Army to test crucial software tools

The Army will test enhanced software tools this spring that are critical to upgrading the vast communications network that supports soldiers worldwide.

The tools will help soldiers configure and defend the global communications network known as the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical. In a press release, the Army described the software upgrades as a second set of eyes on WIN-T, whose second increment reached "full-rate production" in June. U.S. troops in Afghanistan have used WIN-T Increment 2 for connectivity in remote areas.

The tools provide "a picture of actual on-the-move network battlefield conditions at all times, so if there is any break in the communications, it is known right away," said Sgt. 1^st Class Jason Gourlie, a satellite communications systems operator, in a statement.

The new software is meant to be simpler than its predecessor, eliminating human error through automation. The upgrades are also intended to help improve visualization of the network, making it easier to defend from cyberthreats.

The tools will be tested along with WIN-T Increment 3 at Fort Bliss, Texas, and at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the Army said.

If all goes well, the Army will use the new software in WIN-T in fiscal 2017.

"The biggest benefit is the increased usability piece of the [network operation] tools and the enhancement of monitoring capabilities," said Charles Coker, an instructor at the Army's Cyber Center of Excellence, in a statement. "It provides personnel with a robust software solution for better management of the network, and it also allows soldiers to probe into the network to troubleshoot connectivity issues."

"The user interface is easy to circumnavigate as the tools provide you step-by-step guidance towards planning, installing and managing your unit's tactical network," he added.

The Army said the software upgrades will help the service move toward using one suite of tools to manage WIN-T and the lower tactical radio networks.