Tactical Networking Requirements for Digital Command and Control
Abstract
Operating within a dynamic, counterinsurgency (COIN) environment has exponentially increased the need for digitization of Command and Control. Within that COIN environment, acetate overlays and hand written "yellow canaries" are no longer effective means to manage volumes of information needed today to convey strategic context, develop situational awareness, and make quick-turn tactical decisions that could have operational and strategic impacts. The modern tactical commander now manages a breadth and depth of information comparable to what theater commanders and their supporting staffs were responsible. On the modern battlefield, access to information is key to maintain tactical effectiveness and agility. The Marine Corps has reached a point in the maturation of information technology where "stand alone" computing is no longer an option: the warfighter must be networked at all times and at all locations. Given 10 years' experience operating in COIN, what are the realistic networking requirements for high tempo combined arms offensive operations that require a unit to maneuver 400 miles in 10 days while fighting the enemy? The challenge is to understand the type of warfare and tailor the networking capacity to fit the needs of the commander. Continuing to provide the significant level of network connectivity that commanders have become accustomed to within the longstanding COIN environments of Afghanistan and Iraq creates challenges for command, control, communications, and computer (C4) planners. In future operations where forces are highly mobile and disaggregated, current C4 systems will not be able to provide the continuous network connectivity that tactical commanders demand. This paper will describe the strengths and vulnerabilities of Digital Command and Control, elaborate the operational requirements for tactical network connectivity as part of the modern battlefield, and propose a framework for developing tactical networking.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA587553
Entities
People
- Henry R. Salmans Iii
- James M. Robinson
- Jeffrey L. Hammond
- Kurt M. Gall
- Michael M. Cho
Organizations
- Computer Sciences Corporation