Editor's corner.

• Position: Development of Land Warrior, computer network for Army personnel - Editorial

In its decade-long pursuit of Land Warrior, the Army has traveled a bumpy road.

The Land Warrior is the Army's first attempt to turn foot soldiers into digital warriors. Made up of a computer, a radio, a customized rifle and a helmet-mounted display eyepiece--all linked electronically--the Land Warrior can transmit voice, data and imagery to other soldiers and to commanders. It is an attempt to capitalize on Information Age innovations, such as miniaturized electronics and wireless communications.

The reality today is that Land Warrior has yet to pass critical tests that would prove it can operate in combat conditions. It's possible that the Army underestimated the complexity of developing Land Warrior. It's also possible that the technology has not caught up with tough military requirements. Regardless, the Army is making yet another attempt to make Land Warrior into an effective weapon system.

Under a project called Land Warrior-Stryker Interoperable, the Army wants to synch up the Land Warrior to its new light armored vehicle, the Stryker. The Land Warrior-Stryker Interoperable is projected to go into operational testing by 2006. For more details, turn to page 32.

The Army, meanwhile, is stepping up efforts to field its six Stryker light-armored brigades. The service is campaigning heavily to secure political and financial support for the Stryker. If the $4 billion program progresses as scheduled, the vehicle could prove its worth in extended peacekeeping duties around the world and contingencies in urban areas.

The first Stryker brigade now is entering the initial testing and operational evaluation phase. Go to page 35 for an extensive package on the Stryker's recent tests, including comments from operators in the field.

In another special report, the director...