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) 13.2 and 14.1 events, which includes Lab Based Risk Reduction (LBRR), Network Integration, Software Loading Exercises (LOADEX) and checkout, comprehensive Communication Exercises (COMMEX), and culminates in the Army's Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) field event. The specific evaluation requirements for these NIEs are derived from the gaps identified by the users in the Afghanistan Theater and lessons learned from previous NIEs. The Agile Process consists of the following phases, which are coordinated and executed by the System of Systems Integration (SoSI) Directorate, Brigade Modernization Command (BMC) and Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC): In Phase 0, Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) defines 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 basis 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, SoSI 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 the NIE. 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 Department of Defense (DoD) network hardware and software are integrated and initially evaluated for follow-on consideration at a government integration and test facility located at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG). The results of this initial evaluation determine which industry and DoD SUEs continue in the NIE process. It also develops the initial network configuration that will be used in execution of the NIE field event. 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 LBRR process. In Phase V, SoSI executes the in-depth NIE field event. Results of the NIE field event 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. The results of Phase V are utilized during Phase VI, where the Army determines 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, Brigade Combat Team (BCT) Integration to support the NIE (hardware and software), A-Kit development and fabrication to support network integration onto 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, and BCT Synchronized Fielding (logistics and training). Based on feedback from integration and testing, SoSI 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 Information Technology (IT) support. FY 2014 will continue the NIE gaps and evaluation process. For example, during NIE 13.1 there were 5 Systems Under Test (SUTs) and 24SUEs evaluated against one of the Army's nine NIE 13.1 gaps. Out of the 96 SUE candidates that responded to the solicitation for NIE 13.1, the number of systems evaluated were 5 Systems Under Test (SUTs) and 24 SUEs. 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. The NIE 14.1 gaps are: (1) Brigade/Battalion Company Command Post Mobility and Scalability, (2) Commander's Applications for Mobile and Handheld Devices , (3) Network Visualization on the Common Operational Picture, (4) Integrated LandWarNet, Installation Networks and Training Resources, (5) Aerial Layer Network Extension, (6) Air/Ground Network Architecture Roamers, (7) Low Overhead Products and Enablers for Home Station Small Unit Training, (8) Operational Energy – Monitor and Manage System Power, Supply and Demand, and (9) Operational Energy – Reduce Reliance on Petroleum Based Energy.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2015
• Source ID: DV1_0604798A_5_2040_PB_2015

Tags

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
• Military Training and Readiness Simulation
• Nuclear Civil Defense.

Technology Areas

• Cyber