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Network Integration Evaluation 15.1

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

What is it?

Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) 15.1 is the eighth in a series of Solider-led evaluations designed to further integrate and rapidly progress the Army’s tactical communications network which is a critical Army modernization priority.

The primary purpose of NIE 15.1 is to execute the Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) 2 for Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) Increment 2, the mobile backbone of the Army’s tactical network.

NIE 15.1 is taking place at Fort Bliss, Texas, and White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, from Oct. 15 through Nov. 2 and includes Soldiers of the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.

Why is this important to the Army?

As the Army of the future is designed and built, it is critical for the Army to continuously upgrade, protect and simplify the network being used by the Soldiers to communicate during missions. A globally responsive, regionally engaged Army requires an advanced, versatile and rapidly deployable tactical network to enable expeditionary operations. NIE 15.1 serves as a way-point for delivering this network and setting the conditions for Force 2025 and Beyond.

What has the Army done?

Through the NIE process, the Army integrated and validated Capability Set (CS) 13, which provided increased Mission Command on the Move capability and network connectivity down to the dismounted Soldier for deploying Brigade Combat Teams. Soldier feedback from CS 13 and the NIE led to recent changes to WIN-T Increment 2 to increase reliability and reduce complexity.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

The Army Training and Doctrine Command will conduct Force 2025 Maneuvers to support Force 2025 and Beyond. NIEs remain a critical component of this process by efficiently delivering critically needed integrated network capabilities to the Soldier. Another component is the Army Warfighter Assessment (AWA), which is an opportunity to maximize collective resources to assess joint/multinational interoperability, readiness and modernization priorities.

Beginning in 2016, annual NIEs will focus on testing and evaluation of network programs of record to continue to meet testing requirements and validate yearly capability sets for delivery, with other technologies assessed through annual AWA events. The Army will execute a deliberate transition to ensure we continue to reap the many benefits seen since the start of the NIE three years ago, including broad industry participation, improved integration and valuable Soldier feedback. Together, NIEs and AWAs will address the Army’s Warfighting Challenges and deliver network and Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership & Education, Personnel, and Facilities (DOTMLPF) capabilities to the Army in support of Force 2025 and Beyond.

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