U.S. Army "Unified Network Plan."

Key Chapter Title List

1. Executive Summary
2. Introduction
3. Defining the Army Unified Network – An Enabler for Multi-Domain Operations
4. Strategic Approach
5. Line of Effort One: Establish the Unified Network
6. Line of Effort Two: Posture the Force to Support Multi-Domain Operations
7. Line of Effort Three: Security and Survivability Based on Zero Trust Principles
8. Line of Effort Four: Transform Army Unified Network Investment, Policy, and Governance
9. Line of Effort Five: Continuously Improve the Unified Network
10. Phase Two: Near-Term (2024-2026) – Operationalizing the Unified Network
11. Phase Three: Mid-Term (2027 and Beyond) – Continuous Modernization and Transforming the Unified Network

Document Introduction

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the upgraded strategic document, the "Unified Network Plan 2.0," developed by the U.S. Army based on the "Army Unified Network Plan" released in 2021. This plan marks a new stage in the Army's network modernization process, shifting its core objective from establishing a unified network foundation to fully realizing data-centric network capabilities to address an increasingly complex, multi-domain, and persistently contested information environment.

The report first outlines the strategic context for the development of AUNP 2.0. As warfare evolves to be cross-regional and globalized, and with the integration of emerging technologies, the Army recognizes the necessity of adopting a more data-driven approach to leverage network power to prevail in multi-domain operations. Centered on zero trust principles, the plan aims to build a secure, agile, and survivable unified network, ensuring data flows securely and timely in both connected and disconnected environments, supporting decision-making at all levels, and reducing cognitive burden at the tactical edge.

The report elaborates on the five strategic lines of effort to achieve this goal. Line of Effort One focuses on establishing a standards-based network architecture, operationalizing the network, completing network convergence, building a mission partner environment, implementing data orchestration, ensuring electromagnetic spectrum access, and developing layered operational concepts. Line of Effort Two focuses on integrating zero trust and data-centric approaches into all aspects of doctrine, organization, training, materiel, etc., updating force design and structure, recruiting and retaining talent, and maintaining readiness.

Line of Effort Three details the security and survivability framework based on zero trust principles. This includes operationalizing cybersecurity processes and managing risk, securing the unified network, operationalizing and protecting data, defending operational technology and critical infrastructure, protecting weapon systems, and mapping the network to achieve comprehensive visualization. Line of Effort Four aims to transform the Army's investment, accountability, policy issuance, and governance frameworks to resource the unified network in a more efficient and transparent manner. Line of Effort Five emphasizes continuous network improvement through modern software development and acquisition practices and the sustained support of commercial off-the-shelf components.

The report further divides the unified network modernization process into three phases. Building upon the completed first phase, the second phase (2024-2026) is dedicated to operationalizing the unified network, with key focuses including completing the DoD Information Network-Army operational architecture, modernizing hybrid computing capabilities, establishing a persistent mission partner environment, optimizing data flow, transitioning to IPv6 and software-defined networking, etc. The goal of the third phase (2027 and beyond) is the continuous modernization and transformation of the unified network based on zero trust principles, integrating emerging technologies such as dynamic transport, data-centric management, and robotic autonomous operations, and ultimately achieving a zero trust architecture.

The "Unified Network Plan 2.0" is a key strategic document for the Army, which has prioritized network as its number one transformational priority. It aims to build a network foundation capable of maneuvering across domains globally and applying strategic, operational, and tactical effects at the speed and scale required to support large-scale combat operations by integrating unified network operations, centralized service delivery, and cybersecurity capabilities. This report provides an authoritative strategic blueprint and analytical foundation for understanding the future direction of U.S. military network capabilities, the evolution of data-centric operational models, and the construction of a multi-domain operations support system.