FORT BLISS, Texas (May 13, 2014) -- Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. John F. Campbell visited Network Integration Evaluation 14.2, which is currently being executed at Fort Bliss, Texas and White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
Campbell's visit focused on the systems that Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, are assessing in a tactical operational environment.
As Campbell toured the brigade's tactical operations center, he observed how Soldiers were using the Command Post Operational System Brigade, a platform that is under evaluation at the NIE.
Soldiers need to be able to deploy quickly, said Lt. Col. Ernest Tornabell IV, the deputy commanding officer for 2-1 AD. This rapid mobility is also applicable to the command post, he added.
Soldiers will give feedback as to whether the CPOES-Bde provides improved scalability and mobility for rapid displacement which includes the set-up, tear-down and movement of the command post's tactical infrastructure.
A valuable component of the NIE is that it provides the Army with Soldier input on the systems being evaluated, Campbell said.
"We need your continuing feedback," Campbell said.
While Soldiers are meeting all necessary requirements for the operational test and evaluation, NIE 14.2 will focus on joint and coalition force integration by teaming with the exercise Bold Quest, a Joint Staff J-6 sponsored exercise that is specifically targeted to work with coalition partners. In addition, 1st Armored Division Headquarters will serve as a joint task force, thereby making this NIE a combined exercise.
In recent statements referencing modernization programs, senior military leaders have expressed that the NIE continues to provide the means to evaluate and integrate improved networked systems incorporating critical Soldier feedback to determine the effectiveness of the systems' capabilities from a user's perspective.
Soldiers said Campbell's visit demonstrated his genuine concern and commitment to them and their families.
"I think for General Campbell to come out here and get feedback from us was really important because it just really goes to show how important this mission is," said Spc. Jose Garcia with C Troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 2-1 AD. "And it goes to show that he actually cares for the equipment that's being put out for us. That goes a long way because it's not just out here where this equipment is used, it's going to be used down range someday, and it could save lives."
Related Links:
Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. John F. Campbell
Army.mil: Inside the Army News
Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. John F. Campbell on Facebook
Social Sharing