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, High Altitude Radio Delay, terminals, antennas, current systems requiring updates or obsolescence issues, and Joint Enterprise Network Manager (JENM). Networking On The Move (NOTM): NOTM provides a command and control (C2) capability by integrating tactical data systems with on the move satellite communications (SATCOM) for beyond line-of-sight communication that allows 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 Ground Combat Element (GCE), Air Combat Element (ACE) and Logistics Combat Element (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 capability a crucial asset to all elements of the MAGTF. Currently the USMC has three variants depending on the type of transportation being used; the NOTM Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV), NOTM Utility Task Vehicle (UTV), and 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 provides tactical users with protected data and voice via Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite communications. The SMART-T system is transported on High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs), providing MAGTF Commanders a secure, survivable, long-haul, low/medium data rate communications link not subject to terrain masking and horizon limitations. The SMART-T is the only USMC asset that possesses a SATCOM AEHF capability. 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. COC program office will begin developing a design for a update to the current COC configuration called Next Generation Operational Facility (OPFAC). The Next Generation OPFAC will provide the MAGTF with a more agile and modular COC capability to better support future Expeditionary Advanced Based Operations (EABO) that require a smaller physical presence. In FY21 the Combat Operations Center (COC) requirements transitions into the Combat Data Network (CDN) program PE 0206313 Project 2276 under the title Common Hosting Environment (CHE).

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2021
• Source ID: 2275_0206313M_7_1319_PB_2021

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
• Space - Satellites