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/evaluations efforts for the Network Integration Evaluation (NIE)s 13.2 and 14.1 events, which includes Lab Based Risk Reduction (LBRR), Network Integration , Software loading exercises and checkout (LOADEX), comprehensive communication exercises (COMMEX), 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 previous NIEs. The Agile Process consists of the following phases which are coordinated and executed by the System of Systems Integration Directorate, Brigade Modernization Command (BMC and Army Test and Evaluation Command (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 Packages. 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 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, 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 network hardware and software are integrated and initially evaluated for follow-on consideration at a government integration and test facility at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG). The results of this initial evaluation will determine which industry and DOD SUEs will continue in the NIE process. It also develops the initial Network configuration that will be used in the Phase V NIE. 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, Brigade Combat Team (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 2014 will continue the NIE gaps and evaluation process. For example, during NIE 12.2 there were 3 SUTs and 41 SUEs to be evaluated against one of the Army's five NIE 12.2 gaps. The NIE 12.2 gaps were: (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. Out of the 96 Systems Under Evaluation (SUE) candidates that responded to the solicitation for NIE 13.1, the number of systems being evaluated is 5 Systems Under Test (SUTs) and 24 SUEs. These systems will be evaluated against one of the Army's nine gaps identified for NIE 13.1. The NIE 13.1 gaps are: (1) Multi-Channel Tactical Radio, (2) Mission Command on the Move (MCOTM), (3) Low-Cost-Low-Size Weight and Power (SWaP) Tactical Cross Domain Solution, (4) Joint Participation Capability (US & Allies), (5) Aviation Extension, (6) Tactical Command Post, (7) Mission Command In-Garrison Training, (8) Improved Operational Energy, and (9) Integrate Capability Set configuration items into heavy platforms. The NIE 13.2 gaps are: (1) Commander's Applications for Mobile and Handheld Platforms, (2) Brigade S6 Staff Element Working Group, (3) Command Post Collaboration and Visualization, (4) Company Information Architecture, (5) Network Operations Visualized in the COP, (6) Aerial Layer Network - Air Ground Integration, (7) Cyber Electromagnetic (CEM) Staff Element, and (8) Integrated Employment of LandWarNet

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2014
• Source ID: DV1_0604798A_5_2040_PB_2014

Tags

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

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

Technology Areas

• Cyber