It’s not a tank,
and it’s not designed for massive explosions.
Soldiers and civilians with West Fort Hood-based U.S. Army
Operational Test Command tested the mobile gun system (MGS) on Fort
Hood during October and November.
The 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment out of Fort Wainwright,
Alaska, teamed up with OTC to validate for future combat operations
the capabilities of the 105 mm cannon mounted on the eight-wheeled
Stryker [armored vehicle].
“It’s a resource rich test because it’s a smaller test, exactly the
right size test to answer the critical questions we have,” said Col.
Jeffrey Holt, director of Army Evaluation Center’s Close Combat
Evaluation Directorate.
The question to be answered here was whether the MGS can enhance the
Striker brigade, which will impact decisions about full-rate
production of this system.
OTC test officer Barry Laumand said the system is designed to
penetrate reinforced concrete walls and destroy bunkers. Live
fire excursions were carried out to assess the system, including an
air transportability test using a C-130 aircraft.
Community leaders and government were there to see some of the
action firsthand.
From atop a hill overlooking the test arena, more than 20 visitors
watched the live fire testing, including III Corps Installation
Commander Brig. Gen. Fred Rudesheim, local mayors and neighbors.
Realistic war scenarios were carried out across four lanes where
test players executed attack, destroying enemy vehicle targets in
the zone.
At the VIP building, visitors watched monitor displays and listened
to live audio feed of the sights and sounds from inside the
vehicles. The large glass wall at the facility provided a view
of the battle field in the distance. Among the visitors were
Dr. Charles McQueary, director of Pentagon-based Operational Test
and Evaluation. Prior to visiting Fort Hood, McQueary attended
a Stryker developmental test at Aberdeen Proving Grounds.
“It’s always a pleasure to get out in the field and get a chance to
meet the troops that are actually doing the real things in support
of our troops that are overseas,” McQueary said. “It’s a first
rate experience to be able to see it firsthand out on a live
engagement.”