Project Manager Battle Command

Battle Command provides integrated battle command capabilities, training, and support to the joint land component Warfighter. Battle Command is developing interoperable innovations for tomorrow while supporting Warfighters in the field today.

Project Manager Battle Command

Battle Command capabilities support United States Army warfighting commanders by providing actionable information that speeds up the decision making process. Battle Command is integrating and migrating towards the future while supporting soldiers and warfighting commanders in theater now.

History of Battle Command

PM Battle Command consists of a collection of multiple Command and Control capabilities.

Computers and networks have been used for some time to enhance battlefield processes. The Field Artillery Tactical Computer (FATC) developed in the 1960s and used to compute complex fire solutions equations for field artillery units was an early example of technology integration to improve battlefield performance.

By Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the FATC had matured into what is known today as the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS), which could display battlefield geometry and bring together information AbOUT enemy activity reports and available artillery assets. AFATDS was able to compute fire solutions as well as aid in fire support planning, coordination and execution. The effort to develop automation and network support through AFATDS was the first in ongoing efforts to integrate complex technology to improve logistics, air and missile defense, maneuver and intelligence.

The Battlefield Functional Area (BFA) products originally included AFATDS, Maneuver Control System (MCS), Forward Area Air Defense Command, Control and Intelligence (FAADC2I), All-Source Analysis System (ASAS) and Combat Service Support Control System (CSSCS).

Today, BFA products have expanded to include: Battle Command Common Services (BCCS); Maneuver Control System (MCS); Command Post of the Future (CPOF); Defense Readiness Reporting System – Army (DRRS-A); Global Command and Control System – Army (GCCS-A); Net Enabled Command and Control (NECC); Battle Command Sustainment Support System (BCS3); Node Management and Deployable Depot (NoMaDD); Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS); Centaur; Fire Support Terminal Unit (FSTU); Forward Entry Device (FED); Gun Display Unit – Replacement (GDU-R); Joint Automated Deep Operations Coordination System (JADOCS); Lightweight Forward Entry Device (LFED); Pocket-Sized Forward Entry Device (PFED); Battle Command Enterprise Architecture Software; Battle Command Sustainment Trainer; Theater Effects-Based Operations (TEBO).

In 1994, the Army began formal experiments in harnessing the power of information through the Advanced Warfighter Experiments (AWE). Using computer and information technology networks to increase combat power through speed and agility, these experiments were based on the foundation that with information forces could “see first, understand first, act first and finish decisively.”

Army Battle Command Systems (ABCS), which supported the AWEs, was created as a family of battle command and communications systems to share information from the BFA systems both horizontally - across echelons of combat units - and vertically - up and down combat unit echelons. Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications – Tactical (PEO C3T) was established in 1995 to oversee the ABCS capabilities and manage engineering responsibilities through a merger of PEO Command and Control Systems and PEO Communications.

Starting in 1995, the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) was designated as the division in which the “digital” tactics and equipment would be refined. These refinements were in support of the Army Transformation Campaign and included development of standards to facilitate data exchange between systems and tests of individual systems within the larger ABCS Family of Systems (FoS). Later, units in III Corps based in Fort Hood, Texas, and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams would join this experimental process.

ABCS refinement continued through the AWEs, Task Force XXI, and Digital Capstone Exercises, in preparation for the formal test and evaluation scheduled for Spring of 2002. However, due to the Global War On Terror (GWOT), the Army Chief of Staff, General Peter Schoomaker directed that ABCS capabilities most desired by field commanders would be fielded to the entire Army for use in current operations.

When coalition forces made an initial run into Baghdad, the Army put together a suite of digital Battle Command systems to support the initial fight. Shortly after the taking of Baghdad, at the beginning of GEN Peter Schoomaker’s term as Army Chief of Staff, Schoomaker directed the development of a “Good Enough” battle command solution for fielding to the entire Army. Since then, technologies have emerged and the military expects to one day field a singular suite of digital capabilities across all U.S. military forces. ABCS 6.4 is now fielded in all modular Brigade Combat Teams in the active force, with exception of the 1st Armored Division and 2nd Infantry Division. Efforts are underway to field the suite to those divisions. PM BC continues to deliver and train the capabilities and upgrades for command and control to the entire Army and reserve component forces.

Fire Support: is the collaboration of multiple precision fire capabilities that support command and control (C2). The capabilities that make up Fire Support provide an integrated solution to support precision fire and effects on the battlefield.

The continued technical evolution of Fire Support Command and Control (FSC2) products will ultimately save innocent lives through minimizing collateral damage while inflicting the greatest damage on our enemies.

Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS): AFATDS is a multi-service (U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy), Joint and combined forces fire support Command, Control and Communications (C3) system. AFATDS provides the Commander tools including Situational Awareness (SA), Battle Management, Target Analysis and Target Engagement.

AFATDS provides fully automated fire support system which minimizes the sensor-to-shooter timeline and increases the hit ratio as well as fully automated support for planning, coordinating and controlling mortars, field artillery cannons, rockets, guided missiles, close air support, attack helicopter and naval gunfire, close support, counterfire, interdiction Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) and deep operations.

The single version of AFATDS software is used at all echelons from the platoon through echelons above Corps and United States Navy (USN) ships.

Centaur: The Centaur system is a handheld technical fire direction system for multi-service, joint, and combined forces, providing technical solution information to the Fire Direction Centers (FDCs) in cannon field artillery units for field artillery fire missions. The Centaur is considered to be the primary backup system to AFATDS for Technical Fire Direction (TFD) solutions.

Gun Display Unit –Replacement (GDU-R): The GDU-R system is a rugged-Personal Digital Assistant (section chief assembly) and two remote gunner displays, which provides the critical data link between a gun and the FDC. The GDU-R allows firing sections to receive and display firing data and firing commands transmitted by AFATDS at the FDC, and transmits the status of the gun to the AFATDS as the mission progresses. The GDU-R is designed to support both self-propelled and towed cannon weapon systems. GDU-R is a critical element of Battle Command applications.

Joint Automated Deep Operations Coordination System (JADOCS): Joint Automated Deep Operations Coordination System (JADOCS) is a joint and combined Warfighting application. JADOCS has engaged in a “spiral process” developed during two Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrations (ACTDs) to provide “precision strike” and C2 capabilities.

JADOCS provides Warfighters with a combination of tools, services and mission managers to bridge “capability gaps” identified by Combatant Commanders (COCOMs) and Service Components. JADOCS provides capabilities for rapid SoS integration, visualization, coordination and de-confliction of critical mission information.

Tactical Battle Command (TBC) provides a mission critical suite of command and control products deployed into today’s fight, while evolving to meet the needs of tomorrow’s mission. TBC is a critical element of ABCS which combines multiple, complex capabilities into an integrated tool set allowing Warfighters to visualize the battle space and synchronize the elements of combat power while simultaneously collaborating and sharing data in near-real time.

TBC includes: Maneuver Control System (MCS), Command Post of the Future (CPOF), Battle Command Common Services (BCCS), Tactical Share Point Web Portal, coalition interoperability, integration of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) capabilities, and Joint convergence effort with the Marine Corps.

The suite of products are being fielded and used by Active, Reserve and National Guard units from battalion to Army Service Component Command (ASCC). Operators include Commanders, primary staff, and battle staff personnel from across the Battlefield Operating Systems (BOS).

Maneuver Control System (MCS) 6.4 serves as a mission critical Command and Control (C2) system that allows Commanders and staffs to visualize the battle space and synchronize the elements of combat power for successful execution of combat operations. MCS includes battle staff tools and maneuver functional capabilities including Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) tools and engineering tools for combat and construction engineers.

Command Post of the Future (CPOF) provides the user capability to simultaneously collaborate and share data among operators at the same echelon and also between operators at other echelons in near real-time. CPOF supports the Commander’s battle management and information operations by rapidly processing and displaying combat information from other supporting ABCS systems. CPOF serves as an information centric tool that provides near real-time knowledge sharing that enhances team effectiveness and decision-making. This allows Senior Commanders to quickly review shared data simultaneously with subordinate units, which improves overall battlefield awareness.

Battle Command Common Services (BCCS) provides the enabling infrastructure for TBC and for migration to Net-Centric Enterprise Services (NCES) environment and Network Enabled Command and Control (NECC). The Battle Command Server (BC Server) provides interoperability services including the Publish And Subscribe Services (PASS) and Data Dissemination Service (DDS). The server also supports Joint convergence with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) by providing a data exchange gateway that allows the direct exchange of Common Operational Picture (COP) data between the joint services.

Strategic Battle Command (SBC): SBC is the ABCS component providing Army, Joint and Coalition Commanders with critical planning and situational awareness capabilities. Readiness reporting, force projection and situational awareness capabilities are provided through the Global Command and Control System – Army (GCCS-A) and the Defense Readiness Reporting System-Army (DRRS-A). SBC serves as the Army’s component program office for Net-Enabled Command Capability (NECC). SBC capabilities enable the Army to bring the right forces to the right fight at the right time.

The Global Command and Control System – Army (GCCS-A) is the Army’s strategic, theater, and tactical C2 system. It provides a seamless link of operational information and critical data from the strategic Global Command and Control System – Joint (GCCS-J) to Army theater elements and below. GCCS-A assists in mission planning, deployment support, operations in theater and redeployment. It provides a common picture of Army tactical operations to the Joint and Coalition community and delivers joint asset visibility to the Army to facilitate operations. GCCS-A is the Commander’s Battle Command asset for force planning and projection, readiness and situational awareness and is the system of record for theater Army headquarters worldwide.

The Data Readiness Reporting System – Army (DRRS-A) is a computerized, secure Web-enabled capability that provides commanders with an accurate representation of unit readiness to make critical C2 decisions. DRRS-A reports mission critical information including personnel levels, training status, equipment availability and equipment serviceability and is a key enabler of the GCCS-A force readiness application. DRRS-A fuses Army training, readiness and equipment data to track detailed information on unit capabilities under high operational tempo conditions that are inherent in wartime.

DRRS-A follows the Department of Defense (DoD) Net-centric strategy of making Army readiness data visible, accessible and understandable. Through DRRS-A, planners at the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQ DA), Combatant Commands, and Army unit levels bridge the knowledge gap between readiness status, war plans and Courses Of Actions (COAs). DRRS-A supports the implementation of emerging Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) concepts and processes for manning, equipping, training and readiness.

Net Enabled Command Capability (NECC) is the Department of Defense’s (DoD) principal Joint C2 capability that will be accessible in a net-centric environment and focused on providing the commander and the Warfighter with the data and information support infrastructure required to make timely, effective, and informed decisions.

Future NECC services will provide an interoperable and collaborative Joint solution enabling commanders to make timely, effective and informed decisions. SBC will be working on developing focused joint combat capability; single joint architecture enabling seamless access to information; dynamic data enhancing access to shared data sources; and agile and continuous delivery of command and control capabilities.

Battle Command Sustainment Support System (BCS3): provides a logistics decision making capability that supports U.S. Land Forces at war and in garrison. It provides a Microsoft Windows-like Common Operational Picture (COP) for logistics that is modular, tailorable, and scalable in near-real time to meet the full spectrum of battlefield Log C2 requirements.

BCS3 is the Army’s Battle Command Log C2 system employed at multiple echelons to fuse sustainment, in-transit, and force data to aid commanders in making critical decisions. Within the BC System of Systems (SoS) architecture, BCS3 provides the logistics portion of the BC COP. It incorporates relevant technologies developed over the past ten years with emerging logistics technologies and applications used today around the world and supports U.S. land forces deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The system supports training, mission planning, rehearsal, and execution all in one tool and operates in both an unclassified and classified environment. Operationally, it interfaces with other Army and Joint, Interagency, and Multi-national (JIM) C2 and logistics business systems.

BCS3 provides analytical and decision-support tools that enable commanders to make prudent decisions, rapidly and effectively, for today’s fight and tomorrow’s mission.

BCS3’s core competencies provide units, staffs and commanders with the best warfighting capability now through the LOG COP; Commodity Visibility; Convoy Operations; Reception, Staging, Onward Movement; and Logistics Reporting.

BCS3 is the “Node Manager” for a Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and United States Transportation Command co-sponsored Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD). Node Management and Deployable Depot (NoMaDD) is focused to deliver technological advancements for the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) end-to-end distribution and supply chain management. NoMaDD leverages current and future BCS3 capabilities and integrates additional software capabilities.

Common Software (CS): CS is responsible for design, development and maintenance of ABCS enterprise infrastructure software, other software programs and other missions common to the PEO C3T and PM BC. Common Software supports interoperability among Army ABCS, Joint, and Coalition C2 Systems and serves as the Army-wide product manager for the integration of the ABCS Foundation through innovative software design and development. CS develops, integrates and tests a wide variety of Common Operating Environment (COE) components and ensures that these products are compatible and compliant as defined in the Joint Technical Architecture (JTA) and Joint Technical Architecture-Army (JTA-A).

CS leads the development efforts for:

Alerts Common Message Processor (CMP) Command and Control Registry (C2R)/C2R Planner Ground Tactical Communications Services (GTCS) PASS Client Interface (PCI) / DDS Client Interface (DCI) Multilateral Interoperability Programme (MIP) Block 3 software. CS provides technical support and services for Current Force ABCS 6.x CS products; for SWB 8-10, SWB 9-11 and SWB 10-12.

CS also acts as the executive agent for MIP, Simulation to C4I Interoperability Overarching Integrated Product Team (SIMCI OIPT) and as the Army service deployment lead for Joint Project Manager – Information Systems (JPMIS) products.

PD CS is the lead for the Theater Effects Based Operations (TEBO). PD CS leverages the Research, Development & Engineering Center (RDEC) Science and Technology Objectives (STO) of advanced software and communication and network features for introduction into legacy digitized platforms that will provide interfaces to Future Combat Systems (FCS).

Traditionally, BC has been based around functional systems stemming from established requirements. As Battle Command continues to migrate capabilities to the future, the PMO is focused on creating a capabilities-based system where all aspects of C2 are integrated together. PM Battle Command is integrating NECC and FCS frameworks through a Unified Battle Command -building the foundation of the Army’s present and future command and control architecture. This collaboration provides seamless interoperability through mission planning, preparation, and situational awareness capabilities.

PM Battle Command delivers high quality capability, enhances Warfighter performance, and reduces system complexity.

PM Battle Command leads change and integrates current capabilities into future innovations.

PM Battle Command effectively trains, fields, and supports the Warfighter.

PM Battle Command Adapts capabilities based on Warfighter feedback and lessons learned.

Battle Command Sustainment Support System (BCS3)

Battle Command Sustainment Support System (BCS3) fuses sustainment information from multiple sources into a single mission-focused and tailored, map-centric visual display in tactical, operational and strategic environments providing Soldiers with the situational awareness to make Command and Control decisions.

Common Software

Common Software (CS) serves as the Army-wide product manager for the integration of the ABCS Foundation. Specifically, Common Software focused on design and development of software.

Fire Support

Fire Support is the collaboration of multiple precision fire capabilities that support command and control. The capabilities that make up Fire Support provide an integrated solution to support precision fire and effects on the battlefield.

Strategic Battle Command (SBC)

SBC is the Army Battle Command System component that provides Army, Joint and Coalition Commanders with readiness reporting, force projection and situational awareness through the Global Command and Control System – Army (GCCS-A), the Defense Readiness Reporting System-Army (DRRS-A) and is the Army’s component program office for Net-Enabled Command Capability (NECC).

Tactical Battle Command (TBC)

TBC is a critical element of the Army’s Battle Command Systems (ABCS) which combine multiple complex capabilities into an integrated tool set allowing Warfighters to visualize the battle space and synchronize the elements of combat power while simultaneously collaborating and sharing data in near-real time.

References

http://peoc3t.monmouth.army.mil/battlecommand/battlecommand.html