Keeping Quiet: How to Maintain a Kill Chain in a Communications Contested Environment
Abstract
The US has shifted the main focus of its security strategy from counter-terrorism towards great power competition. US forces are currently revising their force design to adapt to these changes. USMC, specifically, is heading towards closer integration with the Navy and is developing Marine Littoral Regiments that will complement the Expeditionary Advanced Base Operation concept. This concept entails small, dispersed units to operate within the adversary's weapons engagements zone, thus making the units subject to the risk of detection and countermeasures. Sensors and shooters need to communicate to be effective, but China and Russia both have considerable capability and capacity within Electronic Warfare and Signals Intelligence in all domains that can detect and localize electromagnetic emissions. There are several different technologies available for beyond-line-of-sight communications, each with its strengths and weaknesses. USMC forces operating in a communications contested environment have to combine these technologies and rethink how they are being used and adjust and tailor communications procedures to minimize the chance of being compromised by their communications. The USMC should adjust its communications concept for EABO in the direction of an extended network of broadcasting stations, combined with communications systems designed to blend in with prominent civilian communication in the theater. Communication plans and Emission Control procedures will have to be tailored to meet the specific threat and signal environment of the operating environment. Dispersion of forces and long periods without two-way communications also requires military leaders to emphasize building independent Marines and units that can operate autonomously based on intentions rather than directions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 29, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1177994
Entities
People
- Mikkel Gorsetbakk
Organizations
- Marine Corps University