Panther Brigade Uses Crucible of Ground Combat to Test Technology

Photo By Thomas Cieslak | Paratroopers from the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division conduct air-assault training at the recently concluded Network Integration Exercise. Paratroopers from the brigade conducted NIE as a large-scale evaluation of what may become the Army’s next generation of Mission Command technology.  

FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

11.19.2018

Story by Sgt. Cody Parsons 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

Fort Bragg-based paratroopers recently concluded an intensive training exercise requiring them to test what may be the U.S. Army’s next step in Mission-Command technology.

Paratroopers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, in cooperation with the Joint Modernization Command, recently executed Network Integration Exercise 18.2 from late October to early November 2018.

“The best way to test a paratrooper and his or her equipment is to replicate the demanding crucible of ground combat,” said Col. Arthur Sellers, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team. “NIE provided the brigade an excellent environment to evaluate the Army's future Mission Command Systems and associated technologies, with the purpose of creating shared understanding and enabling the BCT to be more lethal".

Network Integration Exercise, spearheaded by JMC, examines concepts and capabilities addressing three of the six Army Modernization Priorities – Soldier Lethality, Long-Range Precision Fires and the Future Network.

“Our main objectives are to facilitate the execution of operationally realistic warfighting assessments for over two weeks and assess multi-domain operations while obtaining feedback from paratroopers on the ground,” said Rodger Lemons, Chief of Strategic Plans at the JMC.

The exercise’s keystone concept focused on equipping 3rd Brigade paratroopers and units with emerging technology and equipment while setting them through a series of combat scenarios. Those using the equipment were then encouraged to provide candid criticism of the shortfalls and benefits of the technology.

“Paratroopers on the ground are able to give developers immediate feedback,” said Lieutenant General Bruce T. Crawford, the Army’s chief information officer. “This allows the Army to move away from the monolithic programs of record and move into a more iterative approach that allows us to keep up with technological advancements.”

We are pushing towards a culture of innovation and the role these Paratroopers are playing is a game changer, continued Crawford.

• Date Taken: 11.19.2018
• Date Posted: 11.19.2018 15:10
• Story ID: 300544
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US