Joint Capability Experimentation

The Joint Capability Experimentation program, under Program Element (PE) 0603829J and managed by the Joint Staff, is a research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative designed to support the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's statutory responsibilities for experimentation on future military concepts. The program's primary objective is to ensure that Department of Defense (DoD) investments are informed by rigorous analysis and validation of joint concepts, addressing both current and emerging requirements. This is achieved through a structured process of experimentation, wargaming, and advanced data integration. The ultimate goal is to provide analytically sound, resource-conscious, and operationally validated recommendations for joint force development.

A central goal of the program is to lead, plan, and execute Global Integrated Wargame (GIWG) events. These wargames are designed to examine the operational logic of the Joint Warfighting Concept, identify capability gaps, and support the delivery of evaluated concepts to the Secretary of Defense. Through these exercises, the Joint Staff assesses baseline missions, campaign-level outcomes, and explores the tradespace for potential new capabilities. The results inform both immediate and long-term investment decisions, ensuring that the DoD remains responsive to technological advances and evolving operational concepts.

The program also supports a series of Experimentation Campaign events, including forums focused on force design and development in key areas such as Joint Fires, Joint Logistics, and Joint Command & Control. These events are essential for testing and refining concepts in realistic operational environments, allowing for the identification and prioritization of capabilities that offer the greatest potential value to the joint force. The experimentation process is iterative and data-driven, enabling the Joint Staff to focus resources on the most promising capabilities and inform the formal requirements process.

Another critical component is the Joint Experimentation Network - Advanced Technologies, which develops and sustains an integrated system of data architecture across federated knowledge platforms and networks. This system enables knowledge sharing among various experimentation activities and learning events, supporting the broader goal of enabling the Joint Warfighting Concept. By facilitating the integration and analysis of data from multiple sources, this network enhances the Joint Staff's ability to conduct comprehensive assessments and generate actionable insights for decision-makers.

The outcomes of the program directly inform foundational DoD processes, including the Joint Military Net Assessment, the Chairman's Program Recommendation, and the Defense Planning Guidance. These products are critical for shaping the future force and ensuring that the Department's investments are aligned with strategic priorities and resource constraints. The program's rigorous approach to tradespace exploration and prioritization supports cost-effective decision-making early in the capability development cycle.

Budget adjustments for FY 2025 and FY 2026 reflect both economic assumptions and policy-driven efficiency initiatives, including reductions in contract services to promote government efficiency in line with Executive Order 14222. There is also an increase in funding to support expanded joint training exercises, further enhancing the program's ability to deliver validated concepts and capabilities. These adjustments ensure that resources are allocated efficiently while maintaining the program's core objectives.