The Army’s Needs: Bridging the Tech Gap

The US Army is sprinting to close the tech gap. Technology evolves quickly, but the military often lags.

Real-Time Solutions with NGC2

Enter the Next Generation Command and Control system, or NGC2. This project’s all about speed. Soldiers and developers are fixing things in real-time, ditching the usual drawn-out processes. That’s essential for gearing up for future high-intensity conflicts.

Tight Soldier-Developer Collaboration

Soldiers love the chance to chat up developers directly. Major General Patrick Ellis highlighted this change during a media roundtable. Soldiers no longer wait months for changes; they see results the next day. It’s a rewarding shift from the old way: “I’ve offered my opinion, and tomorrow, what I asked you to fix has now been fixed,” he explained.

Caption: Recent exercises have soldiers and NGC2 developers working hand-in-hand to incorporate feedback.
Source: US Army photo by Pvt. Jacob Cruz

Ivy Sting Exercises: A Sandbox for Innovation

Soldiers and developers test out this tech during the Ivy Sting exercises at Fort Carson, Colorado. Two testing rounds are complete, with another round slated soon. Next year, the Army plans bigger challenges, setting NGC2 against simulated cyber and electronic warfare threats.

Incremental Upgrades and Feedback Mechanics

In each Ivy Sting, the Army enhances NGC2. More howitzers link up, drones offer reconnaissance, and AI fine-tunes target identification. Diverse new systems support commander decisions efficiently.

Table: Enhancements in Ivy Sting Exercises

Revamping Command and Control Philosophy

NGC2 is a shift from traditional tech. It uses centralized systems, open architecture, and dynamic software. Collaborating with firms like Anduril and Palantir, the Army ensures the tech meets their needs.

Caption: NGC2 exemplifies rapid and iterative weapon development with ongoing industry dialogues.
Source: US Army photo by Pvt. Jacob Cruz

Industry Partnership Dynamics

Joe Welch, NGC2’s overseer, notes a radical departure from the old acquisition methods. Feedback is a key, speeding up projects and avoiding past pitfalls. The goal? Quick updates and improvements.

Building a More Agile Military

The Army’s agile methods mimic the Silicon Valley vibe. Leadership prioritizes rapid, flexible weapon development. They seek tighter industry partners and push adaptable systems. This approach drives projects like the Mid-Range Capability, or Typhon missile system forward.

Typhon: Real-World Testing and Feedback

Soldiers used Typhon in the Philippines, tweaking it to reload faster. Field feedback drove enhancements, aligning with a Government Accountability Office report promoting iterative development.

The iterative design focuses on getting a “minimum viable product” to soldiers. From there, it develops gradually, just like with NGC2. Welch notes, “it’s really changing how the institutional Army behaves.” It’s about moving quickly, in acquisitions and all facets.

By embracing this innovative approach, the Army is promising a future where feedback turns right into field-ready fixes—faster than ever before.