Photo By Staff Sgt. Victor Everhart | FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Spc. Ian Clark and Spc Cameron Braxton, Phoenix operators for...... read more read more
The Warfighter Information Network – Tactical (WIN-T) is the backbone of the Army’s tactical communications. WIN-T Increment 1 comprises over ninety percent of the Army’s tactical network and provides at-the-halt voice and video communications to command posts for battalions and higher.
This full range of data is provided using both line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications nodes.
Due to the recent upgrade referred to as Network Centric Waveform (NCW) we now have the capability to talk to WIN-T Increment 2 assemblages with Increment 1 equipment. The Army is fielding an enhanced Network Operations (NetOps) tool suite as well. This tool suite is being fielded across both INC 1 and 2 of the WIN-T network; enabling communication officers to simultaneously plan and manage across the increments as one network.
Due to the NCW upgrade to the WIN-T INC 1 and the NetOps tool suite, the different generations of the WIN-T can now be used simultaneously and effortlessly.
“Because of this, the capabilities and range of influence of an expeditionary signal battalion has the potential to dramatically increase,” said Sgt. 1st Class Steven Lovejoy, the Platoon Sergeant, 2nd Platoon, A Company, 50th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 35th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade.
Lovejoy understands the need to communicate during movement and stated, “it would’ve been beneficial to have this equipment during my last deployment.”
INC 2 provides on-the-move mission command capabilities; employing both LOS and BLOS connectivity. It enables operations at the company level in harsh and remote terrain by providing voice, video, and data communications connectivity that rivals what can be found with a stationary command post. Soldiers have access to the network at multiple levels of security and have the option of using applications for maneuver, fires, and intelligence from inside vehicles.
2nd Lt. Thomas Fox, a Platoon Leader in Alpha Company, 50th Expeditionary Signal Battalion is fascinated by the possibility of getting to work with this equipment on the upcoming deployment.
“Even if we don’t deploy with Increment 2 capabilities, I’m excited at the possibility of testing out other units’ upgraded Inc 2 equipment to see exactly what we’re missing,” Fox said.
The use of INC 2 would give the ESB the ability to provide network support without having to be stationary. This allows us to move with whatever unit we are supporting and provide constant voice and video communications to command posts. With INC 2, we would provide a seamless connection with the upper and lower echelons of command. WIN-T capabilities will no longer be limited by location or elevation.
“As a future commander and S6, I hope that this equipment is rapidly integrated into the Army because the possibilities are endless,” said Fox.
Any INC 1 assemblages that are already established in a battle space will be able to communicate with INC 2, allowing planning and coordination. Increment 2 broadens our horizons and focuses our scope by providing the capability to do everything WIN-T Increment 1 does, but it does it on-the-move. We can now provide a completely different command climate with faster and more efficient coordination and planning.
The 25L military occupational specialty would be phased out since there would be no job scope for them with INC 2 equipment. The downside of INC 2 is there is an added dimension of defending the live network while on the move. Also, the newer equipment would involve extra training to ensure Soldier efficiency. The most beneficial aspect of the WIN-T Increment 2 network is that the command team has direct and instant control of the battle space.
| Date Taken: | 03.01.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 09.12.2017 15:18 |
| Story ID: | 247925 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 288 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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