BMC executes operationally realistic and rigorous Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) and Army Warfighting Assessment (AWA) exercises to provide Soldier feedback on emerging concepts and capabilities that will improve the combat effectiveness of the Joint Force.
The BMC and two other organizations of the Network Integration Partners--the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) and the System of Systems, Engineering and Integration Directorate (SoSEI), under the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology ASA(ALT)-have been conducting semiannual Network Integration Evaluations since the spring of 2011. During these NIEs, the Partners assess networked and non-networked capabilities to determine their implications across DOTMLPF. NIEs are designed to evaluate deliberate and rapid acquisition solutions, as well as integrate and mature the Army's tactical network. With the NIE's primary purpose to accomplish required evaluations in support of Program of Record milestones and funding decisions, the Army will measure success by what is learned when it puts these networked capabilities in the hands of Soldiers in the field for evaluation
Beginning in FY17, BMC will execute one Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) and one Army Warfighting Assessment (AWA) per year. Both events lay on top of a two to three week Decisive Action Training Environment with a brigade combat team, additional enablers and a division or corps simulation wrap-around. Both events are designed to deliver the Mission Command Network 2020 and assess interim solutions to Army Warfighting Challenges. Both events are designed to enable the Agile Process and generate Soldier and leader feedback on concepts and capabilities that will improve system performance. During an NIE, BMC coordinates with Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) to execute formal tests of mission command systems and network programs of record. AWAs are the capstone event for Force 2025 Maneuvers and do not have the constraints of formal testing. Leveraging the unique capabilities of Fort Bliss, White Sands Missile Range, and Holloman Air Force Base, AWAs provide a Triple Payoff of Training Readiness, Future Force Development, and Joint and Multinational Interoperability.
During NIE 16.2 the primary effort of the combined BMC team will be focused on data collection and assessments for these capabilities:
The exercise will take place from 23 April - 15 May 2016 at Fort Bliss, TX. BMC will continue their planning efforts ISO AWA 17 scheduled for October 2016.