Bullet Storm Research Paper

Bullet Storm: A Look at the Nations Counter, Rocket, Artillery and Mortar System The U.S and Allies face many threats during the War on Terror. In an ever-changing operational environment, the ability to adapt and overcome obstacles is a matter of life and death. One of the biggest challenges US Soldiers face is Indirect Fire. Everything from mortars to rockets to UAS’s have the possibility of wreaking havoc upon not only the mission, but everyday life for the personnel living and working on military bases located in hostile environments. The Army realizing this began development on a Counter Rocket Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) system. This system has been protecting our Soldiers and DA Civilians with much success, not only reducing
Responding to the Operational Needs Statement made by the Multi-National Force–Iraq (MNF-I), the C-RAM initiative was taken to counter attacks by the enemy of rockets, artillery, and mortars. (Whaley and Stewart, n.d.) The Army rushed development of the Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS) in 2004 and deployment started the next year in Iraq (Nativi, 2011). The U.S. Army deployed units to Camp Victory, Baghdad and protect the Green Zone compound. In addition, The Royal British Army deployed C-RAM to Southern Iraq. Before the deployment of C-RAM, RAM attacks happened almost daily in the Green Zone and Camp Victory. Consequently, after deployment of the C-RAM soldier could sleep easy knowing, Protection was right outside. There was major controversy about the need for C-RAM to stay in Iraq. Due to the United States withdrawing from Iraq, many thought soldiers lacked lifesaving protection. Australia assumed responsibility of early detection against RAM attacks, which led to the deployment of C-RAM in Afghanistan. Australian base Tarin Kot proved itself tremendously since the beginning of the operation. Major Shillabeer, “I’m happy to say that we have detected every indirect fire attack that has occurred so far and on each occasion have been able to provide adequate warning.” (C-RAM in Afghanistan, 2011) Multiple countries deployed C-RAM
Two major alternatives for replacing C-RAM are Raytheon’s Accelerated Improved Interceptor Initiative (AI3) and Boeings High energy laser mobile generator or Helm MD; Boeing’s system is one of three laser systems the Army has been testing in recent years. During the spring and summer months of 2013, Raytheon successfully conducted testing of the AI3, defeating both a low-quadrant elevation 107mm rocket, and an unmanned aerial system during guided flight-testing. (Raytheon, n.d.) In November of 2013, at White Sands Missile Range, NM, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command used the HEL MD, a vehicle-mounted high-energy laser, to successfully engage more than 90 mortar rounds and several unmanned aerial vehicles in flight. (Osborn, 2016) Both systems show much promise, with Raytheon being award a multi-million dollar contract to produce their AI3 system. Michael Van Rassen who heads the U.S. Army’s Project Director for Counter Rockets, Artillery and Mortars (C-RAM) and AI3 stated, “The project (AI3) used a system of systems approach that lowered risk and enabled an accelerated schedule by leveraging existing government components and off the shelf subsystems to expand the footprint of the protected area for our warfighters.” (Defense, 2013) On the other hand, Boeings laser system, costs less per shot compared to conventional C-RAM