To truly test new communications systems under field conditions, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division took on a “peer competitor” at the Network Integration Evaluation 15.1.
“They’ve got almost every capability that we possess to consider network computer operations for cyber defense and cyber attack capabilities, said COL Chuck Masaracchia, who commands the brigade. “They also possess just about every IED that we’ve found in theater.”
The soldiers who played the role of the enemy force had an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team to handle the roadside bombs. The exercise included live IED explosions and air assault missions to test the new systems, most of which are mission command systems.
The training isn’t limited to the network and IT departments, Masaracchia said. “For the average soldier that is not touching the network, I tell you it’s field craft,” he said. “They’ll be staying out in the field for about a month, learning how to survive and take care of themselves in the field.”
