By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The United States Army celebrated its 249th birthday with a significant milestone, renaming its Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) system to “Sergeant Stout.” This renaming honors Sgt. Mitchell William Stout, a Medal of Honor recipient who displayed extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War. The rebranded system signifies a blend of tradition and technological advancement in the Army’s air defense capabilities.
Sgt. Mitchell William Stout’s bravery is legendary within the Army ranks. On March 12, 1970, during a mortar attack in Vietnam, Stout shielded his comrades from a grenade blast, sacrificing his life. His valor epitomizes the spirit of selflessness and dedication that the Army strives to embody. The decision to name the M-SHORAD system after him is a tribute and a symbolic gesture linking the past to the present advancements in military technology.
Ret. Gen John Murray – Former Commander, Army Future Command
The M-SHORAD system, now Sergeant Stout, is a highly modified Stryker A1 vehicle outfitted with advanced capabilities designed to counter aerial threats. General Dynamics Land Systems, the program lead, integrates Leonardo DRS’s mission equipment package, featuring Moog’s Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) turret and Rada USA’s Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar.
The initial configuration of the RIwP includes:
– A modified M299 launcher capable of deploying two Longbow Hellfire missiles.
– Raytheon’s Stinger Vehicle Universal Launcher (SVUL) accommodating four surface-to-air missiles.
– Northrop Grumman’s XM914 30 mm Bushmaster Chain Gun.
– An M240 7.62 mm machine gun.
This array of weaponry provides a versatile defense against unmanned aircraft systems and rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. The system is continuously evolving as feedback from field units informs incremental upgrades.
To date, three battalions have received the Sergeant Stout system, with an approved directed requirement for 162 units to support training and fielding across four battalions. Brig. Gen. Frank Lozano, Program Executive Officer for Missiles and Space, indicates that this number could expand to 312-361 units, including National Guard battalions.
The dynamic nature of warfare, particularly lessons learned from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, has necessitated continual updates to the M-SHORAD system. The feedback loop with soldiers in the field has been critical in identifying practical enhancements. For instance, ergonomic adjustments, like repositioning controls based on soldier feedback, improve operational efficiency.
One significant planned upgrade is the integration of the Next Generation Short Range Interceptor, which will replace the current FIM-92 Stinger missiles. Additionally, the Army is exploring other M-SHORAD initiatives beyond the Sergeant Stout configuration. These include a Stryker-mounted 50-kilowatt laser prototype and potential integrations with Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and robotic platforms such as the Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport.
The rechristening of the M-SHORAD system to Sergeant Stout marks a significant milestone in the US Army’s ongoing modernization efforts. This move encapsulates a blend of historical reverence and forward-thinking military strategy. As the system undergoes continuous refinement, incorporating feedback from field operations and integrating advanced technologies, it stands as a testament to the Army’s dedication to maintaining superior air defense capabilities. The future of short-range air defense in the US military looks promising, with the Sergeant Stout system at the forefront of this evolution.
