Fleet Experimentation

Abstract

The Fleet Experimentation (FLEX) program examines the doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, facilities, and policy (DOTMLPF-P) solutions to identified warfighter capability gaps within the FYDP. The FLEX program considers warfighting gaps identified in: Integrated Prioritized Capability Lists (IPCL) generated by Warfighting Development Centers (WDC) through the warfare improvement program; USFF/CPF's Integrated Priorities Letter (IPL) delivered annually to the CNO; USFF/CPF's Commanders' FLEX Guidance; and Navy and Joint Urgent Operational Needs Statements. In addition, FLEX addresses innovative concepts, and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP), and Fleet Concepts of Operation (CONOPS) that collectively mitigate Fleet-identified warfighting capability gaps as defined by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces' (CUSFF)/Commander, Pacific Fleet's (CPF) annual FLEX guidance. Through experimentation activities such as workshops, system or seminar war games, live at-sea events, and experimentation campaigns, the FLEX program examines potential materiel and non-materiel tangible solutions that will enhance the Fleet's ability to execute assigned missions. FLEX events and campaigns are comprised of all facets of experimentation including design, planning, systems engineering and integration, execution, data collection, analysis, assessment, and the delivery of tangible products to the fleet. While Navy-centric, FLEX efforts include joint, coalition, Science and Technology (S&T), academia, and industry partners. Experimentation is vital to continuously improving naval warfighting capabilities. As such, the FLEX program directly supports four of the five elements outlined in the Secretary of the Navy's Innovation Vision: Build the Naval Innovation Network, Improve the Use of DON Information, Accelerate Emerging Operational Capabilities to the Fleet, and Develop Game-Changing Warfighting Concepts. In accordance with the joint CUSFF and CPF FLEX instruction, the FLEX program is the conduit to conduct experimentation using operational fleet assets. As such, the FLEX program, and associated efforts of the FLEX team, provides critical support to achieve the "last tactical mile" of Navy and S&T programs. This "last tactical mile" support is delivered through "at sea" or "salt-water" testing and experimentation at the point when the technology is sufficiently mature and requires evaluation using a fleet asset - ships, airplanes, submarines, networks, and/or sailors.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2017
Source ID
3319_0604707N_4_1319_PB_2017

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Readers

  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

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