Joint Tactical Network (JTN)

The Joint Tactical Network (JTN) program, funded under Army Program Element 0605031A, is a joint service initiative focused on modernizing Command and Control (C2) systems through advanced network management and waveform technologies. The goal is to deliver integrated, secure, and agile communications capabilities for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, supporting Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) priorities. The program is structured to ensure each military department contributes to the total Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) funding, with the Army serving as the lead service and program manager.

EF5: Joint Tactical Network (JTN) supports the development and integration of the Joint Enterprise Network Manager (JENM) and Joint Network Management Software for Radio Terminals. The objective is to provide a unified network management tool that enables warfighters to plan, configure, load, and manage tactical radios and their networks in the field, improving upon legacy systems. JENM supports a suite of software-defined radios and waveforms, including Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET), MUOS, TSM, WREN, DAMA SATCOM, IW, VULOS, SATURN, and SINCGARS. This capability enables rapid reconfiguration of networks and enhances operational decision-making by providing commanders with critical communications status information.

The JENM Program Office Support line item funds program management activities necessary for the continued development and expansion of JENM capabilities. This includes design, engineering, integration, and testing efforts to meet joint service requirements, leveraging both matrix and contractor support. The program office also oversees the integration of network management capabilities across service branches, aiming to enable consolidated tactical network management for soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. Additional objectives include simplifying MUOS waveform planning and provisioning, and expanding deployment onto secure enclaves.

The JENM Development budget line is dedicated to the technical advancement of the Joint Network Management Software. This includes consolidated communications planning, network configuration, activation, position reporting, fault and security management, and network health monitoring. The software interfaces with external network managers, mission planning systems, key management systems, and spectrum planning tools, and is considered mission essential. Funding will focus on supporting Advanced Networking Waveforms (ANWf), further integrating joint service networks, and enhancing the ability of soldiers to manage tactical radio networks from division to company level using Ruggedized Application Platform - Tactical Radios (RAP-TR) hardware.

EX6: Waveforms is a complementary project element that provides the transport technologies and waveform capabilities necessary for unified network connectivity. Objectives include developing, maintaining, and upgrading portable, interoperable MANET waveforms, Advanced Networking Waveforms (ANWf), and network enterprise services. The program also supports waveform analysis, system engineering, and integration for ground/line-of-sight waveforms such as TSM, WREN, and SINCGARS, in accordance with DoD directives. Additional efforts include developing broadcast waveforms, radio services like enterprise Over The Air Management (eOTAM), and assessing ANWf viability for future Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) capability sets.

The Waveforms Software Development line item funds the creation and enhancement of tactical radio waveforms, with a focus on SINCGARS Frequency Hopping 4 (FH4), Warrior Robust Enhanced Network (WREN), and eOTAM. Objectives include improving electronic protection, scalability, and resilience against electronic warfare and cyber threats. The program also supports post-deployment software support, system and architectural engineering for ANWf technologies, and the adoption of modular and open system architectures (MOSA) for future integration efficiencies.

Waveforms Test and Evaluation and Software Support/System Engineering budget lines ensure that new and upgraded waveforms meet interoperability, range, scalability, and readiness requirements. These efforts include laboratory and field-based risk reduction, functional qualification testing, NSA certification, and performance characterization. The program also provides ongoing software support and systems engineering for radio services, ensuring compliance with NSA security standards and interoperability with coalition partners.