FIST Frequently Asked Questions

On this page we present some answers to the most frequently asked questions about the FIST programme.

What does FIST stand for?
FIST is an acronym for Future Integrated Soldier Technology.

What is FIST?
FIST seeks to enhance the rifle section's mission effectiveness is dismounted close combat in order to reduce the likelihood of sustaining casualties and the time taken to conduct a mission.

Why is FIST needed?
The aim of FIST is to bring together future requirements with current legacy equipment, previously bought piecemeal, in an integrated and coherent manner as a soldier platform, with the aim of the "sum being greater then the individual parts". One of the principle aims is to reduce the weight carried by the soldier, or if that amount is to remain a constant, to ensure that what is carried gives significantly increased capability.

Who Will Receive FIST?
FIST is a tri-Service programme which will be issued to the Royal Marines, the Infantry, selected Combat Arms and RAF Regiment Personnel.

How Many Units Will Be Procured?
At this stage of the project it is difficult to stipulate the exact numbers of soldiers who will be equipped with a FIST capability, it is anticipated at this stage that 35,000 individuals will be issued with FIST equipment.

Why do we need to start work on FIST now?
In the drive to do things faster, better, cheaper under the initiative of Smart Procurement, we are attempting to significantly reduce the current timescales from project approval (Initial Gate) to Contract Award. In order to do this we are engaging industry early in information exchange so that there is adequate time to read into the considerable amount of information, discuss and clarify any areas that are unclear, and provide feedback on the realism of the requirement and the proposed approach to procurement. This work should have considerable downstream benefits and ensure the Initial Operating Capability (IOC) date is achievable. Moreover, we are setting in place, established project management procedures and processes (e.g. Risk Analysis, Human Factors Integration) to ensure that the project moves forward on a firm footing.

When will FIST be in service?
FIST has never been conceived as a ëbig bangí approach and will use incremental acquisition to provide a step increase in capability as technology allows, in a cost effective manner. FIST will provide an Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in 2009. It is anticipated that this IOC will be enhanced through future procurements to help keep pace with changing technology.

Will FIST be a multi-national project?
A NATO Working Group covering Soldier Modernization has existed for the last 5 years. Although the initial aim of the WG to develop a joint NATO Staff Target has been dropped, collaborative opportunities will be regularly reviewed.

In what stage of The CADMID Cycle does FIST currently sit in?
The FIST project is currently in the Concept Phase where the majority of work has been funded through the ARP. A jointly funded MOD/UK Industry Technology Demonstrator formed the majority of the effort throughout the Concept Phase.

What Is The Next Phase?
Initial Gate approval is the next major project milestone. Once an IG approval has been granted the project will move into a three year Assessment Phase (AP) currently estimated to last 3 years.

How Can SMEís Get Involved In FIST?
SME involvement is judgmental to achieving the optimal, cost effective FIST solution. If you have not currently expressed an interest in the FIST project through the recent advertisements in the MOD Bulletin, then please visit the Industrial Registration part of the Web Site. Regular bulletins will be issued providing updates on project developments.

What Operational Analysis (OA) has been conducted to date?
Operational Analysis in relation to Soldier Improvement/FIST has been carried out from 1994 to date. A major part of this work has been the validation and calibration of modelling and human performance tools based on information gained by means of field trials and analysis of historical operations. These tools have then been used to study the comparative utility of improvements in a number of capability areas. Some major areas of study have been:

a. Movement and combat at night.

b. Comparison of weapon system types (e.g. KE, bursting munitions) in a variety of environments and operations.

c. Comparison of combinations of different capability enhancements.

What has the OA told us?
Work to date has indicated that the following individual enhancements have the highest priority, based both on battle modelling and analysis of historical operations ('Lessons learnt'):

a. Improved Situational awareness.

b. Improved Surveillance and Target Acquisition (e.g. TI, Remote sensors).

c. Improved power supplies (e.g. battery weight, life, re-supply, charging, etc.)

d. Rapid area effects weapon - the ability to suppress/kill the enemy over a certain area very rapidly.

e. Logistics/Sustainability - weight, robustness, reliability, etc. e. Better protection, particularly in defensive operations.

How will FIST will cover integration with the individual soldier e.g. position of controls, harnesses, etc.

Early results from battle modelling appear to indicate that the most effective system combines elements of enhancements to all 5 main areas (STA; Rapid Area Effects; Protection; C4I; sustainability including power supplies). Of these, BOWMAN will provide the initial C4I bearer system whilst the cost-effectiveness of STA improvements is critically dependent on the relevant costs.

Last Updated - February 2001