ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (July 16, 2020) -- The Army recently approved middle-tier acquisition rapid fielding authority to procure Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) components to support fielding of the service's Capability Set 21 (CS21) next year. The ITN will begin fielding to four priority Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) in FY21 – 1st BCT and 3rd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division; 173rd Airborne Brigade; and 3rd IBCT, 25th Infantry Division. Additionally, three Expeditionary Signal Battalions-Enhanced, or ESB-Es, will also receive CS21 enabling capability.
By the end of July, program offices supporting ITN acquisition will release contract actions to support CS21 fielding to the four priority BCTs. The ITN, which is comprised of flexible commercial solutions, can be rapidly inserted and adapted to fit existing tactical networks. ITN components include single-channel commercial radios with advanced networking waveforms, high capacity line-of-sight radios, voice and data gateways, tactical cross domain solutions, small aperture satellite terminals, expeditionary servers, variable height antennas (via a quadcopter drone), 4G commercial technology, applications and associated ancillary devices. This mix of commercial capabilities integrated with programs of record systems provide commanders with resilient communications as part of their primary, alternate, contingency and emergency communications plan.
Network modernization and Capability Set progress was briefed to Army Senior Leaders during a demonstration at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) yesterday. Gen. Joseph Martin, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, and Mr. James McPherson, Under Secretary of the Army, were hosted by various senior members of the service's modernization enterprise at APG including Maj. Gen. Peter Gallagher, Director of the Network Cross-Functional Team (N-CFT); and Mr. Joseph Welch, Deputy Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T).
During the demo, Gen. Martin said he is encouraged by the collaboration among the PEOs and CFTs to integrate commercial solutions to drive Capability Set development.
"We're continuing to modernize the Army, continuing to test our equipment and we're continuing to make sure our Soldiers are competitive in future combat environments," he said.
---
The U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical develops, acquires, fields and supports the Army's mission command network to ensure force readiness. This critical Army modernization priority delivers tactical communications so commanders and Soldiers can stay connected and informed, even in the most austere and hostile environments. PEO C3T is delivering the network to regions around the globe, enabling high-speed, high-capacity voice, data and video communications to a user base that includes the Army's joint, coalition and other mission partners.
Social Sharing