Inside the Army highlights

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

1. The Army wants an immediate $10 million to advance trade studies of the Mobile Protected Firepower vehicle concept, funding that would help beef up the case for initiating an analysis of alternatives in fiscal year 2017 of a new major weapon system the service believes is critical to future effectiveness of its infantry brigade combat teams.

Full story: Army seeks immediate $10 million to support MPF FY-17 launch

2. The Defense Department has requested additional funding for integration of the Longbow missile onto the MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aerial system, citing operational requirements in the U.S. Army Central area of responsibility.

Full story: Pentagon seeks congressional approval for missile integration on UAS

3. The Army wants to accelerate the start of a new program to develop a combat tow truck that can haul more than 80 tons -- to replace the current Heavy Equipment Transporter System that can pull 70 tons -- by using fiscal year 2016 funds to kick-start an engineering study that previously was planned to begin in FY-17.

Full story: Army wants to accelerate new combat tow truck program

4. The Army has undertaken a "comprehensive assessment" of service aviation, and a final report is forthcoming, according to the deputy chief of Training and Doctrine Command.

Full story: Army task force performing 'holistic' assessment of aviation