However, if their mission required relocation, they would face challenges such as navigating time-consuming security protocols, complex software requirements, and unreliable network connectivity to resume operations.
"Navigating security protocols and establishing a fixed operations center in an austere environment is already a huge undertaking," said Maj. John Lucero, a deputy digital scientist for the 1st MDTF. "However, if we need to pack up our systems, establish connectivity in a moving vehicle, and maintain seamless operations, then we've added substantial complexity to our mission."
The unit, responsible for coordinating capabilities across domains, sought a solution that would allow them to mobilize quickly. Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, demonstrated that such a capability was achievable.
In a recent exercise, the task force, in collaboration with Collins, showcased their ability to manage a mission on the move. They successfully transitioned equipment loaded with mission software from a fixed location to a vehicle equipped with satellite and 5G internet, enabling them to sense a threat, analyze the data, and conduct a simulated response.
"Within minutes, the hardware was out of the tent, into the vehicle, and fully operational," said Chadwick Ford, who led the Collins team.
This exercise is part of the Army's broader initiative to enhance multi-domain operations-a military strategy focused on quickly and resiliently moving information across various environments to enable commanders to make more informed decisions.
Collins has termed the system Next Generation Battle Management On The Move.
"It's an integrated capability our team quickly pulled together from multiple technology portfolios to show how mobile command and control can be deployed and distributed," said Elaine Bitonti, vice president and general manager for Collins' Connected Battlespace and Emerging Capabilities organization, which integrates multi-domain solutions across RTX.
The system not only ensures connectivity to secure networks but also utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to help the task force rapidly analyze data and identify threats.
How They Did It
Establishing an operations center in a remote, fixed location is challenging enough. Ensuring seamless connectivity in a mobile vehicle added another layer of complexity. The Collins team spent two weeks working alongside the task force to refine and test the system, which had been under development for the past year.
"Making the transition from fixed site to mobile operations must be seamless for the operators," Bitonti said. "This requires testing, iterating, and refining that capability at the operational edge-ensuring combatants can operate in all conditions."
Since 2021, Bitonti's team has been heavily invested in collaborating with their customers during exercises like this to deliver tailored capabilities that meet operator needs.
During the day, the team worked under a small roadside awning to refine the system's hardware and software design. They used the prototype to demonstrate how the system integrated with third-party and government applications already in use by the 1st MDTF.
At night, they modified the software code and prepared the equipment for the next day of testing and demonstration.
"That was the neatest part about all this-you can put things on paper and say, 'I believe this to be true,'" Ford said, "but after you get there, and you're in that environment, you truly understand what they're going through. And they can truly understand what the technology can do for them."
Ford stated that the exercise confirmed the concept's viability and believes that the next iteration will reduce the exercise time by half. The team also plans to enhance the configuration for greater flexibility and distributed operations. By building the capability in phases, the task force can begin utilizing the technology as it improves, rather than waiting for a final product.
"Soldiers have missions, and they will execute with whatever they have. They can't wait for what's coming next," Ford said. "We broke bread with the unit there, and we have a common interest and goal, where our team is invested in helping the soldiers perform."
Related Links
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