JTNC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Joint Tactical Networking Center?
As part of the Department of Defense (DoD), the Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC) supports the Department’s goal of rapid identification, characterization, procurement, fielding and sustainment of modular, innovative tactical communications products that ensure secure, interoperable, and resilient Command, Control, Communications, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities. The JTNC concurrently supports the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (A&S), DoD Chief Information Officer (DoD CIO), and Service initiatives by providing technical expertise for waveform exportability and to facilitate standardization of key waveform interfaces. The intent is to minimize duplication of waveform developments, increase wireless communications software reuse, promote effective information sharing, and integrate command and control (C2) capabilities.
What authority establishes the JTNC?
The Joint Tactical Networking Center is a Joint organization chartered in January 2014 and revalidated in March of 2016 by the Department of Defense and falls under the governance and oversight of USD(A&S), DoD CIO, and the Army Acquisition Executive (AAE). The AAE has further delegated JTNC executive oversight to Program Executive Office Command Control Communications-Network (PEO C3N).
What value does the JTNC provide?
The JTNC operates a cyber-hardened DoD-wide Information Repository (IR) that provides software code and relevant documentation for reuse based on legal agreements between government and software developers. The JTNC performs technical analyses of candidate waveform information repository products that result in preliminary characterization of these products as to whether they meet DoD standards and policies for interoperable and secure joint tactical networking. The JTNC provides a validated open architecture framework that identifies standard non-proprietary interfaces that separate the waveform/network manager software from the radio set, permitting common waveforms and network managers to be deployed across multiple radio sets and vendors. Additionally, the JTNC supports the various DoD agencies overseeing the protection of critical technologies of wireless communications exported under commercial and/or Foreign Military Sales and licenses.
What is the JTNC responsible for?
- Operation and maintenance of a common cyber-hardened DoD Information Repository (IR).
- Sustainment and evolution of the Software Communications Architecture (SCA), Application Program Interfaces (API), and wireless communications standards.
- Conducting technical analyses of waveforms, software, and associated artifacts, and recommending designation of such products as exportable and compliant or certified with regard to DoD applicable policies.
How is the JTNC organized?
The JTNC consists of two primary functional directorate that perform five core functions in support of the DoD: Information Repository, Technical Analysis, Open Systems Architecture Standards, Exportability Analysis and Licensing Review, and Technical Advisory.
What has the DoD Information Repository enabled?
The DoD IR provides the security, configuration management, and software distribution of DoD waveforms and associated artifacts. As a central waveform distribution center within the DoD, the DoD IR is responsible for the cyber protection and storage of the waveform artifacts. It provides a consistent cataloging of the waveform software to assist software developers in the reuse of the government-managed software. The DoD IR Directorate operates and maintains an online interface accessible from the Internet for DoD IR registered users. The site is common access card (CAC) protected and requires users to register with the DoD IR to upload or download waveforms.
What is the mission of the JTNC?
The mission of the JTNC is to enhance the Department of Defense's capabilities by supporting the rapid development, deployment, and sustainment of secure, interoperable, and resilient tactical communications systems. By acting as a knowledge broker for software-defined radios (SDRs), waveforms, and open system architecture standards, JTNC ensures effective information sharing and collaboration across the DoD.
How does the JTNC support interoperability?
The JTNC supports interoperability by developing and maintaining open architecture standards, such as the Software Communications Architecture (SCA). These standards enable the integration of waveforms and network management software across different radio sets and platforms, ensuring seamless communication between systems developed by multiple vendors.
What role does JTNC play in supporting DoD export controls?
The JTNC conducts exportability analyses and licensing reviews of wireless communication technologies to ensure compliance with DoD export control policies. This includes protecting critical technologies and providing technical recommendations for the secure export of tactical communication products through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and commercial licenses.
What are waveforms, and why are they important to the DoD?
Waveforms are the software-defined communication protocols used in tactical radios to enable secure, reliable, and efficient communication. They are critical to the DoD because they provide the foundation for interoperable communication across military units, allies, and coalition partners in contested environments.
How does JTNC contribute to cybersecurity?
The JTNC ensures the cybersecurity of DoD tactical communications systems by maintaining a cyber-hardened Information Repository (IR) that securely stores and distributes waveform software and associated artifacts. Additionally, JTNC conducts technical analyses to ensure that waveforms and related technologies comply with DoD cybersecurity policies.
What is the Software Communications Architecture (SCA), and how does JTNC manage it?
The Software Communications Architecture (SCA) is an open systems framework that standardizes the software interface for tactical radios and waveforms. The JTNC is responsible for sustaining and evolving the SCA to ensure compatibility, scalability, and interoperability among DoD communication systems.
Who are the key stakeholders JTNC works with? (This would be a good place for the graphic that we use in our briefs)
The JTNC collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- DoD agencies and Services.
- Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and Program Management Offices (PMOs).
- Intelligence Community (IC).
- Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs.
- Defense contractors and industry partners.
How does JTNC support tactical and operational missions?
The JTNC supports tactical and operational missions by providing technical expertise and resources that ensure secure and resilient communication systems are fielded and maintained. This includes offering advisory services, performing technical analyses, and supporting the integration of new technologies into operational frameworks.
How can DoD personnel and contractors access the Information Repository?
To access the DoD Information Repository (IR), personnel and contractors must register on the online interface, which is accessible through the Internet and protected by a Common Access Card (CAC). Registered users can upload or download waveform software and associated artifacts based on their authorized roles.
What challenges does the JTNC address in military communications?
The JTNC addresses several challenges, including:
- Ensuring interoperability across diverse platforms and vendors.
- Reducing duplication in waveform development, testing and validation.
- Standardizing resiliency terminology and assessment metrics.
- Keeping pace with rapidly evolving communication technologies and threats.
What is the future vision for the JTNC?
The JTNC aims to continue evolving as a centralized hub for tactical communication expertise, fostering innovation in secure and interoperable communication systems. JTNC plans to enhance collaboration with stakeholders, advance open system standards, and address emerging challenges in contested and dynamic operational environments.
Why is the Joint Tactical Networking Center have “networking” in the name and is not the Joint Waveform Analysis Center (JWAC) or the Joint Waveform and Information Repository Center (JWIRC)?
The inclusion of "Networking" in the name Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC) reflects the broader scope of its mission, which extends beyond just waveform analysis or managing an information repository. While waveform analysis and repository management are critical components of JTNC’s responsibilities, the term "Networking" emphasizes its role in enabling secure, interoperable, and resilient tactical communications across diverse systems and platforms.
JTNC’s mission encompasses developing and sustaining open architecture frameworks, facilitating interoperability across multiple vendors, and supporting the integration of waveforms into tactical and operational networks. This broader focus aligns with the DoD’s strategic objectives to ensure seamless and effective communication in contested and dynamic environments, which require more than just waveform analysis or repository management.
I understand that this topic can generate differing perspectives, and I appreciate the opportunity to clarify it. If there are further questions, I am happy to engage and provide additional context based on JTNC’s overarching goals and contributions to the DoD.