S-6 Associate: A Unified Approach to Building and Managing Network Operating Environment within the Context of Tactical Missions and Other Warfighting Functions

A data fusion software capability called the S-6 Associate is being developed at Aberdeen Proving Ground inside the Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate at the Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center. This intelligent cognitive software will assist the battalion (BN) S-6 and his staff manage complex tactical communications networks while increasing the networks' agility, efficiency, and responsiveness, whether a unit is stationary or on the move. This intelligent tool leverages proven technology to help soldiers manage existing network resources more efficiently, including soldiers without in-depth network administration skills.1 Once fielded, the S-6 Associate will enable battalions to build a Network Common Operating Picture (N-COP) and perform NetOPS monitoring and management under conditions of rapid changes in tactical movement. In addition, it will cooperate with WIN-T NMS to ensure communications from division down to company/platoon level. N-COP will allow commanders to see how bandwidth is used for mission-critical information and how network failures affect the current mission.