Modernizing the M577 A2

The battle tempo of today’s mechanized forces requires command and control capabilities flexible and mobile enough to keep pace with the fight. The current configuration of the M577A2 lacks the capability to effectively communicate with the force while moving. This article focuses on how to substantially improve the M577A2’s capabilities, utilizing equipment and supplies currently available. To facilitate this discussion, I will utilize the heavy cavalry troop’s TOC mount, the M577A2, as the base vehicle. The fast-paced nature of cavalry operations requires that this TOC be capable of performing its duties on the move. All modifications discussed are also directly applicable to the task force and brigade. The basis for all modifications was the establishment of capability goals based on past experiences. These goals focused all modification efforts. Each modification made to the M577A2 had to meet the following criteria:

• Deployability/Durability - Each addition must be easily removable as a unit and withstand shipment and re-installation in pre-positioned equipment.

• Maintenance - Crew members and mechanics must have unrestricted access in order to conduct vehicle maintenance.

• Command and Control - Each modification must enhance the crew’s capability to track battles while maintaining pace with the force.

• Planning - Modifications must enhance the crew’s capability to mass-produce orders (without external power support) and provide a semi-sterile environment for the commander to plan while maintaining noise/light/litter discipline.

• Load Plan - Modifications must enhance the vehicle’s load plan to minimize crew difficulty in accessing personal equipment while ensuring that personal equipment does not clutter available working space.

• Mobility - Modifications must improve TOC set-up and tear-down times. Considering these criteria, modifications focused on improvements in the vehicle’s communications equipment, mission support equipment, and battletracking equipment. This article discusses each modification and concludes with a cost and time estimate. Communications The current M577A2, equipped with a standard VIC-1 configured with four SINCGARs radios (VRC-92x - Long-range/Long-range), inhibits the crew’s capability to track the battle while moving. With all four radios on, each crew member connected to a C-box station constantly hears traffic on all four radios through his CVC helmet. To fight this problem, my crew constantly employed quick commo modifications. The set-up of each modification depended on whether we were moving or stationary. Every time we reconfigured, we incurred a temporary loss of communications. After suffering through a squadron-level exercise with this system, we researched current vehicular communication systems available in the Army supply system to fix this problem. We found the solution in the field artillery’s FIST-V (M981). Its VIC system enables each crew member to monitor any combination of radios through each C-Box. The following figure depicts a simple schematic of this interface. The black circles represent toggle switches that control the input/output of each radio to the CVC. This system enables each crew member to monitor any combination of nets. This is especially beneficial for the cavalry troop XO, allowing him to focus on any net, based on information requirements. These special C-boxes are not compatible with the TOC’s standard 1780. The complete system requires the installation of the special M981 1780 and C-boxes. Installation entails simply replacing the M577A2 1780 and C-boxes with the M981’s 1780 and C-boxes. Complete communications security in an assembly area requires land line communication with the TOC via switchboard. In order to facilitate quick establishment of the troop “hot loop,” we mounted the switchboard inside the TOC. This versatile wooden mount provides a permanent location for plugging in WD-1 wire leads from platoons. This modification also reduces the time for TOC setup/teardown and establishment of the “hot loop.” The final modification made to TOC communications was a net recording capability. Installation of voice-activated tape recorders not only enables the crew to review key messages/FRAGOs for ARMOR — March-April 1998 35 Modernizing the M577A2 A Unit Tries to Improve The Venerable 577 for Better Commo, Battle Tracking, And Mission Support by Captain Walter B. Sturek Jr.

36 ARMOR — March-April 1998 Coffin Bench 15" 60" 15" Sets in center of the TOC on the floor, bolted into the floor Figure 2. Coffin Bench

REAR

FRONT

SWITCHBOARD

SENSITIVE

ITEMS

C-BOX

1780 54" 18" 22.5" FMs, TMs,

DA FORMS

1523 1523 1523 1523

LIGHTS

TOC LEFT SIDE WALL

VA

VA TAPE RECORDER

REPORT

REPORT

REPORT

REPORT

REPORT

C-BOX

INVERTER

C-BOX

BATTERIES

MAP BOARD &

CLASS II STORAGE AREA

LIGHTS

BOX - 53"

MAP BOARD - 75"

38"

REAR

FRONT

TOC RIGHT SIDE WALL

FRONT VIEW

SIDE VIEW

MAP BOARD/CLASS II STORAGE BOX DIMENSIONS

WOOD SCREWS

clarification but also facilitates AARs. In order to eliminate background noise from within the TOC, the recorders must directly interface with the radio mount. To do this, splice the microphone cord from the tape recorder with a connector of an old hand mike, and then plug the hand mike connector into either the speaker connector of the radio mount or directly to the RT. Mission Support Equipment Mission support equipment modifications modernized the TOC’s planning process and decreased the time for producing an OPORD. Current TOC configurations utilize the SICUP extension with AC-powered fluorescent lights. Powering these lights poses no problem for the battalion task force or brigade equipped with generators. Organic power provided by the M577A2 only powers DC equipment. The solution to this problem was the purchase and installation of a power inverter. The power inverter we installed was a 24-volt system producing 1800 watts. A 24-volt inverter reaps the benefits of the M577A2’s 24-volt system and has easily replaceable 40 amp automotive fuses. This amount of power facilitates the use of a laptop computer with printer, as well as a copier, without requiring external power assets. The laptop computer and printer provides the commander an interface for filling in a shell troop OPORD format and produces a legible hard copy order. The copier machine enables the TOC to mass-produce hardcopy OPORDs for issue. The copier machine also proved invaluable in copying small overlays (81⁄2 x 11) produced by the commander. The commander’s HMMWV solves temporary storage problems by transporting the copier when the TOC is on the move. Internal modifications to the M577A2 consist of a new map board, book shelf, and storage box (coffin). The internal map board mounts on the right wall and shelf of the TOC. Hinged at the top, this map board installs as a complete unit with approximately seven screws and provides internal storage space for supplies and BII. Its design facilitates easy access to the TOC’s battery compartment while mounted. Its ease of installation/removal makes it easily deployable. The map board’s large surface area for maps, and its angled front, allows the user (especially the commander in the planning process) to modify graphics. The angled map board accomplishes this by providing a user-friendly slightly horizontal surface. Glued to the map board underneath the map are 12"x12" cork panels. The cork facilitates the use of colored pushpins for tracking unit/vehicle locations. Mounted on the left sidewall is a bookshelf for storage of FMs/TMs and supplies. Finally, the crew’s gear mounts on the sides of the TOC by attaching two steel cables (ramp tiedown cable for rail-loading) along both sides of the vehicle. Mounting the crew’s gear in this fashion eases access to TA-50 and frees space on top of the vehicle for stowage of the extension and other equipment. Tracking the Battle The modifications discussed enhance the crew’s ability to track the battle while maintaining pace with the troop. Even with these modifications, battle tracking in the M577A2 requires a sound SOP and a well-trained cohesive crew. Effective battle tracking during offensive and defensive operations requires a four-man crew consisting of a dedicated driver with three RTOs: troop XO (monitors troop and squadron command), NBC NCO (monitors O&I), and the commo chief (monitors A&L). In order to minimize internal vehicular noise during halts, the commander’s HMMWV slaves to the TOC. This minimizes internal noise for the RTOs and eliminates the need to start the vehicle for battery charging. When the commander’s HMMWV is available during the planning process, this technique also eliminates the need to utilize the M577A2’s noisy generator and engine. Cost Analysis All modifications discussed are available through the supply system or obtainable through local purchase. Figure 6 details the costs. Although somewhat costly, the communication modifications comprise the most critical enhancements to the M577A2. Most units fielding the new VIC-3 system are only fielding it with the M1A1 tank and M2 Bradley. The M981 VIC system is available now (CL IX). Local purchase items include the copier machine, tape recorders, inverter, and cork boards. Plywood and 2x4s are available on most installations. It takes approximately 20 hours for complete construction/installation of all modifications (2-3 hours for the commo system, 17 hours for the map board and bookshelf). Removal of the bookshelf/map board takes approximately 15 minutes. The modifications discussed enhance the capabilities of the M577A2 to perform its mission as a tactical operations center. Although focused at the cavalry troop TOC, the criterion of deployability, ease of maintenance, durability, and communication enhancement applies to both battalion- and brigade-level TOCs. Offensive operations require a mobile and efficient command and control node. The modifications discussed above transform the standard M577A2 into this essential platform. CPT Walter B. Sturek Jr. is a 1993 graduate of the the United States Military Academy. He has served as a tank platoon leader, scout platoon leader, and cavalry troop executive officer in 3/3 ACR. Key personnel in development of these modifications were CPT Richard D. Moon, 1LT Ernest Litynski, SSG Mark Kastner, SPC Daniel Sumners, PFC Ma-rotz,

CPT

Neil Corson, and

SFC

Lawrence Eversole. ARMOR — March-April 1998 37 Cost Estimate > Amplifier, Audio frequency (1780) - $4,045

- NSN 01-144-5970

> Cable, Splitter - x 4 $1,156

- NSN 01-348-2264

> Control Intercom Unit (Charlie Box) x 4 $9,756

- NSN 01-144-5995

> Inverter $ 724 > Copier Machine w/Toner $ 820 > Plywood (2) 4x8 sheets $ 50 > Wood (3) 2x4 $ 10 > Cork Board $ 24 > Voice activated Tape Recorders x 4 $ 160 > Total cost for (1) Troop/Company TOC = $16,745 Figure 6. Cost Estimate “The modifications discussed enhance the capabilities of the M577A2 to perform its mission as a tactical operations center.”