Five Components of the BFIST Mission Equipment Package (MEP)

1. Inertial Navigation System (INS). This component blends global positioning system (GPS) and inertial solutions for vehicle locations, even while on the move.

2. Mission Processing Unit (MPU). The BFIST's brain is the MPU. It manages the computers and controls the data flow in the MEP system. Additionally, it provides self-location by performing digital resectioning using the eye-safe laser rangefinder (ELRF) and a known point. (The ELRF is part of the integrated sight unit, or ISU, which is common to both the Bradley and BFIST. The ISU is the primary targeting apparatus for both observed fire and the BFIST's main gun.)

3. Fire Support Station (FSS). This is the primary digital communications link between the BFIST and the fire support net. It consists of a lightweight computer unit (LCU) with forward observer software (FOS), map board, radio interface and fire support operators workstation.

4. Targeting Station Control Panel (TSCP). The TSCP allows the vehicle commander to relay data to the FSS' LCU. It also controls the position determination systems of the BFIST and, as a navigational aid, can store up to 99 waypoints.

5. Ground-Vehicular Laser Locator Designator (G/VLLD). The version of the G/VLLD on the BFIST is the one used for dismounted operations. The ELRF cannot designate targets for precision-guided munitions (PGMs). The G/VLLD, stored in the troop compartment, must be dismounted to designate a target for PGMs.

BFIST Call-for-Fire (CFF) Crew Drill

1. Vehicle Commander (VC) identifies target: "Gunner, DPICM [dual-purpose improved conventional munitions], three T-72 [tanks], direction 5000."

2. Gunner (G) slews turret and identifies target in sight: "Identified, lasing."

3. Fire Support Station Operator (FSSO) opens up a call-for-fire (OFF) message on the lightweight computer unit (LCU).

4. VC as the target grid appears on the targeting station control panel (TSCP), he checks the grid: "Sending to LCU."

5. FSSO as the target grid appears on CFF message, he checks the grid on the map board and transmits CFF to higher: "OFF sent."