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CTSF prepares for summer
execution, NIE 13.2
Claire Heininger, U.S. Army
A soldier from 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored
Division uses Common Tactical Vision
during the Army’s fourth Network
Integration Evaluation, NIE 13.1. The
touch screen-based tool is used for
mission command planning at various
echelons across the brigade combat team.
FORT BLISS, Texas –Central
Technical Support Facility-
Forward personnel have been
fully engaged in preparations
for Network Integrated Evaluation
13.2 scheduled for early
summer this year.
The CTSF-F’s Capt. Edgar Lopez,
reports two of the facility’s
network engineers and a configuration
manager are working
on a daily basis in support of
the Brigade Modernization
Command, and are providing
valuable contributions in network
integration workgroups.
“We’re continuing to provide
network engineer support on
the System of Systems [Engineering
&] Integration Directorate
front as well,” Lopez said.
Other CTSF-F team members
are working with the leader
Continuous Process Improvement
engineer in the development
of operational plans
supporting the “full execution”
of the NIE, and are continuing
assistance to Army radio operators
in troubleshooting the
Sub-Network Access Protocol,
or SNAP.
THE INTEROPE
CTSF test experts examine 101
tactical system test cases for
Army interoperability
Claire Heininger, U.S. Army
As part of Capability Set 13, the Army is
fielding Warfighter Information Network-
Tactical Increment 2, a major upgrade to
the tactical communications backbone that
will introduce mission command on-themove,
allowing soldiers to communicate
continuously inside tactical vehicles. WIN-T
Increment 2 will also extend satellite
communications to the company level, so
the soldiers closest to the fight will have
greater connectivity than ever before.
FORT HOOD, Texas – The Central Technical Support Facility
Test Team was hard at work in mid-March and early April in the
Software Block 11-12 Army Interoperability Certification, AIC, Tri-
Annual test.
The event, the second of three major interoperability certification
tests scheduled this year for Software Block 11-12, will see CTSF
test officers and operators, examining 101 test cases involving
major tactical software systems.
The Bradley Fire Support Team, air defense artillery, and fire support
systems were the primary focus of testing during the opening
weeks of the AIC event. The test team turned its attention to other
systems, including aviation software, later in the event.
The CTSF test floors were linked to the Redstone System Aviation
Integration Lab to facilitate testing of aviation systems during the
AIC event, according to CTSF Test Director Madeline Wright.
26 THE LINK | SPRING 2013