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Network Integration Evaluations 13.1

What is it?

Network Integration Evaluations are an adaptive and evolutionary approach to designing, integrating, and maturing the Army's tactical network. Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) 13.1 is the fourth in a series of semi-annual, Soldier-led exercises critical to building our network and allowing the Army to leverage industry, eliminate burdens on deployed forces and reduce acquisition costs while providing greater capability to Soldiers faster.

What has the Army done?

NIE 12.2, conducted May-June 2012, was the largest NIE accomplished to date and was the first full brigade level validation of Capability Set (CS) 13 (network architecture) conducted in a hybrid threat environment. NIE 12.2 established the CS 13 baseline that is currently fielding to deploying Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs). NIE 13.1 will build upon the success of NIE 12.2 with goals to include initial evaluations of the Capability Set 14 Integrated Baseline,Integration and Assessment of Capability Set 14 onto heavy platforms, continued network operations (NETOPS) convergence with NIE 13.2 estimated for final NETOPS baseline, and assessments of operations-intelligence convergence.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

NIE 13.1 will take place in October and November 2012, and be conducted by the 3,800 Soldiers of the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division (2/1 AD), and managed by the NIE "TRIAD" - the Army Test and Evaluation Command, the Brigade Modernization Command and the System of Systems Integration Directorate. NIE 13.1 will conduct several program tests for record on site, an additional distributed test for record from Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., and evaluate more than 20 industry and government capabilities known as Systems Under Evaluation (SUE). Nett Warrior will conduct its Initial Operational Test and Evaluation as part of NIE 13.1.

Why is it important to the Army?

NIEs are critical to executing the network strategy, and fielding the most current technology, while being fiscally responsible. Through the NIE process, potential network and non-network capabilities are assessed in a robust operational environment to determine whether they perform as needed, conform to the network architecture and are interoperable with existing systems. The exercises also ensure that the network satisfies the functional requirements of the force, and relieves the end user of the technology integration burden. The NIEs have not only allowed for Soldier-driven evaluations and assessments of network technologies, they have also aided the Army in development of Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for CS 13 capability. Lessons learned from the NIEs have been applied as the Army works to field, train and sustain the capability set.

Resources:

Networking the Soldier
Army Test and Evaluation Command
STAND-TO!: Capability Set 13 Fielding
Army.mil: Science and Technology News
Video: Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Lloyd J. Austin, III experiences Network Integration Evaluation