FORT BLISS, Texas (May 5, 2015) -- For the past few years, the desert between Ft. Bliss, Texas and White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, has been synonymous with evaluating the Army's most advanced communication capabilities. This year is no different.
As the Army continues to focus on readiness and modernization, Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, just kicked off their assessment of various capabilities.
They are doing so through Network Integration Evaluation 15.2 or NIE, which is an initiative that will provide capabilities to the network in 2020. In order to facilitate the continued innovation and advanced technologies, continuous assessments are crucial.
Key implementers of the NIE process are members of the 'TRIAD' comprised of the Army Test and Evaluation Command, Training and Doctrine Command, and Assistant Secretary of the Army, Acquisition Logistics Technology (ASA(ALT)).
The TRIAD is what keeps the cycle in a constant continuum. NIE 15.1 recently came to an end back in October, NIE 15.2 is under way and planning for the Army Warfighting Assessment 16.1 or AWA has been ongoing for several months.
"TRADOC is responsible for identifying the Soldier's needs and their requirements," explained Col. Terrece Harris, director, Capability Package, which is a part of ASA(ALT) System of Systems Engineering and Integration. "From an acquisition perspective we receive those requirements, take them and start to develop concepts or identify solutions that satisfy the requirements."
Having the TRIAD work hand-in-hand, is the driving force that allows the evaluation's objectives to align with the Army's overall strategies in creating a ready and modern force armed with sustainable equipment.
Since the Capability Package Directorate team has ensured that the network is integrated, validated and suitable to conduct the testing of the systems, the network for NIE 15.2 has been transitioned over to the 2/1 AD Soldiers to commence evaluations.
With NIE 15.2's kick off, the initial phase will focus primarily on Operational Tests and data collection.
"We are currently working in a field support role. We control and monitor field service representatives and local acquisition representatives to ensure the network remains up and stable so that capabilities are evaluated properly," said Harris.
If the systems that are under test pass onto the next level, they can potentially become a part of a capability set that will eventually be fielded out to Brigades across the country and even go into theater.
Harris explained that future AWAs will differ because the focus consists of a heavy mix of networked and non-networked capabilities. An example is comprehensive reviews of the command posts, encompassing hardware consolidation, modular tactical operation center configurations and reduction of clutter.
"While 15.2 has command post capabilities and systems, many efforts will serve as a proof-of-concept into what we will further expand upon during AWA 16.1, when we really get into expeditionary command posts, mission command on the move and mission command at the halt," said Harris.
Related Links:
Unique Army tactical vehicles being integrated for Network Integration Evaluation 15.2
Trail Bosses' leadership streamlines validation for Network Integration Evaluation 15.2
Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Accquisition, Logistics and Technology
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