Inside the Army highlights

Some must-reads from this week's edition of Inside the Army:

1. Congress has provided the services greater flexibility in contracting, but it is incumbent upon the Army to utilize that flexibility responsibly, according to the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology.

Full story: Jette calls for shift in contracting practices

2. The Army's existing aircraft are "the best in the world," but technological advances and a more complex future operational environment necessitate drastic changes, according to the service's vice chief of staff.

Full story: McConville: Cost, not just capability, will be a driver for Future Vertical Lift

3. The two companies vying to replace the engine in the Army's AH-64 and H-60 aircraft are awaiting direction from the service to proceed to the next phase of the competition.

Full story: ITEP competitors complete preliminary design review, prepare for Phase 2 submission

4. A provision in the House Armed Services emerging threats and capabilities subcommittee's mark of the fiscal year 2019 defense authorization bill directs the Army secretary to provide the full committee with a briefing on the service's plan for urban warfare training no later than Feb. 1, 2019.

Full story: Lawmakers direct Army to provide urban warfare training brief