AFN-OTM: Enabling Distributed Operations at the Tactical Level

Note: This article first appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of Army Communica­tor.

In March of 2024, U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) Headquarters (HQ) tasked the 1st Infantry Division (1ID) Headquarters (HQ) to execute the Armored Formation Network On-The-Move (AFN-OTM) Pilot II with 1ID and 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1ID, at Fort Irwin, California, during the National Training Center (NTC) Rotations 25-03 and 25-04. The events that took place after this tasking culminated with the successful completion of 1ID HQ’s NTC Rotation 25-03 utilizing the AFN-OTM kit.

The Commanding General of 1ID, Ma­jor General (MG) Monté Rone, clearly articulated how integral the AFN-OTM equipment was to the success of Rota­tion 25-3: “AFN-OTM allowed the Big Red One (BRO) to fight dispersed, re­duced our electromagnetic signature (EMS), and provided options to me as the commander that I previously would not have had in terms of how to eche­lon unit command posts, redundancy, and reduce transition time.” This equipment set, combined with the new AFN-OTM enabled redesign of the Di­vision command post structure, has the potential to revolutionize the U.S. Army armor formations’ ability to con­duct large scale combat operations (LSCO).

AFN-OTM’s cutting-edge technology possesses the ability to transform the way armor divisions operate by en­abling distributed command and con­trol at the tactical level. The successful integration of AFN-OTM during NTC Rotation 25-03 has far-reaching impli­cations, aligning with the priorities of the Chief of Staff of the Army, the FORSCOM Commander, and 1ID’s Com­manding General. This article will ex­amine the significance of AFN-OTM in enabling distributed operations and how it supports the priorities of “con­tinuous transformation, readiness, and continuous transformation to meet emerging threats.”

The Program Executive Office for Com­mand, Control, Communications & Network (PEO-C3N) equipped several 1ID vehicles, mostly High Mobility Mul­tipurpose Wheeled Vehicles and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, with an upper tactical internet (UTI) suite of trans­port, a baseband kit, and the Unified Voice Management System (UVMS). Each vehicle’s UTI transport suite con­sists of a vehicle-mounted lower earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications (SATCOM) terminal, a “kick out” SAT­COM terminal, a commercial cellular wireless router, two line-of-sight (LOS) radios and a bandwidth diversity solu­tion, which automatically selects the best path of transport. Each vehicle’s UVMS system provides the ability to call secure voice over internet protocol (SvoIP) phones located in the DIV com­mand and control (C2) nodes and very high frequency (VHF) over the soft channel access unit (CAU), from inside the vehicles while both OTM and at-the-quick-halt (ATQH). 1ID also re­ceived four variable height antenna (VHA) drones. The VHA drones came in both tethered and untethered configurations and extended the LOS signal path across vast distances to cre­ate a meshed network between AFN vehicles. Each vehicle is also equipped with a bandwidth diversity solution that uses the automatic primary, alter­nate, contingency, and emergency (au-to-PACE) functions to ensure commu­nications are working close to 100 per­cent of the time. Having communica­tion equipment with that type of resil­iency is unheard of in 1ID’s current modified table of organization and equipment (MTOE) program of record for tactical network transport equip­ment.

The robust AFN-OTM UTI communica­tions package enabled 1ID to become the first division-level rotation to com­plete an entire rotation without con­necting to NTC’s fiber infrastructure; truly operating as a “Division in the Dirt.” 1ID’s LTC Marreo Burch (ACoS G6), LTC Aaron Adams (ACoS G3), and LTC Duane Clark (ACoS G5) created an effective plan to utilize the AFN-OTM trucks for maximum dispersion of the Division’s forward command posts (CP) – namely, the DIV Main and DIV tacti­cal command post (TAC) - while simul­taneously reducing the footprint of the DIV Main during the rotation. Four of the five DIV HQ AFN-OTM trucks ac­companied a M1087 “expando truck” with an eight-port switch inside, which were allocated to specific DIV warfight­ing functions (WfFs)/sections (Intel/ Fires, Plans, DIV TAC) and the mobile command group (MCG). The fifth AFN truck supported the DIV G2’s analysis and control element (ACE), which had a massive bandwidth utilization re­quirement and was co-located with the rear CP at the Marine Corps Logistics Base (Yermo Annex). AFN-OTM’s capa­bilities also enabled 1ID to become the first unit to jump their Rear CP during a NTC rotation, while maintaining situ­ational awareness of combat opera­tions during the movement.

Each AFN-OTM truck/expando combo conducted geographically distributed operations throughout the entire rota­tion, mostly operating away from the DIV Main and DIV TAC. While dis­persed, each AFN-OTM truck/expando combo remained directly tied to the di­vision’s current operations on both UTI and Lower TI. The 1ID Network Opera­tion functions allowed continued awareness of the common operating picture. What’s more, this equipment reduced the need for ancillary equip­ment such as static antenna masts, ca­ble spools, or multiple generators nor­mally required for dispersion. The abil­ity to operate multiple distributed CPs created several dilemmas for NTC’s op­posing forces (OPFOR) and presented opportunities for MG Monté Rone to successfully command the division from his MCG, while the DIV TAC or DIV Main simultaneously conducted mul­tiple survivability moves throughout the rotation.

The AFN-OTM capabilities demonstrat­ed during 1ID’s NTC rotation directly aligned with the guidance of U.S. Army senior leaders. The Chief of Staff of the Army, General Randy A. George, has emphasized the importance of “contin­uous transformation” as a top priority.(1) This initiative focuses on developing a more competent, cohesive, and adapt­able Army, capable of operating in a rapidly changing environment. The in­tegration of AFN-OTM during NTC Ro­tation 25-03 demonstrated a signifi­cant step toward achieving this goal.

Figure 1. 1LT Thomas J. Allen assigned as the battalion communications and network officer for the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division showcases his unit's On-The-Move prototype equipment. (U.S. Army photo by SGT Trento Lowery)

By providing real-time situational awareness and enabling seamless com­munication between units, the AFN­OTM kit enhanced the effectiveness of command and control at the tactical level.(2) This, in turn, strengthens the profession by fostering a culture of in­novation, adaptability, and decentral­ization, allowing junior leaders to make informed decisions and take initiative.(3)

The FORSCOM Commander’s priority of “readiness” was also directly sup­ported by the integration of AFN-OTM during 1ID’s NTC rotation.(4) Readiness is critical in today’s operational envi­ronment, where the ability to respond quickly and effectively to emerging threats is paramount. AFN-OTM en­hanced readiness by providing 1ID’s CPs, WfF and integrating cells Joint Air-Ground Integration Cell (JAGIC), ACE, Current Operations, and Plans the abil­ity to operate in a distributed manner, leveraging advanced communication and networking capabilities to stay connected and informed.(5) The capabil­ity provided with this pilot allowed the DIV’s Chief of Operations (CHOPS) and all subordinate units to use a “Strike Net” tactics, techniques, and proce­dures (TTPs) on a commercial collabo­ration service. This enabled units to re­spond rapidly to changing situations, making them more effective and effi­cient in their operations. Furthermore, the real-time situational awareness provided by AFN-OTM allowed units to anticipate and prepare for potential threats, reducing the risk of surprise and increasing overall readiness.(6)

MG Monté Rone’s priority “continuous transformation to meet emerging threats” was also closely aligned with the integration of AFN-OTM during this NTC rotation.(7) The Division’s focus on continuous transformation recognizes the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare, where new technologies and tactics are constantly emerging. AFN­OTM was a key enabler of this transfor­mation, providing units with the ability to adapt and innovate in response to changing circumstances encountered during NTC Rotation 25-03. By leverag­ing advanced networking and commu­nication capabilities, units can quickly integrate new technologies and capa­bilities, staying ahead of emerging threats and maintaining a competitive edge.(8)

In conclusion, the integration of AFN­OTM vehicles and its associated equip­ment during NTC Rotation 25-03 marked a significant milestone in the development of distributed command and control capabilities at the tactical level. This new equipment set removes the limitation that organic MTOE equipment emplaced on bandwidth in­tensive WfF tools and Mission Com­mand Information Systems, fully real­izing their capability in training and op­erations. This rotation also demon­strated the potential of this technology to transform the way armored divi­sions operate in LSCO. By providing re-al-time situational awareness with nearly 100 percent uptime, enabling seamless communication between units, AFN-OTM supports U.S Army se­nior leaders’ priorities of “strengthen­ing the profession,” “readiness,” and “continuous transformation to meet emerging threats.” As the Army contin­ues to evolve and adapt to emerging challenges, the integration of AFN­OTM will play a critical role in enabling distributed operations and maintaining a competitive edge in LSCO.

Lieutenant Colonel Marreo Burch cur­rently serves as the Assistant Chief of Staff (ACoS), G6, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, following assign­ments as Executive Officer at Arlington National Cemetery, Commander of De­ployable Communications Module-Charlie, 2nd NATO Signal Battalion in Grazzanise, Italy, Executive Officer of the 442d Signal Battalion at Fort Eisen­hower, and Battalion Operations Offi­cer (S3) for the 54th Signal Battalion in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. LTC Burch’s mili­tary education includes the Field Artil­lery Officer Basic Course, Signal Cap­tain’s Career Course, Resident Com­mand and General Staff College, and the Pre-Command Course, and LTC Burch holds a Bachelor of Arts in Com­puter Science from Winston-Salem State University and a Master of Sci­ence in Leadership from Trident Univer­sity International, with recognition for his service including the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and five Meritorious Service Medals.

Major Adam Joseph Black currently serves as the Aide-De-Camp to the TRADOC Deputy Commanding General / CIMT Commanding General at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Previously, MAJ Black served as the Deputy G6 for the 1st In­fantry Division and as the Brigade S6 for the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, both at Fort Riley, Kansas. Major Black is a graduate of the Signal Offi­cer Basic and Captains Career Courses, as well as the Command and General Staff College, and holds degrees in Computer Science, Business Adminis­tration, and Operational Studies. MAJ Black has been awarded the Bronze Or­der of Mercury, the Defense Meritori­ous Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Justin Carrier is the Senior Network Operations War­rant Officer for the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. A highly certified network professional (CCNP, CySA+, Se­curity+, ITILv4), CW2 Carrier previously served in network operations roles within the 2nd Armored Brigade Com­bat Team and 1st Sustainment Brigade at Fort Riley, as well as with Joint Spe­cial Operations Command and the 4th Psychological Operations Group at Fort Bragg. CW2 Carrier holds degrees in Signal System Support and Information Technology Management, and com­pleted training at Fort Gordon and Fort Benning. CW2 Carrier is a recipient of the Joint Service Commendation Medal and multiple Army Commendation and Achievement Medals.

NOTES

1. R. A. George, “Army Chief of Staff Out­lines Service Priorities at AUSA,” U.S. Army, 2023, https://www.army.mil/.

2. U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Com­mand (TRADOC), The Army Operating Concept: Win in a Complex World (Fort Eustis, VA: TRADOC, 2020), https://www. tradoc.army.mil/.

3.Krepinevich, A. F. (2019). The Future of Land Warfare. Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. Retrieved from https://www.csbaonline.org/

4.FORSCOM. (2020). Readiness. Re­trieved from https://www.forscom.army. mil/

5.Congressional Budget Office (CBO), The Army’s Network Modernization Strat­egy (Washington, DC: CBO, 2019), https:// www.cbo.gov/.

6.Joint Chiefs of Staff, Joint Publication 3-31: Command and Control for Joint Land Operations (Washington, DC: JCS, 2019), https://www.jcs.mil/.

7.1st Infantry Division, Continuous Trans­formation to Meet Emerging Threats (Fort Riley, KS: 1st Infantry Division, 2024), https://www.1id.army.mil/.

8.David C. Gompert, The Future of War­fare (Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corpora­tion, 2019), https://www.rand.org/.

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