JMC sets the stage for largest annual modernization exercise

By Maj. Rich Marsh, Joint Modernization CommandFebruary 14, 2019

JMC sets the stage for largest annual modernization exercise
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JMC sets the stage for largest annual modernization exercise
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JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Washington -- Fort Bliss' Joint Modernization Command (JMC) is training hundreds of Soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in preparation for the Army's largest annual modernization exercise, Joint Warfighting Assessment 19 (JWA 19). The upcoming exercise from taking place from April 23 - May 10, will train U.S. and partner-nation Soldiers for combat against a near-peer adversary in Asia and the Pacific. The ongoing effort by JMC focuses on getting Soldiers ready to use new experimental technology in the exercise.

For the last three weeks, JMC instructors have trained more than 360 Soldiers from multiple units on two of the many new systems that will feature at JWA 19: the Command Post Computing Environment (CPCE) and the Robotic Complex Breaching Concept (RCBC). Both CPCE and RCBC are designed to make units more lethal on the hyperactive modern battlefield. CPCE is a computer software application that combines certain functions of a command post into a single graphical user interface. Cpt. Steven Dowell, an I Corps staff officer, praised the way the application enhanced his situational awareness, "One minute I could be monitoring all the units that are entering or exiting a main supply route, the next I could be chatting online with joint or multinational naval fires observers." Dowell believes it will be helpful on the battlefield when identifying and evacuating civilians away from the battle.

JMC instructors also worked with Soldiers from JBLM to develop the training plan for employing the RCBC concept at JWA 19. The RCBC concept employs robotic autonomous systems to reduce enemy minefields. Its remote-controlled mine plows, unmanned aerial vehicles, and autonomous loitering munitions are all intended to lighten the burden placed on Soldiers by the traditionally dangerous task of breaching obstacles under enemy fire.

The JMC training team, led by Mr. Bryan Feeser, will remain at JBLM through the start of JWA 19 in the last week of April. With another two dozen systems slated for training, Feeser and the rest of the JMC team have their work cut out for them. But the effort will pay off, Feeser noted, "the training events and the teaching yet to come are, without a doubt, essential to the overall success of the exercise and the nation's rapidly modernizing Army."