Joint Tactical Network (JTN)

The Joint Tactical Network (JTN) program, outlined in Program Element (PE) 0605031F, is a collaborative effort among the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps to develop, integrate, and sustain a unified tactical radio network management capability. The primary goal of the JTN program is to provide a single, converged network management tool known as the Joint Enterprise Network Manager (JENM) that enables warfighters to plan, configure, load, and manage tactical radios and their associated networks across all services. This capability is intended to replace legacy planning systems and enhance the ability of commanders and network managers to rapidly reconfigure communications in dynamic operational environments.

The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) is a key component of the JTN program, with objectives centered on the research, development, testing, and evaluation of advanced software-defined radios and associated waveforms. The JTRS initiative supports the integration of Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) and a suite of interoperable waveforms, including Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), TrellisWare Scalable Manet (TSM), Warrior Robust Enhanced Network (WREN), Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS), and others. The goal is to ensure seamless communications across joint and coalition forces, supporting both current and future operational requirements.

The JENM project specifically aims to deliver a network management application deployed on RAP-TR hardware from division to company level. This application supports planning and management for tactical radio networks, enabling integration with Army Network Modernization efforts and providing further alignment with Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) initiatives. The JENM software allows for rapid provisioning and simplification of waveform planning, particularly for MUOS terminals, and supports joint service requirements for network management and interoperability.

The Waveforms project within the JTN program focuses on the development, integration, and sustainment of transport technologies necessary for unified network connectivity. This includes ongoing waveform analysis, system engineering, and the development of broadcast waveforms and radio services such as enterprise Over The Air Management (eOTAM). The project supports the Army's network modernization strategy by ensuring that waveforms remain agile and responsive to emerging warfighter needs. This includes the assessment and integration of Advanced Networking Waveforms (ANWf) and other technologies critical to the ITN.

Funding for the JTN program is managed through a joint budget strategy, with each military department (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps) contributing to the total research, development, testing, and evaluation requirements for joint efforts. The Army serves as the lead service for program execution, with Air Force and Navy funds consolidated into the Army's program element prior to execution. This approach ensures coordinated development and sustainment of joint network management capabilities, while also allowing for service-specific requirements to be addressed within the broader joint framework.

In FY 2024, Air Force funding supported continued JENM design, engineering, integration, and testing, with a focus on aligning with Army network modernization and enabling joint management of tactical networks. Planned activities included the completion of MUOS waveform planning simplification and the integration of lower and mid-tier network management capabilities. In FY 2025 and beyond, funding is realigned to the Army in accordance with the Joint Service Agreement. Ongoing efforts focus on expanding joint network management software capabilities, supporting new waveform development, and ensuring continued integration and interoperability across all services.

The acquisition strategy for the JTN program is governed by a series of memoranda and agreements that assign development and sustainment responsibilities to the Army's Program Executive Office Command Control Communications Tactical (PEO C3T). The Product Manager for Tactical Cyber Network Operations (TCNO) manages a government-owned, government-operated software development facility, employing competitive contracting strategies to ensure access to innovative technologies. The program is currently in the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase, having passed Milestone B approval, and is focused on engineering and manufacturing development tasks to meet validated requirements prior to full-rate production and fielding.