The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 11, 2017

The AUSA Annual Meeting continues to dominate this Wednesday INSIDER Daily Digest.

M113s, the Mobile Protected Firepower program and more were among the discussion topics at this week's AUSA conference:

Army plans 'limited' effort to upgrade M113s in EAB

The Army's plans to upgrade M113s in echelons above brigade will be constrained to a small number outside the continental United States in South Korea and Europe, according to the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle project manager.

Encouraged by capability upgrades, Hodges highlights remaining gaps

The commander of U.S. Army Europe continues to call for aviation assets, short-range air defense, and long-range fires, but is encouraged by efforts to increase capability on the continent.

PEO GCS warns industry of quick MPF time line

Industry must be ready to meet a "rapid" time line for the Mobile Protected Firepower program, according to the program executive officer for ground combat systems.

(For full coverage of the AUSA conference, click here.)

The new chief of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency spoke at the AUSA conference this week:

DSCA chief reviewing non-standard weapons requests

The new head of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency this week highlighted five aspects of the foreign military sales process for review, including when another country requests non-standard U.S. defense equipment.

More Army news:

Milley highlights importance of 'readiness for war'

Readiness remains the Army's "No. 1 priority," and a rapidly changing global threat environment only increases its importance, according to the service's chief of staff.

SPAR 20 focused on identifying mid-term priorities

While the inaugural Strategic Portfolio Analysis Review "took a near-term focus," for the second iteration the Army is "shifting our focus to the mid-term," according to the director of force development in the office of the deputy chief of staff (G-8).

George: Army 'leaned forward' on SFABs to suit strategy shift

Several elements of Army leadership are working together to facilitate accelerated fielding of the service's new security force assistance brigades.

CRS questions Army plans for new IBCT vehicles

A new report prepared for lawmakers weighs the efficacy of a trio of Army programs intended to improve the viability of the service's infantry brigade combat teams, as well as the potential impact of a continuing resolution.

Document: CRS report on infantry BCTs

DOD IG: 'Concerns' may impact AMPV program

The Army has "effectively" managed the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle acquisition program through the critical design review, but the service needs to address multiple factors that may impact the program's future, according to the Defense Department inspector general.

Document: Redacted DOD IG report on the AMPV program

Lockheed Martin's chief technology officer spoke today about the company's revamped venture fund:

Lockheed CTO says he's seeking venture investments that support technology strategy

Lockheed Martin Ventures, the rebooted venture fund of Lockheed Martin, is working closely with the company's chief technology office to identify strategic investments, the CTO said Wednesday.

Navy/Marine Corps news:

Navy has several high-profile programs at risk under six-month CR

The Navy has several high profile acquisition programs at risk if Congress adopts a six-month continuing resolution -- the Joint Strike Fighter, Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine and the Ford-class aircraft carrier.

3D printing changing key questions around weapon systems acquisitions

The Marine Corps' use of additive manufacturing will change questions surrounding acquisitions to reflect the technology's ability to sustain weapon systems, according to a service official.

Marines will continue experimenting with 17 technologies from April ANTX

The Marine Corps will continue experimenting with 17 technologies it evaluated during an April advanced naval technology exercise later this year in Bold Alligator 2017, Steel Knight and Dawn Blitz 2017, according to presentation slides viewed by Inside the Navy.

BAE Systems, GDLS plan to compete for armored reconnaissance vehicle

Two ground combat vehicle manufacturers, BAE Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems, are ready to compete in the Marine Corps' fifth-generation armored reconnaissance vehicle to replace the Light Armored Vehicle fleet.

Missile defense news:

Potential $15 billion THAAD deal comes as DOD eyes regional BMEWS acquisition

Saudi Arabia's interest in a potential $15 billion purchase of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system -- enough sensors and interceptors to field seven THAAD batteries, a force package equal in size to what the U.S. Army aims to field in 2018 -- is a boost to the longstanding Pentagon goal to advance ballistic missile defense capacity of partner nations in the Persian Gulf.