M1068 Standard Integrated Command Post System (SICPS) Carrier

Following the Gulf War, in the early 1990s, the Army commenced a program called Force XXI, designed to use the technological revolution in digitalization and apply it to Army command and control. As part of this process, the Army developed the M1068 Standard Integrated Command Post System Carrier, a modified and upgraded version of the M-577 Armored Command Post Carrier, a vehicle based on the M113 APC. The M1068 was first deployed circa 2000.

The deployment plan for the M1068 included two for the divisional tactical command Post, two for the maneuver brigade’s tactical com mand post, three for its main command post and one for rear command post. Each armored or mechanized infantry battalion would receive three, and each armored cavalry squadron receiving four.

The Army also developed a new prefabricated command post tent, the Modular Command Post System. This CP tent could be set up as a separate element or as a tent extension to the M1068.

M1068 Standard Integrated Command Post System Carrier, with attached Modular Command Post System tent.

The M1068 Command Post Carrier added complementary systems such as international maritime satellite, Iridium, C2 personal computers, SECRET Internet Protocol Network, and high-fidelity radio. The communications suite also included Blue Force tracking, a than-new space-based information system.

The M1068 SICPS Carriers (Basic) were fielded with the M113A2 power train. The M577A2 fleet were scheduled to be converted to either M1068A3 or M1068 (Basic) configurations.

The M1068A3 Standard Integrated Command Post System (SICPS) Carrier integrated the M113A3 RISE (Reliability Improvements for Selected Equipment) package into the M1068. A variant of the M577A3, the M1068A3 was modified to support the various configurations and installation layouts for the next generation of automated command and control through the Army Tactical Command and Control System (ATCCS). In addition to mounting provisions for the ATCCS hardware, vehicle modifications included an improved 5kw Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), a power/data distribution system, crew heater and a ten meter antenna mast.

Manuals for the M1068 Carroers are combined with the M113 manuals. For example, TM 9-2350-261-10 (12 July 1990) is the Operator's Manual for the M113A2 series and many of its variants, including the M1068. The NSN for the M1068 is 2350-01-354-5657 while the M1068A3 is NSN 2350-01-369-6086.

Find additional photos and hi-res versions of the M1068 Command Post System Carrier at the Olive-Drab Military Mashup:

M1068A3 Standard Integrated Command Post System (SICPS) Carrier, interior view.

US Army M1068 Standard Integrated Command Post System (SICPS) Carriers and other equipment from the 1st Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, is loaded onto railroad flat cars at the rail marshalling area at Fort Stewart, GA, 2 October 2001.

US Army SGT Eric Martin, foreground, guides PFC Jermal Phillips, both assigned to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 77th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, while loading an M1068A3 Standard Integraded Command Post System (SICPS) onto a train at the rail head, Grafenwoehr International Training Area, Bayern Province, Germany, 22 February 2006, to prepare for a move to Hohenfels Training Area. The SICPS is the latest derivation of the M577 Tracked Command Post Carrier and is a member of the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) family.

US Army SGT Eric Martin, foreground, ground guides PFC Jermal Phillips, both assigned to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 77th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, while loading an M1068A3 Standard Integraded Command Post System (SICPS) onto a train at the rail head, Grafenwoehr International Training Area, Bayern Province, Germany, 22 February 2006, to prepare for a move to Hohenfels Training Area. The SICPS is the latest derivation of the M577 Tracked Command Post Carrier and is a member of the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC} family.

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M1068 Carrier Characteristics

Crew	4: commander; driver; and two command post operators
Weight, combat loaded	27,130 lb (12,306 kg)
Height	106.5 in (270.51 cm)
Width, widest	105.75 in (268.61 cm)
Length	91 in (485.14 cm)
Road Speed	41 mph (66 km/h)
Water Speed	3.6 mph (5.8 km/h)
Fuel tank capacity	110 gallons (416 liters)
Cruising range	300 mi (483 km)
Engine	Detroit Diesel 6V53T 6cyl 275hp 318 cid (5.2 liter)
Transmission	Allison X200-4B Hydrokinetic

Table data from TM-9-2350-261-10 and other sources.

M1068 SICPS Photo Gallery

M1068 Standard Integrated Command Post System (SICPS) Carrier.

M1068 Standard Integrated Command Post System (SICPS) Carriers and other equipment from the 1st Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, is loaded onto railroad flat cars at the rail marshalling area at Fort Stewart, GA, 2 October 2001.