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1 1 (June 25, 2002)

handle is hein.crs/crsahwx0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Order Code RS21218 Updated June 25, 2002 Crusader XM2001 Self-Propelled Howitzer: Background and Issues for Congress Edward F. Bruner Specialist in National Defense Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Steve Bowman Specialist in National Defense Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Summary Background The Army has been seeking to enhance its self-propelled 155mm artillery capabilities since the late 1970's. Among other tasks, artillery systems provide direct-fire maneuver forces, such as tanks and infantry, with immediate, heavy, indirect fires from a distance. In addition to several programs to modify the existing M 109 artillery system, culminating in the current M109A6 Paladin, these efforts have focused since 1987 on what is now called the XM2001 Crusader. Initially begun in order to match the mobility and firepower of Soviet artillery, the Crusader program is now the center of a controversy over whether Congressional Research Service **o The Library of Congress CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web The Army has been seeking to enhance its self-propelled 155mm artillery capabilities since the late 1970's. In addition to several programs to modify the M109 artillery system, culminating in the current M109A6 Paladin, since 1987 these efforts have focused on what is now called the XM2001 Crusader. Initially begun in order to match the mobility and firepower of Soviet artillery, the Crusader program is now the center of a controversy over whether it is an appropriate investment given the Army's on-going transformation to a lighter, more mobile force. Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld has announced his intent to terminate the program, however the Crusader's supporters in the House and Senate Armed Services Committees are seeking legislative provisions to maintain the program until at least May 2003 while an assessment of alternatives is conducted. This report will be updated as further events occur.