Some must-reads from this week's edition of Inside the Army:
1. The Army has chosen BAE Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems to build prototypes for the Mobile Protected Firepower vehicle, dropping Science Applications International Corp. from consideration.
Full story: BAE, General Dynamics move forward in MPF competition
2. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will step down from his position early next year, telling President Trump in a resignation letter sent last week that he should have a Pentagon chief whose views "are better aligned" with his.
Full story: Mattis to step down, acknowledges he and Trump aren't aligned on key issues
3. The Army Requirements Oversight Council has decided to move forward with fielding Iron Fist, a non-developmental active protection system, on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, according to the service.
Full story: Iron Fist APS approved for initial production
4. Vendors competing in the Army's Improved Turbine Engine Program expect the service to downselect to one design in early 2019.
Full story: ITEP downselect expected in early 2019