Session 1:  LandWarNet – The Journey From Vision To Implementation

Speaker:  BG Jeffrey G. Smith, Jr., DCG NETCOM

The vision of LandWarNet is clear: to enable Leader-centric operations, anytime, anywhere, at every echelon, as part of a Joint Force, by integrating applications, services, and network transport across the warfighting, intelligence, and business domains.  LandWarNet will be managed, defended, and operated as part of the enterprise global network, and it is already being spirally developed by blocks to support the Army’s Future Force, Joint transformation, and operational mandates.  From LandWarNet Wargames and Expeditionary Force Experiments to Battle Command and Network Optimization lessons learned the future is being crafted while some components of implementation are already underway.

Session 2:  Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations

Speaker:  Mathew J. Cullen, Chief, Frequency Spectrum Proponency Office, SIGCEN

Operationalizing Spectrum Management into Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO).  ”It’s not just about the network”.  EMSO has an operational focus providing spectrum support for all radio systems in the battlespace: communications, electronic warfare, air defense, radar, and etcetera.  The core functions of EMSO that the S6 needs to ensure are performed include: spectrum management, frequency assignment, host nation coordination, and policy enforcement.  EMSO consists of planning, operating, and coordinating joint use of the electromagnetic spectrum through operational, planning, and administrative procedures. The S6 must ensure that his staff enables electronic systems to perform their functions in the intended environment without causing or suffering unacceptable frequency interference. The specific major tasks performed include evaluating and mitigating electromagnetic environmental effects (E³), managing frequency records and databases, de-conflicting frequencies, frequency interference resolution, allotting frequencies, and electronic warfare coordination to ensure electromagnetic dependent systems operate as intended.  Host Nation coordination is accomplished and national and international policies are enforced by the S6 prior to requesting individual frequency assignments to ensure that they are issued with authorization to use on specific equipment such as combat net radio (CNR) and Area Common User Systems (ACUS).

Session 3:  Network Service Center – Training (NSC-T) and – Regional (NSC-R): Providing Net-Centric Training & Operational Support to the Warfighter

Speakers:  Dale A. White (NSC-T Technical Director) and Bruce Reese, NSC-R SIGCEN Project Officer

During this session, presenters will provide an overview and discussion on both the Network Service Center – Training (NSC-T) and the Network Service Center – Regional (NSC-R) concepts.  The NSC-T fulfills the shortfall in sustainment training capability associated with the fielding of the Joint Network Node (JNN) identified in mid 2005.  The NSC-R will be a Warfighter enabler accessible around the globe.  All of these assets will be accessible by deploying and deployed Soldiers and Marines in support of Joint Warfighting Operations.

This session provides an overview of the NSC-T, a recently established organization at Ft. Gordon, GA that fills an identified training shortfall.  The purpose of the NSC-T along with the rationale for its establishment will be examined.  The NSC-T currently provides services for many disparate organizations including Combatant Command (COCOM) warfighting units, TRADOC resident training and concept development, and risk mitigation experimentation for PMs.  A detailed explanation of the NSC-T mission set will be provided along with its current and planned capabilities. 

The NSC-R will be a Warfighter enabler created through a virtual combination of network capabilities that provide commander-controlled and -directed global network connectivity and services to deployed units that primarily employ the Joint Network Node-Network (JNN-N) architecture.  In addition, the NSC-R integrates, and extends multiple wide area networks (WAN), hosts servers and services, and delivers network capabilities to local area networks (LAN) at the user unit level. It is important to understand the concept that an NSC-R is not a single entity housed in a fixed facility; rather, it is a logical amalgamation of services provided by complementary regional capabilities.

Session 4:  Evolution of Warfighting Communications

Speaker: COL Calvin Lawyer (Director, TCM NS)

The current environment calls for continued evolution of new communications assets as to keep pace with technology advancement.  The Joint Network Node (JNN) is the initial step in this process within the Army as we move to the objective, Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T).  WIN-T is the Army's premier information network to support the Future Modular Force. Enabling timely and accurate delivery of information based on the commander’s priorities is key to supporting the warfighter.  During the brief the presenter will cover the requirements for Army’s evolutionary process to support the Warfighter from JNN to WIN-T.

Wednesday, 22 August 2007

Session 5:  The Aerial Layer – The Network Between Ground and Space

Speaker: Paul M. Chernek (Deputy, TCM S&NE)

The joint force requires a robust, high capacity communications network that is capable of providing responsive information transport to all users over extended distances, in complex, urban terrain, and while on the move.  The network must transition from its current reliance on relatively fixed and static satellite and terrestrial line-of-sight (LOS) components to a network that provides beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) connectivity, which is multi-layered in depth and capability.  An aerial layer, in combination with existing terrestrial and space assets, will enable continuous network connectivity to networked weapon systems, sensors, Soldiers, leaders, platforms and command posts (CP) at all echelons; during all phases of combat, while on-the-move (OTM), in complex/urban terrain and in all weather conditions.  The session will include discussion on the importance of an aerial layer network; key events/milestones and the future of aerial communications. 

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Session 6:  4ID Division G6 – A Perspective on OIF

Speaker:  LTC Douglas Babb (4ID ACOS G6)

Session 7:  Advancements in the Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS)

Speaker:  COL John K. Dewey (Director, TCM TR)

During this session, the presenter will outline current advancements in systems capabilities which directly affect the warfighter to include increased data rates; incorporation of COTS state-of-the-art components, software, and COTS (IP) interfaces; software-defined architecture; impact of value engineering; relationship to JTRS; and cost reduction measures.  Additionally, the brief will discuss challenges facing today’s Soldiers and Marines operating in a joint environment, along with the associated spectrum challenges facing the system.  Future force networking must be multi-service, multi-mission, capable of moving hundreds of kbps, and readily software upgradeable.  While EPLRS has all of these characteristics the system continues to evolve into a more sophisticated radio continuously leveraging technology in order to meet the warfighters needs across all DoD Services.  The benefits to the warfighter include IP services, ad-hoc networking for non-LOS service while EPLRS connects Commanders, Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, Amphibious Forces, Ground Forces, Dismounted Soldiers/Marines as well as Mounted Soldiers/Marines.  EPLRS provides today’s military with direct access to multiple types of information (SA which provides common operational picture, C2-Messages, Voice, Video, and Chat capabilities).

Session 8:  Setting the Course for Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS)

Speaker:  COL John K. Dewey (Director, TCM TR)

The JTRS program has been in transition for more than a year going through evaluation and assessment in order to plot a solid course forward.  The transformational and network-centric JTRS is moving from a "big bang" requirement and acquisition strategy toward an incremental phased approach.  During this session, the presenter will discuss the JTRS JPEO established initiatives and management directives to develop a standardized family of joint software-programmable tactical radios.  JTRS will provide voice, data, and video communications interoperable across the services and joint battle space.  Additionally, the presenter will discuss the new focus of the program and reorientation utilizing centrally-managed domains (Ground, Airborne and Maritime, Network Enterprise, and Special Radio Systems) and program-management offices, which ensures a comprehensive and cohesive foundation necessary to guarantee the success of JTRS.  Lastly, the presenter will discuss resource funding for transformational network capabilities and service priority waveforms, including the Wideband Networking Waveform, the Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW), and Joint Airborne Networking-Tactical Edge for the joint war fighter.