MORE CAPABILITY FOR LESS
to complete efficient integration using the FBCB2 product line software.
SYNCHRONIZING EFFORTS Te transition of the MTS program office into PM JBC-P created an opportunity not only for increased capabilities, but also for new efficiencies in product sup- port, fielding operations, sustainment and more.
Consolidating field service representa- tives (FSRs) and fielding operations significantly cut costs while improving FSR performance and support. Based on the allocation of systems, PM JBC-P has generally provided a dedicated FSR who trains and deploys with the brigade combat team. Depending on the mis- sion, more than one may be assigned. MTS FSRs were regionally based in both operational and training environments, supporting all formations. With the con- solidation, FSRs were retrained on both systems and aligned to the brigade.
While the reorganization reduced the total number of FSRs, it has increased support by aligning dedicated FSRs to the sus- tainment brigades, all of which now train and deploy with their units. Additionally, the JBC-P fielding team has expanded its mission and now installs the systems identified in the MTS Basis of Issue Plan. Between these two alignments, the Army is avoiding costs of more than $12 mil- lion per year compared with continued separate operations. At
the same time,
units benefit from a unified support ele- ment and fielding effort.
Furthermore, eliminating software
test and support for an evolving MTS baseline allowed test, support and sus- tainment functions to be consolidated into one process. Tis will eliminate almost $1.7 million in additional costs per year. For units, this single baseline
38 Army AL&T Magazine
ENABLING DECISIVE ACTION
Among the many upgrades JCR brings to the original FBCB2 are the capabilities from integrating the Movement Tracking System (MTS) into the JBC-P family of systems. Here, CPL Jordan Ruenyan- durr from Field Artillery Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment monitors the MTS Oct. 13, 2012, during the training exercise Saber Junction 2012, at the Vilseck Training Area in Germany. (U.S. Army photo by SPC Evangelia Grigiss, 55th Combat Camera)
results in one software platform, allowing users to migrate between systems without the burden of retraining.
PM JBC-P also eliminated one fully manned, 24/7 network operations center and its contingency backup, which was manned only when needed. Teir functions were consolidated into the two existing JBC-P operational sites that run 24/7. Te streamlining of services will eventually avoid more than $1 million in costs per year, and because both new operation centers are manned 24/7, the system will receive the benefit increased readiness.
SATELLITE SAVINGS Further cost savings were realized through a new PM JBC-P initiative that takes advantage of available commercial satellite technology by working with its provider to configure and shape beams for larger coverage areas. Tis will not
only help keep military members safe in the field, but will also mean about $56 million in cost avoidance over the next four years, based on current operational plans and contractor support.
Te impact is felt throughout DOD,
because multiple combatant commands use the satellite channels to support operational and training missions.
Before this effort, changing satellite
coverage usually required a deliberate, tightly managed and lengthy over-the-air provisioning process to move between operational or
training areas. Tis
sometimes resulted in missed deployment timelines. If not available to be provisioned over the air, the implementation process required a manual touch by the FSRs for each system. Depending upon the type of brigade, as many as 400 to 800 systems would require FSRs to connect them directly to the network.
April–June 2013
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