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Automated Deep Operations Coordination System (ADOCS)

ADOCS is a situation awareness tool which integrates a broad number and type of service C4ISR systems, enabling horizontal and vertical integration and C2 actions. It makes the same information available to all users regardless of echelon and allows them to filter the information to their specific mission environment.

The Automated Deep Operations Coordination System (ADOCS) developed by General Dynamics is a joint mission management software application. It provides a suite of tools and interfaces for horizontal and vertical integration across battlespace functional areas. Originating as a Defense Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Program, ADOCS has evolved into the "go to war" automated support system for deep operations in several theaters. It is currently installed on over 900 systems worldwide. The maritime variant of ADOCS, the Land Attack Warfare System (LAWS), is the baseline for the Naval Fires Control System (NFCS). ADOCS is also a major segment of the intelligence application package for Theater Battle Management Core System functionality at wing and squadron level (TBMCS-NT). Key integration functions within ADOCS are Counterfire Common Operational Picture (CF-COP), Joint Battlespace Management, Coalition Coordination and Integration, Air Interdiction (AI) Planning and Execution, Fire Support Coordination Measures Analysis, and Battlespace Visualization.

The Counterfire Common Operational Picture (CF-COP) function provides a near real-time picture of the artillery battle. It allocates tube and rocket counter-battery resources for more efficient counterfire operations through digital integration at multi-echelons; from Joint/Combined level down to tactical firing units. CF-COP also includes munitions allocation and status. Weapon-target pairing provides improved use of available munitions to maximize lethality while conserving Unit Basic Load (UBL) stocks.

The Joint Battlespace Management function provides the capability to assess the impact of surface fires on airspace activity, thus enabling improved coordination between air and ground component commanders. Kill box management tools provide more dynamic use of offensive resources through integration of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance data, improving timing of offensive strikes to coincide with enemy movements into and out of named areas of attack. Airspace deconfliction capabilities enable improved coordination at Joint and Combined levels to minimize threat to air missions from friendly fires.

The Coalition Coordination and Integration function facilitates the integration of Coalition artillery with US in respect to both the counterfire battle and other surface fires missions. During recent experiments ADOCS has initiated the digital integration of Allied and US tube and rocket artillery systems through a Counterfire Simulation Center. Other recent improvements include Allied use of ADOCS to conduct counter fire operations resulting in an integrated Blue CF-COP across a theatre.

The Air Interdiction (AI) Planning and Execution function provides more effective employment of AI assets through timely and improved information flow for the identification, assignment, and nomination of AI targets. It enables the Commander in Chief (CINC) and staff to allocate critical air resources in a more efficient manner through early assessment of potential and planned missions. AI provides the ability to monitor Integrated Tasking Order/Air Tasking Order (ITO/ATO) execution through all phases and provides immediate visibility into AI nominations throughout the targeting process, including 8- and 4-hour updates to tune AI missions and maximize fires.

The Fire Support Coordination Measures Analysis function provides a means for assessing changes and movements of the Fire Support Coordination Line (FSCL) on current and planned missions in the ITO/ATO. It provides immediate visibility of targets exposed or covered by movements in the FSCL. Offers the CINC and staff opportunities to assess the consequences of FSCL movement prior to commitment.

The Battlespace Visualization function enables improved situational awareness, faster and more accurate deep attack planning, and battlespace assessment. It uses tools that provide visualization of coordination measures, ingress and egress routes, and air defense threats. Battlespace Visualization also enables CINC and staff to visualize friendly fires in 3D space over any area. Battlespace geometries can also be overlaid with imagery and terrain data to improve situation awareness and planning.

Integration functions within ADOCS include: the Joint Time Sensitive Target management, Intra-Air Operations Center Targets Manager, Air Tasking Order planning, indirect fires management, Counterfire and Artillery Common Operational Picture, Combat Search and Rescue, Air and Ground Battlefield Management, and No Strike and Restricted Target lists maintenance. Furthermore, ADOCS is escalating the number of interfaces it supports to additional battle command systems, both U.S. and coalition.

Joint Time Sensitive Target Management (JTSTM)

JTSTM enables target creation, vetting, coordination, and execution across the Joint Command structure. It is tailored to allow the Region Combatant Commander to utilize every necessary weapons system in the joint battle space to strike time sensitive targets. JTSTM has been used in CENTCOM and EUCOM.

Intra-Air Operations Center (AOC) Targets Management (ITM)

ITM offers an instrument for the Air Operations Center (AOC) to manage and engage targets that have an important impact on the manner in which an air battle is conducted. The ITM enables the users to organize, deconflict, match aircraft to the target, and submit to Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS) the request for a change to the Air Tasking Order (ATO). The digital coordination and deconfliction properties of this manager significantly diminish detect to destroy times for AOC critical targets. Moreover, the ITM is able to link its mission data to the Joint Time Sensitive Target (JTST), Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and Fires managers in ADOCS for joint visibility and engagement.

The Air Tasking Order (ATO) Planning and Execution

The ATO Planning and Execution function enhances the effectiveness of air assets by well-timed and improved information flow for the identification, assignment, and nomination of targets. It permits the service level commander and staff to distribute vital air resources more efficiently through early evaluation of expected and planned missions. Furthermore, ADOCS offers the capability of observing ATO execution during all phases and allows for instantaneous visibility into air nominations all the way through the targeting process, including distributed 8- and 4-hour updates which permits detailed target validation prior to strike. Finally, the ADOCS allows for analysis to evaluate the changes and movements of the Fire Support Coordination Line (FSCL) on current and planned missions in the ATO. It allows immediate visibility of targets exposed or covered by movements in the FSCL.

Counterfire Common Operational Picture (CF-COP)

The CF-COP utility offers a near real-time image of artillery combat. It apportions tube and rocket counter-battery resources for more capable counterfire operations by digital integration at multi-echelons; from the joint/combined level to the tactical firing units. Additionally, CF-COP incorporates munitions distribution and weapon system status. Weapon-target pairing improves available munitions use, so that lethality can be maximized while conserving time and munitions for ensuing engagements.

Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)

CSAR permits a local rescue coordination center to organize, manage, and perform search and rescue missions across the joint battlefield. This merger of critical information components into a comprehensive mission roll-up enables the agencies engaged in Personnel Recovery to observe and track developments in a recovery mission.

Battle Space Visualization

This function allows for better situational awareness, quicker and more precise deep attack preparation, and battle space evaluation. It utilizes instruments that offer visualization of coordination measures, ingress and egress routes, and air defense threats. Furthermore, Battle Space Visualization permits Combatant Commanders and staff to visualize friendly fires in 3D over any locale; and battlefield geometries can be superimposed with imagery and terrain data to enhance situation awareness and preparation.

Precision/Rapid Counter-Multiple Rocket Launch (PRC-MRL) ACTD

The Precision/Rapid Counter-Multiple Rocket Launch (PRC-MRL) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrations (ACTD), which started in 1995, addressed the North Korean multiple rocket launch threat along the DMZ in Korea. In 24 months, the ACTD demonstrated and fielded significant improvements in capability related to rocket launch detection, command and control, and counterfire necessary to effectively neutralize the threat.

This ACTD was performed to specifically attack the North Korean 240-mm Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MRLS) and 170-mm self-propelled gun. Times required to respond to multiple launch rocket attacks were reduced from 15-20 minutes to 3-4 minutes and the accuracy of the counterfire was increased dramatically. By reducing sensor-to-shooter timelines by a factor of three, increasing counterfire accuracy, and providing orchestration of air and naval forces, PRC-MRL significantly reduced this threat to Seoul and to deployed U.S. and coalition forces. The ACTD contributed to an overall understanding of short sensor-to-shooter timeline concepts of operation in all Army areas of responsibility.

The systems developed and deployed in PRC-MRL are standing watch with the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea. The technology is being transitioned into Army baseline systems. This ACTD was initiated as an all Army effort but, as it progressed, was expanded to include significant participation and contribution by both Navy and Air Force units. Major General Franks, the Commanding General of the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea said, ìthe way we need to put technology into the Army for the future is just the way we did it for this Counter MRL ACTD.

In the Precision/Rapid Counter Multiple Rocket Launcher ACTD, DOD did not overcome reluctance and, in turn, missed out on an opportunity to acquire important warfighting capabilities with joint applications. This project successfully demonstrated improved capability in rocket launch detection, command and control, and counterfire necessary for countering the threat from North Korean multiple rocket artillery with a system called the Automated Deep Operations Coordination System (ADOCS). Following the demonstration, the Army-the lead service for the project-decided not to formally acquire technologies since it was pursuing a similar development program. Moreover, the Navy, the Air Force, and the United States Forces, Korea, have acquired and deployed their own unique versions of the software.