COMMAND & CONTROL ON-THE-MOVE


C2 OTM: ENHANCING ARMORED FORMATION SURVIVABILITY


In light of the critical need to enhance C2 on-the- move (OTM) to outpace the enemy in future large scale combat operations, the Army is setting the stage for the second phase of its Armored Formation Network OTM Pilot. The first phase of the pilot was held in February 2022 at Fort Stewart, Georgia. During Phase II, which is expected to begin later in 2024, the service will further evaluate new and emerging commercial OTM line-of- sight and beyond-line-of-sight network transport and baseband technologies to be integrated onto select armored vehicles. The Army will also evaluate small quick-halt terminal solutions that can be pulled off the back of the platform and set up in minutes when addi- tional bandwidth is needed.


This OTM network equipment set will provide armored formations with the data and communica- tions commanders need to make and execute rapid informed decisions in both offensive and defensive operations. “We understand clearly that in future large scale combat operations, remaining static in one loca- tion will threaten the safety of our Soldiers,” said Col. Stuart McMillan, project manager for Tactical Network, at PEO C3T. “In response, we’re building that resilient, transport agnostic, on-the-move network needed to enable data exchange, C2 and decision dominance in future fast-paced conflicts against more advanced adversaries.”


The Armored Formation Network OTM design will be modular and standardized, enabling systems to be integrated across various platforms for mobile upper tactical transport network communications and C2 OTM. Because of the modularity, units will be able to quickly install, replace or add components that pertain to their particular missions. Considerations for C2 node survivability include mobility, resiliency, disper- sion and electromagnetic signature, as well as size, weight and power to accommodate armored vehicle space limitations.


REMOTE COMMUNICATION


During the first phase of the pilot in February 2022,1st Lt. T.J. Allen, the communications and network officer assigned to 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, communicates with the brigade headquarters from inside his network-integrated tracked vehicle at a remote location at Fort Stewart, Georgia, in February 2022. (Photo by Amy Walker, PEO C3T Public Affairs)


Phase II of the Armored Formation Network OTM Pilot will validate OTM solutions for production and integra- tion and inform decisions on the integration of new technologies on Strykers, AMPVs and JLTVs. However, for the pilot itself, the Army may integrate systems on legacy platforms that are more readily available and less disruptive to unit operations. Phase II will inform and recommend a family of OTM solutions, enabling units to select capabilities from the available options to meet the requirements of each echelon and mission. “We want to reduce complexity for our Soldiers, and increase the agility and flexibility needed to fight and communicate on the move in any combat scenario,” McMillan said.


Some of the Armored Formation Network OTM Pilot Phase II technologies to be evaluated include high throughput, low latency, multi-orbit satellite communi- cations and more resilient waveforms and line-of-sight capabilities. It will also include automatic primary,


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Army AL&T Magazine


Spring 2024


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