The Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) program was initiated as a deliberate service life extension program (SLEP) which transitioned into a modernization program to address current and future operational gaps resulting from Paladin and Field Artilery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV) platform limitations. Since the system development matured over the past 24 months, the program has officially been renamed the M109A7.

Additionally, aggressive development is underway for the next generation M109 self propelled howitzer - currently referenced as the M109A8 Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) system. Force fielding options are currently under deliberation by the U.S. Army - and given the range enhancements the M109A8 will afford, it's a natural fit for the Army National Guard 'Echelon Above Brigade' or EAB artillery formations. Across the entire U.S. Army, EAB cannon artillery formations reside only in the Army National Guard.

This change simply amends the item description to reflect current doctrine and to insure our lawmakers and senior leadership are informed of ARNG emphasis in concurrent fielding of the both the M109A7 (next 4 years) and the M109A8 (once development and procurement matures).