Special Operations Forces Personal Equipment Advanced Requirements (SPEAR) is the United States Special Operations Command's (USSOCOM) modernization effort for the joint (Army, Navy, and Air Force) Special Operations Forces (SOF) operator. SPEAR focuses on four areas of improvement in personal equipment. These four areas produce a modular equipment system which focuses on mission tailoring, enhanced survivability, and enhanced mobility while reducing weight, bulk and heat stress.

SPEAR's program structure is modular in the sense that each capability area is pursued on a separate acquisition path, thereby producing maximum program flexibility and technology insertion capability. Conventional service programs are monitored to meet SPEAR's needs and maximum use of commercially available technology is made. USSOCOM's component services are represented in all aspects of the product lifecycle; the USA Special Operations Command is the lead proponent. SPEAR is managed by the Program Executive Officer-Special Programs at USSOCOM. SPEAR is executed by the U.S. Army Natick Soldier RD&E Center.

Description

The four capability areas currently being fielded through 2005 are:

• Lightweight Environmental Protection
• Body Armor/Load Carriage System
• Modular/Integrated Communications Helmet
• Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) Lightweight Environmental Protection

To the greatest extent possible, products are compatible and interoperable with current equipment. Contingency stocks and emergency spare parts are available through a supporting depot. Additionally, replacement and spare parts may be ordered from supporting production contracts.

References

• SPEAR factsheet @NSRDEC [2001]
• http://www.dod.mil/pubs/sof/c.pdf