Army researchers are integrating command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities into the early stages of research and development. The research is ongoing at the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command’s Communications-Electronics Center (CERDEC) at Fort Monmouth N.J.
The CERDEC is working with new capabilities such as sensors, digital technology, applications and data systems. According to David Jimenez, Associate Director of Systems Engineering at CERDEC, the Army network of the future will be a system of systems so it is vital that capabilities and devices be integrated and assessed early in their development to see how they will perform together, rather than waiting until they are fielded.
Jason Sypniewski, Chief for CERDEC’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) and Network Modernization Integrated Event Design and Analysis Branch, views CERDEC’s research as an early test bed for new communications and information systems before they reach the battlefield.
Also, researchers are examining ways for soldiers to scan or move data with their fingers and to present data without a heavy reliance on keyboard actuated response. The Army is also looking into advances that have occurred in the commercial marketplace, such as voice recognition, smart phones, smart apps, and location aware applications. The plan is to work with the technology to find applications specifically of value to the Army.
