ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (July 20, 2015) -- For the last four years, Col. Edward Swanson, outgoing project manager for Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (PM WIN-T), has led the evolution of the Army's tactical network communications program.
From fielding mobile network capabilities, to Enroute Mission Command Capability, to filling urgent operations needs with innovative satellite communications capabilities, Swanson played a pivotal role in making sure Soldiers stay connected.
"The last four years have been the most rewarding of my 28 year career because of the PM WIN-T workforce and our critical mission of providing tactical communications to Soldiers in support of full spectrum operations," said Swanson.
Swanson passed the PM WIN-T charter to incoming project manager, Col. Gregory Coile, during an official change of charter ceremony held on July 20 at the Myer Auditorium, Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Md. PM WIN-T is assigned to the Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T). In Swanson's next assignment he will serve as the chief of staff at Program Executive Office Intelligence Electronics Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S), also based at APG.
"Ed's reputation as an innovative and strong acquisition leader is well known throughout the APG community and the Army," said Mr. Gary Martin, program executive officer for C3T. "As a direct result of his contributions, our Soldiers are being provided with the advanced tactical network communications they need to be successful in today's ever-changing operational landscape."
Under Swanson's leadership, continued improvements are being made to the fully-fielded WIN-T Increment 1 network, including extensive upgrades that improve network security, interoperability and throughput, while reducing size, weight and power requirements to ensure a more expeditionary force. He helped pull many of today's advanced commercial technologies, such as secure in-flight network communications and mission command capabilities, and Command Post Wi-Fi to the battlefield for the very first time. His quick reaction to urgent operational needs have benefited Soldiers worldwide, including cross-organizational communications for military and non-government organizations in Operation United Assistance in West Africa.
Under Swanson's leadership, the mobile WIN-T Increment 2 network was fielded to Soldiers who deployed to Afghanistan, where they referred to the system as their "digital guardian angel." The network mobility provided by WIN-T Increment 2 was an essential element to the success of their advise and assist mission. Additionally, WIN-T Increment 2 is currently supporting forces in Operation Inherent Resolve. In June the PM received approval to proceed to full rate production and fielding of WIN-T Increment 2.
His management of the Army's tactical satellite communications portfolio helped increase the operational reach and situational awareness of the entire force. With terminals ranging in size from carry-on luggage to a small house, the Army's global network of satellite communications capability provides high-speed, high-capacity connectivity, so Soldiers can communicate across vast distances and in austere locations and terrains, virtually anytime, anywhere.
Swanson's enduring contributions have efficiently increased critical communications capability for Soldiers worldwide. He has laid the foundation for a network that can support future forces and keep an expeditionary, agile Army prepared for current and future contingencies.
"No matter how difficult the task or how short the timeline, the WIN-T workforce always delivered," Swanson said "It has been a privilege over the past four years to work with a team of professionals whose number one priority was providing the best support possible to the Soldier."
Meanwhile, Coile takes the reins of the PM WIN-T program office following his attendance at the U.S. Army War College. Coile is not a newcomer to PEO C3T. During the course of his military career, he served as the assistant product manager for Project Manager Mission Command's Tactical Battle Command and Command Post of the Future; executive officer to the PEO of C3T; and product manager for WIN-T Increment 1 and Satellite Communications within PM WIN-T.
"My family and I feel very blessed to be coming home to PEO C3T and PM WIN-T," Coile said. "I am joining an extraordinary team with a vital mission, and I look forward to building on the tremendous success that PM WIN-T has earned under COL Swanson's leadership."
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