Integrated Tactical Communications

The Integrated Tactical Communications program, funded under Program Element (PE) 0605236A, is a key component of the Army's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, specifically supporting the Next Generation Command Control (NGC2) initiative. The primary objective of this program is to modernize the Army's Command and Control (C2) systems at the infrastructure layer, ensuring that tactical communications remain resilient, interoperable, and capable of supporting the Army's evolving operational needs. This modernization effort is critical for enabling seamless, unified communications across Army units, with a particular focus on the division as the primary unit of maneuver.

The main project within this program element is the Tactical Communication Network Evaluation (TCNE). The TCNE project is designed to demonstrate and integrate networked systems at scale, aligning with the Army's top modernization priorities. Its goals include designing network architectures based on continuous warfighter feedback, conducting iterative test and evaluation cycles, and incorporating soldier input for verification and validation. These activities ensure that the network meets operational range expectations, system performance standards, and interoperability requirements across Army platforms.

A significant portion of the TCNE's objectives is centered on continuous testing and evaluation. This includes engineering analysis, lab-based testing, cyber electromagnetic activities, and user evaluations to support the ongoing transformation of the Army Network. The program places a strong emphasis on identifying and mitigating cyber vulnerabilities within the tactical network, which is essential for maintaining operational security and mission assurance in contested environments.

Future funding will specifically enable expanded network architecture development, more robust cyber vulnerability testing, and broader user engagement through events such as user juries and continuous lab environments.

The Program Management Support line within TCNE provides resources for program management, execution, reporting, contract management, and logistical support. This ensures that the acquisition strategy and evaluation processes are implemented effectively, supporting major events and integrated product team meetings. Increased funding is allocated to address the growing requirements associated with network testing and the delivery of a modernized Army network.

The Engineering Technical Support component funds technical systems engineering and analysis to evaluate communication architecture alternatives. The objective is to identify solutions that reduce costs, improve performance, and achieve TCNE's modernization goals. This support is critical for facilitating technical test support within TCNE's iterative evaluation and capability implementation strategy, ensuring that network integration efforts are technically sound and aligned with the Army's modernization roadmap.

The Test and Evaluation line is the largest funding component and supports a series of system-of-systems assessments, verification and validation activities, and continuous lab and field-based testing. These events are designed to identify network capabilities, address gaps, and propose enhancements to improve mission effectiveness, lethality, and interoperability. The feedback obtained from these collaborative events informs network modernization decisions and risk reduction strategies, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity resiliency and network performance.

The acquisition strategy for TCNE follows a System of Systems Engineering and Integration approach, leveraging support from agencies such as the U.S. Army Test & Evaluation Command (ATEC) and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM). The program also utilizes commercial off-the-shelf items and various contractual vehicles to support testing and validation. The Integrated Tactical Communications program is structured to deliver a data-centric, resilient, and adaptable command and control network, supporting the Army's top modernization priority and ensuring readiness for future operational challenges.