Military

C-1. ADA brigade communications must be an integrated system of doctrine, procedures, organization structure, personnel, equipment, and facilities designed to support the air and missile defense mission. Theater and corps communications systems must allow the commander to exercise his authority in both FO and EO throughout all phases of a force projection operation.

C-2. The communications architecture is divided into the Area Common User System (ACUS), the Army Data Distribution System (ADDS), and Combat Net Radios (CNRs). ADA brigades are required by joint, combined, and operational doctrine to command and control air and missile defense operations. To accomplish this, the ADA brigade must transmit and receive the following information:

• Alerting and early warning
• Air battle control
• Command and control
• Administrative and logistics
• Targeting information from intelligence broadcasts
• Supported unit command relationship
• Liaison

C-3. ADA brigade communications are designed to support two major functions: engagement operations (EO) and force operations (FO). These functions are explained in the following paragraphs.

C-4. EOs includes those functions required to execute the air, missile, and counter surveillance battles. The air surveillance function establishes a correlated air picture with target types and identification. The mission control function processes commands from higher echelon units, evaluates the threat, optimizes engagement performance, monitors the outcome of engagements, and manages the employment of sensors and decoys. The attack operations support function determines the location of enemy air and missile launch sites and provides it to the C⁴I system for attack operations. The data distribution function distributes the air picture and track data. Force operations are conducted in the FDC of the CP.

C-5. FO include those functions required to plan, coordinate, prepare for, and sustain the total air and missile defense mission. The situation analysis function continuously collects and evaluates all available information on friendly and hostile forces, including the intelligence tasks of continuous APB and situation development. The defense planning function develops and assesses various options and produces a preferred course of action. The coordination function implements the coordination and cooperation required to develop, distribute, and execute the plan in a timely manner. The monitoring and controlling function observes and records activities taken in response to orders issued and performs alerting based on the situation. The routine staff function supports the overall battle command process. Predictive EO algorithms will use FO information from the situation analysis function as the basis for recommending or directing EO activities. The ADA brigades perform FO functions in the remainder of the CP operational cells.

C-6. Connectivity into the ACUS is required for most ADA brigade non-EO communications. EAC ADA brigades have an organic signal support company assigned to provide mobile subscriber equipment (MSE) connectivity into the theater ACUS network. The corps ADA brigade relies upon the corps signal brigade to provide connectivity into the theater ACUS network. Required communications for an ADA brigade are identified in the following paragraphs.

C-7. The EO data is normally received via an automated data link (ADL) from a higher-level control facility. The actual control facility will be situationally dependent. For example, during forced entry operations the control facility could be non-land based. They are either an Air Force AWACS or Navy AEGIS cruiser. After establishment of a lodgment, control could change to another land based facility, either an Air Force CRC or a Marine Corps TAOC or TAOM. The data link to be used will depend upon the capability of the control facility. Data links can be established using TADIL-A, TADIL-B, or TADIL-J message formats. The TADIL-A and TADIL-J networks can be entered directly using communications equipment and HF or UHF radios located in the brigade CP. TADIL-B data links enter via a modem and an interface into the Army Common User System (ACUS) for transmission. The ADA brigade needs to pass EO data to subordinate task forces and battalions, both Patriot and SHORAD. This is accomplished by using either ATDL-1 or TADIL-B message formats using the ACUS as transmission means. Figure C-1 illustrates ADA Brigade EO Data Connectivity.

C-8. EO voice networks are established using either HF or UHF radios for airborne or sea based control facilities and through the ACUS for other land based control facilities. The brigade FDC needs to monitor or participate in voice networks as described in the following paragraphs.

C-9. The interface coordination network (ICN) coordinates tactical weapons employment and is the C³I interface. This network most closely resembles the air defense control (ADC) network described below.

C-10. The track supervision network (TSN) is used to clarify the tactical picture and assist with unit interface. This network most closely resembles the intelligence and radar reporting (IRR) network described below.

C-11. The air defense command (ADC) network is a conference network used by the brigade and battalion TDAs for clarifying the air picture. The FDC normally has either an AM or an FM radio backup for this network.

C-12. The CP is equipped with a single channel SATCOM radio to receive TBM launch early warning directly from the theater TMD early warning network. Figure C-2 illustrates the ADA Brigade EO Voice Connectivity.

C-13. FO voice and data are routed entirely over the area common user system. This consists of TRITAC and MSE communications equipment. Brigade elements are capable of calling other elements on user owned and operated communications equipment. Figure C-3 illustrates the FO Voice and Data Connectivity.

C-14. Automation exists throughout the CP to enhance performance and promote standardization, commonality, and modularity. The CP will maximize the use of existing and planned automation in the form of common reconfigurable workstations and software modules to tailor the information processing automated decision aids for a particular function, application, or situation. Computers support the rapid fusion of data to meet the short execution timelines needed to fight the air and missile defense battle.

C-15. Intelligence is vital to the decision making cycle and must support friendly forces threat assessment, defense planning, force warning, and IPB functions as well as target prioritization and engagement decisions against enemy forces. The intelligence function focuses on acquiring and making information available to support brigade operations using intelligence systems, capabilities, and organizations.

C-16. The brigade will receive near-real time intelligence and early warning information directly from the TIBS and TDDS networks via an organic commander's tactical terminal/joint tactical terminal (CTT/JTT) radio. These networks will provide information from a number of data sources both national and theater. These networks are explained in detail later in the next section.

C-17. The following communications systems support the brigade in accomplishing its AD mission. Some of these systems may not be available at all times.

C-18. The CTT/JTT provides the joint war fighter with seamless, near real-time tactical intelligence and targeting information. It provides the critical data link to intelligence centers, air and missile defense activities, fire support, and aviation nodes across all services. The CTT/JTT is capable of accessing information transmitted over the tactical reconnaissance intelligence service (TRIXS), tactical information broadcast service (TIBS), both UHF SATCOM and line-of-sight, tactical data information exchange system-B (TADIXS-B), and the TRAP data dissemination system (TDDS). The CTT/JTT is a family of receivers. The two channel AN/USR-5 radio is capable of receiving data from two networks simultaneously. The three channel AN/USC-55 (JTT/H3) is capable of operating full duplex in one network and receive only in two additional networks simultaneously. The AN/USR-6 is a receive only, three channel radio, capable of receiving from three networks simultaneously.

C-19. The AN/VSQ-2 enhanced position location reporting system (EPLRS) is a secure, anti-jam, data communications system that provides ATCCS requisite data distribution at corps and lower echelons. It also provides an automated position location reporting capability in support of friendly battlefield situational awareness. EPLRS consists of two major components. The EPLRS User Unit is similar in physical characteristics to SINCGARS. The net control station EPLRS (NCS-E) is mounted on a HMMWV and is owned and operated by signal corps elements.

C-20. The Havequick (AN/ARC 164 V) is a modular, slice constructed, solid state, 10 watt UHF transmitter/receiver that provides 7000 channels, 20 of which can be preset. It is standard equipment for the US Air Force and Army with alternate console/panel mounts for each service. The AN/ARC 164 includes the RT-1145 (10W) and RT-1146 (30W) remote transceivers, C-9533 control unit, and ID-1961 frequency/channel indicator. ACA-218B is available as a vehicle/ground adapter. It provides plug-in operation of standard VHF and UHF airborne radios in vehicles and fixed ground stations.

C-21. AM improved high frequency radios (IHFR) provide long-range combat net radio (CNR) connectivity between operational elements at all echelons of the Army. IHFR radios are primarily used as back-up communications in the event that the ACUS or organization unique communications networks fail. IHFR is capable of transmitting and receiving voice and data, and must be externally secured through the use of the KY-99 Minitern COMSEC device. The IHFR replaces the US Army's AN/GRC-106 and several other AM radios. This family of radios includes the AN/PRC-104 low power (20W) manpack radio, the AN/GRC-193 high power (100-400W) vehicular radio, and the AN/GRC-213 low power (20W) vehicular radio. The IHFR has a frequency range of 2 to 20 MHz utilizing 280,000 channels in 100 MHz steps.

C-22. Single channel ground-air radio system (SINCGARS) is a family of VHF-FM radio sets designed to meet the Army's tactical communications requirements under the new force projection doctrine. SINCGARS is replacing the AN/PRC-77 and AN/VRC-12 series radio sets. SINCGARS is designed for simple, quick operation utilizing a 16-element keypad for push button tuning. SINCGARS is capable of short range or long-range operation for voice, frequency shift keying, or digital data communications. It can be used for single channel or in a jam-resistant frequency-hopping mode that can be changed as needed. SINCGARS has a built-in self test with visual and audio feed back.

C-23. The area common user system (ACUS) is the in-theater, tactical communications equivalent of "Ma Bell." The ACUS network is installed and operated by US Army signal brigades at the EAC and corps levels, and organic signal battalions in divisions. The ACUS consists of two families of equipment used at different levels. In the corps and division, the ACUS utilizes mobile subscriber equipment (MSE). At EAC, the ACUS utilizes tri-service tactical communications (TRITAC) equipment.

C-24. Mobile subscriber equipment (MSE) is a family of communications equipment that uses a variety of multi-channel radio and switching systems to form a communications network that provides bulk-encrypted (secure), voice, data, and tactical packet network switching.

C-25. The major components of the MSE network are node centers, large extension nodes (LENs), and small extension nodes (SENs). These nodes are distributed across the battlefield and interconnected to provide connectivity between users. User owned and operated devices are used for connectivity into the MSE-ACUS. These items include the TA-1035/U, Digital nonsecure voice telephone (DNVT) with data port; the KY-68, digital secure voice telephone (DSVT) with data port; the AN/UXC-7, lightweight tactical facsimile; the AN/UGC-144, single subscriber terminal (SST) teletype; and the AN/VRC-97, mobile subscriber radio terminal (MSRT). The MSRT provides mobile secure voice into the MSE network.

C-26. MSE equipment operates at 16 kilobits per second and, other than through specifically designated interface stations, is not operationally compatible with EAC TRITAC-ACUS. This does not infer that an MSE subscriber cannot dial through the MSE network to reach a TRITAC serviced activity.

C-27. TRITAC is a joint communications family of equipment that uses a variety of multi-channel radio and switching systems. It forms a network that provides bulk-encrypted (secure) voice, data, and tactical packet network message switching. Line of sight and TACSAT links are used as transmission means for TRITAC.

C-28. Transmission systems include the AN/TRC-170 troposcatter system, the AN/TSC-85A, AN/TSC-93A, AN/TSC-94A, and the AN/TSC-100A satellite communications terminals.

C-29. Switching systems include the AN/TYC-39 and AN/GYC-7 message switches, and the AN/TTC-39 and AN/TTC-42 circuit switches. TRITAC user owned and operated devices that facilitate connectivity to the TRITAC-ACUS include the TA/954-U digital nonsecure voice telephone (DNVT) without data port; the KY-68, digital secure voice terminal (DSVT) with data port; the AN/UXC-7, lightweight tactical facsimile; and the AN/UGC-144, single subscriber terminal (SST). A very limited number of subscribers use the AN/VRC-97, mobile subscriber radio terminal (MSRT).

C-30. TRITAC equipment operates at either 16 or 32 kilobits, which is selectable. They can be used with both the TRITAC and MSE networks.

C-31. Joint tactical information distribution system (JTIDS) is a high capacity, time division multiple access (TDMA) information distribution system that provides integrated communications, relative navigation, and identification capabilities. It has been developed to facilitate secure, flexible, and jam resistant data and voice transfer in real time among dispersed and mobile elements of the military services. The significant characteristic of JTIDS is the system architecture, which simultaneously interconnects all participants. The system is considered a pool of weapons, sensors, and command information that is continuously updated by each participant. The participant simultaneously taps the pool for tactical data and is provided with information and commands for force management and coordination.

C-32. The JTIDS class 2M terminal is configured for airborne, ground, and ship system applications. The receiver transmitter/transmitter contains all of the TDMA radio frequency functions plus an independent receiver/transmitter which provides an airborne traffic air control and navigation (TACAN) capability operating simultaneously with the JTIDS communications functions.

C-33. The air defense interface (ADI) provides the interfaces between analog voice and data circuits and the digital MSE network. It provides analog to digital conversion required to interface modems to the MSE network.

C-34. A tactical digital information links (TADIL) is a JCS approved standardized communication link suitable for transmission of digital information. A TADIL is characterized by standardized message formats and transmission characteristics. TADILs interface two or more command and control or weapons systems via a single or multiple network architecture and multiple communication media for exchange of tactical information. Five tactical links are used: TADILs A, B, C, J, and ATDL-1.

C-35. TADIL-A, Link 11, is a secure, half duplex netted digital link that provides a network for exchanging tactical data between TADIL-A subscribers at either 1364 or 2250 bits per second. It is normally operated in a roll call or polling mode. It is controlled by a net control station to exchange information between airborne, land based, and shipboard systems. It can be exchanged using either HF or UHF communications.

C-36. TADIL B, Link 11B, is a secure, full duplex, point to point digital data link utilizing serial transmission frame characteristics and standard message formats at either 600, 1200, or 2400 bits per second. It can be exchanged using UHF or landline communications.

C-37. TADIL C, Link 4, is an unsecured, UHF, time-division digital data link utilizing serial transmission characteristics and standard message formats at 5000 bits per second from a controlling unit to an aircraft. Information exchange can be one way (controlling unit to aircraft) or two way.

C-38. TADIL J, Link 16, is a secure, jam resistant, high capacity, nodeless data link which uses the JTIDS transmission characteristics and protocols conventions and message formats.

C-39. Interim JTIDS Message Specification (IJIMS) is a secure, high capacity, jam resistant, nodeless interim specification that uses the JTIDS transmission characteristics and the protocols, conventions, and fixed length message formats defined by IJMS. IJMS information can be received by the Army's adaptable surface interface terminal (ASIT) or the JTIDS class 2M radio terminal.

C-40. Army tactical data link-1 (ATDL-1) is a secure, full duplex, point to point digital data link utilizing serial transmission frame characteristics and standard message formats at a basic speed of 1200 bits per second. It is used to interconnect tactical air control systems and Army or Marine Corps tactical air and missile defense oriented systems. ATDL-1 can be exchanged using UHF, VHF, or landline communications.

C-41. The ADA brigade can benefit from other intelligence networks that may be in the theater. Some of these networks are explained in the following paragraphs.

C-42. Tactical information broadcast service (TIBS) distributes theater specific, time sensitive tactical intelligence information to operational users via secure line of sight or UHF SATCOM broadcasts. In a theater of operations, the network can accept input for retransmission from up to 10 information producers. Data producers can include JTAGS, Rivet Joint, JSTARS, AWACS, GRCS, CGS, or Trojan special purpose intelligence remote integrated terminal (TROJAN SPIRIT). While this is a theater network, information can be shared between networks giving TIBS worldwide data dissemination capabilities.

C-43. TRAP data dissemination system (TDDS) collects a variety of intelligence and other information from multiple worldwide sources and disseminates through a secure UHF SATCOM broadcast to authorized tactical users. TDDS provides global surveillance information for sensor cueing and integration into field user databases.

C-44. TROJAN SPIRIT is an interim remote intelligence collection and distribution system. It consists of a mobile ground terminal that transmits and receives bulk encrypted intelligence information and data to designated subscribers. TROJAN SPIRIT is a tri-band satellite terminal capable of operating in the C, Ku, and X bands. The system receives, displays, and transmits digital imagery, weather, terrain products, templates, graphics, and text between CONUS and OCONUS bases. It also provides it to deployed forces. TROJAN SPIRIT uses CONUS-based data processing, whose database is constantly updated from multiple sources. It either broadcasts to designated users or may be "pulled" by designated users. TROJAN SPIRIT is unique to the IEW community. It is intended to augment corps and EAC.