By Maj. Dacharvrick Collins, Test Officer, Intelligence Electronic Warfare Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command
FORT CARSON, Colorado — Soldiers of 4th Infantry Division tested new software allowing commanders to automate planning, coordination, and synchronization of Cyberspace Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) throughout the Army’s operations process.
The Electronic Warfare Planning and Management Tool (EWPMT) integrates battlefield information and management of Electronic Warfare and Spectrum Management Operations (SMO) into a common operating environment.
The 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team (2SBCT) Soldiers received comprehensive New Equipment Training (NET) that familiarized them with EWPMT capabilities and functional support to unit EW and spectrum planning and operations.
During the test, the EWPMT system supported the unit’s targeting process by identifying and locating known High Payoff Targets. Additionally, 2SBCT Soldiers used EWPMT to perform SMO before and during their command post exercise.
“As a planner, EWPMT enabled me to visualize my effects in the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS),” said 2SBCT’s CEMA Chief, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brandon Cruz. “The modeling and simulation tools EWPMT provides enabled me to position Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) systems onto the optimal piece of terrain on the battlefield.”
Cruz said, “When planning transitioned to current operations, we were able to transfer from non-lethal to lethal fires, completing sensor to shooter digitally from EWPMT to Army Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS). EWPMT increases the lethality of my brigade and I look forward to using it at the National Training Center (NTC) in November.”
Warrant Officer 1 Justin Dugan, EW Technician, with 1st Battalion of 2SBCT out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord agreed.
“EWPMTs ability to visualize the electromagnetic operational environment and manage EW sensors provides Commanders a powerful tool that enables them to compete within the electromagnetic spectrum,” he said.
Product Manager (PdM), Electronic Warfare Integration (EWI) plans to move into a Full Deployment Decision (FDD) in 2QFY22 allowing distribution throughout the Army.
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About the Intelligence Electronic Warfare Test Directorate:
IEWTD executes independent operational testing of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); EW; biometrics (BM); and intelligence analysis systems to inform acquisition and fielding decisions for Army and select multiservice warfighting systems. Additionally, IEWTD provides threat and ISR simulation and instrumentation support for internal and external test events.
About the U.S. Army Operational Test Command:
As the Army’s only independent operational tester, enlists the “Total Army” (Active, National Guard, and Reserve) when testing Army, joint, and multi-service warfighting systems in realistic operational environments, using typical Soldiers to determine whether the systems are effective, suitable, and survivable. OTC is required by public law to test major systems before they are fielded to its ultimate customer — the American Soldier.
