The Network Integration Evaluation (NIE), as part of the Agile Process, is a series of semi-annual, Soldier-led evaluations designed to further integrate, mature and rapidly progress the Army’s tactical network. During the evaluations, the TRIAD – NIE TRIAD – the Brigade Modernization Command (BMC), the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) and the System of Systems Integration (SoSI) Directorate integrates networked and non-networked capabilities and then uses a full Brigade Combat Team, the 3,800 Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division (2/1 AD), to assess the capabilities in order to determine their implications across Doctrine, Organization, Training, Material, Leadership, Education, Personnel and Facilities (DOTMLPF).

The NIEs, conducted at Fort Bliss, Texas, and White Sands Missile Range, N.M., assess potential network capabilities in a robust operational environment to determine whether they perform as needed, conform to the network architecture and are interoperable with existing systems. The NIE ensures that the network satisfies the functional requirements of the force, and relieves the end user of the technology integration burden.

During the NIE, the Army conducts integrated and parallel operational tests of select Army programs of record, evaluates developmental and emerging networked capabilities in an operational environment, and assesses non-networked capabilities in an integrated operational environment.

NIE 12.2, the third exercise in the NIE series, will be conducted May-June 2012. The purpose of the exercise is to continue required evaluations in support of Program of Record milestones and funding decisions and validate the connectivity, architecture and components of Capability Set 13, the first integrated group of Network technologies to be fielded to up to eight Brigade Combat Teams beginning in 2013. NIE 12.2 also will focus on solidifying the network baseline with the formal addition of Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) Increment 2, the Army’s on-the-move, satellite-based network connectivity.

NIE 12.2 marks the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) for WIN-T Increment 2 and the Joint Tactical Radio System Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit (JTRS HMS) systems.

The Army has incorporated lessons learned from the first two NIEs, 11.2 and 12.1, including ensuring that laboratory assessments, integration and network configuration management are completed at Army C4 labs prior to the equipment arriving at Fort Bliss for gaining unit integration.

NIE 12.2 will operate in a classified environment with secure data connections and will connect to higher-Division Headquarters, being represented by the 101st ABN (AA) Division operating out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Operations will require the Brigade, Battalion and Company Command Posts to “jump” or move in an uncooperative and unpredictable environment and then establish network connectivity quickly. A battalion-sized opposition force will be employed with scenarios will be dynamic, controlled free-play exercises with hybrid threats (conventional force, insurgent, locals).