PM WIN-T (Project Manager Warfighter Information Network-Tactical) is a component of Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical in the United States Army. PM WIN-T has been absorbed into PM Tactical Networks as Product Manager for Mission Networks.
PM WIN-T designs, acquires, fields and supports tactical networks and services for US Army Soldiers, most notably the WIN-T suite of communication technologies.
About PM WIN-T provides the communications network (satellite and terrestrial) and services that allows the Warfighter to send and receive information in tactical situations. WIN-T is the transformational Command and Control system that manages tactical information transport at theatre through Company Echelons in support of full spectrum Army operations.
Besides WIN-T Increments 1, 2, and 3 (WIN-T), PM WIN-T is also responsible for the following systems, among others: the Area Common User System Modernization (ACUS MOD); Regional Hub Nodes (RHN); SIPR/NIPR Access Points (SNAP); Deployable Ku Band Earth Terminals (DKET); Secure, Mobile, Anti-Jam, Reliable, Tactical - Terminal (SMART-T); Phoenix/Super High Frequency (SHF); Global Broadcast Service (GBS), Standardized Integrated Command Post System (SICPS); and Harbormaster Command and Control Center (HCCC).
WIN-T
History In 1985 the Army embarked on the acquisition of the Mobile Subscriber Equipment (MSE) system, at an overall cost of more than billion (equivalent to $billion in ), to fill communications requirements from division down to the battalion level. MSE filled tactical telephone and switchboard requirements with a smaller, more mobile switching capability than had previously been used.
However, military operations in Desert Storm in 1991, as well as Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2001 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 revealed inadequacies in MSE to support highly mobile and dispersed forces in a digital environment. Before the widespread availability of satellite communications technology, battlefield communications required the installation and maintenance of relay towers and cables, limiting range and flexibility of missions. The outdated MSE could no longer keep up with the pace of battle. WIN-T was conceived to solve this problem and to enable mobile mission command on the battlefield. The systems development and integration for Project Manager WIN-T began in 2002.
Consequently, the Joint Network Node (JNN) network, as an outgrowth of the 3rd Infantry Division Operational Needs Statement, was developed to bridge the gap between MSE and the "full" on-the-move WIN-T network capability. The JNN network provided battalion-level and above with the ability to connect to the Army's digitized systems, voice, data and video via satellite Internet connection at-the-quick-halt. It obtained instantaneous battlefield success.
As a result, the Army, along with Congressional assistance in the form of supplemental funding, shifted their priority from WIN-T to JNN. The fielding of JNN started in 2004 to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. As the result of a Nunn-McCurdy restructure on June 5, 2007, the WIN-T program was restructured into four separate Increments. The JNN program was integrated into WIN-T as Increment 1. Further development led to Increment 2, which was first fielded in 2012. Funding re-allocation was debated by Congress in early June 2021.
WIN-T Increment 1 WIN-T Increment 1 provides networking at-the-halt capability down to battalion level (1a) with a follow-on enhanced networking at-the-halt (1b) to improve efficiency and encryption. WIN-T Increment 1 components reside at the theater, corps, division, brigade and battalion levels.
WIN-T Increment 1 provides a full range of data, voice and video communications at-the-quick-halt, which allows soldiers to simply pull over on the side of the road to communicate without wasting valuable time setting up complicated infrastructure. WIN-T Increment 1 is a Joint compatible communications package that allows the Soldier to use advanced networking capabilities, and is also interoperable with current force systems and future increments of WIN-T. WIN-T Increment 1a upgrades the former Joint Network Node (JNN) satellite capability to access the Ka-band defense Wideband Global Satellite (WGS), reducing reliance on expensive commercial Ku-band satellite. WIN-T Increment 1b introduces the Net Centric Waveform (NCW), a dynamic waveform that optimizes bandwidth and satellite utilization and Colorless Core technology, which further enhances security.
Capabilities: Communications at-the-quick-halt Interoperable with all current and future WIN-T Increments Provides interface to legacy systems Encrypts classified traffic over Department of Defense (DoD) unclassified network Supports modularity by allowing a brigade combat team to have self-sustaining reach back communications Provides Internet infrastructure connectivity directly to the battalion level and above Allows independent deployment of command posts and centers constrained by line-of-sight radio ranges Connects the Soldier to the Global Information Grid /Defense Information Systems Network Transitions Army networks from proprietary protocols to Everything Over Internet Protocol Incorporates WIN-T Increment 2 technical insertions for improved capability
WIN-T Increment 2 WIN-T Increment 2 provides networking on-the-move (OTM) capability through the addition of a secure networking package on existing Tactical Vehicles. This package employs military and commercial satellite connectivity and line-of-sight (terrestrial) radios and antennas to achieve end-to-end connectivity and dynamic ad hoc mobile networking operations. WIN-T Increment 2 extends the network to company level for maneuver brigades for the first time.
WIN-T Increment 2 increases mobility and provides a communication network down to the company level. Tactical Communication Nodes in Increment 2 are the first step to providing a mobile infrastructure on the battlefield. Combined with the Points of Presence (PoP), Vehicle Wireless Packages, and Soldier Network Extensions, Increment 2 enables mobile mission command from division to company in a completely ad hoc, self-forming, self-healing network. The WIN-T Increment 2 addition of embedding communications gear in select vehicles brings Secure Internet Protocol Router (SIPR) and CENTRIX (CXI) into the warfighting platform. Select staff have the ability to maneuver anywhere on the battlefield and maintain connectivity to the network.
WIN-T Increment 2 began fielding in October 2012 to the 4th Brigade Combat Team (4th BCT) of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Polk, LA. The system made its combat debut in Afghanistan in July 2013 with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment (4BCT/10MTN). In particular, the network PoP greatly enhanced the ability of 2-4IN to maintain network access, increasing situational awareness and threat warning while on the move and at the halt during multiple week-long, long range expeditionary advising operations with the Afghan National Army.
Capabilities: Increment 2 supports initial collaboration, mission planning and rehearsal, and for the first time introduces mobility to the network. Increment 2 brings a mobile network infrastructure, which means the network stays connected while moving. Increment 2 extends the network down to Company level.
WIN-T Increment 3 WIN-T Increment 3 will provide the fully mobile, flexible, dynamic tactical networking capability needed to support a highly dispersed force over isolated areas. Building on previous increments, it will support full network planning and execution while on-the-move for maneuver, fires and aviation brigades. WIN-T Increment 3 also introduces the aerial tier to enhance reliability.
WIN-T Increment 3 provides full network mobility and introduces the air tier creating a three-tiered architecture: traditional line-of-sight (terrestrial), airborne through the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems and other airborne platforms; and beyond-line-of-sight (satellite). Additionally WIN-T Increment 3 introduces embedded Joint Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance (JC4ISR) radios into the platforms.
Capabilities: Enables the full objective WIN-T distribution of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information via voice, data, and real time video Manages, prioritizes, and protects information through network operations (Network Management and Information Assurance) Ensures interoperability with joint, allied, coalition, current force, and commercial voice and data networks Uninterrupted flow of timely, relevant, and actionable information; the right information to the right Soldier, at the right time
Other systems managed
Area Common User System Modernization (ACUS MOD)
ACUS MOD supports network upgrades for the Army's transformation to the current force, including secure wireless communications between Soldier's vehicles. It provides Internet network management capabilities, as well as integrated voice video and data services. It also allows for beyond-line-of-sight transmission capability, which enables Soldiers to communicate with one another from separate physical locations.
Capabilities Increased situational awareness to unit commanders Improved throughput and Joint interoperability Implements commercial-based technology insertions into the Current Force High Capacity Line of Sight (HCLOS) radio upgrades to Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) Increment 1 units Extends selected network capabilities to the battalion level Deployment orders to fire support radars Secure wireless connections both between and within tactical operations centers and command posts S6 functionality into a single vehicle shelter
Regional hub nodes
Regional hub nodes (RHN) serve as transport nodes for Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T), the Army's tactical communications network backbone, as well as the transport medium for theater-based Network Service Centers, which are the basic building blocks for the Army's global network infrastructure. RHNs provide satellite, voice and data services to support forces as they flow into a theater of operations, including domestic disaster relief, and enable deployed units to connect to Department of Defense (DoD) networks.
RHNs innovatively use baseband and satellite communications capabilities that enable regionalized reach-back to the Army's global network. The RHNs operate "in sanctuary," or out of the fight zone, and were designed to provide division, brigade combat teams and below early access to the Global Information Grid, the infrastructure and services that move information through the global network. The RHN gives the Soldier in the field immediate access to secure and non-secure internet and voice communications, and it allows them to do their job anywhere on the globe. To provide tactical users with secure, reliable connectivity worldwide, the Army has positioned RHNs in five separate strategic regions: Continental United States (CONUS) East and CONUS West, Central Command, European Command, and Pacific Command.
Capabilities Currently used by both deployed Marine Corps and Army units By enabling forces to mobilize without having to develop their own transport and network access solutions, the cycle time for deployment decreases and Soldiers can focus on the assignment at hand. Reduces the amount of in-theater support required Promotes interoperability and a true global network infrastructure Serve as a gateway to quickly connect expeditionary forces and their tactical Information Technology systems into the enterprise network, giving them access to the network as soon as boots hit the ground
SIPR/NIPR access points