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DOT&E FY2000 Annual Report

JOINT COMMAND AND CONTROL CAPABILITY (JCC(X))

Navy pre-MDAP Program		Prime Contractor
Total Number of Systems:	N/A	TBD
Total Program Cost (TY$):	N/A
Average Unit Cost (TY$):	N/A
Full-rate production:	N/A

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & CONTRIBUTION TO JOINT VISION 2020

JCC(X) is the Navy's proposed replacement capability for the current four aging command ships, to provide Joint Force Commanders, embarked component commanders, Maritime Commanders, and staffs with enhanced mission capability for joint campaign battle management employing advanced C4ISR. The details of how the required capabilities will be provided are currently being studied in an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA). Candidate configurations include Joint Command and Control (JCC) functions aboard: 1.) dedicated built-for-the-purpose or converted ships, 2.) distributed among a number of platforms, or 3.) in combination with ashore facilities to provide a reach back capability for the on-site force commander.

JCC(X) will play a pivotal role in achieving the Joint Vision 2020 concept of information superiority and Joint Command and Control, enabling dominant maneuver and focused logistics.

The Navy currently operates four dedicated command ships, which have been in service for 27 to 36 years. These ships also serve as the flagships for four of the five numbered fleet commanders. The replacement ship class will operate in much different combat operational environments from those for which the existing ships were built. The information revolution is changing operational concepts for military and naval forces, and U.S. forces operations are now required to be joint-interoperable, as well as increasingly interactive with allied and coalition forces and non-defense agencies and organizations. The JROC validated the Mission Need Statement for JCC(X) in September 1999, and USD(AT&L) granted Milestone 0 approval in November 1999.

OSD guidance for the JCC(X) Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) calls for a two-part assessment. Part 1, which has been completed, addressed whether an afloat command capability will be needed in the future. The OSD Overarching-Integrated Product Team has endorsed the Part 1 findings that:

1. an afloat JCC capability will be an essential element of robust operational-level command and control for joint operations in the future, and,
2. the mix of dedicated and distributed JCC capabilities should be examined further in Part 2 of the AOA.

Part 2 of the AOA is now in progress and will be completed in time to support the Milestone I DAB program decision anticipated in early FY 2002. This assessment is considering the required C4ISR operational functions and system architecture, and the possible ship and ashore options and characteristics in order to develop appropriate alternatives. The assessment of alternatives will examine specific scenarios and associated costs of the alternatives, including off-ship and/or ashore activities needed to provide the necessary JCC capabilities. The Milestone I DAB will review the basis of the required capability developed during the current concept formulation phase.

DOT&E has participated in the Joint Oversight Group discussions of the AOA, but the immaturity of this program has not permitted specific test and evaluation activity. It is anticipated that a preliminary version of the Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP), as well as other supporting documentation, will be approved prior to the Milestone 1 DAB decision.

If the results of the AoA suggest the joint command capability be distributed between the ship and other facilities afloat and ashore, the JCC capability itself will contribute only a partial-response to the overall C4ISR task requirements. Determining the effectiveness of the integrated command and control systems entity and the contribution of the JCC(X) within that structure will be a substantial challenge; and, it will require evaluation of the distributed elements of C4ISR as well as the JCC(X). Evaluating the suitability, effectiveness, and survivability of any facility and/or platform, which will house the JCC(X), will be a further challenge.

Interoperability among the elements of the integrated command and control system, that includes JCC(X), must be tested in a realistic operational environment, and the interoperability of the ashore and afloat C2 entities, with subordinate and superior levels of command, must be similarly evaluated.

FY00 JOINT COMMAND AND CONTROL CAPABILITY (JCC(X))