The Army developed the Link-16 capable Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) Class 2M terminal and fielded approximately 100 terminals to FAAD C2, some Patriot and THAAD (for integration engineering). The Army decided to terminate acquisition of the Class 2M and transition Link-16 requirements to MIDS in FY99. The Terminal Controller consists of specialized software hosted on a Pentium chip personal computer that provides network initialization, monitoring functions, and Built-in Test fault detection and isolation. During 4QFY98 and 1QFY99, the Army is acquiring ten pre-production MIDS LVT(2) terminals and supporting Terminal Controller for host platform integration and test.

Planned test activity includes leveraging suitability data from relevant testing on common components in other MIDS variants, sustained MIDS LVT(2) terminal reliability test, combined developmental test and operational test (combined DT/OT), multi-Service DT (MS-DT), a dedicated OT, and an MS-OT. Because of the timing of the full-rate production decision and the slips in THAAD and MEADS programs, the Patriot will be the only Army MIDS host platform available for testing.

Planning for Army MIDS DT/OT and multi-Service testing was completed in FY98. The Army submitted the draft TEMP Annex and System Evaluation Plan for DOT&E review. Major TEMP issues that were resolved included: (1) extension of the duration of the terminal reliability tests; (2) evaluation of MIDS' contribution to the host platform's mission through simulation and live scenarios; and (3) definition of multi-Service testing adequacy.

The first three Army EMD MIDS terminals have been produced and are being subjected to contractor DT&E with the Program Management Office, the Army Operational Test and Evaluation Command, and DOT&E monitoring these tests.

OT has not been conducted to date. Initial results from Configuration Development Test and Evaluation Terminal Testing indicate that the terminals met data exchange and box environmental stress screening test requirements. Execution of planned combined DT/OT, dedicated OT, and multi-Service tests will provide an adequate basis for the evaluation of Army MIDS effectiveness and suitability during FY99.

The system is not Y2K compliant, but it is planned to be certified Y2K compliant with delivery of the production representative software in FY99.

The capabilities being provided to Army host platforms and mission areas by implementation of Link-16 have not been captured in Army doctrine, operations concepts, or employment manuals. Consequently, DOT&E is prompting the Service to focus on these emergent capabilities and to map out a strategy to integrate them into the warfighting mission. For example, new Link-16 messages are being implemented into the Patriot for exchanging theater missile track, identification, and engagement assignment information but the procedures for sharing this information between echelons and between different Army air and missile defense systems have not been written.

DOT&E has identified joint MS-OT opportunities for Army and Air Force MIDS variants. Conducting both Service tests simultaneously in the same area will result in the sharing of scarce communications jamming and operational support assets such as Big Crow, the E-3, and the Control and Reporting Center. Efficient use of these assets could reduce test costs by as much as $1 million and improve the operational realism of testing.