Fleet Experimentation

Abstract

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Navigation Plan, signed in January 2021, focuses on integrated, all-domain Naval power and clearly states that we will align our exercises, experiments, and education to understand requirements to defeat the adversary. Additionally, the Fleet will continue to experiment through fleet battle problems, wargames, and exercises - like Large Scale Exercise 2021 - to refine concepts and capabilities. Fleet Experimentation (FLEX) funds are used to support Fleet Design implementation which includes foundational warfighting concepts like Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO). FLEX experimentation is a proven and efficient approach to improving warfighting effectiveness. As directed in the annual Fleet Commanders' FLEX Guidance message, the FLEX program addresses warfighting gaps identified in IPCLs generated by Warfighting Development Centers (WDC), the Fleet Integrated Priorities Letter (IPL), Navy Urgent Operational Needs Statements (UONS), Fleet Design, DMO, and other concepts. FLEX funding resources experimentation venues - creating operationally representative environments to examine solutions with the potential to solve warfighting problems and mature foundational warfighting concepts. Through experimentation, new capabilities and solutions for identified gaps are tested, refined, and used to support acquisition strategies and inform procurement decisions. Additionally, through experimentation activities such as workshops, wargames, live at-sea events, and experimentation campaigns, the FLEX program examines potential materiel and non-materiel solutions that will enhance the Fleet's ability to execute assigned missions in the near term while building a foundation for capabilities that will be required in the mid to far term. FLEX events and campaigns require all facets of experimentation design, planning, systems engineering and integration, execution management, data collection, analysis, assessment, and the delivery of tangible products. While Navy-centric, FLEX efforts are coordinated with the Marine Corps, and include joint, coalition, Science and Technology (S&T), academia, and industry partners.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2022
Source ID
3319_0606355N_6_1319_PB_2022

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies

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