The ability to identify dismounted ground maneuver forces today is largely visual or visually aided. The range at which identification can be reliably accomplished by these means, relative to weapon range, is marginal in daylight and deficient during periods of limited visibility. The purpose of the CIDDS program is to develop a system that overcomes the deficiencies and enhances the soldier's ability to fight.
Dismounted combat identification consists of three parts: normal target identification procedures, situation awareness, and CIDDS. CIDDS permits the firing soldier to determine whether the targeted soldier is a friend or unknown. Currently target identification is provided through training and fielded optical sensors. CIDDS will be used to complement existing target identification procedures but will not be used as the sole determinant to initiate target engagement.
CIDDS may be used by dismounted forces from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. CIDDS equipped units will conduct missions throughout the continuum of military operations. There will be two types of CIDDS: one system will be a stand-alone combat identification capability and the other system will be a combat identification capability integrated into the Land Warrior system. CIDDS, when combined with other survivability enhancing innovations, will fill the identification gap for dismounted troops, thereby increasing the soldiers survivability and reducing the possibility of fratricide.
The CIDDS EMD program was awarded to the team of Motorola, Hughes and Lockheed Martin on 31 July 1997. This E&MD program will consist of the design, development, fabrication and qualification testing of one hundred forty-eight (148) stand-alone CIDDS systems. The CIDDS is required to provide a near infrared laser aiming light, and provide the soldier with a training capability. CIDDS is required to contain the functionality of the MILES 2000 Small Arms Transmitter and include the appropriate hardware and software interfaces to existing Tactical Engagement Simulation. In addition, weapon mounts will be designed and fabricated to allow the mounting of CIDDS on non-modular weapons. On going support to the LW Force XXI effort will ensure the successful integration of CIDDS technology into LW. The duration of the E&MD program continued through FY99 with the delivery of 148 systems.
Following E&MD and a successful Milestone III decision, the Government plans to procure approximately 45,000 CIDDS to field to Force Package I and Force Package II priority units. However, this quantity is expected to increase substantially as funding is programmed to field the remainder of the force.
The CIDDS system will be able to operate as a stand alone system or be integrated in, and interoperable with, the Land Warrior (LW) System. System and subsystem components of LW will be utilized as much as possible in the design of the CIDDS System. The Land Warrior is a first generation integrated fighting system for dismounted combat soldiers. The Land Warrior System will enhance the soldier's battlefield capabilities through the development and integration of a variety of Army components and technologies into a cohesive, cost effective system. The Land Warrior System includes: a Computer/Radio subsystem, a Global Positioning System receiver, VHF and UHF radios and a Video capture capability. The Integrated Helmet Assembly Subsystem includes a heads-up display and image intensifier for night operations; a weapons subsystem with thermal weapon sight, close combat optics, video camera with a video capture capability, laser rangefinder/digital compass, and an infrared laser aiming light. The system also includes protective clothing, load carrying equipment, body armor, a chemical/biological mask and a laser detector. The lead for the CIDDS Land Warrior integration program is Natick Laboratories.