CSS Communications

The CSS Communications program, as detailed in Army Budget Line Item 3051BD3501, is designed to support the Army's Command Control (C2) Transport strategy, with a particular focus on enhancing logistics and sustainment communications capabilities. The program's primary objective is to modernize and improve the Army's Sustainment Transport System (STS), which provides data transport via satellite communications (SATCOM) for unclassified communications among Army sustainment units. This capability is critical for enabling logistics, financial management, personnel, and health service support data exchange on the battlefield, especially for units operating in dispersed or forward-deployed environments where traditional tactical networks do not reach.

A key goal of the CSS Communications line item is to replace legacy systems, specifically the CSS Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) and CSS Automated Information System Interface (CAISI), with modernized SATCOM systems. The new STS solution is designed to be smaller, lighter, and capable of transitioning between frequency allocation bands, thus providing logisticians with high-speed, distributed access to the Department of Defense Information Network (DODIN). This ensures continuous, integrated, and synchronized support across the enterprise, while also minimizing network and data vulnerabilities.

The modernization effort splits the CAISI functionality into two distinct capabilities: Line of Sight (LOS) transmission equipment and Wireless Network Access (Wi-Fi) systems. This allows units greater flexibility in adjusting operational concepts and enables the program to adapt to emerging technologies. Depending on mission needs, each SATCOM system can be paired with LOS equipment to extend network access to the forward edge of battle, or with Wi-Fi to provide dedicated connectivity for dispersed elements. The approved Army Acquisition Objective for modernized systems represents a significant reduction in total end items fielded compared to legacy systems.

The Sustainment Information Systems (SIS) and logistics Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software systems are also supported by this modernization. These applications require reliable, redundant, and consistent unit access to enterprise-level services and global connectivity. The upgraded communications infrastructure ensures that SIS and ERP applications can be accessed on-demand, both at home station and across tactical, operational, and strategic battle spaces worldwide.

Milestone C for the CSS Communications program was achieved in April 2023, when the Milestone Decision Authority approved entry into Low Rate Initial Production for the Production and Deployment phase. This allowed for Initial Operational Test and Evaluation and preparation for Full Rate Production. Hardware procured in recent fiscal years represents the approved initial production quantities, and these procurements are intended to validate operational effectiveness and suitability before transitioning to full-scale production.

In FY 2025, the CSS Communications (BD3501) line item was consolidated into the broader SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS (B56000) program, along with the related CSS SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS (B56444) line. This consolidation reflects an effort to streamline procurement and management of SATCOM capabilities across the Army, ensuring more efficient resource allocation and program oversight. The consolidation also supports the Army's unified network strategy, integrating sustainment communications with other tactical and strategic communications systems.