Army Conducts NIE 14.1

By Scott R. Gourley - November 19, 2013

One indication during NIE 14.1 that the Army is trying to visualize a “post-MRAP” world, is that it has moved some of the network integration from M-ATVs to other tactical platforms. Note the Soldier Network Extension dome mounted on this Stryker Reconnaissance Vehicle, next to the head of the LRAS3 operator. Photo by Scott Gourley

Other identified “Gaps” [and related SUEs] included:

Commander’s Applications for Mobile and Handheld Devices [Advanced Networking Capabilities];

Integrated LandWarNet, Installation and Training Resources [Airspace Management Environment];

Aerial Layer Network Extension [Winch Aerostat Small Platform (WASP), Networked Air-Ground Integration, Aerial Layer Network Extension, and Aerial C4ISR Payload Suite (ACPS)];

Air / Ground Network Architecture [RoamerNet];

Enablers for Home Station Small Unit Training [Integrated Soldier Power and Data System – Tactical Engagement Simulation System (ISPDS-TESS)];

Operational Energy Monitoring and Management [Intelligent Power];

Reducing Reliance on Petroleum [Man Portable Hybrid Flex Fuel 1kW and 2 kW Generator]; and

Tactical Routers.

In the case of Tactical Routers, the NIE SUE list included systems from Agile, DRS, Exelis, Harris and Klas.

The new prototypes reflect the development of future “Capability Sets” for fielding to both Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCT) and Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT) as well as command recognition that the number of MRAP-type vehicles in future formations will likely decrease.

So-called “carryover” efforts focused on:

Sidehat (ITT);

Side Falcon (Harris);

Host Based Security System (HBSS) (PEO C3T);

AN/PRC-155 Manpack radio, and;

“non-SUT” exploration of the AN/PRC-117G.

NIE 14.1 also included a number of “demonstration” programs sponsored by organizations like the Rapid Equipping Force (REF), program management offices, and Army TRADOC Centers of Excellence.

Soldiers of Bravo Company, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, train with a new tactical communications node at Network Integration Evaluation 14.1 at Fort Bliss, Texas, Oct. 29, 2013. The TCN designs, acquires, fields and supports tactical networks and services for the U.S. Army. U.S. Department of Defense photo by Spc. Alexander Neely

REF efforts, for example, included Cerberus, Expeditionary Combat Outpost (EXCOP), Containerized Weapon System (CWS) and 4G On-The-Move communications.

One program management office sponsoring multiple demonstrations was WIN-T. In addition to a demonstration on “transport convergence,” the office supported the development of new prototype command platforms that placed WIN-T Point of Presence (POP) and Soldier Network Extension (SNE) capabilities onto an M1068 [M113-based] Command Post [POP], M113 Armored Personnel Carrier [SNE] and Stryker Reconnaissance Vehicle [SNE]. Previous NIEs have integrated POP and SNE nodes onto MRAP – All Terrain Vehicles (MATVs), with those integrated platforms fielded at “Capability Set 13” to four Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCT) and two division headquarters.

The new prototypes reflect the development of future “Capability Sets” for fielding to both Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCT) and Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT) as well as command recognition that the number of MRAP-type vehicles in future formations will likely decrease.

Participants in the development of the Army’s network point to its initial fielding and subsequent combat performance in two brigades [3rd and 4th] of the 10th Mountain Division as well as ongoing fielding and anticipated deployment with two brigades of the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division.

In an apparent example of coincident timing, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, began its training rotation with its newly issued “Capability Set 13” architecture at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), Fort Polk, La., during the same weeks that 2/1AD elements were exploring the next generation of network equipment at NIE 14.1.