Full Report
Following decades of failed attempts and dashed dreams, the US Army is once again trying out powered exoskeletons to help soldiers haul munitions and equipment in the field.
Analysis Summary
# US Army Powered Exoskeleton Testing for Load Carriage
## Key Points
- The US Army is conducting a new evaluation of off-the-shelf powered exoskeleton suits to assess their potential for human augmentation, improving soldier performance, and assessing demands for hauling munitions and equipment in the field.
- A three-day "proof of concept" evaluation recently took place at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, involving Advanced Individual Training students at the 1-78 Field Artillery Battalion.
- Soldiers were observed using black exoskeleton harnesses while handling artillery shells for M109 Paladin and M777-towed howitzers.
- The evaluation is overseen by the Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM).
- Despite testing, the Army has not yet determined the official primary purpose for a military exoskeleton, and a formal requirement document for adoption does not currently exist.
- The current focus appears to be on logistics and resupply capabilities to help service members carry heavy loads (compared to historical aspirations for full "Iron Man" style combat suits).
- DEVCOM noted significant technical, integration, design, and ergonomic concerns related to the concept of a full "warrior suit."
## Threat Actors
- No threat actors or adversary groups are mentioned in relation to this testing or technology development. The context relates solely to US military research and procurement efforts.
## TTPs
- Not applicable. This pertains to defense technology development and evaluation, not adversary techniques.
## Affected Systems
- Systems currently under evaluation are commercial, off-the-shelf "exoskeleton suits."
- DEVCOM declined to identify the specific commercially produced systems evaluated.
- The Army announced its intent to potentially award a contract to exoskeleton maker SUITX to facilitate user experience evaluation of augmentation technologies.
## Mitigations
- The primary 'mitigation' relates to managing expectations: Officials emphasized that the tests are for concept evaluation, and the service has not yet formalized technical requirements for fielding such technology.
- DEVCOM has downplayed previous long-term concepts like the "warrior suit" due to significant technical hurdles.
## Conclusion
The US Army is methodically re-examining powered exoskeleton technology to address the persistent problem of heavy soldier loads (historically close to 140 pounds). Current efforts are focused on low-level logistical augmentation using commercially available hardware. While the long-term 'Iron Man' dream remains dormant due to significant technical obstacles, the immediate goal is determining practical utility for endurance and strength enhancement in current operational settings. Continued monitoring should focus on contract awards and the eventual development of a formal requirement document.