Enhanced Fiber Optic Guided Missile: A Case Analysis of Force Structure Issues Effecting the Program.

Force structure issues are common in the acquisition of new technologies. In some cases, such as the Enhanced Fiber Optic Guided Missile EFOG-M, it has been a painstaking effort to come to any consensus on how this system should be used and what force structure should support it. The introduction of fiber optic technology to the modern battlefield promises to revolutionize current doctrine and address a new dimension of battle. Fiber optic technology may give tomorrows military the ability to direct precision fires against non-line of sight NLOS targets. This thesis examines the force structure issues effecting the Enhanced Fiber Optic Guided Missile EFOG-M program. The major focus is to determine if the current proposed force structure is the optimal solution and if not, suggest possible alternative solutions. Two courses of action were examined, both advocated deploying the EFOG-M system in platoon organizations organic to the battalion. An analysis of the current threat, previous studies, and concepts promulgated by Force XXI have enabled this study to recommended that the Army consider changing its current plan of deploying the EFOG-M at brigade level and field the system at battalion level.