the user interface to make it much more intuitive across the board. Training is always a challenge when preparing for an operational test at an NIE event, when Soldiers are being asked to learn many systems at once. Each time we came back through the NIE, we refined our training approach based on user feedback—pri- marily by incorporating more hands-on training and refresher courses to get at the realism and repetition the Soldiers need to be successful once they’re out in the field.
COL SWANSON: Another related les- son learned was that you can’t just focus on your own system. At NIE there are typically dozens of other systems and technologies playing a part in the exer- cise, and even small adjustments to one of them can affect your system’s performance—so a very disciplined configuration management process that is strictly adhered to is a key to success. Going into the FOT&E 2, we brought a holistic focus to all of the systems that were scheduled to participate in NIE, conducted detailed risk assessments and impact analysis both internally within the PM and across the PEO, and held regular configuration management ses- sions and integrated system readiness reviews to identify cross-product depen- dencies and reduce risk before the test. Tis paid off when we completed the pre-NIE validation exercise phase and delivered a functioning network, with all operational threads validated, to the unit two days early—a first for the Army in the NIE process.
ARMY AL&T: How have the tests helped shape new tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) for using WIN-T Increment 2 in the field?
COL SWANSON: As program man- agers, we design, build and test to requirements, but we really rely on the
NEW APPROACHES
A full battalion of networked Stryker vehicles participate in the WIN-T Increment 2 FOT&E 2, which led to new TTPs to support mission-specific uses of the system. (U.S. Army photo by Amy Walker)
users to take that system and adapt it to the realities of day-to-day operations. It’s been fascinating to watch the capabil- ity set-fielded units and the NIE units adapt the technology and develop TTPs to meet their unique needs. In Afghani- stan, we saw units adapt the Soldier Network Extension (SNE) from a com- pany command vehicle into a mobile, ad hoc network hot spot providing reach- back connectivity for multiple personnel. Tey would drive the vehicles where they needed to go, whether it was a remote forward operating base where they were taking down fixed network infrastruc- ture or a polling place during the Afghan elections, and plug in multiple laptops for email, chat and portal access, as well as the ability to make Voice over Internet Protocol satellite calls.
LTC HALL: We’ve seen field artillery units take the SNEs and connect them to their radar systems in order to pass time- sensitive targeting data back to the fire control centers. Tis has eliminated the requirement to set up, monitor and protect two to three line-of-sight radio retransmis- sion antenna sites. For several missions, the kill-chain timeline was 10 times faster when using the WIN-T Increment 2 satel- lite network compared with previous times
when using the line-of-sight Single Chan- nel Ground and Airborne Radio System data and voice network. Tese and other new TTPs are an important aspect of test- ing: Te more experience Soldiers get with the system in an operational environment executing their combat missions, the more they—and we—understand what it can do for them.
ARMY AL&T: Is there anything else you would like to add that might benefit other program managers preparing for major test events?
LTC HALL: It is critical to get Sol- dier feedback on your system as early as possible in program developmental test events that are conducted in opera- tionally realistic environments, as you prepare for your operational test. Tis will help to minimize the surprises dur- ing the actual operational test. Obtaining stakeholder buy-in for your test plan in advance;
limiting the scope of the test
to critical requirements; identifying, pri- oritizing and then mitigating risks to the operational test; and pretesting the most difficult test objectives are some other areas that may help program managers prepare for major test events.
ASC.ARMY.MIL
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ACQUISITION
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