Shaping the Army Network: 2025 - 2040Shaping the Army Network 2025-2040 is informed by an analysis of technology trends and forecasts, for a commander-focused Army network that is tailored to formation, echelon and mission in the 2025 to 2040 time frame. It supports the Army Strategy and the Army Campaign Plan, and builds upon the Army Operating Concept. It serves as a guiding document to provoke thought and a means to inform and shape research, development and experimentation by both government and industry entities to ensure that the Army maintains a technology edge in future conflict.It is fully anticipated that the information, warfighting and kinetic technologies described in the operational scenario will continue to evolve over the next quarter-century. Commercial information technology (IT) developers are expected to out-pace government programs as affordability and availability of enhanced technologies secure a place within the global market. The militarization of these technologies is inevitable, as our adversaries will leverage every technological advantage they can muster. Greater availability of these advanced commercial and militarized technologies will decidedly alter the training and professional development programs that prepare our Soldiers, the tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) that our Soldiers will use in future conflicts, and the systems and processes used throughout the enterprise, from the industrial base to home station to the farthest tactical edge. This future warfare environment requires that the Army continue to invest in leading-edge and disruptive technologies, as well as education and professional development programs, in order to maintain technology overmatch in an increasingly complex, data-saturated environment. U.S. ArmyUSA_835b814e-eb88-11e5-8f4d-d16f72414e62Robert S. FerrellLieutenant General, Army Chief Information Officer/G-6... technology overmatch in an increasingly complex, data-saturated environment._9a984910-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12bTo serve as a guiding document to provoke thought and a means to inform and shape research, development and experimentation by both government and industry entities to ensure that the Army maintains a technology edge in future conflict._9a984a64-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12bInnovationTo achieve the Army Vision and remain the world's most lethal land force, the Army must continually examine, understand and respond to the environment in which it operates. The Army of 2025 and beyond will sustain a smaller force yet will maintain asymmetric overmatch through innovation and adoption of advanced network systems and processes.PreparationThe Army of 2025 and beyond will be largely CONUS-based with a smaller footprint of deployed forces; however, all forces will be prepared to respond globally and instantaneously to any validated threat. The Army will continue to fight jointly with a large and dynamic set of mission partners, and must operate seamlessly with other federal agencies and foreign governmental and non-governmental agencies, indigenous organizations and non-combatants.TechnologyU.S. adversaries will include state and non-state military, criminal and terrorist elements, all of whom will present blended physical and cyber threats. Nontraditional combatants and battlefields will continue to emerge as a result of threats from these adversaries, continued urbanization and the spread of advanced cyberspace and counter-cyberspace capabilities. The proliferation and availability of commercial technology may allow adversaries to obtain an operational advantage. Technology, including weapons of mass destruction, advanced sensors, augmented humans, autonomous processes and automated decision making, will permeate the battlefield. InformationThe speed at which data are dispersed will create an information-rich environment; however, information quality may be low and extraction of mission-relevant content may be challenging. Misinformation will be used as a weapon. AdaptabilityThe Army's ability to remain the most lethal land force in the world will depend upon how well it responds to this operational environment and whether it can sustain both operational and technological advantages over its adversaries. The material presented here is unconstrained by design and forms a baseline for discussion of future required capabilities that emerge as a result of threats, opportunities and evolving concepts of operations. Competitor and adversary investments in available and emerging technologies between now and 2040 are expected to place current U.S. technology overmatch at risk. ScienceThese findings should inform Army science and technology, IT and network investment strategies; training and professional development of Soldiers and commanders at all echelons; operational TTPs; and sustainment of the organic and commercial industrial base. It also is critical that the findings inform adjustments to Signal Regiment and cyber workforce organization and structure as new capability solutions and operating concepts are deployed. The required capability areas covered here and the technologies discussed further in Section 4 include dynamic transport, computing and edge sensors; data to decisive action; human cognitive enhancement; robotics and autonomous operations; and cybersecurity and resiliency.InvestmentTrainingProfessional DevelopmentAvailabilityIn 2040, Army operations will require that the network be continuously available across all echelons and in all environments -- from the dismounted Soldier at the farthest tactical edge, from the squad through the Brigade Combat Team, while stationary or on the move, and when deployed and at home station.ContinuityResponsivenessForces must have the ability to organize and deploy with little notice, and must have the capability to fight upon arrival, fully informed and cognizant of the threat as well as the status of friendly forces and joint, interorganizational and multinational partners.CommunicationThey must remain in full communication and coordination with higher-echelon command, whether that command element is forward-deployed or at home station.AgilityAs part of an agile Joint force, individuals and units must be able to automatically connect, disconnect and reconnect to the network, and aggregate or disaggregate with known and emerging joint, interorganizational and multinational partners, whether friend, non-combatant, government or nongovernmental agents.AutomationInteroperabilityIn all operational scenarios, forces must maintain full interoperability and synchronization with a dynamic set of mission partners in all terrains, from megacities, to canopied jungles, to open plains, to remote rugged mountain and arctic landscapes. SynchronizationMobilityOnce deployed, commanders and Soldiers must retain the capability to remain mobile, without sacrificing mission command effectiveness, therefore enhancing agility, speed and discriminatory decision-making effectiveness at all levels.TempoThe network must also enable the commander to sustain high-tempo operations, and provide extended operating ranges to enable the forward line of troops, which will move with greater speed towards the objective, to maintain situational awareness and mission command performance.DisconnectionThe network must support disconnected operations, which may include autonomous operation of a small group of Soldiers or subordinate units fully capable of performing missions while remaining undetected and disconnected from higher echelons. In addition, command posts must be able to set up, operate, tear down and move within threat timelines; and account for potential degradation of network connectivity during movement, setup or steady-state operations. DynamismTo achieve these objectives, the network must evolve to support: dynamic transport, which provides the commander access to strategic, tactical and locally available information by dynamically discovering and utilizing organic and commercially available resources; dynamic computing, where the computing infrastructure learns from operational information requirements and anticipates future needs to dynamically deploy applications and information on demand or in response to mission changes; and the growth of networked edge devices, which will provide real-time information that can be exploited locally, combined, repurposed and/or transmitted for further analysis and exploitation, depending on the needs of the commander.DataData to Decisive Action -- Data to decisive action includes a wide range of domains and technologies that share a common goal: to decrease the time it takes to gather data, transform them into high-quality information, validate them and present them in a way that best supports operational decisions. The primary benefit to the commander is the ability to bring individuals and teams together to develop insights and draw conclusions from the information available.AuthenticityAs future Soldiers become increasingly comfortable and familiar with the challenges of the pervasive and ubiquitous information environment, evolution of battlefield processes and tools must be coupled with significant advances in the systematic ability to analyze and extract applicable, effective, timely, complete, authentic and trusted information to support decision processes.TrustAugmentationAugmenting Soldiers with advanced data-to-decisive-action capabilities increases effectiveness and reduces cognitive burden.AnalysisCommanders and Soldiers must have sophisticated processing and analytic computing capabilities in order to understand, cope with, sort and apply significant increases in information. The faster flow of information to the point of need requires innovative and advanced system-based tools that structure the information to enable an accelerated data to decisive action framework. OptionsThis framework will provide enhanced situational awareness, as well as option awareness: the perception and comprehension of the relative desirability of the available options, and their underlying factors, tradeoffs and tipping points, which explain that desirability. Better common operating pictures and less technological complexity are essential to achieve this outcome. PerceptionComprehensionAdjustabilitySystems and processes must also be adjustable to focus information availability for maximum effectiveness while simultaneously seeking to minimize distractions generated by excessive data and information that are not applicable to the task at hand.FocusActionThe ability to transform data to decisive action is critical to success on an increasingly automated and information-saturated battlefield.AccuracySoldiers, teams and commanders must be able to make accurate and effective battlefield decisions. Therefore, they must be equipped with large-scale, collective, self-organizing and autonomous decision agents, machine- and application-directed information discovery, and synchronization and integration applications that overcome data flow imperfections to achieve mission command and success on the battlefield of 2040.EffectivenessTeamingHuman Cognitive Enhancement -- The Army must leverage technology to improve and enhance human cognitive, intellectual and decision-making abilities and effectiveness. Human-machine interaction and teaming are critical enablers to overcome an increasingly complex information environment.CognitionFuture force reductions, coupled with the radical increase in both threat and friendly use of autonomous and semi-autonomous systems and potential robot "swarms", require the identification and adoption of cognitive aids to augment Soldiers’ and commanders' situational and option awareness.ImmediacyThe projected increase in information and operational tempo (OPTEMPO) in all phases of operations requires that commanders have immediate knowledge of the status of Soldiers and units under their command.SynthesisIn addition, commanders must be able to synthesize this information and apply assets effectively to execute complex operations in the face of an innovative threat. These cognitive aids will also enable collaboration by distributed teams analyzing the operational environment.InteractionAdvances in human and cognitive sciences, and improvements in machine-machine and human-machine interaction, must be leveraged and incorporated into training programs to enhance Soldier, commander and unit performance.Self-OrganizationScalable self-organization and collective decision-making tools, similar to how the Intelligence Community leverages a large number of information sources to develop "anticipatory intelligence", must be employed.ModelingIn addition, tailored application of models, simulations and dynamic planning capabilities is necessary to increase Soldier, commander and partner agility, and to improve cognition and effective decision making.SimulationPlanningDecision MakingAutonomyRobotics and Autonomous Operations -- Commanders and Soldiers must have the capability to employ, manage and defend against individual, integrated collections, teams or swarms of robots that can act under human control, independently or collaboratively. Robotic missions may include management and protection of communications and information networks, and provision of decision-quality information. Advanced technologies, such as robotic swarms, may necessitate even greater network capacity and dictate that fewer Soldiers manage, control and operate a significantly higher number of operational assets. AnalysisData analysis tools are essential to make sense of the volume of data and to translate the data into usable information. ComplexityThe Soldier, the robot and the network will have to co-evolve to manage this new complexity.CoordinationRobotics must mature from today's single, heavy platforms designed for specific tasks toward coordinated teams and agile swarms with applicability across a wide spectrum of battlefield missions. Robotics will become a critical element of an agile, dynamic and mobile network that will move and fight with the Soldier as part of the unit's network and operational infrastructure, providing connectivity and continuity within and across all elements. The Army also must be able to adapt and enhance robotics to support unit defense, both kinetically against a physical adversary and virtually against digital intrusion and attack.OvermatchThese new required capabilities, coupled with more intelligence and competence under uncertainty, will help achieve and maintain the Army's overmatch in a technologically evolving future.CybersecurityCybersecurity and Resiliency -- Cyber attacks on U.S. systems, by both internal and external threats, continue to increase in frequency, severity and innovation.ReconfigurationAutomatic reconfiguration and redundant communication and collaboration must be integrated into a common operating environment (COE) to provide Soldiers and leaders decision-quality knowledge without interruption. CollaborationChangeIn addition, the threat of internal and external attacks must drive changes in how the Army assesses and grants access to networks and information, as well as the development of offensive and defensive cyber capabilities.Self-ProtectionAutomatic self-healing and self-protecting capabilities must be able to defend against all weapon systems that could impact the continuity and resiliency of the network.Self-HealingSelf-DestructionThis includes the capability to "self-destruct," thereby preventing data and system capture by a potentially successful attacker; to back up data; and to allow remote locations to operate from back-ups to maintain continuity of operations.ContinuityResilienceA directed-energy weapon (DEW) is an example of a potential future system with an unusual application and impact. While DEWs may broadly target network and physical infrastructure initially, they may also evolve to enable targeting of specific military and commercial communications and network nodes, devices and infrastructure. The network must also protect against network node and device “micro-targeting,” which involves targeting specific echelons, organizations or individual command positions or devices within the operating force. As these and other technologies continue to evolve into increasingly disruptive defensive and offensive threats, the Army must continue to improve the network's resilience and resistance posture to ensure continuous operations in an increasingly volatile environment.BalanceThese technology recommendations cannot be considered in isolation. Network operations, visibility, maintenance, training that emphasizes enhanced technology skills and sustainment requirements must be balanced with modifications to Signal Regiment and overall Army force structure.EvolutionIn addition, the evolution of specific applications, systems and platforms, to include their spectrum and power requirements, will require adjustments to how the Signal and Cyber workforces prepare for operations as part of both the operating and generating forces. Integration & DeploymentIntegrated and Deployed Network across Army Formations_9a984b36-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b1Lower-TierEstablish lower-tier capabilities (CO & below)_9a984c4e-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b1.1Commanding OfficersMid-TierEstablish mid-tier capabilities_9a984d70-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b1.2BattalionUpper-TierEstablish upper-tier capabilities (BCT & up)_9a984e10-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b1.3Aerial NetworkIntegrate aerial network capabilities_9a984eb0-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b1.4BaselineEstablish integrated network baseline_9a984f5a-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b1.5ModernizationExecute mission command network modernization_9a985004-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b1.6Common Operating EnvironmentTransition to Common Operating Environment (COE)_9a9850ae-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b2IntegrationIntegrate COE across Army formations_9a985162-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b2.1Army FormationsCP CEDeliver command post computing environment_9a985216-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b2.2Command PostsMounted CEDeliver mounted computing environment_9a9852c0-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b2.3M/HH CEDeliver mobile/handheld computing environment_9a985374-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b2.4RTSC CEDeliver real-time safety-critical computing environment_9a98543c-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b2.5Senor SEDeliver sensor computing environment_9a9854f0-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b2.6CEDeliver data center/cloud computing environment_9a98559a-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b2.7TrainingAdapt integrated training environment for COE_9a985644-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b2.8AgilityDeliver COE process agility_9a9857a2-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b2.9Utility & AdaptabilityMC Operational Utility and Adaptability through Simplified and Protected Network_9a985860-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b3UTRImprove unit task reorganization_9a98591e-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b3.1Net/OpsDeliver an integrated Net/Ops framework_9a9859dc-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b3.2Cyber & EWDeliver defensive cyber and EW capability_9a985aa4-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b3.3TransportImplement transport convergence_9a985b62-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b3.4ComplexityReduce overall network complexity_9a985c20-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b3.5InteroperabilityMC Interoperability with Unified Action Partners_9a985ce8-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b4Integration & SynchronizationImplement effective Army integration and synchronization of MC interoperability with UAP_9a985da6-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b4.1Information ExchangeMC information exchange requirements mapped to UAP_90347356-fa80-11e5-bcab-dd6e4667d12b4.2Technical StandardsSynchronize MPE and COE technical standards_90347b80-fa80-11e5-bcab-dd6e4667d12b4.3Partner FrameworkValidate compliance with joint staff mission partner environment framework_90347b81-fa80-11e5-bcab-dd6e4667d12b4.4Command PostsAgile and Expeditionary Command Posts_9a985e64-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b5RequirementsDefine command post requirements_9a986d64-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b5.1Command PostsHome-Station CapabilityEstablish home-station mission command center capaiblity_90347e32-fa80-11e5-bcab-dd6e4667d12b5.2En Route CapabilityDeliver en route mission command capability_90347e33-fa80-11e5-bcab-dd6e4667d12b5.3Early Entry CpabilityDevelop early entry command post capability_90347e34-fa80-11e5-bcab-dd6e4667d12b5.4TAC CP CapabilityDevelop TAC CP capability_9034830a-fa80-11e5-bcab-dd6e4667d12b5.5Main CP CapabilityDevelop main CP capability_9034830b-fa80-11e5-bcab-dd6e4667d12b5.6Mobile CapabilityDevelop mobile command group capability_9034830c-fa80-11e5-bcab-dd6e4667d12b5.7Command GroupsCommand, Ops, Training & ReadinessEnable Distributed MC, Home-Station Ops, Training and Readiness_9a986e40-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b6Docking StationOperationalize installation as a docking station _9a986efe-fa14-11e5-8a86-ed4d4667d12b6.1Training EnvironmentDeliver the integrated training environment on the network_9034885a-fa80-11e5-bcab-dd6e4667d12b6.2Mobile EnvironmentDeliver a robust mobile environment_903489a4-fa80-11e5-bcab-dd6e4667d12b6.3Training & Education StrategiesImprove training and education strategies, human dimension_90348a62-fa80-11e5-bcab-dd6e4667d12b6.4Network CapacityImprove network capacity to meet increasing demands_90348be8-fa80-11e5-bcab-dd6e4667d12b6.5ConsolidationConsolidate the global enterprise network_90348be9-fa80-11e5-bcab-dd6e4667d12b6.6Enterprise ServicesDeliver enterprise services to the tactical edge_90348bea-fa80-11e5-bcab-dd6e4667d12b6.72016-03-312016-04-04http://ciog6.army.mil/Portals/1/Shaping the Army Network 2025-2040.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net