New software which allows commanders to automate the planning, coordination, and synchronization of Cyberspace Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) was recently tested by soldiers of 4th Infantry Division. CEMA is an Army initiative designed to provide tactical commanders with integrated cyberspace operations, Department of Defense Information Network operations, Electronic Attack, Electronic Protection, Electronic Warfare Support, Spectrum Management Operations, Intelligence, and Information Operations support/effects.
The Electronic Warfare Planning and Management Tool (EWPMT) integrates battlefield information and management of Electronic Warfare and Spectrum Management Operations (SMO) into a common operating environment.
“EWPMTs ability to visualize the electromagnetic operational environment and manage EW sensors provides Commanders a powerful tool that enables them to compete within the electromagnetic spectrum,” Warrant Officer Justin Dugan, EW Technician, said.
After personnel received New Equipment Training (NET), the EWPMT system was used to support the unit’s targeting process by identifying and locating known High Payoff Targets. It was also used to perform spectrum planning and operations (SMO) before and during the command post exercise.
“As a planner, EWPMT enabled me to visualize my effects in the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS),” said 2SBCT’s CEMA Chief, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brandon Cruz. “The modeling and simulation tools EWPMT provides enabled me to position Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) systems onto the optimal piece of terrain on the battlefield.”
Cruz added, “When planning transitioned to current operations, we were able to transfer from non-lethal to lethal fires, completing sensor to shooter digitally from EWPMT to Army Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS). EWPMT increases the lethality of my brigade and I look forward to using it at the National Training Center (NTC) in November.”
Product Manager (PdM), Electronic Warfare Integration (EWI) plans to move into a Full Deployment Decision (FDD) in the second quarter of 2022, allowing distribution throughout the Army.