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ABCS

The Army Battle Command System (ABCS) integrates the command and control (C2) systems found at each echelon -- from ground force component commanders at the theater or joint task force level -- to the individual soldier or weapons platform. Whether an Army force is deployed for land combat or is conducting peace operations, providing humanitarian assistance, or giving aid to civil authorities, ABCS supports the mission by integrating the battlespace automation systems and communications which functionally link strategic and tactical headquarters.

ABCS is interoperable with joint and multinational C2systems at upper echelons across the full range of C2functionality, and is vertically and horizontally integrated at the tactical and operational levels. The ABCS has three major components:

• The Army Global Command and Control System (AGCCS).
• The Army Tactical Command and Control System (ATCCS).
• The Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2).

AGCCS

The Army Global Command and Control System (AGCCS) is the Army component of the joint Global Command and Control System. It was built from application programs developed by the Army World-Wide Military Command and Control System Information System: namely, the Strategic Theater Command and Control System, or STCCS, and the Echelons Above Corps portion of the Combat Service Support Control System, or CSSCS/EAC. AGCCS combines these stand-alone programs into a suite of modular applications that operates within the Defense Information Infrastructure Common Operating Environment. These applications include logistics, medical, personnel, Theater Army Special Operations Support, mobilization, deployment, Army Status of Readiness and Training, and Transportation Asset Management. AGCCS modules interface with shared components of the ABCS and with the joint C2mission applications provided by the Global Command and Control System (GCCS).

FBCB2

Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) provides situational awareness and C2to the lowest tactical echelons. It facilitates a seamless flow of battle command information across the battlespace while interfacing with external C2and sensor systems, such as ATCCS. The end result is vertical and horizontal integration of the digital battlespace at the brigade-and-below levels.

The FBCB2 system is composed of:

• The appropriate category of embedded system hardware.
• FBCB2 software which is architecturally compliant with the Defense Information Infrastructure Common Operating Environment.
• A position navigation and reporting capability .
• An interface to a terrestrial communication system or to a satellite communications system for operations over long distances or rugged terrain.
• A combat identification capability.

The FBCB2 system supports lower-echelon battle command tactical mission requirements such as:

• Real-time situational awareness for commander, staff, and soldiers.
• A shared common picture of the battlespace.
• Graphical displays with friendly and enemy unit locations.
• Target identification.
• Integrated logistics support.
• Communications/electronics interfaces with host platforms.

ATCCS

The Army Tactical Command and Control System (ATCCS) is the Army's corps through brigade C2structure. The ATCCS is organized into five battlefield functional areas: Maneuver, Field Artillery, Intelligence and Electronic Warfare, Combat Support Service, and Air Defense. Each of these five battlefield functional areas has a dedicated infrastructure, as follows:

• Maneuver Control System (MCS).
• Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS).
• All-Source Analysis System (ASAS).
• Combat Service Support Control System (CSSCS).
• Air and Missile Defense Work Station (AMDWS).

These infrastructure systems are collectively known as the Army Tactical Command and Control System (ATCCS).

MCS

The Maneuver Control System (MCS) distributes tactical reports and orders on the battlefield, allowing a commander to receive, analyze, and transmit critical battlefield information. MCS assists the commander in applying combat power at the appropriate time and place in response to changing battlefield dynamics. It provides ready access to current situation reports, intelligence, and contact reports that assess enemy strength and movement, as well as the status of friendly forces.

The commander uses MCS decision support graphics -- which include map overlays and battle resources by unit -- to analyze possible courses of action. After determining the appropriate course of action, the staff uses MCS to prepare and send warning orders, operations orders, and related annexes. Exchange of information using MCS gives all command posts from battalion through corps the same common picture of the battlespace. It allows commanders to make decisions that mesh with the decisions and capabilities of other commanders in the network.

AFATDS

The Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) is a totally integrated fire support C2system that automates and facilitates fire support operations and planning. During battle, the AFATDS provides up-to-date battlefield information, target analysis, and unit status for fire missions, while coordinating target damage assessment and sensor operations. The automation provided by the AFATDS enhances the maneuver commander's ability to dominate the battle by providing the right mix of firing platforms and munitions to defeat enemy targets, based on the commander's guidance and priorities.

The AFATDS coordinates and optimizes the use of fire support assets by matching target attack criteria to the most effective weapon systems available at the lowest echelon. The AFATDS processes information for all fire support assets, including mortars, field artillery, cannon, missiles, attack helicopters, air support, and naval gunfire, from the corps to the platoon Fire Direction Center. Integrating all fire support systems via a distributed processing system creates a greater degree of tactical mobility for fire support units and allows missions to be planned and completed in less time.

ASAS

The All-Source Analysis System (ASAS) is an automated intelligence processing and dissemination system. It provides all-source intelligence fusion, allowing commanders and their staffs to gain timely and comprehensive understanding of enemy deployments, capabilities, and potential courses of action. It also provides operations security support, and aids in deception and counterintelligence operations. The ASAS allows sensor and other intelligence data to enter automatically into the all-source database and be available simultaneously at multiple analyst workstations.

Elements of ASAS provide seamless support to warfighters from theater to battalion levels:

• At echelons above corps (EAC), it is tailored to meet unique theater requirements.
• At corps and division, it operates from the Analysis and Control Element, with sanitized intelligence reports and products available at the collateral level.
• At the maneuver brigade and battalion, the S-2 section employs ASAS workstations.

CSSCS

The rapidly changing tactical situations typical of modern warfare demands rapid evaluation of force status. The Combat Service Support Control System (CSSCS) gives commanders easy access to the resource management, supply, and administrative information required to determine each unit's capability to carry out its mission. This system also allows commanders to conduct trade-off analyses and evaluate potential courses of action based on different logistical scenarios.

The CSSCS is designed to improve the planning and execution of CSS C2operations. A near real-time automated system, the CSSCS collects, processes, analyzes, and summarizes designated critical information from Standard Army Management Information Systems (STAMIS), including supply, maintenance, ammunition, transportation, personnel, financial, and medical. The CSSCS consolidates the data and transforms it into decision support information tailored for brigade, division, or corps commanders, as appropriate.

AMDWS

The Air and Missile Defense Work Station (AMDWS) is an integrated system of weapons, sensors, and C2elements that supports air defense weapons systems at the division-and-below levels. It protects maneuver forces, critical command posts, and CSSCS elements from low-altitude air attack. Integrating sensor inputs from various sources, the AMDWS provides early warning, targeting, and control information to Forward Air Defense and supported units. An area-of-interest air picture is developed, and air tracks are identified using automated and manual means. Threat tracks cause alerts, with fire units automatically cued to the targets.

The AMDWS integrates battlespace control measures in relationship to the air picture, which is displayed to fire units to enhance acquisition of hostile tracks by the weapons systems. At the corps level, the AMDWS is integrated with Patriot, HAWK, and future Medium Extended-Range Air Defense System (MEADS) systems into the comprehensive Air and Missile Defense (AMD) system. Within AMD, essential command, control, communications, and intelligence (C3I) operational functions are distributed among Air Defense Tactical Operations Centers (ADTOCs), sensor nodes, and fire units throughout the depth of the battlefield. The ADTOC serves as the AMD link to ABCS and joint/allied C3I systems. It processes and distributes the information required to direct AMD forces and synchronizes their actions with the maneuver commander's concept of operations.