Computers in unusual places
(unclassified)
CW3 Jackson, Iraq 2004
One of the most unusual places I have ever encountered a computer is in the United States Army’s M998 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee). The computer is designated as the Blue Force Tracker (BFT). I used the BFT on convoys in Iraq during most of 2004. The BFT is widely used in vehicles, tanks, helicopters, and planes.
The BFT is a notebook-size, rugged, 12-inch diagonal daylight-visible computer display, seated in a bolted mount inside the Humvee front cab. The BFT is operated by a cursor or touch screen. It is part of a system of GPS, real time graphical representation of friendly forces locations, and integrated communications via radio. The system delivers near real-time information to U.S. soldiers on and off the battle field.
The BFT is fully interactive. It provides military commanders, hundreds of miles away, the means to visually see how a battle is progressing, based on the locations of vehicles equipped with the BFTs. On a larger scale the system can even provide real time data directly to the Pentagon. During a battle, the BFT Operator can issue commands to field artillery units to destroy targets, locate distressed vehicles, among many other capabilities deemed inappropriate to discuss in this forum.
The BFTs are equipped in approximately 40,000 Army vehicles worldwide alone. The price tag for the BFT is approximately $20,000. This price does not include software, additional components required, and support. A hefty price tag, but well worth the price as the BFTs have been contributed to saving many U.S. Soldiers lives in combat.
Source: Janes Defense Weekly
Dwan's Weblog 
on September 27, 2008 on 12:26 am
That’s really interesting. One of the things people probably don’t realize when they use their navigation systems in their cars is that the satellite technology was developed for military use. Interestingly, another thing developed by the military was the concept of internet protocol (IP), which is the fundamental building block of the Internet. It was really genius, as it is designed to get data to and from even if a portion of the network is destroyed.
on September 27, 2008 on 12:10 pm
It’s pretty amazing where technology has taken us over the last several years. Now with BFT can you, as the field soldier, see everybody around you in realtime or is it all broadcast to a specific point and only officers see everyone’s location?
I’m very curious to know if the BFT platform had been upgraded to include individual soldiers or is it only to vehicles at this time? I just think it’s great to know f you ever get into a situation where you may need assistance right there’s a way for other people to know exactly where you are. Great post and thank you for your service.
on September 27, 2008 on 2:42 pm
Re:
The Blue Force Tracker (BFT) transmits information in near real-time and displays every single unit in relation to each other on a digital map. The BFT has been scaled down to a modular system capable of tracking the individual soldier. The individual system, however, is bulky and still being tested. For more information on the development of BFT for the individual soldier visit http://science.howstuffworks.com/ffw2.htm
on October 4, 2008 on 7:59 pm
Wow, the BFT was not in place when I was in but we read articles about the work being done with Force 21 which I think was spearheaded by the 3rd ACR, 1st CAV Div, and 2nd Armored Div. I can see where this system linked to the Land Warrior system would make leading in combat easier or would it provide information overload. You can’t dwell so much on the information you forget about that guy around the corner trying to pick you off. You should check out the recent article on Military.com about the new man protable air burst weapon if you have not even already used one. Looks very intriguing and very bad for the other side.
on October 5, 2008 on 12:10 am
It amazes me how far technology has come in such a short amount of time. Having the BFT be fully interactive is a wonderful invention. Commanders having the capabilities to see where the troops are helps, not only with the strategy, but also the effectiveness of being able to find our troops when something goes wrong. The cost of the units is quite pricey; however, if the unit has saved the lives of our soldiers, it is well worth it.