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	Director, Operational Test & Evaluation
	FY99 Annual Report

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & CONTRIBUTION TO JOINT VISION 2010

The Joint Theater Missile Defense Attack Operations (JTMD AO) Joint Test Force (JTF) was chartered to investigate and evaluate the U.S. capability to conduct joint TMD attack operations using existing and near term (FY98) systems and CINC-approved/proposed TMD architectures. The JTMD AO JTF contributes to three of the four Joint Vision 2010 operational concepts: precision engagement, full-dimensional protection and dominant maneuver forces. The JTMD AO JTF incorporates state-of-the-art technologies in its sensors; weapons; and battle management, command, control, and communications systems. The JTMD AO JTF will help ensure that Joint Forces enjoy full spectrum dominance in the theater by being a primary contributor to full-dimensional protection of the dominant maneuver forces through precision engagement of threat ballistic missiles.

An integrated test concept was developed that includes the use of existing data, leveraged field testing, and simulation. Operational and developmental test data is being acquired for sensors, Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C⁴I), and attack systems to establish the operational and technical capabilities for these systems. Field tests are used to fill gaps in the data available for these systems. The collected data is instrumental in ensuring that the capabilities of these systems are accurately reflected in the simulation models. A combination of field testing and simulation (distributed and constructive) provide the primary tools to investigate JTMD Attack Operations.

Joint Theater Missile Defense (JTMD) is the integration of joint force capabilities to find targets, task resources, and attack and kill the enemy's theater missile capabilities before they can be brought to bear on friendly forces, critical assets, and areas of vital interest. This requires the capability to attack theater missiles with an appropriate mix of theater missile defense (TMD) weapons. TMD activities are currently broken into three distinct areas: attack operations, active defense, and passive defense. An integrated C⁴I architecture knits these elements together to form the total TMD operational capability.

The Phase I Attack Operations Simulation Network (AOSN), conducted in July 1996, was designed to provide the necessary data to evaluate TMD architecture, tactics, techniques, and procedures for a Southwest Asia scenario. Phase I AOSN included a carrier battle group, amphibious ready group, limited Air Force assets, and Navy Special Operations Forces. Phase I results are documented in a classified JTMD Attack Operations interim report.

The Phase II and III AOSN conducted in July 1997 used the same Southwest Asia scenario as Phase I, in which a U.S. Joint Task Force has responded to the threat country's positioning of its land, sea, and air forces and the deployment of its theater missiles (ballistic and cruise). For Phase II, the centers of the Joint Task Force were an Air Force Air Expeditionary Force and a Naval Task Force, comprised of a Carrier Battle Force and an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). The Air Force had an Air Operations Center commanding a composite force of fighters, transport, tanker, command and control, and sensor support aircraft. Naval aviation in-theater included carrier, ARG, and land-based fighters and support assets. In addition, the Joint Task Force had access to national assets allocated for direct support of the theater commander's objectives. Phase III added additional sensors, command elements, and attack systems associated with land-based Army and Marine units. Phase II/III results are documented in a classified JTMD Attack Operations interim report.

Phase IV is designed as an in-depth study of the up-front actions in the attack operations process, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. Phase I-III activities concentrated on the C⁴I and attack system components of attack operations and was not designed to explore alternative sensor management techniques nor the effects of intelligence preparation of the battlespace enhancements. It has become evident that focused testing is necessary to characterize and identify potential alternatives, which might enhance U.S. forces' capability in these areas.

Phase IV activities assessed attack operations as they relate to the Northeast Asia theater. The assessment capitalized on results and lessons learned from the three previously conducted AOSN activities. A detailed investigation of the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance process and potential alternative solutions were assessed through constructive simulation via a sequence of man-in-the-loop test events. Seventh Air Force personnel conducted the exercise over a six-month period in-theater with participation. Phase IV ended in December 1998.