Inside the Army highlights

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

1. The Army is wrestling with funding questions for fiscal year 2017 as it refines an FY-18 budget that will preserve the status quo rather than facilitating a buildup, a trio of service leaders told Inside the Army.

Full story: Army budget officials bearish on buildup

2. The Army's plans to begin prototyping the next-generation tank are based on the time line of the prototype for the next infantry fighting vehicle and availability of resources, according to the director of the Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center.

Full story: Next-generation tank prototype time line 'staggered' with IFV prototype

3. The inaugural edition of a comprehensive review of Army hardware portfolios has generated a clear picture of the capabilities the service must develop to close near- and long-term gaps, according to the deputy chief of staff (G-8).

Full story: SPAR 'validates' 10 critical capability gaps

4. The Army faces certain challenges as work continues on the robotic wingman capability with plans to hold a demonstration in August, according to a service official.

Full story: Army official outlines robotic wingman objectives and challenges