OREANDA-NEWS. The Warfighter Information Network – Tactical (WIN-T) Increment 2, built by General Dynamics C4 Systems, recently completed a Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) during the U.S. Army’s recent Network Integration Exercise (NIE) 13.2. WIN-T Increment 2 is the mobile, secure communications backbone of the soldier’s network and the cornerstone of the Army’s network modernization plan. When combined with the AN/PRC-154 Rifleman and AN/PRC-155 two-channel Manpack networking radios, WIN-T Increment 2 delivers vital situational awareness, intelligence and mission command that keeps pace with soldiers and their commanders during every stage of a mission.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert M. Collins, product manager for WIN-T Increment 2, said during the exercise, that several insights indicate the "positive impact this mobile network is going to have on the way we fight across the full spectrum of military operations. WIN-T Increment 2 will increase the pace at which the Army can conduct combat operations, extend operational distances for reach and reach back, while also decreasing the military decision-making time cycle."

During the evaluation, more than 3,800 soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division conducted a wide range of on-the-move military and peacekeeping operations, both day and night, using the WIN-T Increment 2 system. The tests took place at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., from May 6 to May 23. 

“The Army’s support for the Soldiers’ Network has been unwavering and the full and continuous funding of the WIN-T program ensures that soldiers have a decisive advantage in combat,” said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems. “Communications gear can be just as important as body armor and rifles in combat."

WIN-T Increment 2 systems are currently fielded with the 101st Airborne and two Brigade Combat Teams with the 10th Mountain Division. WIN-T Increment 1, the predecessor to WIN-T Increment 2, is fielded to the entire Army with 210 systems in the hands of active-duty Army, Army reserve and National Guard units.

The centerpiece of Army’s network modernization plan, the Soldiers’ Network, includes the WIN-T Increment 2, the AN/PRC-154 Rifleman, and AN/PRC-155, two-channel Manpack networking radios and other capabilities including Nett Warrior, Command Post of the Future (CPOF) and Tactical Ground Reporting (TIGR).

Led by General Dynamics, WIN-T Increment 2, the Rifleman and Manpack networking radios and related Army programs rely on the support of hundreds of suppliers. These companies deliver vital technologies and products that support the Soldiers’ Network. Located in more than 30 states, these suppliers include small, veteran-owned, woman-owned and other businesses and represent about 7000 skilled workers.