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2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team gears up the NIE 12.2

By Staff Sgt. LaSonya MoralesMay 30, 2012

2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team gears up the NIE 12.2
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers from Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, track troop movement from Fort Bliss, Texas to Tobin Wells during the first phase of the Network Integration Evaluation April 23, 2012. The Soldiers ensure t... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team gears up the NIE 12.2
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers from Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, monitors the brigade's tactical communications in order to track troop movement from Fort Bliss, Texas to Tobin Wells, April 23, 2012. The 2nd HBCT, 1st AD, ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team gears up the NIE 12.2
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers from Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, monitors the brigade's tactical communication in order to track troop movement from Fort Bliss, Texas to Tobin Wells during the first phase of the Network In... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

From training Soldiers to installing and testing the capabilities of high-end equipment, Army personnel are conducting the first phase of Network Integration Evaluation 12.2.

The semi-annual, Soldier-led evaluation is designed to integrate, mature and progress the Army's tactical network.

During NIE 12.2 the Army conducts integrated tests of select Army programs, using existing programs as the benchmark, and evaluates developmental and emerging networked capabilities in an operational environment, and assesses the capabilities in an integrated operational environment.

The NIE 12.2 is a significant exercise the Army is conducting, equipping more than 3,500 Soldiers of the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division with network components and associated equipment and software that will possibly be fielded to the Army brigade combat teams sometime in the near future.

The technologies deliver an integrated voice and data capability throughout the brigade's combat teams formation while moving across the battlefield.

NIE 12.2 requires 2nd HBCT's battalion and company command posts to move throughout different locations at White Sands Missile Range while maintaining network connectivity and capabilities in an operational environment, similar to those in which U.S. troops are currently deployed.

The Soldiers play an intricate role in the NIE, because they will be using equipment in realistic scenarios in order to help Army Testing and Evaluation Command -- Operational Test Command testers asses the suitability, survivability and effectiveness of the equipment under test.

"It is a good thing to evaluate the equipment before sending it overseas," said

Staff Sgt. Lee E. Anthony, Charlie Company, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd HBCT, 1st AD.

He said the NIE is a good avenue to test equipment, and know beforehand the effectiveness and deficiencies before fielding.

"We save the Army money by conducting the NIE, and possibly lives by understanding and learning how to properly use the equipment," said the thirteen-year veteran.

In addition to conducting the semi-annual NIE, where the Soldiers have to test new systems, they must also maintain their basic Soldier skills for mission readiness.

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