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	Director, Operational Test & Evaluation
	FY98 Annual Report

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & CONTRIBUTION TO JOINT VISION 2010

The Common Imagery Ground/Surface System (CIGSS) incorporates common components (e.g., processors and data links) and standards (e.g., file formats, communication protocols) for the near real-time receipt of imagery from a wide variety of airborne sensors and is also used to exchange imagery between ground and surface systems. Current systems; i.e., Joint Service Imagery Processing System (JSIPS), Tactical Exploitation Group (TEG), JSIPS-Navy, Enhanced Tactical Radar Correlator (ETRAC), Modernized Imagery Exploitation System (MIES), and Pacific Air Forces Integrated National Exploitation System (PINES), will migrate to the CIGSS architecture through pre-planned product improvements. New imagery systems will be developed to comply with the architecture.

CIGSS contributes to the Joint Vision 2010 goal of achieving information superiority by supporting dominant maneuver, precision engagement, and full-dimensional protection. CIGSS contributes most directly to precision engagement by providing high fidelity target detail, and accurate/timely target locations and battle damage assessment.

Until it was closed in FY98, the Defense Airborne Reconnaissance Office (DARO) was the overall executive agent of the CIGSS program. CIGSS has evolved from JSIPS, an Air Force Electronic Systems Command program. In FY97, OSD C3I (A&T) directed DARO and DOT&E to create a Working Integrated Process Team to develop a draft CIGSS TEMP. DARO/OSD C3I authorized the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) as the lead operational testing agency. The CIGSS TEMP will guide the evaluation of how well the CIGSS architecture satisfies the requirements as stated in the CIGSS Capstone Requirements Document. With the closing of DARO, the National Imagery and Mapping Agency has assumed the responsibility for directing the development and publication of a CIGSS TEMP.

The CIGSS TEMP is in final coordination. Except for planning, there have been no CIGSS test activities in FY98. JITC is looking for test opportunities in FY99 that could support the evaluation of CIGSS during field training exercises. Services still have the responsibility to conduct system-level test prior to testing of the joint architecture by JITC.

The CIGSS TEMP, when approved, will provide a T&E strategy for evaluating how well an architecture of interoperable imagery exploitation systems can provide enhanced intelligence support to Joint Task Force Commanders. Successful implementation of the T&E strategy will be dependent upon close cooperation of the Service operational test agencies and the system developers, as well as adequate developmental and operational testing of new systems prior to their participation in a joint exercise environment.