BCT EQUIPPING INTEGRATION AND EXPERIMENTATION

Abstract

This project includes government and contractor efforts to integrate and validate that the Army is fielding platforms, components and software that are integrated together to provide increased capabilities for the soldier that are supportable and trainable. This project includes efforts associated with designing the Army's integrated network and associated architecture, developing the infrastructure and test plans, conducting the integration and risk reduction activities, evaluating the potential solutions, and determining the final solution set for the next Capability Package. It includes all integration and test efforts for the Network Integration Evaluation (NIE)s 13.2 and 14.1 events, which include Network Integration , Software loading exercises and checkout (LOADEX), comprehensive communication exercises (COMMEX), network setup and initial trails (PILOT), culminating in the Army's and Network Integration Evaluation (NIE). The specific evaluation requirements for these NIEs will be derived from the gaps identified by the users in the Afghanistan theater and the lessons learned from NIEs 12.2 and 13.1. The Agile Process consists of the following phases which are coordinated and executed by the System of Systems Integration Directorate (SoSI), BMC and ATEC. In Phase 0 Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) will define near-term gaps in current operational capabilities using existing Operational Needs Statements and relevant assessments from ongoing and past analyses. This analysis will be the bases for requirement sets for future Capability Package. Network test and evaluation will focus on improving and integrating emerging and existing technologies to minimize existing operational gaps. During Phase I the System of System Integration Directorate solicits potential solutions from existing Army programs, tech base programs, and industry. Also during this phase ASAALT, through the SoSI, obtains buy-in from stakeholders, funding and support, establishes initial objectives, solidifies architecture objectives, and establishes the viable candidate list for Network Integration Evaluation. During Phase II, ASAALT through the SoSI compiles the list of potential solutions that could meet the identified gaps and begins to develop the integration and testing concepts for the next capability package. Phase III includes the coordinated efforts between BMC, ATEC and SoSI to finalize the brigade architecture, integration and test plans, training materials and combat mission evaluations. Phase III also includes the initial integration phase where industry and DOD hardware and software are integrated and initially evaluated for follow-on consideration at a government integration and test facility (currently planned for Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG)). The results of this initial evaluation will determine which industry and DOD SUEs will continue in the NIE process. During Phase IV, SoSI details plans and executes the integration of all hardware and software into the brigade network. The integration is validated and verified through the NIE process. And in Phase V, SoSI executes the in-depth Network Integration Evaluation (NIE). The results of the NIE will address and answer senior Army leadership s questions about force makeup and effectiveness and provides Army leadership recommendations for improving operational requirements and enhancing technical specifications. As a result of Phase V, during Phase VI , the Army will determine which systems to procure and field to improve the Army?s Network. This project includes the following government efforts: System of system architecture and design standards for the NIE, BCT Integration to support the NIE (hardware and software), A Kit development and fabrication to support Network Integration on to platforms, integration of program of record, and non-program of record equipment and systems (both hardware and software) into a single synchronized network, BCT simulation to determine solution sets to potentially fill gaps, BCT experimentation and testing to validate and verify the increased capability for the soldier, BCT Synchronized fielding (logistics and training). Based on feedback from integration and testing, provides input and changes to both operational requirements and technical specification for improved operational capabilities. This project includes support to other DOD agencies for joint programs and collaboration efforts with SoSI and Capability Package portfolio integration. The government effort includes cost for salaries, travel, overtime, training, supplies, facilities, and IT support. FY 2013 will continue the NIE gaps and evaluation process. For example, during NIE 12.2 there are 3 SUTs and 41 SUEs scheduled to be evaluated against one of the Army's five NIE 12.2 gaps. The NIE 12.2 gaps are: (1) Multichannel Radio, (2) Low-Cost-Low-SWaP Tactical Cross Domain Solution, (3) Small Form Factor, Modular Transit Case Based Company Command Post, (4) Improved Operational Energy, and (5) Tactical Router. The number of systems to be evaluated during NIE 13.1 is estimated to be between 40 and 50 systems. These systems will be evaluated against one of the Army's nine gaps identified for NIE 13.1. The NIE 31.1 gaps are: (1) Multi-Channel Tactical Radio, (2) Mission Command on the Move (MCOTM), (3) Low-Cost-Low-SWaP Tactical Cross Domain Solution, (4)Joint Participation Capability (US & Allies), (5) Aviation Extension, (6) Small Form Factor, Modular Transit Case SATCOM Terminal and Baseband, (7) Mission Command In-Garrison Training, (8)Improved Operational Energy, and (9) Integrate Capability Set configuration items into heavy platforms.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2013
• Source ID: DV1_0604798A_5_2040_PB_2013

Tags

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
• Nuclear Civil Defense.