{"id":22337,"date":"2019-10-15T14:01:19","date_gmt":"2019-10-15T14:01:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/c4isrnet\/uncategorized\/2019\/10\/15\/this-company-thinks-it-can-accelerate-the-armys-tactical-network-fielding-timeline\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T18:11:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T18:11:55","slug":"this-company-thinks-it-can-accelerate-the-armys-tactical-network-fielding-timeline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/c4isrnet\/show-reporter\/ausa\/2019\/10\/15\/this-company-thinks-it-can-accelerate-the-armys-tactical-network-fielding-timeline\/","title":{"rendered":"This company thinks it can accelerate the Army\u2019s tactical network fielding timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Under the Army\u2019s approach for modernizing its tactical network, the service is delivering incremental capabilities to particular types of units every two years beginning in 2021 and running through 2028. This approach, according to the Army, allows it to conduct experimentation, receive soldier feedback and identify the right mix of systems for units while adopting and taking into account rapid commercial technological advancements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2021, the Army is to field new capabilities and communications gear to four infantry brigades, among other more specialized Army units, while heavier units, to include Stryker and armored units, are to receive such gear in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But American defense company General Dynamics Mission Systems wants the Army to prioritize armored units, given renewal of a great power competition and that these heavier units would be sent into battle if the U.S goes to war with Russia or China. These heavier units currrently don\u2019t have the capabilities to communicate on the move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe real concern is if the balloon goes up tomorrow with Russia or China, it is our heavy formations that are actually going to be fighting the fight, not necessarily the light guys. Are we really waiting until 2023 in order to field that capability to our most mobile and our most lethal force?\u201d Scott Dunderdale, vice president of Army tactical network programs at GDMS, told C4ISRNET at the Association of the U.S. Army\u2019s annual conference Oct. 15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Army \u201cactually agreed with us,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The service has worked with light infantry airborne units during the experimentation phase, but Dunderdale pointed out that Army officials have said they would focus on heavy units earlier if there was more money.<\/p>\n\n\n\t