4th Infantry Division showcases Ivy Sting IV: A leap forward in command and control

WASHINGTON - On Feb. 6, the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado, completed Ivy Sting IV, a significant demonstration of the Army's Next Generation Command and Control, or NGC2 program. This event marks a pivotal moment in the Army's efforts to enhance operational capabilities through advanced technology and innovative strategies.

During a media roundtable, key leaders discussed the progress and achievements of Ivy Sting IV. Mr. Joe Welch, executive director for Transformation and Training Command, or T2COM, emphasized the importance of rapid prototyping and the integration of commercial technologies. "The way that we're handling the entire portfolio is being driven off the success we've demonstrated so far in NextGen C2," Welch stated. He highlighted the need for a commercial-first strategy, which allows for quicker fielding and technology refresh cycles.

Maj. Gen. Pat Ellis, commanding general of the 4th ID, elaborated on the evolution of the Ivy Sting series. "Sting 4 is our largest exercise to date, and it represents exponential growth from our initial events. We are using this as a warfighting tool to enable lethality on the battlefield," Ellis explained. He noted that the exercise has grown in complexity, with more units and soldiers involved than in previous iterations.

Lt. Col. Shawn Scott, commander of the 4th Squadron, 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade, 4th ID, shared insights from the ground level. "The technology we employed allowed us to execute our individual soldier tasks more efficiently and effectively," Scott said. He described how his squadron tested various technologies in simulated combat scenarios, demonstrating the capabilities of NGC2 in a denied environment.

The Ivy Sting IV exercise not only focused on command and control but also addressed critical areas such as airspace management and medical logistics. Ellis noted the importance of airspace deconfliction, stating, "We want to ensure that our helicopters and drones can operate safely without conflict."

As the Army continues to refine its command and control capabilities, the feedback from soldiers participating in these exercises is invaluable. "Our soldiers are excited to be heard and to shape the technology that will be used in the future," Ellis added.