CWID looks to fill communication gaps

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The Norfolk-based U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) demonstrated some of the newest technologies in military information sharing Wednesday during the annual Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration.

Held at USJFCOM's Joint Systems Interoperability Center in Suffolk, the demonstration evaluates technologies and capabilities to fill communication gaps as identified by combatant commanders, coalition partners, military services, government agencies, and first responders.

Officials say information sharing technologies leverage decision-making and operational flexibility on the battlefield and during crisis response on the home front.

"We have an invitation sent out to the private sector for their new software programs or hardware that they think can help individuals that are deployed overseas," said MAJ Adam Pitney, Site Leader, USMC, describing the demonstration.

One of the developing applications for new software being demonstrated will improve the tracking capabilities of the Air Force's AWACS tracking plane.

"The amount of information you can comprehend is amazing," said LT COL Michael "Smiley" Kaine, USMC Aviator.  "We can see all the good guys, bad guys, ground, air, and we can make decisions on who is the closest asset instantaneously."

The multi-level classification system utilizes three dimensional graphics to provide a so-called "Gods Eye View" of the battle space.

"I've been out there and have flown in combat zones and done it," said LTCOL Brian Davis, USAF Combat Aviator.  "What we are testing here is going to eventually save lives."

Systems in the demonstration are not only innovative, but interoperable, and designed for coalition forces.

"We have several sites within the US and then we also have Australia, Canada and United Kingdom," said CDR Sarah Nolin, USN.

In addition to USJFCOM, the Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration is also underway at Naval Surface Warfare Center; Dahlgren, Va.; Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center; San Diego, Calif.; U.S. Air Force Electronic Systems Center; Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.; and U.S. Northern Command; Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

The CWID runs through June 26.

Click here for more information on the 2010 Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration.