DOD Progresses in 5G Experimentation and Testing

While the common pattern in technology innovation typically involves the federal government trying to keep up with the private sector, the opposite holds true for fifth-generation (5G) wireless implementation. In fact, federal agencies, and more specifically DOD, are leading the 5G advancements. DOD in particular is building 5G testbeds and experimenting with a significant number of pilot initiatives to take advantage of the technology’s high-speed and low latency capabilities.

In its 5G initiatives, DOD is working across all the military services to set up a dozen testbed sites at U.S. bases and phasing in projects at each of those sites accordingly. The “Tranche 1” phase represents DOD’s $600M investment in its first five testbeds, centered on 5G enabled AR/VR, spectrum sharing, distributed command and control, and smart warehousing. “Tranche 2” consists of seven additional testbed sites with solicitation activity for projects taking place in 2021.   

Already, the DOD has successfully deployed several 5G-enabled pilot programs testing the technology’s capabilities in automation, communications and edge computing. In June, the department announced the testing of a $90M smart warehouse prototype at the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, GA. Elements of the smart warehouse include autonomous vehicles for inventory management, and machine learning for inventory tracking, all running on 5G network capabilities.

Additionally, Bong Gumahad, C4/ISR Director at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment described DOD progress in 5G spectrum sharing. Talking at a 5G Summit in April, Gumahad shared that DOD is investing a lot of money in weapons systems operating in individual bands. With 5G, however, the department is exploring how the spectrum can be shared without have to redesign DOD’s bandwidth system.

At the same summit, Jody Little, Executive Program Manager for 5G Experimentation at the Joint Base in San Antonio revealed two other 5G experiments that are underway. Little explained that telemedicine and 5G core security were a primary focus in San Antonio. Specifically, DOD is experimenting with creating secure slicing of 5G to apply it to medical training for DOD health personnel through telehealth records, telesurgery and telepresence. In terms of 5G core security, DOD is testing the reliability and redundancy of 5G through slicing and network virtualization functions.

Looking ahead, DOD remains committed in its 5G pursuits. The department requested $375M in FY 2022 on its Next Generation Information Communications Technologies 5G Program. Moreover, Deltek identified $599M for 5G in DOD’s RDT&E FY 2022 request, nearly $59M less than the $658M in FY 2021 enacted dollars, yet $192M more than the department’s $408M budget for 5G in FY 2020.  

Congress is also putting its weight behind DOD’s 5G efforts. The draft FY 2022 NDAA outlines provisions requiring submissions of pilot programs from DOD leadership to install telecommunications infrastructure to facilitate and accelerate deployment of 5G at military installations.

Industry should continue to watch DOD’s progress in 5G deployment, understanding the department’s 5G strategy and upcoming initiatives. While DOD is working with non-traditional partners on 5G programs through OTA’s, it is also leaning on government procurement vehicles such as GSA’s MAS to fulfill its needs.