1. Joint Staff J8, Deputy Director for C4
Future Mission Network
(FMN)
FMN Evolution - Highlights
Objective
FMN:
Is not a new program of record
Stresses operational commanders ownership and involvement
“New norm”: Moves operations off SIPR
Applies lessons learned
Informs CCDR joining instructions
Formed around common mission threads
Covers the full range of military operations – Phase 0 thru Phase V
CCDR requirements drive governance process
Needs to be incorporated into operational plans, exercises and training
FMN Teaming with:
DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO & DISA)
Combatant Commanders
Services
NATO
Other Mission Partners
FMN enables a capability to plan and execute C4ISR on a mission secret or unclassified security level for US allies, coalition or mission partner operations. This core capability is designed to achieve unity of effort in delivering required end-to-end operational effects. The goal is for mission partners to effectively train, plan and execute on Phase 1 Day 1. Commander's intent, direction and guidance must be clearly understood in the same content and context by all forces in concert with the commander's own perspective; “a new normal.”
Background
As standard practice, US forces conduct warfighting operations on the US Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET). This norm generates strategic, operational and tactical limitations for national, regional Combatant Commanders and deployed commanders. During the 2009 troop surge in Afghanistan, Commanders needed the flexibility to combine US and Allied task organizations down to the Company level. Two impediments prevented the commander from tailoring the task force to realize the full warfighting potential of the coalition and allied force: 1) US formations commanded by non-US commanders and 2) Current US norm to coordinate the fight on SIPRNET. These practices constrained the ability of the commander to speak with immediacy to all operational commanders, increasing military risk to the mission and forces. The need to mitigate risk and provide the commander with strategic, operational, and tactical flexibility spurred the development of the Afghan Mission Network (AMN).
The AMN is a federation of networks linked to a NATO core mission secret network complying to NATO security and information assurance (IA) policies. AMN put all network users on a common mission network to achieve operational imperatives. By May 2011, there were 48 NATO and partner nations successfully operating on the AMN.
Similarly, recent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations demonstrated the need to rapidly and seamlessly direct operations for a wide array of mission partners. As numerous government and non-government agencies from around the world rushed to the aid of earthquake-devastated Haiti, establishing a unclassified mission network resulted in more efficient relief efforts.
With recent operational experience providing the backdrop, on 26 August 2011, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff tasked the J8, Deputy Director for C4 (DDC4) to “Lead the evolution of a Future Mission Network (FMN).” DDC4 will provide an FMN framework to the JROC with material and non-material recommendations.
Important Dates
Joint Staff Actions
CJCS assigns JS J8, DDC4 FMN task: 26 Aug 11
JS J8 DDC4 delivers a FMN ICD & CONOPS framework: NLT Feb 12
JS J8 lead a 90 day directed DOMLPF-P study NLT Aug 12
FMN Evolution Emphasizes
Engagement with stakeholders
Address DOT-LPF-P issues
Evolving an enterprise capability
Mobile secure networks
Inclusion of Cyber imperatives
Supporting tactical user access
Review of ongoing initiatives
Leveraging existing technology
Consolidating networks
Garnering efficiencies
UNCLASSIFIED
“I firmly believe the AMN is the new norm and the right model for a Future Mission Network” General Petraeus 2 July 2011