'Future combat systems' under cloud of uncertainty.

• Position: WASHINGTON PULSE - Brief article

Despite high-level endorsements from the Army's top leadership, "future combat systems" may never become the $180 billion procurement program that was originally envisioned. As recent comments by Army and industry officials suggest, FCS more likely will be an amalgamation of dozens of technologies that the Army will gradually decide to buy or abandon. Insiders say the Army is even considering changing the program's name.

"We are not waiting for a magical moment when this new thing arrives," says Lt. Gen. David F. Melcher, Army deputy chief of staff for force development, in response to questions about FCS during an industry conference.

The cost of the...