Distributed Common Ground/Surface Systems

Abstract

Distributed Common Ground System - Army (DCGS-A) is the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) System of Systems (SoS) for Joint, Interagency, Allied, Coalition, and National data analysis, sharing and collaboration. The core functions of DCGS-A are: the vertical and horizontal synchronization of ISR Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination (PED) efforts; operations in a networked environment at multiple security levels; the control of select Army and joint sensor systems; the fusion of all acquired data and information, and distribution of relevant red (threat), gray (non-aligned), and environmental (weather and terrain) information; and providing the Warfighters' early warning and targeting capability. DCGS-A provides a single integrated ISR ground processing system composed of common components that are interoperable with sensors, other information sources, all Warfighting Functions, and the Defense Information & Intelligence Enterprise (DI2E). DCGS-A is fielded in Fixed and Mobile configurations emphasizing the use of reach and split based operations by improving accessibility of data in order to reduce forward deployed footprint. As enhanced capabilities are developed and tested, annual software releases are integrated into Army Common/commodity hardware and fielded to units IAW the Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) process. FY13 Base funding in the amount of $40.876 million will be used for development of the Command Post Computing Environment (CPCE) as the Lead for PEO IEW&S. As such, DCGS-A is currently aligning its architecture to fit within the Common Operating Environment (COE) as described by the ASA(ALT) COE Implementation Plan. This alignment is in accordance with the G-3/5/7 priority to align all Army networks, procurements, and enhancements under one COE and one vision. DCGS-A software will be tailored by echelon and scalable to each unit's mission. DCGS-A provides commanders and staffs the ability to maintain an accurate and up to date understanding of the operational environment. DCGS-A's contributions to commanders' visualization and situational awareness, rapid planning, and the synchronization of all warfighting functions, enable Army units to operate within the enemy's decision cycle. This capability enhances tactical and operational maneuver and the conduct of full spectrum operations across the range of military operations from humanitarian to major combat operations. The DCGS-A configurations range from laptops to systems integrated in tactical shelters and mounted on tactical vehicles to large commodity servers operating in a Cloud Processing Architecture. Main Cloud nodes will be placed in data centers strategically located across the globe, while tactical edge Cloud nodes will be integrated within select existing equipment currently on units Modified Tables of Organization & Equipment (MTOE). The fundamental intent and tenet of this approach is to reduce forward deployed equipment/footprint by co-locating the advanced analytics capabilities within the DCGS-A baseline with the regional data centers, where the data is stored. This infrastructure consolidation simultaneously reduces processor and communications requirements in tactical units by limiting the number of large data files transported across tactical communications systems. The first DCGS-A Cloud node reached its initial operating capability in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in FY11. The design, development, and initial deployment of prototype tactical edge nodes will be in 4QFY11. Following a successful operational assessment and Milestone C in 2QFY12/Full Deployment Decision in 4QFY12, DCGS-A Software Baseline (DSB) 1.0 capability will be deployed throughout the Army. DCGS-A consolidates, enhances, and modernizes the tasking, processing, exploitation, and dissemination (TPED) capabilities formerly found in nine Army intelligence programs of record and two Quick Reaction Capabilities. DCGS-A provides these technologically advanced PED capabilities in tailored and scalable mobile and fixed configurations in all maneuver and maneuver support units from Company Intelligence Support Team to Army Service Component Command, and in select maneuver sustainment units battalion and above. The program also will develop software packages to be embedded in mission command and other select systems to provide required ISR/analytic capabilities. DCGS-A is a key component of the DoD ISR Task Force modernization efforts and a critical Army priority.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2013
• Source ID: 0305208A_7_2040_PB_2013
• Service Agency Name: Army

Entities

Organizations

• United States Army

Tags

Communities of Interest

• C4I

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Afghanistan Conflict
• Combat Operations
• Costs
• Data Centers
• Department Of Defense
• Deployment
• Ground Control Stations
• Load Distribution
• Military Operations
• Procurement
• Simulations
• Situational Awareness
• Task Forces
• Test And Evaluation
• Training
• Training Devices

Readers

• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
• Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.