The recent Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) 15.1 was largely focused on the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical Increment 2, the on-the-move aspect of WIN-T. The exercises, held in the punishing desert of Texas and New Mexico, put components of the system to a rigorous test.
Here are three key takeaways of the exercise:
See it All: Video Feature: Testing the Tactical Network
1. WIN-T allows a battalion to integrate and synchronize all of the systems in the tactical operations center in new ways. It “pulls everything together into one system, and then it gives us the ability to push it over one network,” said LTC Ryan Worthan, Battalion Commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. “More importantly, it gives me the ability to do it all on the move.”
2. This year’s point-of-presence vehicle, equipped with communications equipment to stya hooked into the network, is based on more rugged vehicles than in past exercises. One particular improvement: “Improper shutdowns were one of the biggest causes of hardware failure in previous exercises,” said SPC Gerardo Cabrera. “They have improved it to the point where you can slam the vehicle down and [the systems] will still work.”
3. The communications systems are becoming much simpler to operate, so that soldiers operating in fast-moving dangerous situations can turn things on or off, or recover from a malfunction, in much less time, said MAJ Stephen Dail, Brigade, communications officer (S6) with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.
