Joint Mission Environment Test Capability (JMETC)

The Joint Mission Environment Test Capability (JMETC) program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, aims to provide a comprehensive testing environment for system interoperability and cyber event operations. This initiative supports the Department of Defense's strategic objectives by facilitating system-to-system interoperability testing and mission-level environment assessments. The JMETC program is designed to enhance the cyber resiliency and interoperability performance of various systems through a persistent, distributed test and evaluation capability. By implementing infrastructure capabilities as outlined in the Department's "Testing in a Joint Environment Roadmap," the program ensures that acquisition managers have access to a robust nationwide testing framework.

The JMETC Distributed Test project focuses on expanding the JMETC Secret Network infrastructure to support distributed test and training events across multiple domains. This includes system interoperability assessments for command and control systems, air and missile defense, unmanned aircraft, and precision-guided munitions. The project also emphasizes developing Knowledge Management and Big Data Analytics tools to improve data access times and enable advanced analytics for large test and evaluation datasets.

Future plans include building an All-Domain Test Range to meet joint test needs, transitioning DARPA capabilities for integrated testing environments, and expanding tools as a service in GovCloud. The JMETC National Cyber Range Complex (NCRC) is integral to enhancing DoD's cyber range capabilities by providing secure facilities for cybersecurity testing and training. It supports a wide range of cyber activities, including developmental test and evaluation, operational test and evaluation, cyberspace operations training, and mission rehearsal.

The NCRC facilitates integration across various DoD systems vulnerable to cyber threats, employing automation to ensure repeatable results while maintaining high-fidelity mission-representative environments. The workforce plays a crucial role in planning and executing hosted events by designing virtualized environments, executing cyber events, and delivering actionable reports.

Looking ahead, the NCRC plans to expand its capacity to meet growing demand by establishing new government-controlled facilities and enhancing existing infrastructure. This includes increasing connectivity through the Joint Mission Network to additional sites globally. The NCRC will continue supporting U.S. Cyber Command with training exercises while advancing cybersecurity requirements for acquisition programs. Efforts will also focus on integrating trusted artificial intelligence systems into cybersecurity testing frameworks, ensuring comprehensive coverage of emerging technological vulnerabilities.