Now, Make a FIST ... Converting the M3 Bradley for Use as a FIST Vehicle

Now, Make a FIST...

Converting the M3 Bradley for Use as a FIST Vehicle by Captain Thomas A. Crowson and Staff Sergeant Marty J. Peterson G/VLLD installed on Bradley Above, two views of the G/LVDD pedestal mounted on the Bradley turret roof. Radio installation in the crew compartment is seen below. At right, construction details of the pedestal with dimensions. Installed device is seen at upper right. Construction Details And Project Views 38 ARMOR — placed between the seats. This allowed easy access to the radios and the FED for both the FSO and RTO while leaving the entire opposite hull wall open for a situation map.

G/VLLD Operations We mounted the G/VLLD on a stand fabricated from a three-inch section of pipe with a thick metal plate on each end bolted in place in front of the Bradley Commander’s (BC) hatch. On the upper plate, the squadron welder permanently affixed bolts in a pattern to accept the traversing unit (TU) of the G/VLLD tripod (see illustration). The TU was then removed from the tripod and bolted into place on the pedestal with wing nuts, allowing quick installation and removal of the TU and G/VLLD. This pedestal is high enough to permit the free movement of the G/VLLD, yet low enough to prevent forcing the FSNCO to come far out of defilade for its operation. The pipe used in the stand must be at least six to eight inches across and thick enough to withstand the constant abuse commonly associated with movement of a tracked vehicle. For G/VLLD power, we fabricated a cable to run from the A4J2 connector on the SINCGARS mount to the EMI filter of the G/VLLD. We routed the cable through the antenna mount directly behind the radios, around the BC’s hatch, and into the G/VLLD. Because power is derived from the same circuit as communications, the FSNCO/BC must ensure all CVCs are unkeyed when firing the laser. This has resulted in anew pre-lasing command of “unkey.” After the BC/FSNCO announced “unkey,” he listens for each crewmember to announce “unkey” followed by his position. He then announces “lasing,” unkeys his CVC, and fires the laser. When finished, the BC/FSNCO keys his CVC and announces “all clear,” allowing crewmembers to use CVC communications again. Interface between the G/VLLD and FED or Digital Message Device (DMD) is accomplished through verbal commands from the FSNCO to the RTO over the vehicular intercom.

M3 Operations In addition to the normal crew of a FISTV, the troop has supplied us with one E5 and one E4 19D cavalry scout. The additional NCO not only acts as gunner for the vehicle, but also contributes a measure of expertise in training the fire support personnel in Bradley operations. In afield scenario, his presence allows the fire support personnel to focus on the FIST mission while he concentrates on the gunnery mission. He rides in the turret with the FSNCO, providing an additional set of eyes and aiding the FSNCO/BC in maneuvering the vehicle. If METT-T allows, the gunner can also ride in the rear of the vehicle, keeping the situation map updated and aiding the RTO. This allows the FSO to ride in the turret, expanding his ability to visualize the battlefield. The E4 acts as the driver of the Bradley, allowing the 13F slotted for the driver position of the FISTV to remain in the howitzer battery with that vehicle. The RTO and FSO ride in the crew compartment of the vehicle, providing command and control, as in the FISTV. To carry the numerous accessories required by a FIST team, we removed the TOW racks from the rear of the vehicle and created a load plan similar to that of the FISTV. Since the interior of the M3 is much larger than that of the FISTV, storage space has not been an issue in the conversion. Our bottom line goal was to increase ability incompatibility, capability, reliability, and survivability, while addressing issues of communications and G/VLLD operations. The increased compatibility with other weapons and automotive systems in the troop has decreased supply and maintenance difficulties that were the hallmark of the FISTV. In turn, this has increased the reliability of our vehicle, stated both in operational readiness rate and in actual use.

By working out of a Bradley, we are now able to do our job without presenting a conspicuous target to the enemy, as the Bradley looks like any other vehicle on the battlefield. This, coupled with the upgrade in armor from the M113 to the M3, has greatly improved our survivability.

Finally, our overall capability has increased exponentially. No longer are we resigned to watching the rear of vehicles. We are fully able to keep up with any vehicle on the battlefield and no longer have to worry about the time required to erect the targeting head as we can now ride with the G/VLLD in place.

Conclusion Although most members of the Fire Support Element in 3d Squadron were hesitant to make the switch, the conversion to the Bradley has proven to be surprisingly easy. The crew, with some help from the squadron welder, took only one week to fabricate and install everything in the vehicle. In the field, the M3 has provided us with the ability to maintain contact with the troop, afforded us additional security, and given us a more mechanically reliable mode of transportation. Although we lost the Targeting Station Control and Display (TSCD), most of its functions can be replicated using the FED or DMD interfaced with the G/VLLD. We still have the ability to lase targets, communicate on all nets, both digitally and voice, and compute data. The biggest loss was the directional control provided by the gyros of the FISTV, but we have found that with an M2 compass and a SLGR GPS, there is little degradation of our ability to accurately acquire targets. Despite its few drawbacks, the Bradley is proving to be an excellent interim replacement for the FISTV until the BFISTV is fielded. ARMOR — 39 Staff Sergeant Marty J. Peterson, a former Navy Aviation Boatswains Mate, Equipment, entered the Army in October, 1989. Upon completion of Basic Training and AIT, he was assigned to HHS, 6-8 FA, Ft. Ord, Calif., as a fire support specialist. He is a graduate of PLDC, BNCOC, FED/Forward Observer Command Course, and DMD Trainer Course, and is currently assigned as FSNCO, K Troop, 3-3 ACR.

Captain Thomas A. Crowson is a 1990 Distinguished Military Graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso ROTC program. A graduate of FAOBC, FAOAC, and SPLC, he has served as a fire direction officer, howitzer platoon leader, and support platoon leader in 1-11 ACR and as the fire support officer for K Troop, 3-3 ACR. He is currently S4 and BMO, 2-17 FA, Ft. Sill, Okla.