So, You Want to Be a J6?
Abstract
During the past 10 years, three significant United States Military Operations have been conducted by three separate CINCs. Despite communication success, failure, and documented lessons learned following these operations, the J6 on a CINC's staff does not have a published framework for communications planning. This essay proposes such a framework using lessons learned from recent military experiences: Grenada (Urgent Fury, 1983), Panama (Just Cause, 1988), and the liberation of Kuwait (Desert Shield\Storm, 1990). Communications Planning for the operational level of war requires that the following broad categories be considered for planning and execution: (1) Identify Command Structure and Command Relationships, including the Joint Communications Electronic Operating Instructions (JCEOI) and interoperability problems; (2) Land Management; (3) Circuit Switch Network Planning; (4) Message Switch Network Planning; (5) Data Network Connectivity; (6) Theater Frequency Management; (7) Personal Computer Use in the Theater; (8) Functional Area Architectures, including intelligence systems, fire support systems, air defense systems, air space management, imagery systems, theater ballistic warning systems, air tasking order systems, and logistics; (9) Communication Packages for Liaison Teams; (10) Small Planning Considerations that have a direct impact on mission success, such as comsec keys, software configuration management, IFF codes, and tactical telephone directories; (11) Navigation and Global Positioning System (GPS); (12) Satellite Access Priorities; (13) Evaluation of Components Communications Support; (14) Threats to C3 Systems; (15) Combat Camera Crews; (16) CNN Terminals and Media Support; and (17) Morale and Welfare Telephone Calls.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA440994
Entities
People
- Marilyn A. Quagliotti
Organizations
- National War College