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(CCDC) U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command

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WHO WE ARE

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command delivers future readiness as the Army’s premier organization for the modernization cornerstones of science, technology and engineering. Leading the Army’s largest talent pool of scientists and engineers, our technical expertise spans eight major domains:

  • Armaments
  • Aviation and missiles
  • Basic research
  • Chemical and biological defense
  • Command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
  • Data and analysis
  • Ground vehicle systems
  • Soldier systems

We collaborate across a global network of government, industry, academia and international partners to discover, develop and integrate the capabilities Soldiers need to win our nation’s wars and come home safely, today and in the future.

CCDC was established as a major subcommand of Army Futures Command on Feb. 3, 2019, and was formerly known as the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, founded in 2002.

(AI TF) Artificial Intelligence Task Force

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WHO WE ARE

The launch of the Artificial Intelligence Task Force allows the Army to better connect with the broader artificial intelligence community and focus their efforts in this dynamic field. The Army Futures Command established the “AI Hub” as the charter location for the AI Task Force. As part of Army Futures Command, the AI Task Force will leverage AI Hub and engage universities and companies from across the nation by building upon initial successes at Carnegie Mellon University and the vibrant robotics and AI communities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Austin, Texas.

Army Futures Command Priorities – AI Task Force Thrusts

The AI Task Force identified four initial thrusts for the AI Hub to undertake for their first projects.

1. Intelligence Support (Long Range Precision Fires): As part of the Army’s number one priority LRPF, the AI Hub will lead development into an intelligence support platform designed to identify, assess and prioritize threats based on real time updates from all available sensors, both manned and unmanned. This platform will provide real-time updates to command echelons alongside ground units while distilling and filtering information relevant to the corresponding unit.

2. Automated Threat Recognition (Next Generation Combat Vehicle): The NGCV is second priority for the Army. The AI Hub will focus on helping develop systems to support an automated vehicle and fleet of vehicles. This will not only include autonomous driving, but will go a step further by developing and integrating automated threat recognition. This solution will be designed to reduce the cognitive load for leaders and Soldiers to more swiftly find, fix, track and target threats on the battlefield.

3. Human Resources/Talent Management (Human Capital): The Army wants to improve the critical life-cycle function for managing its most valuable resource: people. They are doing this by identifying the core competencies that made successful performers ideal for their roles and matching these with potential candidates for the position within the ranks of the Army and potential Soldiers from the recruiting station.

4. Predictive Maintenance (PMx): Vehicle maintenance is intensely resource expensive, and the Army wants to break away from their legacy method of performing routine maintenance and parts replacement on all fleets. They want to leverage recorded data by integrating stressor variables from different environments that equipment performs under to predict and prevent breakdowns before failure.

The AI Task Force Team

Each thrust outlined above will require multiple functions and fields of expertise. As such, we are inviting all individuals and teams that would be interested in leading or collaborating in the development of solutions for these initial thrusts and identify other opportunities to meet the Army’s many other needs.

OUR LEADERSHIP

Brig. Gen. Matthew Easley assumed his responsibilities as the director of Army Artificial Intelligence in the National Capital Region within Army Futures Command in September 2018. In this position, he leverages and integrates current and future operational AI efforts, AI research and development efforts Army-wide, aligns Army AI efforts with sister services and with the Joint AI Center, ensures incorporation of industry and academic cutting-edge advancements in support of Army modernization, and institutes agile delivery of AI capabilities across all domains. Matthew also oversees machine learning, neural networks, big data analytics, deep learning, computer vision and natural language processing.

ARMY FUTURES COMMAND IN 2026

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2026 was a standout year for Army Futures Command.

In January, we opened the doors to the Army Software Factory, welcoming an inaugural cohort of Soldier scholars eager to learn how to apply modern software development solutions to some of the Army’s most pressing challenges.

As the year progressed, our laboratories, centers, subordinate commands and Cross-Functional Teams energetically explored new resources and approaches for strengthening Army warfighting capabilities and ensuring operational overmatch. We displayed the immense gains in our knowledge and application of innovative technologies and systems at numerous modernization exercises held in 2026, but our most prominent showcase was Project Convergence 2026, the largest Joint Force experiment in the past 15 years. By demonstrating how the Army integrates with the Joint Force to employ artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomy, as well as a synchronized sensor-to-shooter network and futuristic, high-powered weaponry, to achieve advantages on the battlefield, AFC provided a realistic glimpse at the future of modern warfare.

Our dedicated staff embraced a diligent and intentional process that expertly incorporated Soldier feedback and sought to accelerate progress across the Army’s 31+4 signature modernization efforts, resulting in plans to get at least 24 deliveries into the hands of Soldiers by fiscal year 2023 (FY23). AFC scientists also achieved groundbreaking medical advances, including in the area of COVID-19 and vaccine research, to further protect the health and vitality of our great nation.

We also deepened mutually beneficial partnerships with leading universities in Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and across the country, to tap into the creativity and drive of our nation’s budding researchers and engineers. In addition, we furthered our working relationships with pioneering small businesses, startups and other nontraditional entities while continuing to draw upon the experience and expertise of tech and defense industry leaders.

We look forward to continuing to forge the future in 2027 through our invaluable collaborations with industry, academia and our nation’s most imaginative entrepreneurs, who similarly understand that…

TOMORROW IS WORTH PROTECTING®.

MODERNIZATION MILESTONES

The 31+4 lines of effort delivering the Army of the future

Chief of Staff of the Army
Gen. James C. McConville

…announced in 2021 that at least 24 signature modernization projects will be in Soldiers’ hands by FY23. By employing Soldier-centered design, AFC has reduced the time it takes to align technological solutions to Army challenges and to get solutions into Soldiers’ hands by two to three years.

Soldier Touchpoints

… bring end users, Soldiers, into the development process in a regular and meaningful way to provide input to developers and industry and identify concerns that may be otherwise overlooked. Soldier touchpoints inform requirements, facilitate rapid iteration of prototypes and ensure the Army is providing Soldiers with the capabilities they need to fight and win.

SYSTEMS BEING DEVELOPED FOR FY23 INCLUDE:

LONG RANGE PRECISION FIRES

NEW MANNED AND UNMANNED VEHICLES

TRAINING SYSTEMS

NETWORK CAPABILITIES

BETTER, MORE ACCURATE GPS

UNDERSTANDING THE 31+4

The Army has defined a list of priority systems for modernization, all of which align with or enable the Army’s six modernization priorities of Long Range Precision Fires, Next Generation Combat Vehicles, Future Vertical Lift, Network, Air and Missile Defense and Soldier Lethality. The list is referred to as the 31+4 because it includes 31 systems led by AFC Cross-Functional Teams and four systems led by RCCTO.

There are more than 100 ongoing projects in support of Army modernization priorities.

Below are 24 projects that are slated to be in Soldiers’ hands, either as prototypes or fully-operational systems, by FY23.

FUTURES AND CONCEPTS CENTER

Providing the intellectual foundation and disciplined approach to design, develop and field a more lethal future Army. The Future Concepts Team develops concepts, determines requirements, conducts experimentation and begins integration of the future force to ensure the Army wins in 2035 and beyond.

ARMY OPERATIONAL ENERGY STRATEGY

Explores ways to reduce organizational dependence on fossil fuels and increase energy security against adversaries. This will facilitate the Army’s evolution toward a perspective that considers the critical role of energy as a mission enabler.

ARMY TACTICAL
WHEELED VEHICLES

Analyzes gaps and possible solutions with a focus on unit mobility, distribution and transportation, and data interchange between vehicles.

FUTURES INTEGRATION DIRECTORATE (FID)

Led a capabilities-based assessment of the INDOPACOM area of responsibility to analyze threats and capability gaps to provide better security in the region.

Futures Integration Directorate also streamlined Army Capability Development with the Entry Gate Process. The Entry Gate process produced a 97% approval rate from the Army Futures Command Commanding General and decreased staffing time 45%, from 138 days to 76 days. This process has been codified in both standard operating procedures as well as an instruction guide to assist the enterprise write better requirement documents.

THE CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAMS IN 2021

The Cross-Functional Teams (CFTs) narrow existing capability gaps by developing capability documents, informed by experimentation and technical demonstrations, to rapidly deliver requirements to the Army Acquisition System. The Army’s modernization priorities, which are necessary for future readiness and Multi-Domain Operations, are the focus of the CFT activity:

(CFT) Cross-Functional Teams

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WHO WE ARE

The Cross Functional Teams (CFTs) were established to narrow existing capability gaps by developing capability documents, informed by experimentation and technical demonstrations to rapidly requirements to the Army Acquisition System. The Army’s modernization priorities, which are necessary for future readiness and multi-domain operations, are the focus of the CFTs activity: (1) Long-Range Precision Fires (2) Next-Generation Combat Vehicles (3) Future Vertical Lift (4) Army Network (5) Air and Missile Defense and (6) Soldier Lethality.

Supporting Commands

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WHO WE ARE

Army Futures Command integrates on a daily basis with entrepreneurs, scientists and businesses to employ an entrepreneurial spirit of accepting the risk of failure early and cheaply in order to create the best solution for our Soldiers. Much of this work is accomplished through four subordinate, supporting commands, which operate through collaborative partnerships with industry and academia to help keep Soldiers safe, America strong, and to win on any future battlefield.

Combat Capabilities Development Command headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., ensures the dominance of Army capabilities by creating, integrating and delivering technology-enabled solutions to our Soldiers. DEVCOM is the Army’s organic research and development capability.

Futures and Concepts Center assesses threats and future operational environment, develops concepts, requirements and an integrated modernization path to increase lethality and over-match to enable Soldiers and units to win on future battlefields.

Medical Research and Development Command headquartered at Fort Detrick, Md., manages and executes research in five basic areas: military infectious diseases, combat casualty care, military operational medicine, chemical biological defense, and clinical and rehabilitative medicine.

The Army Software Factory is an integrated software development initiative to teach, develop, and employ self-sustaining talent from all ranks within the military and civilian workforce. Located in Austin, Texas, on the Austin Community College Rio Grande Campus, the factory’s mission is to build digital proficiency across the Army that enables Soldiers and civilians to develop cutting-edge applications for current and future systems. The software factory training pipeline harnesses cloud technology and modern software to solve Army problems and better prepare for disconnected warfare in 2028 and beyond.

CFT: Cross-Functional Teams

The Cross Functional Teams (CFTs) were established to narrow existing capability gaps by developing capability documents, informed by experimentation and technical demonstrations to rapidly requirements to the Army Acquisition System. The Army’s modernization priorities, which are necessary for future readiness and multi-domain operations, are the focus of the CFTs activity: (1) Long-Range Precision Fires (2) Next-Generation Combat Vehicles (3) Future Vertical Lift (4) Army Network (5) Air and Missile Defense and (6) Soldier Lethality.

IST: Integration & Sync Teams

Army Futures Command is home to several teams:

Army Applications Lab based in Austin, Texas, aligns innovative solutions and technologies with Army problems, resources, and programs to rapidly discover, validate, and transition technology applications in support of Army modernization.

Army Artificial Intelligence Integration Center located at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, leads and integrates the Army artificial intelligence strategy and implementation plan, synchronizes key development efforts, and sets the foundations for operationalizing Artificial intelligence within the Army Modernization Enterprise.

Combat Systems Directorate facilitates the Army modernization enterprise’s efforts to refine, engineer, integrate and produce developed solutions to meet identified requirements. The directorate maintains oversight of the cost, schedule, integration, and technical performance of all programs aligned within and between the Army’s cross-functional team efforts.

Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team was established at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 2018, for the purpose of pursuing the combat capabilities necessary to achieve and sustain over-match against enemy forces anywhere, at any time. The concept of enhancing Soldier lethality necessitates a strategic focus on the needs and fundamental functions of the 21st Century Soldier in respect to shooting, movement and mobility, communications and protection.

Office of Small Business Programs

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COLLABORATE WITH US!

Work with our industry and academic partners to efficiently support the delivery of modernization solutions!

The Army Futures Command (AFC) Office Of Small Business Programs (OSBP) manages the Small Business Program for AFC.

OSBP ensures adherence to policies, procedures and regulations impacting small businesses, and seeks to maximize small business opportunities.

Mission

To sustain the U.S. Army Futures Command, Austin, as an integral part of the Army Small Business Programs Team and a premier leader within the U.S. Army Futures Command by optimizing business opportunities for small business concerns to support the Command’s many programs’ missions and strengthen our nation’s economic development.

Paving the Way for New Ideas

The Army understands that the strength of our fighting force – and, by extension, our ability to protect the nation – is heavily influenced by the efficiency, flexibility, durability and accuracy of our operational tools and equipment.

Our partnerships with small business helps keep us abreast of state-of-the art technologies and solutions, contributing to our ongoing efforts to modernize the Army.

Some examples of recent small business partnership successes include:

Developing augmented reality goggles for military working dogs, which help handlers provide directional cues from a distance.

Applying new radio frequency and photonic technology to eliminate communication signal interference.

Utilizing advances in chemical detection technology to detect chemical weapons at low concentration levels.

Investing in the Future

Do you have a product or idea that you think would benefit the Army?

We invite you to connect with us on Tuesday and Thursdays to discuss capabilities briefing opportunities; to register, please email us at
usarmy.austin-tx.futures-cmd.mesg.afc-hq-sbo-all@army.mil

You can also stay up-to-date on opportunities offered through the Army Applications Lab by joining its network via https://aal.army/join/.

For those new to working with the Army, we suggest also exploring the below resources and topics.

Upcoming Events

VERTEX

Gather market intelligence. Tackle real-world use cases with Army experts. Shape the future of energy technology. It all happens here.

April 19-21, 2022
Austin, TX
armyfuturescommand.com/vertex

Procurement Technical Assistance Center Events

University of Houston PTAC
NW Texas PTAC