Addressing Forward Observer Equipment And Cabaility Requirements Through Operational Feedback And Ramifications For Training

Precision munitions and artillery capabilities rely on a fully functional and efficient forward observer resource to ensure accurate target location and operational mission planning. Currently there are many active acquisition initiatives on a global scale and this focus day will provide an unparalleled platform to address the challenges facing the forward observer on the ground in order to inform senior decision makers.

Key questions being debated include:

• How can forward observers make better use geo location equipment for a more integrated indirect fire capability?
• Does digital joint fire support equipment lead to challenges in mobile data input: can you run and type on a tablet?
• How does immersive training compare with virtual systems and how should this change with the rapidly developing demands on the forward observer?
• What should improved target detection, training of a complete forward observer group for artillery fire adjustment in a closed-loop system actually look like?

Benefits of Attending:

• Gain the latest feedback on current forward observer equipment from the British Army’s 29th Commando regiment to ensure you are at the cutting edge of challenges facing today’s observer on the ground
• Network with key players in both militaries looking to upgrade rangefinders, laser designators plus digital CAS/FOO equipment and industry players with innovative solutions
• Uncover in-depth perspectives on how different nations are adapting to increasingly digitized forward observer technologies to gain the competitive edge in asymmetric warfare
• Benefit from joining this unparalleled interaction between forward observer and procurement official in a debate which will help shape the acquisition landscape through timely and extremely relevant case studies

14:30 Chairman’s Opening Address

14:40 US Marine Corps Forward Observer Challenges and Developments towards Digitized TACP capabilities

• Enabling TACP support down to every platoon within the battalion: Combining JFOs from artillery with forward air controllers
• Advantages of the digitization of the TACP family of systems for both mounted and static and COC equipment
• Digital integration across all six functions of Marine Aviation (OAS, AAW, EW, Reconnaissance, CoAaM and Assault Support)
• Understanding interoperability challenges of the MAGTF assault network

Major Gregory “Ripper” Hoffman
HQ Aviation, APP-36 (JCAS/TACP)
US Marine Corps

15:10 Reliable Target Coordinates - The HRG Solution

• Issues from the field
• Drawbacks of conventional north finding methods
• True Northfinding with HRG: lightweight, reliable and 24/7 availability
• HRG based non-magnetic Precision Target Location System

Silke Kustermann
Product Manager
Vectronix AG

15:40 Immediate Challenges and Threats to the Forward Observer as Experienced on the Ground

• Managing multiple fire assets whilst sustaining situational awareness
• Enabling effective communication with both air and land assets
• Analysis of Firestorm in theatre
• Assessing effective components of the kit and identifying gaps in the capability to enable integration from a UOR to a core equipment
• Lessons that can be taken forward to develop future kits for Forward Observers
• Considerations and requirements for a mounted FO kit

Major John Cresswell
BC 79 Cdo Bty RA
British Army

16:40 Benefits of Understanding the Importance of Forward Observer Standardisation in a NATO Context

Francesco Spinosa
NATO FAC/JTAC/FO Standardisation Team Leader
NATO Ramstein

17.10 Chairman’s Closing Remarks and End of Focus Day