TACTICAL NETWORK COMMUNICATION

The Tactical Network Communication program, as outlined in Army budget line item 1989B11200, is designed to support the Army's Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) initiative by modernizing tactical communications and network transport capabilities. This program consolidates previous budget lines Signal Modernization Program and Tactical Network Technology Modernization in Service in response to congressional direction, ensuring continued funding for ongoing efforts rather than initiating new projects. The overarching objective is to provide Army units with resilient, high-throughput, low-latency communications infrastructure that enables mission command from home station to the most austere operational environments.

B11225 Signal Modernization Program (SIGMOD) focuses on procurement of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) networking and communications products to enhance the tactical network. The SIGMOD portfolio includes Line-of-Sight (LOS) Backhaul Radios (both mounted and dismounted), Point-to-Multi-Point LOS Radios, Broadband Kits, Commercial Coalition Equipment (CCE) variants, Secure Wireless (WiFi and Cellular), TRILOS (Terrestrial Transmission Line of Sight), and TROPO (Troposcatter Transmission System). These systems are intended to augment and extend the tactical network with mesh-enabled broadband radios, secure and flexible transport domains, and anti-jam capabilities, supporting both classified and unclassified operations.

The SIGMOD program also funds spares, post-deployment software support, hardware analysis, technical data, fielding, government and contractor management, and training. The program leverages multi-award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, allowing for competitive vendor selection and cost negotiation for each order. The goal is to rapidly deploy modern communications hardware and software to Army units, ensuring interoperability, readiness, and survivability in contested environments.

B11226 Tactical Network Technology Modernization in Service (TNT-MIS) is aimed at modernizing the Army's command and control transport layer, connecting mobile and dispersed forces to the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN). TNT-MIS funds the procurement and fielding of Regional Hub Nodes (RHN) and Global Agile Integrated Transport (GAIT) infrastructure, SATCOM Obsolescence upgrades (Extra Large Deployable Terminals), C2 At-The-Quick-Halt (ATQH) and On-The-Move (OTM) kits, PLEO and Multi Orbit Antennas, Network Appliances, Virtual Mission Enclave (vME) hardware, SIPR Enclaves, and GEO Terminals. These technologies are critical for maintaining resilient, secure, and scalable communications in large-scale combat operations.

TNT-MIS also supports post-deployment software licensing, technical support, initial spares and repair parts, contractor and government management, systems engineering, and test and evaluation activities. The program reflects the Army's prioritization of NGC2 transport layer requirements and acceleration of modernization efforts. TNT-MIS ensures continuous access to mission network tools, cybersecurity compliance, and rapid deployment of network infrastructure, with a focus on defending against emerging cyber threats and maintaining communications in contested environments.

Both SIGMOD and TNT-MIS portfolios are managed to align with Army priorities for NGC2, leveraging competitive contracting and industry partnerships to ensure cost-effective procurement and timely fielding. The programs include robust support for training, technical documentation, and integration activities to maximize operational impact. The consolidation of these efforts under the Tactical Network Communication line item streamlines management and reporting, supporting congressional oversight and Army modernization objectives.