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TacJobs – Cyber Assignment Incentive Pay

Thursday, July 25th, 2024

Cyber Assignment Incentive Pay (CAIP) is designed to provide high-performing Soldiers with an incentive to pursue further professional development and certification. It is available to commissioned officers, warrant officers and enlisted Soldiers in the active Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard in designated cyberspace work roles in approved units.

CAIP compensates Soldiers with specialized skills to meet readiness challenges and support national security objectives.

CAIP currently ranges from $200 to $1,500 per month based on assignment, certification and skill level, and determined on a tiered proficiency scale (basic, senior or master) within designated work roles and units.

For more information visit www.army.mil/armycyber and www.arcyber.army.mil/About/About-Army-Cyber

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US Army Receives First, Complete IBCS Delivery

Thursday, July 25th, 2024

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Integrated Fires Mission Command Project Office, under Program Executive Office Missiles and Space, received the first complete Integrated Battle Command System delivery as part of the low-rate initial production on April 22, 2024.

Integrated Battle Command System, or IBCS, is the cornerstone of air and missile defense modernization efforts, providing transformational mission command with increased capabilities to the battlefield faster.

“The completion of this first delivery is the result of unparalleled dedication from amazing professionals. It has been a privilege to lead a team with such a high level of skill and commitment,” said Army Col. Chris Hill, IFMC Project Office project manager. “This accomplishment is an excellent example of what we can achieve when our military, industry partners, government civilians and contractors successfully collaborate on our mission.”

The Integrated Air and Missile Defense program was among the first Army efforts to enter the DOD agile software pathway process. Agile software development, coupled with warfighter prioritization and hardware development, has enabled faster adaptation to new capabilities and threats, ensuring increased consistency across all aspects of production. The program is at the forefront of the Army’s renewed vision of digital transformation.

IBCS is comprised of three major end items: the Integrated Collaborative Environment, the Engagement Operation Center and the Integrated Fire Control Network Relay. The ICE is a modular shelter that provides a collaborative environment for battlefield mission command. The EOC is an integrated fire control center that provides the engagement operations function for IBCS. The IFCN Relay performs dual functions, providing the interface for the adapted sensors and weapons and serving as a communications relay to extend battlefield operations distances.

“IBCS is the critical mission command component of our Army’s modernized air and missile defense capabilities. It is the cornerstone of our efforts to integrate future components and qualify the architecture within our annual Integrated Fires Test Campaign,” said Army Brig. Gen. Frank Lozano, Program Executive Officer Missiles and Space. “This delivery is the result of excellent work by the entire team focused on modernizing our air and missile defense systems while getting this equipment to our Soldiers as quickly as possible.”

The IFMC Project Office is helping to modernize the US Army by integration, synchronization and collaboration between all air and missile defense components. Integration efforts leverage legacy and future sensors and shooters, allowing for a single integrated air picture and coordination between fielded assets.

The fusion between existing joint systems and future developmental programs with IBCS increases overall effectiveness, dramatically enhancing the ability to track, identify, engage and defend against diverse threats. These capabilities not only help modernize the Army’s AMD capabilities, but also the capabilities of our allies across the globe who modernize to the new IBCS architecture.

By NATHANIEL PIERCE

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US Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Battery Debuts in Resolute Hunter Exercise

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. — The U.S. Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Battery, part of the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, made history by participating in Exercise Resolute Hunter 24-2, a joint, combined exercise on the base from June 25-27, 2024. This exercise marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time the Army’s hypersonic capability was integrated into the bi-annual joint training exercise.

Hosted by the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, Resolute Hunter 24-2 is the Department of Defense’s only dedicated battle management, command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance exercise. This year’s event brought together three participating nations and four joint services for a three-week training exercise.

Building on this achievement, Col. Charles Kean, commander of the 1st MDTF, emphasized the importance of this exercise, stating, “these scenarios provide invaluable sets and repetitions that build upon and reinforce the steadfast integration of MDTF capabilities in the broader partnered joint all-domain construct.”

The exercise demonstrated the battery’s ability to integrate with higher joint echelons and sustain operations over an extended period. Bravo Battery, 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery (Long Range Fires Battalion), 1MDTF, successfully employed its force package for over 72 hours, showcasing the long-range hypersonic weapon digital kill chain in collaboration with joint partners and providing real-time situational awareness to the joint command post.

Capt. Jennifer Lee, commander of Bravo Battery, highlighted the significance of the exercise, stating, “Exercise Resolute Hunter 24-2 demonstrated the critical role of landpower and the Army’s indispensable contribution to joint operations. I’m proud of our team’s commitment to excellence and their ability to adapt and innovate in a complex and dynamic training scenario.”

The Army’s long-range hypersonic weapon development has been a long-term effort, with Soldiers contributing to the prototyping process since 2019. After receiving the initial hardware delivery in March 2021, the unit initiated new equipment training in September 2021, which consisted of four three-week iterations. The fielding process was completed by the end of fiscal year 2023, enabling Soldiers to train on the equipment, create doctrine, and develop new tactics, techniques and procedures.

In February 2023, the unit deployed the capability more than 3,000 miles away to Cape Canaveral, Florida, in the system’s longest recorded overland movement to date, as part of Exercise Thunderbolt Strike, demonstrating the Army’s ability to rapidly deploy the hypersonic capability.

Since then, the unit has participated in several other named and joint exercises, with Resolute Hunter being the latest.

As a theater-level unit and joint force enabler, assigned to the Indo-Pacific, the 1MDTF plays a vital role in synchronizing long-range precision fires layered with long-range precision effects to create multiple dilemmas and neutralize adversary anti-access and area denial networks. The 1MDTF’s proven innovation, agility and lethality have led the Army to direct five full MDTFs in strategically significant locations worldwide.

By CPT Ryan DeBooy

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Petroleum Quality Analysis System-Enhanced | A Critical Enabler for the Army

Sunday, July 21st, 2024

The Army uses the Petroleum Quality Analysis System-Enhanced (PQAS-E) for analyzing and assessing the quality of petroleum products consumed in military operations. The system is typically deployed and operated at echelons below brigade level. It serves as a critical enabling asset for commanders at the tactical level, supporting their decision-making processes related to petroleum. The PQAS-E encompasses a range of advanced apparatuses that can detect impurities and contaminants in petroleum, ensuring only high-quality fuel is used. It also offers the capability to monitor fuel storage conditions, such as temperature and humidity, to prevent degradation and ensure optimal performance.

In 2018, the 590th Quartermaster (QM) Detachment petroleum liaison received official endorsement from the Army Petroleum Center to oversee the inspection of PQAS-E correlation testing within the 18th Airborne Corps. This endorsement granted the 590th QM Detachment the necessary authority and responsibility to conduct thorough inspections and evaluations pertaining to the PQAS-E system, its operators, and its correlation-testing activities.

The primary objective of correlation testing is to verify the results obtained by the PQAS-E and ensure their alignment with established standards. As a petroleum liaison, the 590th QM Detachment plays a critical role in facilitating effective communication and coordination between the Army Petroleum Center, U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, U.S. Army Forces Command, and 18th Airborne Corps units. They provide technical expertise, guidance, and support to ensure accurate and efficient correlation testing of the PQAS-E.

Through many years of correlation inspections, the 590th QM Detachment has found the PQAS-E to be a critical asset for the Army. The system enhances operational readiness by ensuring military equipment receives optimal-quality fuel, thereby maximizing performance and minimizing the risk of equipment malfunctions. This leads to increased combat efficiency and mission success. The PQAS-E also reduces maintenance costs by preventing fuel-related issues that can lead to engine failures, equipment damage, and increased downtime. By eliminating the use of degraded or contaminated fuel, the PQAS-E significantly extends the lifespan of military assets, saving valuable resources.

Issues and Recommendations

The PQAS-E system, while highly advanced, faces certain apparatus issues that can impact its effectiveness. Specifically, the apparatuses that commonly experience failures are the Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Tester, the viscometer, the analytical balance scale, the 25kW generator, and the environmental control unit. Although the Army is currently investing in research and development efforts to improve the design and durability of apparatuses, the following recommendations may mitigate some of the common challenges with them.

Regular and proactive maintenance schedules should be established for all apparatuses in the PQAS-E. This includes routine inspection, cleaning, and calibration to identify and address any potential issues before they lead to complete failures. Additionally, implementing redundancy measures by having backup apparatuses readily available can minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation in the event of a failure. Furthermore, comprehensive training programs should be provided to operators and should include knowledge of supply functions, the ordering process, proper handling, and maintenance of the apparatuses.

To achieve the optimal system performance, there must also be engaged leaders at all echelons who can prioritize the readiness of this vital piece of equipment. This includes not only 923A Petroleum Systems Technicians, but also chains of command at the company, battalion, and brigade levels. Essential players such as supply, maintenance, and supply support activity personnel are also critical to the operational readiness rate of the PQAS-E. Key personnel must ensure inoperable equipment is documented and reported on the equipment status report. This information highlights the immediate issue at hand and demonstrates the potential risks and consequences of neglecting the system’s maintenance and repair. This increased visibility promotes a sense of accountability and drives action toward allocating necessary resources, prioritizing repairs, training, and ensuring the operational readiness of the system.

During deployment, it is crucial to have personnel who are knowledgeable about the supply chain and who can efficiently manage the inventory of spare parts and apparatuses. These personnel should be well-versed in the ordering process for replacements and repairs. Operators with a comprehensive understanding of supply functions can anticipate and plan for potential apparatus failures, ensuring non-mission-capable apparatuses are swiftly addressed and minimizing system downtime. By implementing these measures, the PQAS-E system can effectively overcome its apparatus issues and maintain its accuracy and reliability in analyzing fuel quality.

The deployment/redeployment of the system also presents a challenge related to certifications/shipping methods that should be carefully considered. One significant issue is ensuring the system is certified and compliant with transportation regulations and safety standards. This includes obtaining the necessary certifications and documentation to transport the apparatuses, fuel samples, and associated equipment safely and legally. The apparatuses and fuel samples require specialized packaging and handling to ensure their integrity and functionality upon arrival at the deployment location.

Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to delays, logistical complications, and potential legal issues. In the current operating environment, units must deploy with their PQAS-E labs. Effective planning is critical to the successful deployment of this system.

Conclusion

The PQAS-E, with its advanced apparatuses and capabilities, serves as a critical asset for the Army. By ensuring the use of high-quality fuel, the PQAS-E enhances operational readiness, reduces maintenance costs, and extends the lifespan of military assets. However, overcoming the current issues associated with the system’s apparatus is crucial for large-scale combat operations. With continuous improvement efforts and investment in research and development, the PQAS-E will continue serving as a key enabler for the Army, ensuring reliable fuel-quality analysis and supporting mission success.

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Staff Sgt. Shanice Walker is a 92F Petroleum Supply Specialist currently assigned to the 590th Quartermaster Detachment petroleum liaison at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where she serves as a petroleum surveillance NCO. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in information technology from American Military University, West Virginia, and is a graduate of the Advanced Leader Course, the Joint Petroleum Course, and the Defense Logistics Agency Energy Supply Chain Course.

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This article was published in the Summer 2024 issue of Army Sustainment.

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BG Joseph G Lock Takes Command of Special Operations Command Europe

Thursday, July 18th, 2024

STUTTGART, Germany – U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Steven G. Edwards, the outgoing Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) commanding general, transferred command to U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Joseph G. Lock during a change of command ceremony at Patch Barracks on July 15.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, presided over the ceremony and spoke of the mission entrusted to Lock: “You’re inheriting a command that is located at the forefront of our nation’s mission. There just couldn’t be a more important time. The events of the past two years have jolted us awake. The war in Ukraine has served as a terrible reminder of the large-scale wars throughout history and a reminder that they can occur again today.”

Lock most recently served as Military Deputy Director of Program Analysis and Evaluation at Department of the Army Headquarters (HQDA), G-8, and was responsible for the independent assessment, integration, and synchronization of the Army Program and Army’s Program Objective Memorandum (POM). Brig. Gen. Lock’s previous General Officer assignments include: Commanding General, Special Operations Joint Task Force Central; Commanding General, Over the Horizon Counterterrorism Command; and Assistant Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).

“Under the dedicated and reliable leadership of Brigadier General Lock, SOCEUR will continue to prosper,” said Edwards. “With over 25 years spent in the special operations community, his expertise, ethics, and leadership is key for the future success of SOCEUR’s efforts in supporting higher headquarters’ priorities. I have no doubt that he will excel in his new role as SOCEUR commander.”

Edwards took command of SOCEUR in 2022. Prior to this assignment he worked as the Chief of Staff, Headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Edwards, who began his career as an Army Warrant Officer, is retiring after 33 years of service.

“I want to personally thank Major General Edwards for his leadership during the past two years here at SOCEUR,” Lock said. “His dedicated service to all allies and partners and the unique cultures they bring to our theater has fostered an inclusive operational footprint. I am honored to be a part of this dynamic command that continues to work throughout the theater, preserving security during this critical time.”

Courtesy Story
U.S. Special Operations Command Europe
Photos by SFC Tim Beery

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Army Launches 2024 Network Field Experimentation

Tuesday, July 16th, 2024

JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. — Army C5ISR Center scientists and engineers are kicking off the annual Network Modernization Experiment, known as NetModX, as they move capabilities from the lab to a field environment to assess performance of projects.

The Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center — shortened as C5ISR Center — and partner organizations will experiment over nine weeks with a broad spectrum of network-related capabilities in an operationally realistic, threat-informed environment to prove out disruptive and transformative C5ISR technologies, according to Joe Saldiveri, the event’s lead strategic planner. The C5ISR Center is an element of the Combat Capabilities Development Command.

NetModX 24 encompasses experimentation with dozens of technologies as C5ISR Center joins Army programs of record, cross-functional teams and industry partners across three locations in New Jersey and Maryland. The event supports programs of record gather experimentation data for decision-making as well as incorporating industry participation into the modernization process.

The Army Network is one of the chief of staff of the Army’s top priorities and enables critical capabilities across five modernization priorities: future vertical lift, long-range precision fires, network, next generation combat vehicle and Soldier lethality.

“NetModX is a unique venue for the Army to understand how emergent technologies perform in a converged field environment early in the development process. This approach leads to a tighter coupling between government programs and industry to mature technologies that address Army needs,” Saldiveri said.

For the second consecutive year, NetModX 24 will use a live, virtual and constructive environment that enables experimentation in a distributed manner. LVC assists the NetModX team to provide an all-inclusive service by combining real and simulated capabilities to stimulate technologies under experimentation, according to Noah Weston, C5ISR Center’s Strategic Experimentation Office chief.

The LVC environment offers multiple experimentation benefits, such as a reduction in the need for expensive or scarce real systems, the ability to rapidly iterate through experiment permutations and the ability to run experiments faster than real time.

“The C5ISR Center continues to invest and work with partners in building out LVC capabilities — to ensure we are pushing the state-of-the-art boundaries,” Weston said.

Soldier participation is also a key component to build upon work from scientists and engineers. 75th Innovation Command Soldiers will provide real-time feedback on how systems would affect operational mission performance.

“Soldier participation allows developers to gain insights into how Soldiers would interact with the programs, providing valuable lessons across the range of technology readiness levels,” Weston said.

The experimentation enables the Center to reduce risk for the Army and provide information critical for data-driven technical and programmatic decisions, according to Beth Ferry, acting C5ISR Center director.

“NetModX will help enable the Army to meet the Chief of Staff’s goal for an agile and robust Network as our top modernization priority,” Ferry said.

By Dan Lafontaine, DEVCOM C5ISR Center Public Affairs

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Airborne, SOF Soldiers Test New Weapon Sights

Monday, July 15th, 2024

FORT LIBERTY, N.C. — Airborne and special forces Soldiers at Fort Liberty are testing the latest small arms weapon sights.

The 82nd Airborne Division, joined by the 3rd and 10th Special Forces Groups, are in the final stages of testing the Family of Weapons Sights – Individual, or FWS-I, for static line and military free fall airborne infiltration.

The FWS-I program will provide Soldiers with thermal enablers for individual weapons.

“The FWS-I gives Soldiers the capability to see farther into the battlefield, increase surveillance and target acquisition range, and penetrate day or night obscurants,” said Lashon Wilson, a test coordinator for Project Manager Soldier Lethality.

“American paratroopers and special operations Soldiers are renowned for attacking when and where least expected and almost exclusively at night,” said Staff Sgt. Derek Pattle a test NCO with the Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, also known as ABNSOTD.

“Conducting forced entry operations during daylight hours leaves paratroopers exposed to enemy ground fire and counterattack during airborne assault,” he added.

“That’s why mastering night vision devices and targeting systems is a critical skill for Army paratroopers and Special Operators and vital to mission accomplishment during forced entry parachute assault.”

According to Capt. Joseph Chabries, a plans officer at ABNSOTD, the core question for military equipment employed by Army paratroopers and special operations regarding is in its survivability.

“’Can the system survive airborne infiltration?’” said Chabries.

“Individual paratroopers as well as vehicles and cargo delivery systems are bristling with technology, which can at times be fragile,” he added.

“Ensuring these systems are both suitable and effective for issue to airborne forces often requires a more technical approach.”

Staff Sgt. Dalton Carter, a weapons squad leader with 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division said, “I feel as if this is a step in the right direction for army night vision and lauded the operational features the FWS-I can provide his squad.”

The FWS-I test also exposed many veteran paratroopers to operational testing for the first time.

Sgt. David Brown, a fire team leader in Bravo Company, 1-325 Airborne Infantry Regiment, serving as a test participant during static line testing, said, “I feel like the FWS-I can be a real force multiplier for key leaders during hours of limited visibility or when the battlefield might be obscured.”

During post-drop operations, jumpers assembled for accountability and to ensure all FWS-Is were fully mission capable by performing a system functions check and collimation using the mobile boresight collimation station, which is used to evaluate the bore sight retention and repeatability of the FWS-I before and after static line and military free fall infiltration.

The data from the mobile boresight collimation station allows the test team to determine if and how much the boresight reticle on the FWS-I was moved or displaced due to any shock induced from exiting the aircraft, the opening of the parachute canopy or landing on the ground.

“ABNSOTD is one of the few organizations in the Department of Defense that maintains a bore sight collimation capability and the only mobile system of its kind,” said Mr. Jacob Boll, ABNSOTD’s operational research analyst.

The ABNSOTD instrumentation section is charged with maintaining and employing this unique capability and trained extensively to conduct post-drop weapons testing before beginning operational testing of FWS-I.

Maj. Joshua Cook, deputy chief of ABNSOTD’s Test Division described the importance of testing and how it plays into the future of technology in warfare.

“Operational testing is about Soldiers and ensuring the systems developed are effective in a Soldier’s hands and suitable for the environments in which they train and fight,” Cook said.

By Mr. Mike Shelton, Test Officer, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command

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Army Cyber Command Leaders, Partners Discuss Leveraging Information Advantage

Sunday, July 14th, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. — Military and civilian leaders from across the Army Cyber enterprise joined their expert partners from military, industry, academic, government and media organizations to discuss the ever-evolving cyber landscape and how military forces can develop and employ information advantage in cyberspace, at the Association of the United States Army’s “Hot Topic: Cyber and Information Advantage” event in Arlington, July 2, 2024.

Lt. Gen. Maria Barrett, commanding general of U.S. Army Cyber Command led the day of panel discussions and remarks that was co-hosted by ARCYBER and the Army Combined Arms Center.

“This is all for the purpose of enabling commanders to visualize, decide and synchronize the effects that they could have within the (cyber) dimension,” said Barrett during her opening remarks.

She emphasized that to succeed in that dimension requires looking at every phase of the continuum of conflict. “If you think you’re going to deliver insights to a commander about the information dimension, and you’re not looking at it in the competition phase, whatever you are delivering in crisis, in conflict, probably will fall short,” she said.

Among the other senior Army Cyber leaders participating in the daylong event were Maj. Gen. Paul Stanton, commanding general of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Eisenhower, and Lydia Snider, advisor on foreign malign influence to the ARCYBER commanding general.

Snider provided insights during a panel on the effects of social media on information advantage activities, highlighting its prevalence and growing impact on global affairs. Social media has removed borders, she said, allowing our adversaries to get into the hearts and minds of Americans. To combat their efforts, we must ask the right questions about their intentions and increase messaging about democratic ideals and values.

With information proving to be a critical instrument in influencing global affairs, the Army and its Department of Defense, allied, industry, government and other partners are focused on ensuring we are positioning ourselves to combat our adversaries on all fronts. During the last panel of the day and a media roundtable following the event, Stanton talked about how thorough planning with specific objectives is vital to getting commanders’ support for cyber operations, and the standup of three theater information advantage detachments, or TIADs, to provide broad expertise in that planning.

“We, in the Army, are promoting the theatre information advantage detachment,” said Stanton. “That is the element that is going to do the planning across our ability to influence, inform, protect, attack and support decision making that will drive tangible and measurable outcomes.”

“The TIAD has to do all detailed planning, they have to do the data collection, they have to get the approvals in order to execute mission, and then they have to do the appropriate assessment of effectiveness after the fact,” Stanton said.

Col. Bryan Babich, director of the Army Mission Command Center of Excellence, said that as with as with other cyber operations, the success of the TIADs will depend on preparation, initiative and relationship building between the Army and its partners.

“You can’t wait until crisis or conflict to start,” said Babich at the roundtable. “That is why it is so important with the TIADs and how they are forward posturing and working with partners.”

By SSG Kyle Alvarez

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