Battlefield Management Systems are the key to true Soldier Modernisation

Jean-Michel Petitjean, DGA/DT/ETAS, French MoD is a Battlefield Management Systems Expert, working on integrated soldier systems for the modernisation of dismounted soldier equipment, allowing them to be simultaneously in radio contact with other BMS and his FELIN subordinates mid-mission. He spoke to us ahead of his presentation "Maintaining the Data Link Between Soldiers" at Soldier Technology 2011:

What is your role in DGA?

I am an expert advisor, assisting the program managers of DGA on technical problems involving different Battlefield Management Systems (BMS) integrated in vehicles or for soldiers, at every step of the project, from the requirement to qualification.

Why is so much emphasis being put on battlefield management right now?

Improved battlefield management capacity will give an advantage to the French Army. It allows the army to enhance the decision process, to elaborate on the right orders and to reduce mutual lethality. The equipment of vehicles and soldiers in BMS allows the command to better understand the real situation of the deployed forces. In the context of the SCORPION program, a new step has to be completed: to move away from simple digitisation to information valorisation and analysis, bringing a new dimension to BMS in terminal units : BMS is not only a tactical situation indicator, but is also used in coordinated functions.

Why has FELIN been so well received by French soldiers?

FELIN program brings to the soldier new capacities and allows the soldier to improve some existing capacities.

It is said that the digital architecture in FELIN is very advanced, what is your role in connecting to it?

The FELIN system uses many different technologies, because it includes many systems, all operating differently. The role of the BMS expert is to integrate the BMS into FELIN in the way that best promotes the capabilities brought by the system.

Where do you feel investment in digital soldiers will move next and why?

The main goal is to increase connectivity between disembarked soldier and the forces in vehicles.

What do you hope to share at the upcoming Soldier Technology conference?

I'm interested in getting reliable information concerning the technical solutions and requirements for soldier modernisation programmes in foreign countries.

Jean-Michel Petitjean will be speaking at Soldier Technology 2011 on "Maintaining the Data Link Between Soldiers" and will appear in the panel discussion "Strategies to Improve Data Sharing to Ensure the Right Information Reaches the Right Soldier at the Right Time". To download the full brochure or for more information visit soldiertechnology.com