Calvin Blackburn 
Army Information and Communication Networks [PDF ebook] 
Modernization Efforts

For nearly 20 years, the Army has had limited success in developing an information network-sensors, software, and radios to give soldiers the exact information they need, when they need it, in any environment. Such a network is expected to improve situational awareness and decision making in combat. Under its network modernization strategy, the Army is implementing a new agile process intended to leverage industry technology solutions. The Army has taken a number of steps to begin executing its network strategy and agile process, including establishing a baseline network architecture for Army communications. The Army’s agile process involves seven phases and three decision points to allow officials to quickly evaluate emerging networking technologies to determine if they address capability gaps and can be deployed to the field. However, the network strategy is still evolving and the Army has not yet executed one full cycle of the agile process. This book addresses the extent to which the Army’s network strategy and agile process addresses cost, technology maturity, security, and readiness; and the Army’s strategy for facing other risks and challenges. This book also examines the results of the Network Integration Evaluations (NIEs) conducted to date and the extent to which the Army has procured and fielded network solutions, and Army actions to enhance the NIE process.