Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN)

Abstract

Nuclear Deterrence Operations (NDO) is an Air Force Core Function. Within this core function, Nuclear Command and Control (NC2) is the exercise of authority and direction by the President, as Commander in Chief, through established command lines, over nuclear weapon operations of military forces. The President's authority and direction are exercised through the Nuclear Command and Control System (NCCS). The NCCS is the designated combination of flexible and enduring elements including facilities, equipment, communications, procedures, personnel, and the structure in which these elements are integrated, all of which are essential for planning, directing, and controlling nuclear weapon operations. The Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN) portfolio modernizes the systems necessary to effectively provide assured communications connectivity between the President and the strategic deterrence forces in stressed environments. There are several on-going MEECN activities working to modernize strategic forces' communication networks. MEECN System Improvements (MSI) is a long-range planning process with users (Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), Air Mobility Command (AMC), US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), and the Navy) to develop positions for current and future requirements/issues based on available technology. MSI is used to conduct technology testing, develop technology strategies and build technology roadmaps as pro-active support to the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) community. The Minuteman Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN) Program Upgrade (MMPU) modernizes existing Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Launch Control Center (LCC) Extremely High Frequency (EHF) communications to provide an Advanced EHF (AEHF) capability and a capability for Missile Combat Crew Members to have operator control of the terminal in the LCC to switch rapidly among various satellite constellations. This upgrade will be compatible with AEHF satellite and the supporting key management infrastructure (crypto interoperability). AEHF is an Extended Data Rate (XDR) waveform that provides more secure transmit/receive at higher data rate frequencies than the low data rate frequencies currently used on MILSTAR satellites. The AEHF terminal will provide both receive and report-back capability. These modifications comply with USSTRATCOM requirement for strategic terminals to communicate at higher data rates. Ground Element MEECN System (GEMS) contract was terminated for convenience by the government on 16 Jun 2011. Program has been replaced by Global ASNT. Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) Long Term Solution (LTS) was a FY12 New Start, but was cancelled during the FY13 budget development due to higher Air Force priorities. Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal (Global ASNT) provides secure, survivable inter-site, intra-site, and mobile VLF and Advanced EHF communication to bomber, tanker, reconnaissance units and mobile support teams with strategic responsibilities. This program is in Budget Activity 07, Operational System Development, because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2013
Source ID
0303131F_7_3600_PB_2013
Change Summary Explanation
In FY2013, an additional $13.2M was added to Global ASNT to support the new acquisition strategy following the termination of GEMS program; and $12.9M was reduced from LTS for program cancellation.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Counter WMD
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Command And Control
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Communication Networks
  • Contracts
  • Data Rate
  • Engineering
  • Extremely High Frequency
  • Frequency
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Mobile Phones
  • Networks
  • Procurement
  • Terminals
  • United States Strategic Command

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
  • Space

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