The Army has changed the way it supplies network systems and capabilities to operational units by incrementally aligning the delivery of new technology with the Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) process. This effort will drive networked capabilities down to the Small Unit and Soldier level — those at the tactical edge who need these critical capabilities the most.

 

Through a process known as Capability Set Management, the Army has adapted acquisition practices and is aligning programs so that operational units receive better capabilities more quickly through integrated and sustainable network Capability Sets. The Capability Sets will enhance vertical and horizontal connectivity, and provide an integrated network baseline from the static Tactical Operations Center (TOC) to the dismounted Soldier. Fielding the Network as an integrated Capability Set throughout a brigade, rather than fielding individual pieces of equipment, provides Soldiers with the best capability gap solutions, and dramatically reduces/eliminates the integration
burden on deployed troops.

 

Providing Network Capabilities

To support Capability Set Management and to ensure that the Army can keep pace with the rapid technology maturation within industry, the Army has transformed its current acquisition methods through a seven-phase Agile Process. The objective is to improve efficiency and effectiveness, reducing the amount of time and resources necessary to respond to the rapid changes in Soldier requirements associated with current operations, emergent information technology and modifications to the Army Force Structure. The Network Integration Evaluation (NIE), as part of the Agile Process, is a series of semiannual, Soldier-driven field evaluations designed to further integrate and rapidly progress the Army’s tactical Network.

 

Capabilities Integration Agile Process

Through the Agile Process, the Army will assess capability gaps, rapidly form requirements, solicit mature industry solutions and perform laboratory and field evaluations in order to inform acquisition decisions. This directly supports Capability Set Management in identifying critical operational gaps and solutions, while providing operational validation of these solutions for inclusion in current or future capability sets. The Agile Process seeks technology improvements from both large and small industry partners to fill hardware and software needs as determined by requirements analysis and linked to the Army Forces Generation (ARFORGEN) model. By employing the Agile Process, the Army is leveraging industry and technological advances, accelerating the pace of network modernization to a rate unachievable by traditional acquisition strategies, in a more cost- effective manner. This incremental modernization approach enables the Army to be responsive to Soldiers’ current needs in near-real time, fielding the latest technology as it becomes available, and avoiding long-term production commitments to obsolete technology.

 

Capability Sets

A Capability Set is an entire package of network components, associated equipment and soft- ware that provides an integrated network capa- bility from the static Tactical Operations Center (TOC) to the dismounted Soldier. Capability Set 13 (CS 13) will field a network baseline anchored on integration of satellite-based communications and terrestrial networking radios, which can be adjusted annually based on changing require- ments, emerging technology, and operational feedback from the NIE. The solutions will provide a baseline network until the Army’s networking radio hardware and waveforms are ready for im- plementation. CS 13 will provide Soldiers enhanced capability over current theater provided network equipment, by driving the Network down to the squad level through advanced radios and handheld devices, and enhancing Mission Command on the Move by allowing commanders to take the network with them via the Warfighter Information Network- Tactical (WIN-T) Increment 2.

 

Synchronized Fielding

The Agile Process supports synchronized fielding by providing Capability Sets that are integrated and validated (technically, operationally, sustainment and training) prior to fielding. Synchronized Fielding takes prototype designs that have proven technical and operational merit during the NIE and matures them into producible products, while ensuring final system integration and sustainment plans prior to fielding a Capability Set to an operational unit. The Army is synchronizing the implementation and fielding of the Army’s first fully-integrated Capability Set – Capability Set 13 – to Brigade Combat Teams beginning in fiscal year 2013. Capability Set 13 will extend the Network down to the individual Soldier and enhance Mission Command on the Move.

Network Integration Evaluations
Click here to learn about the Army's Network Integration Evaluations

Click here to learn about the Army'sAgile Process

Tactical Network
To learn more about the Army's tactical network composition and program management please visit PEO C3T site at: http://peoc3t.army.mil/c3t/

Network Modernization Resources

• 2012 Weapon Systems Handbook PDF Document
• Army Modernization Plan 2012 PDF Document
• 2012 Army Equipping Strategy PDF Document
• 2013 Army Equipment Modernization Plan PDF Document