Advanced Technology Testbeds for Distributed, Survivable Command, Control and Communications (C3)

Abstract

Two testbeds have been established to transfer emerging technology from the research community to the military thereby providing a basis for developing new military concepts for force effectiveness and survivability. Although still emerging, these technologies are now being presented to the user to make it possible to investigate (today) command, control and communications (C3) concepts that might otherwise not be considered for another decade. The technologies being transferred include: automated tactical reporting systems, advanced packet-switched communication, automated man-machine interfaces, communication network and internetwork environments, automated display and analysis of data, and techniques for automatically disseminating information into redundant/distributed data bases. Expectations are that the testbeds will ultimately lead to the definition of military distributed C3 architectures that will permit a commander to execute his mission in the "battlefield of the future" more effectively.