The CSDA initiative seeks to create mobile computing environments that improve soldier training and access to operational information. It aims to enable the use of mobile apps and devices both during training and at the tactical edge. There are four main focus areas: developing device and network access; coordinating an Army app marketplace; synchronizing app development policy; and continuing app development and pilot programs. The CSDA initiative coordinates across Army organizations to address considerations around creating environments for mobile capabilities and to change how soldiers access information.

1. Applications at the Edge:
Connecting Soldiers to Digital Applications (CSDA)
BACKGROUND
In September 2009, the Director, Army Capabilities Integration Center and the Army Chief
Information Officer/G6 initiated the Connecting Soldiers to Digital Applications (CSDA) effort. CSDA is an
initiative to enable the use of mobile applications and devices for Soldiers both ‘at the tactical edge’ and ‘at
the point of learning. After initial exploratory efforts, the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)
transitioned the CSDA lead to the and the Mission Command Center of Excellence (MC CoE) in March 2011.
CSDA TODAY
The CSDA initiative seeks to create Mobile Computing Environments (MCE) that improve Warfighter
training and education “at the point of learning” and provides rapid and reliable access to relevant
operational information “at the tactical edge.” These mobile environments include the necessary computing
environment (e.g. devices, networks) and the necessary policy and governance to allow widespread use of
devices and applications and enable soldier innovation. For example, CSDA will enable the Army Learning
Concept 2015 and Army Doctrine 2015 to provide Soldiers information at the point of need.
FOCUS AREAS
1. Device/Network Access: Develop the MCE and the specific mobile capabilities in coordination with
NSA, DoD CIO, DA CIO/G6, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and
Technology (ASA(ALT)) and PEO Soldier.
2. The Army Marketplace: Coordinate with the DA CIO/G6 to develop a functional Army Apps
Marketplace.
3. TRADOC Policy: Synchronize application development, validation and management and mobile
device management in coordination with TRADOC G 3/5/7, TRADOC Capabilities Manager-
Distributed Learning, and DA CIO/G6.
4. Apps Development: Continue Apps development and FY 12 Pilot programs.
5. MCE:
a. The first MCE encompasses a wide audience (Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians, DA
Contractors, Retirees, Family Members, and recruits). The concept is to allow this audience to
access unclassified, public releasable information using their personal Mobile Electronic Device
such as a smartphone or tablet. Example Apps include the Army News Feed or an MWR Map.
b. The second MCE targets a more restrictive audience (Soldiers/personnel authorized to access
the restricted .mil (NIPR) network.) The concept is to allow this audience to access Controlled
Unclassified Information (CUI) residing on the .mil network using their personal Mobile Electronic
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2. Device such as a smartphone or tablet. The ATN2GO App or the Army Blackboard are
examples.
c. The third MCE focuses on an audience who accesses Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
on .mil (NIPR) network. However, under this category, the user is provided an Army approved
and issued Mobile Electronic Device which is centrally managed by local Army personnel. This
effort is similar to the current Army Blackberry policy.
d. The fourth MCE includes Soldiers who operate in a tactical environment and use an Army issued
device that operates on the classified mission command networks over a deployed mobile
network. A Call for Fire and/or a Blue Force Tracker mobile application are good examples.
PARTNERS
ASA(ALT) and specifically PEO Soldier is the lead integrating organization for the Army in
developing the material solutions required to create the MCE that will enable the use of a suite of approved
mobile devices operating over multiple networks. By executing the handheld collapse strategy and
synchronizing the efforts of multiple Programs of Record, to include the JBC-P Handheld and Nett Warrior,
the intent to is to field a single end user device to eight Brigade Combat Teams in FY13 with further
refinement and expansion of fielding in FY14 and beyond.
CSDA coordinates across other DoD and DA organizations in writing and publishing Army policy
associated with the MCE and the certification required for each App and mobile electronic devices to access
Army networks. CSDA also coordinates the development of the governance and management of the future
site for the Army Marketplace.
SUMMARY
CSDA continues to coordinate across organizations to address DOTMLPF considerations
associated with creating the environments necessary to enable mobile capabilities associated with CSDA.
TRADOC continues to move forward in the development of various applications that will benefit Soldiers
through training and leader development. The CSDA initiative will fundamentally change how Soldiers
access information in both garrison and operational environments.
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