Photos: The networked soldier
Pentagon's $145 billion "Future Combat System" sees the soldier of the future as a link in a communications network.
The networked soldier
The Pentagon's $145 billion Future Combat Systems program envisions the soldier of the future as a link in a communications network that relies on coordinating high-tech devices, instead of hand-to-hand combat. This recruiting poster puts out the call.
Credit: U.S. Army
The networked soldier
The Army's "land warrior" uniform design includes voice, menu and alphanumeric inputs and audio, video, graphic and map outputs. The lightweight uniform is meant to provide protection against small-arms fire and chemical or biological attacks.
Credit: U.S. Army
The networked soldier
Unmanned ground vehicles are expected to let soldiers remain in a secure location while surveying hostile territory and coordinating attacks, thanks to satellite and wireless communications.
Credit: U.S. Army
The networked soldier
The Army also has a uniform for its "air warriors," or helicopter crewmen. The uniform includes numerous high-tech inputs and outputs and also provides some protection in a combat situation.
Credit: U.S. Army
The networked soldier
More and more, soldiers will be able to call on unmanned aerial drones to conduct surveillance in combat zones.
Credit: U.S. Army
The networked soldier
This is a drawing of the planned Future Combat Systems' howitzer vehicle. The increased fire control and loading technology will allow the Army to reduce the crew size from four to two.
Credit: U.S. Army
The networked soldier
An Army engineer shows off a mock-up of a futuristic laser weapon. Are phasers next?
Credit: U.S. Army
The networked soldier
Soldiers will increasingly carry handheld devices to coordinate network communications.
Credit: U.S. Army
