Doctrine For Command Control Communications And Computer C4 Systems Support To Joint Operations

This publication provides command, control, communications, and computer (C4) systems doctrinal guidance across the range of military operations for those who: a. Plan C4 systems support for joint operations; b. Employ C4 systems in support of joint operations; c. Provide operational and technical direction to C4 systems; and d. Plan, manage, and employ C4 systems normally unique to Service or non-US forces as part of joint operations.

This thesis is a summary of the capabilities of the Army Tactical Command and Control System (ATCCS) and the guiding Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) documents as they apply to the ATCCS. Its purpose is to strengthen the knowledge base of Army officers entering the Joint C4I curriculum by providing a summary of Joint and Army C4 doctrine and guidance as it applies to ATCCS. ATCCS is the Army's primary Command and Control (C2) system at echelons corps and below. ATCCS consists of five smaller systems, each a Battlefield Functional Area Control System (BFACS) controlling seven Battlefield Functional Areas (BFA). The five BFACS are: the Maneuver Control System (MCS), the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) , the Forward Area Air Defense Command, Control and Intelligence System (FAAD c2I), the Combat Service Support Control System (CSSCS), and the All Source Analysis System (ASAS). A clear strategy for the functional design of ATCCS is supported by three documents. Related to and supportive of each other, the three documents are: Joint Pub 6-0, Doctrine for Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems Support to Joint Operations; The Army Enterprise Strategy consisting of The Vision and The Implementation Plan; and Army Field Manual 100- 5, Operations. This thesis draws threads of continuity from joint doctrine through Army guidance into implementation in ATCCS.

This publication has been prepared under the direction of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It sets forth doctrine to govern the joint activities and performance of the Armed Forces of the United States in joint operations and provides the doctrinal basis for US military involvement in multinational and interagency operations. It provides military guidance for the exercise of authority by combatant commanders and other joint force commanders (JFCs) and prescribes doctrine for joint operations and training. It provides military guidance for use by the Armed Forces in preparing their appropriate plans. It is not the intent of this publication to restrict the authority of the JFC from organizing the force and executing the mission in a manner the JFC deems most appropriate to ensure unity of effort in the accomplishment of the overall mission. the contents of this publication and the contents of Service publications, this publication will take precedence for the activities of joint forces unless the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, normally in coordination with the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has provided more current and specific guidance. Commanders of forces operating as part of a multinational (alliance or coalition) military command should follow multinational doctrine and procedures ratified by the United States. For doctrine and procedures not ratified by the United States, commanders should evaluate and follow the multinational command s doctrine and procedures, where applicable and consistent with US law and policy.