUNTED

CLOSE COMBAT

LCVS

MOUNTED CLOSE

COMBAT

Combat enablers

CAFS

Legacy Fleets

DISMOUNTED

CLOSE COMBAT

LCVSDirect fire/CloseCombatZone

CombatZone

AO /Battlespace




26/45

UNCLASSIFIED

26

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

Figure 4: Groupings for Task Organisation

45. At the highest level, the MMB HQ will combine with other specialised Command,Control, Communications, Computing, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance

(C4ISR) capabilities to create a TF HQ. This HQ will be designed to be able to command and

integrate all FE allocated for an operation. There will be elements of the Support Brigades

grouped to this TF HQ. TF HQ will also be the tactical level that interfaces with joint and

coalition effects and enablers. These effects may be allocated to the BG of the TF orcoordinated at TG HQ level.

46. From within each MMB there is the potential to generate three BG HQ and 10 CombatTeam (CT) HQ. Using this construct the ACR and one infantry battalion HQ will each form a

Mounted BG HQ based on respective HQ staff. The ACR will provide the LCVS required for

the TAC HQ of both BG HQ. HQ Main and Rear will operate from other protected mobility

platforms.

47. A CT is a tactical grouping of combined arms and services. This will include FE fromthe ACR, each of the battalions and other CS and CSS FE as required. The groupings at this

level will be dependent on the specific mission and task of the CT. The CT is the smallestself contained tactical unit within a TF. It can be tasked as an independent organisation for

extended periods with the ability to access enabling effects. The duration of tasking will be

limited to a specific tactical mission and series of tasks.

48. The smallest CAT is the platoon/troop. Each CAT is a grouping of combat bricks takenfrom the CT and is the lowest level with appropriate C2 to coordinate the effects. Task

organisation can occur at this level through the combination of a series of combat bricks, but

each brick can not be broken down. Each brick is the smallest tactical element for a specific

element of the force. As an example, four dismounted combatants is the minimum combat

brick for the effective tactical employment of infantry.

TF

B

Cbt Team

Pl/ Tp

Bricks

Combined

Arms

Combined Arms

Tea

Grouped Cb

Teams

and TF effect

Grouped BG

and Joint

Smallest

Ta

F

Coor

effects of the TF and Cb Teams.

Grouped to achieve operational effects

Min self sustaining FE. Inc Cbt/CS/CS

.

Grouped for specific msn and

Min Ta

grouping. Inc Cb

/ CS.

Grouped for specific msn and

Basic teams grouped to achieve

specific

TF

B

Cbt Team

Pl/ Tp

Bricks

Combined

Arms

Grouped Cb

Teams

and TF effect

Grouped BG

and Joint

Smallest

Ta

F

Coor

effects of the TF and Cb Teams.

Grouped to achieve operational effects

Min self sustaining FE. Inc Cbt/CS/CS

.

Min Ta

grouping. Inc

specific

Coord Coalition and Joint Effects withBG for the duration of the operation




27/45

UNCLASSIFIED

27

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

49. Main Effort. The Main Effort for the LCVS is the successful conduct of CloseCombat.

SUPPORTING BATTLESPACE OPERATING SYSTEM (BOS) CONCEPTS

50. Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). The LCVS will contribute tothe C4ISR situational awareness function by being capable of gathering, using and

distributing information as part of an integrated network. Land 400 will form part of the

Army Future Network (AFN) and the Network After Next (NAN).

51. Offensive Support. The LCVS will be capable of operating within the integrated fireeffects of offensive support capabilities in the combined arms and joint environment. It will

employ effects from manned and unmanned fire systems, and ISTAR platforms including

ARH and Shadow 200 as part of dynamic sensor-shooting coupling. LCVS precision and

responsiveness will be enhanced under the CAFS to enable target identification, target

clearance, targeting precision, and target acquisition in real, or near real, time. The JFT will

be mounted in LCVS for compatible combat mobility and protection.

52. Mobility and Survivability (MS). The Combat Engineer (CE) FE will be equippedwith engineer platforms in order to provide protected mobility, counter mobility, survivability

and sustainability support to the MMB. These MS effects will enable the future combat

system to conduct full-spectrum complex warfighting operations. The CE platforms

supporting the combat system will provide protected assault gap crossing, obstacle breaching

and route clearance capability with a commensurate level of protection and combat mobility.

Subject to acquisition strategy for the LCVS, and the most appropriate means of deploying

specialised MS equipments, some, or all, of the CE may, or may not, be mounted in LCVS

variants.

53. CSS. The MMBs will have integral CSS FE equipped with task specific variants ofLCVS (repair and recovery, evacuation) to provide CSS effects to the close combat force.

Only those CSS elements required to be grouped at CT level and below will be equipped with

LCVS. All other CSS FE will be in L121 fleets. During distributed manoeuvre this will

necessitate semi-independent supply operations over a sustained period. CSS variants will

interface with L121 Field Vehicles, Trailers and Modules (FVT&M). The FVT&M will

utilise the Integrated Load Handling System (ILHS) including for modules such as bulk fuel.

The ILHS will enable greater speed in sustainment activities.

54. C3. HQ (TAC) will be equipped with LCVS for compatible close combat capability and

visual uniformity. All LCVS variants will be fitted for access to the CAFS CommonOperational Picture (COP) and will be able to maintain a Local Operational Picture (LOP)

internal to the appropriate C2 level (CT, BG, TF). As part of the CAFS, the LCVS will be

able to deploy and access manned and unmanned sensor systems to maintain the

commanders’ situational awareness. BG HQ (MAIN) will be equipped with L121 or legacy

fleet command and liaison variants35. The LCVS will operate with communications and

battle management equipments acquired under L200/JP 2072.

35

Ibid, Para 114 states that ‘Land 400 may introduce additional variants but this is not yet determined’. The IPTof 15 Mar 11 directed that Army conduct a gap analysis of Land 400 and Land 121 to ensure that no operational

gaps occur.




28/45

UNCLASSIFIED

28

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

55. Key Timings. Development of the LCVS is to be in parallel with the progress ofPLAN BEERSHEBA. Delivery of the LCVS is to be matched to the Army Force Generation

Cycle. The following are key dates:

a. Initial Operational Capability (IOC). IOC is defined as one MMB equipped

with LCVS – 2025; and

b. Final Operational Capability (FOC). FOC is defined as three MMB equippedwith LCVS ready to enable CAFS - 2032.

OTHER SUPPORTING CONCEPTS

56. Force Generation Cycle (FGC). The LCVS introduction into service and BOP willneed to support the FGC. FORGEN involves the preparation of land force capabilities against

a series of requirements that Army is tasked to be prepared to respond to on specified warning

times (preparing for ‘a war’). FORGEN is conducted by Forces Command. In contrast,

Operations Generation (OPGEN) prepares forces for a specific directed operation that theyhave been tasked to conduct. OPGEN is conducted by Headquarters 1st Division based on

the force assignment of capability to Joint Operations Command (preparing for ‘the war’).

57. The FORGEN of land force capabilities to be ready for the widest range ofcontingencies possible enables Army to provide land forces on a minimum of OPGEN time.

The maintenance of this readiness requires a FGC to be implemented, allowing capabilities to

cycle through (at minimum) a Reset, Readying and Ready phase.

58. FORGEN is therefore to be the key force structure determinant36 for all of Army’scapabilities. The changes to force structure under the AFF and AOF will be based on the

FGC and will ensure that land force reforms are prepared with the most efficient managementand expenditure of the resources provided by Government for that task. The FGC is shown at

figure 5.

36 A force structure determinant is those tasks or activities for the conduct of which a force element (FE) is

structured. Force Elements are also able to conduct other tasks and activities given their structure, but they arenot provided resources on the basis of those alternate tasks. At the highest level, the Army is structured for

warfighting, but can conduct “lower intensity” tasks such as peace keeping and aid to the civil community.




29/45

UNCLASSIFIED

29

UNCLASSIFIED

v3.0

• BRIGADE

BASED TASK

FORCE

• ONE

DEPLOYABLE

MAJOR JTF

• FOUR

DEPLOYABLE

MINOR JTF

• THREE LIKE

DEPLOYABLE

MANOEUVRE

BRIGADES

• SPECIAL

FORCES TASK

GROUPS

• SPECIALIST

BRIGADES AND

COMMANDS

Like ManoeuvreFormations

EnablingFormations &

Commands

TrainingFormations

FE

FE

FE

FE

ABINITIO

S K I L L S

A N D C

A R E E R

IET/ROBC

ForcePreparation

Figure 5: Force Generation as the Key Force Structure Determinant

59. Simulation and Training. Individual and collective training is to maximise the use ofsimulation (including immersive and virtual training areas) and decentralised training. Land

400 is to develop the future mounted close combat simulation system for LCVS. This

simulation system is to be the foundation of future CAFS simulation requirements. LCVS

integration and training is to be tested and enhanced through the use of simulation. Thesimulation solution is to operate within the Defence Simulation Network being established by

JP3028. LCVS platforms should also be able to operate directly with the synthetic

environment to allow in-field, pre-deployment, planning and mission rehearsal training to

occur. Potential for simulated collective training with allies is to be considered.

60. Doctrine, Tactics, Techniques and Procedures. Army has a large array of conceptsand doctrine that support the conduct of training (both individual and collective) and

ultimately standardise the way Army units conduct operations. The simplification of the

MMB will mean that doctrine related to the specifics of each particular capability will be

simplified and easier to review and update, whilst more effort will be required to provide

doctrine in support of battle grouping and the way combined arms force generate and operatetogether utilising LCVS.

61. Further Wargaming and Experimentation. This CONOPS will be further refined byPLAN BEERSHEBA wargaming/experimentation and capability solution experimentation

and rapid prototype demonstrations.

ANNEXES:

A. Multi-Role Manoeuvre Brigade CONOPS on a page

B. Operational ConceptsC. Support Concept




30/45

Shap

Cavaof th

dispo

COM

Shape / Shield / Know/ Strike

Networked and ISR capable

Cavalry BG wi th an expanded

footprin t and close combat

survivability conducts economy

of force operations

(Guard/Screen/Escort/LimitedOffensive Action) to enhance

security and SA across the AOR

Shape / Shield / Know

BG with protected mobilityconducts supported by LCVS,

Population Protection/Spt, Info

Actions and Capaci ty Bu ilding

in the population centres

Strike

BG with Close Cbt Mob

Intimate Fire Spt andbreaching assets prepa

conduct sustained clos

combat

Sustain / Adapt

Adaptive C2 with networked

capability and reach back;

robust Log systems to sustainTF across concurrent lines of

operation

Adaptive CampaigningJoint Land Combat

Population Protection

Information Actions

Population Support

Capacity Buildi ng

X

H

s

Multi-role Manoeuvre Brig

Shape / Shield / Know/

Strike

Integrated joint force &enabling capabiliti es




31/45

ANNEX B

LCVS CONOPS

DATED NOV 11

LCVS Operational Concepts

Overview

1. Introduction. This annex provides a detailed description of the LCVS roles and tasks against a

range of strategic, operational and tactical considerations. Each of the operational tasks required to

conduct close combat are defined. LCVS force elements are indicatively task-organised into combined

arms, combat teams and battle groups within a range of strategic, operational and tactical contexts.

This part includes an overarching campaigning framework, with a number of force generation and

manoeuvre scenarios and mission profiles.

2. Roles and Tasks. The roles and tasks that will be required to be performed by the LCVS are as

follows:

a. Close Combat – Command and Control (CC-C2). This task needs a decision support

system, providing near real-time situational awareness and collaborative tools for tactical

decision making, planning, mission rehearsals, and execution management for commanders

at Battlegroup and Combat Team Tactical HQ. This task requires associated FE to operate

in the direct fire zone.

b. Close Combat – Communications (CC-COMMS). This task involves the transfer of

information between various network services— including Coalition partners. It will

provide a hub for the support and exploitation of wireless communications to dismounted

force elements. This task supports operations that are conducted in the direct fire zone and

within complex human and physical terrain, including urban intra-space, subsurface and

close terrain.

c. Close Combat – Ground Manoeuvre Reconnaissance (CC-GMR). This task requires the

ability to fight for information in a contested, lethal and complex environment. It allows

mounted Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and

manoeuvre operations to be conducted across a wide area and in the presence of a capable

threat.

d.

Close Combat – Protected Mobility (CC-PM). This task involves enhanced mobility and

protection for dismounted close combatants. LCVS will remain intimate in most situations,enabling sustained fighting in the direct fire zone and capability to close and survive against

a highly lethal threat.

e. Close Combat – Direct Fire (CC-DF). This task involves agile, protected, intimate fire

support within the direct fire zone to dismounted and mounted force elements as part of a

CAFS operating in contested, lethal and complex environments. Direct Fire also includes

Overwatch (OW). This task provides commanders with an organic capability to destroy a

range of threats (including armoured, non-armoured and point targets) at long range.

f. Close Combat – Joint Fires Control (CC-JFC). This task co-ordinates the provision of

Joint Fires; provides dedicated Line of Sight observation; and supports the effectiveengagement of targeting intelligence throughout the spectrum of conflict. It must be capable

of operating in the direct fire zone, intimately with manoeuvre forces.




32/45

g. Close Combat – Manoeuvre Support Reconnaissance (CC-MSR). This task allows the

manoeuvre force elements to gain timely, accurate and relevant information about threat

engineering activities and terrain.

h. Close Combat – Manoeuvre Support (MS). Task involves combat engineers providing

close engineer support to manoeuvre force elements. It includes explosive hazard reduction,

broader counter explosive hazard tasking, limited earthmoving, reconnaissance, general

mobility, counter-mobility and survivability support. It will support engineer actions in the

direct fire zone.

i. Close Combat – Recovery (CC-REC). This task is based on the principles of forward

recovery. It must be capable of supporting and recovering equipment other than LCVS.

j. Close Combat – Ambulance (CC-AMB). This task enables the timely and effective

recovery of combat casualties from the direct fire zone. This allows the provision of a level

of medical care as close to Australian peacetime standards as is practicable on the

battlefield. This will be conducted while manoeuvre forces are operating in the direct fire

zone.

k. Command and Control (C2). This task must serve as a decision support system, providing

near real-time situational awareness and collaborative tools for tactical decision making,

planning, mission rehearsals, and execution management for commanders and staff at

battlegroup and Brigade/Task Force Headquarters. It occurs outside the direct fire zone.

l.

Communications (COMMS). This task allows the manipulation of information amongst

and between various networks— including those of Coalition partners. The system will

form an essential part of the core battlespace Communications and Information System

network infrastructure and the provision of Information Communication Services. It will

provide a hub for the support and exploitation of wireless communications to dismountedforce elements. Communications may be into and out of the direct fire zone.

m. Ground Based Surveillance (GBS). This task provides the essential day/night, all weather,

long-range surveillance overwatch role. It is an enhanced surveillance capability to

complement LCVS manoeuvre functions.

n. Repair (REP). This task will continue to be based on the principles of forward repair,

repair in echelons and sustainability. It must be capable of supporting equipment other than

LCVS, particularly equipment that does not have its own dedicated equipment support

package.

3.

Indicative Platform Types/Variants by Force Element. It is recognised that LCVS will seek

to deploy platforms that are capable of performing multiple roles and tasks thereby reducing the

number of vehicle platforms and or variants required.

Campaigning Framework

4. The LCVS CONOPS campaigning framework provides a strategic and operational construct

that interprets strategic requirements and guidance into an operational framework. It is nested to the

AOF Campaign Narrative1. The narrative provides sufficient information to allow a tangible link and

association between scenarios and mission profiles, ensuring traceability against strategic requirements

as well as providing a central reference for the development of the CAFS capability and the integrationof systems. It should be used to inform the operational analysis and framework that derives and

1 AOF v3.1, Campaign Narrative, Chapter 3, pg31




33/45

validates user, functional and system requirements, as part of the Capability Definition Documentation,

specifically the Operational Concept Document.

5. Operational Context. The LCVS campaigning framework is based on an enduring

deployment of a JTF, initially as an Australian independent JTF and subsequently as an Australian Led

JIATF. It includes a range of scenarios that allow an appropriate mix of operational variables, ensuring

a wide range of mission, threats and terrain are considered. It covers the full spectrum of conflict and

follows the generic campaign phases of the AOF narrative: Shaping and Preliminary Operations; Entry

Operations, including Amphibious Operations by the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG); Joint Land

Combat; Stabilisation and Transition Operations. The threat is predominately hybrid in nature allowing

multiple and different layers, relationships and capabilities to be considered at different phases of the

campaign. The allocation of force elements follows an initial deployment of a deployable BG, as part

of the ARG, increasing to a JTF of three BGs.

6. LCVS Scenarios and Mission Profiles. To understand and describe the conduct of operations

and employment of the LCVS, a series of scenarios and associated mission profiles have been

developed, within the campaigning framework. The scenarios provide more refined contextual

information, with the mission profiles articulating the indicative task-organisation of LCVS forceelements with other combat force elements of the Land Force. The scenarios are directly nested to the

campaign framework, and thereby are consistent with military strategic guidance. This allows

understanding of how the LCVS will operate in different and likely tasks, threat and terrain.

7. Assumption. The scenarios and mission profiles are set in the 2020-2030 timeframe. It is

recognised that further development of supporting threat profiles is needed to increase the precision of

the scenarios and allow more thorough use during force structure modelling, war gaming and

validation activities2.

8. Framework. Within the framework the scenarios are constructed within the following

operational phases:

a. Entry Operations. Entry operations comprise those operations necessary to deploy the

force into the AO. The initial conduct of entry operations and deployment of force

elements will be as part of an amphibious task group3. CATs will be lodged by air and sea.

All variants will need to be lifted as part of the entry force. Subject to the threat and

securing of an air point of disembarkation (APOD), additional FE may air-land during this

phase. Amphibious lodgement requires flexible forces as well as forces capable of decisive

manoeuvre to follow-on from the entry. Follow-on FE will be deployed with organic

LCVS. However, the LCVS is not likely to be capable of swimming ashore and must be

landed. It may however have the need to ford to breach archipelagic obstacles as part of

landing operations. As soon as it is on land, all vehicle systems should be operational. This phase of campaigning will be examined as part of LCVS Scenario 1A, appendix three. It

includes the following mission profiles:

(1) LCVS CT: STOM: Move and Seize APOD (amphibious operations)

(2) LCVS CT STOM: Maintain Lines of Communications (sustainment operations)

b. Joint Land Combat. Encompasses those actions designed to defeat all resistance and

secure the environment in order to set and sustain the conditions required for other LOOs.

2 Liaison and cooperation between the L400 IPT and DIO is ongoing and threat profiles will be updated as assessments are

made available. The current primary source for assessment is IAW DIO Land Battle Space 2035. It is anticipated that futureassessments will include input from relevant DIO country desk officers.3 Doctrine on manoeuvre operations is described in LWD 3-0-0, Manoeuvre Operations in the Littoral Environment, 2004



8/16/2019 Land 400 -

land 400 - concept of operations 2012

Documents