The U.S. Army is actively upgrading its logistical data exchange capabilities, both on a global scale and within the dynamic environment of the battlefield, through the implementation of the Sustainment Transport System (STS). This initiative addresses the critical need for secure, expeditionary, and user-friendly global data transfer within the logistics community. Sts Transport is designed to handle a wide range of essential data, including logistics information, personnel details, medical records, and force protection intelligence, ensuring the swift and precise delivery of necessary resources and personnel to strategic locations in operational zones.
In Fiscal Year 2023, the U.S. Army formalized its commitment to this modernization effort by establishing three distinct STS data transport Programs of Record (PoRs). These programs encompass STS Satellite Communications (SATCOM), STS Line-of-Sight, and STS Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), each designed to enhance specific aspects of the Army’s tactical network infrastructure.
The STS initiative marks a significant advancement over the legacy Combat Service Support (CSS) network, which has been operational since 2004. While the Program Manager, Unified Network Capabilities and Integration (PdM UNCI) continues to provide essential upgrades to the existing CSS network to bolster its security and capabilities, the long-term strategy involves transitioning to the more advanced STS network systems. PdM UNCI will maintain management of CSS systems until the comprehensive fielding of STS network systems across the force is complete.
STS SATCOM leverages commercial ground satellite terminals to deliver the tactical network transport required for global data exchange, supporting crucial Army logistics information systems and applications. These include Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Global Combat Support System-Army (GCSS-Army), Integrated Personnel and Pay System-Army (IPPS-A), Medical Communication for Combat Casualty Care (MC4), and General Fund Enterprise Business Systems (GFEBS). The new STS SATCOM systems significantly expand upon the capabilities of the current CSS SATCOM, enabling operation across both commercial and military satellites on Ku, Ka, and X bands. For localized data exchange within battlefield logistics support areas, STS Line-of-Sight solutions offer increased range and speed compared to existing line-of-sight data transmission methods. Complementing these, STS Wi-Fi provides secure wireless connectivity at each STS network node, ensuring seamless data flow across the tactical network. Designed for ease of use by general-purpose users, all STS expeditionary network transport systems are engineered for rapid setup and teardown, enhancing unit maneuverability in dynamic battlefield scenarios.
Furthermore, the modernized STS solutions offer a more robust platform to support emerging sustainment services that are vital to the modern Warfighter. These include predictive maintenance capabilities, telehealth services, and other advanced support systems, highlighting the comprehensive benefits of STS transport in enhancing battlefield effectiveness and soldier support.
Key Capabilities of STS Transport:
- Secure high-capacity global tactical network transport via SATCOM, Line-Of-Sight, and Wi-Fi.
- Full integration capability within the Army’s unified network architecture.
- Leverages existing infrastructure like Regional Hub Nodes and Global Agile Integrated Transport.
- Employs commercial auto-acquire satellite terminals for rapid deployment.
- Designed for user-friendliness, facilitating operation by general-purpose users.
- Engineered for ease of transport, enabling rapid deployment and battlefield mobility.
- Supports a wide array of Army Enterprise Resource Planning solutions and logistical applications.
