Marine Corps Tactical Radio Systems

Abstract

Tactical Communications Modernization (TCM): TCM supports the research, testing, and evaluation of non-developmental tactical voice and data radio systems for mounted and dismounted operations within all echelons of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The testing will ensure the communication systems are joint networking capable and support National Security Agency (NSA) Communications Security (COMSEC) Modernization requirements. The funding provides contracted engineering support, facility test support, and test reporting for multiple systems. These include the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), High Frequency Radio II (HFR II), and Multi-Channel Radio Family of System (MCR FoS) (Multi-Channel Man Pack (MCMP) and Multi-Channel Handheld (MCHH)) radios, terminals, antennas, current systems requiring updates or obsolescence issues, and Joint Enterprise Network Manager (JENM). Networking on the Move (NOTM): NOTM provides a robust command and control (C2) capability by integrating tactical data systems with on the move satellite communications (SATCOM) for a beyond line-of-sight ability that allows battlefield commanders to have uninterrupted two-way access to digital data, anywhere on the battlefield. NOTM provides Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) commanders and staffs with full Common Operational Picture (COP) access, virtually unlimited situational awareness and a powerful ability to issue digital orders (fires, maneuver, planning) to GCE, ACE, and LCE units at all echelons while on-the-move or at-the-halt. NOTM also provides Marine units the capability to link with and extend Defense Information System Network (DISN) services; SIPRNet, NIPRNet, and Defense Switched Networks (DSN). Integrated full motion video (receipt and retransmission), tactical voice communications plus three options for secure wireless local area network (LAN) connectivity between staff members makes this amphibious capability a crucial asset to all elements of the MAGTF. The USMC currently has three variants depending on the transportation being used; the NOTM Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV), the NOTM Utility Task Vehicle, and the NOTM Airborne (NOTM-A). Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT): The VSAT Family of Systems (FoS) provides wideband beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS), low-cost satellite communications to Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) commanders at the Major Subordinate Commands to the Battalion levels. The VSAT FoS provides the RF communications link in support of the transfer of voice, video, and data services. Secure Mobile Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical-Terminal (SMART-T): SMART-T is an Army led, ACAT II program. The Marine Corps SMART-T has fielded the full Authorized Acquisition Objective (AAO) of 42 terminals and 35 AN/PSQ-17 Network Planning tools and completed the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) upgrades. The SMART-T is the only USMC asset that provides a SATCOM AEHF capability. Funding supports test and information efforts associated with component refresh. Terrestrial Wideband Transmission Systems (TWTS): TWTS is a capabilities portfolio that provides the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) with a continued capability of secure terrestrial digital data transmission. The portfolio includes, the Army/Navy Transportable Radio Communications-170A (AN/TRC-170A) Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) systems and their replacement Next Generation Troposcatter (NGT). The AN/MRC-142 and the Wireless Point to Point Link (WPPL) Line of Sight (LOS) systems and their replacement called the LOS Replacement (LOS-R), Tactical Elevated Antenna Mast (TEAMS), and Free-Space Optics (FSO) system. The NGT capability will provide a high bandwidth communications data link to support remote locations where satellite communication is not available. The LOS-R capability will provide a digital wideband full duplex link between operating units ashore and units aboard amphibious ships via the Navy's Automated Data Network System (ADNS) to meet ship-to-shore and shore-to-shore communication requirements. FSO is designed to provide additional LOS transmission diversity with an optical line-of-sight transmission path with a Low Probability of Detection/Low Probability of Intercept (LPD/LPI). Combat Operations Center (COC): COC provides commanders with a rapidly deployable, common, modular, and scalable operational agency that facilitates command and control across the full spectrum of MAGTF operations. The AN/TSQ-239A Family of Systems (FoS), is designed to provide centralized C2 Operational Facilities (OPFAC) to collect, process, and disseminate tactical data for the commander and staff of a Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), Division, Wing, Marine Logistics Group, Regiment, Marine Air Group, Battalion, and Squadron. The COC provides the commander with a Common Operational Picture (COP) and tactical data and communications assets needed to plan and conduct operations in an expeditionary combat environment. The system enables analytical and intuitive decision-making with a modular and scalable equipment set consisting of a common module OPFAC, C2 system, visual displays, and SW. Existing Tactical Data System software, previously resident on numerous platforms throughout the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), have been re-hosted on the COC system to provide commanders with integrated data access and communications. COC transitioned from Project C2273 to Project C2275 beginning FY19. The overall decrease of $9.94M is principally due the transition of NOTM from initial design, development, and prototyping to its refresh cycle.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2020
• Source ID: 2275_0206313M_7_1319_PB_2020

Tags

Readers

• Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

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