Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical

Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical is a critical component of the United States Army's acquisition and modernization enterprise. It is responsible for developing, acquiring, fielding, and sustaining the Army's integrated tactical network and command and control systems. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, the organization falls under the purview of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology and works closely with TRADOC and the Forces Command. Its portfolio enables mission command for soldiers at the tactical edge, from the Pentagon to the squad level.

Mission and Organization

The primary mission is to deliver a secure, integrated, and interoperable tactical network that provides resilient command and control capabilities to the United States Army, Joint, and coalition partners. The organization is structured around several project management offices, each focused on specific capability domains such as satellite communications, software-defined radios, and mission command applications. Key subordinate offices include Project Manager Mission Command, Project Manager Tactical Network, and Project Manager Tactical Radios, which collaborate with entities like the Army Cyber Command and the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). This structure ensures alignment with the Army Modernization Strategy and the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) concept.

History and Evolution

The office was established in 1987, consolidating various C4ISR and tactical communication programs under a single executive. Its formation was driven by lessons from operations like Operation Desert Storm, which highlighted the need for integrated digital battlefield systems. A pivotal evolution began with the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War, leading to rapid fielding initiatives such as the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T). The cancellation of WIN-T's incremental follow-on in 2019 marked a strategic shift towards a more modular, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)-based approach, embodied in the Capability Set fielding model aligned with the Army Network Modernization Strategy.

Major Programs and Systems

The portfolio encompasses a vast array of programs that constitute the Army Tactical Network. Core systems include the Integrated Tactical Network (ITN), which leverages Handheld, Manpack, and Small Form Fit (HMS) radios like the AN/PRC-163 and AN/PRC-158. Satellite communication is provided through terminals like the AN/TSC-237 and the Transportable Tactical Command Communications (T2C2). Mission command software is centered on the Command Post Computing Environment and the Joint Battle Command-Platform (JBC-P). These systems are integrated with platforms such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and are protected by cybersecurity tools from the Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems.

Acquisition and Modernization Strategy

The acquisition philosophy emphasizes agile software development, modular open systems architecture, and iterative Capability Set fielding every two years. This strategy is executed in close partnership with Army Futures Command and its Cross-Functional Teams (CFTs), particularly the Network Cross-Functional Team. It leverages Other Transaction Authority agreements and the Software Acquisition Pathway to accelerate delivery, moving away from traditional multi-year monolithic programs. Modernization efforts are directly informed by soldier feedback from exercises at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) and the National Training Center (NTC), ensuring technologies meet the demands of Multi-Domain Operations.

Interoperability and Integration

Ensuring seamless communication with U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied nations is a paramount objective. This is achieved through adherence to Joint Technical Architecture (JTA) standards and active participation in coalition exercises like Project Convergence and DISA's Mission Partner Environment. Interoperability with the Air Force's Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) and the Navy's Project Overmatch is critical for realizing the JADC2 vision. The office also works with NATO bodies to align tactical data links and waveform standards.

Leadership and Key Personnel

The office is led by a Program Executive Officer, typically a Brigadier General or a member of the Senior Executive Service. As of 2024, the PEO is Brigadier General Shane P. Taylor, who reports to the ASA(ALT). Key personnel include Deputy PEOs, civilian project and product managers, and military deputies who provide operational insight. Leadership often includes alumni of key Army commands like the U.S. Army Pacific and the 101st Airborne Division, ensuring a blend of acquisition expertise and tactical warfighting experience to guide program decisions.