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The Information Age and the associated information revolution promise the
prospect of ubiquitous battlefield networks through which all battlefield
entities are seamlessly integrated so that real-time data can be shared, as and
when required. To modern commanders the allure of this promise is irresistible.
It has been several hundred years since a commander has had the ability from a
convenient hilltop to survey personally the disposition of all friendly and
adversary forces. Now, in the Information Age, the modern commander, with senses
enhanced by electronic sensors and modern communications systems, can stand on
an electronic hilltop and once again ‘see’ whatever portion of the battlefield
is desired at whatever detail is appropriate.
This book analyses the tactical communications systems required to support
modern land commanders. Chapter 1 describes the operational environment of the
digitized battlefield and examines the process of command and control that is
the core business of the tactical commander. Chapter 2 provides a brief overview
of the technologies that are pertinent to the provision of tactical
communications systems. Chapter 3 provides an overview of army organizational
structures, aiming to provide a basic understanding of the size and disposition
of army units, army command structures, tactical communications structures, and
the role of support and services.
Readers familiar with communications technologies and army organizational
structures may wish to skip to Chapter 4, which begins by briefly examining the
early history of military communications and then focuses on the development of
the two major battlefield communications subsystems that are deployed by all
modern armies.
Chapter 5 develops an architectural framework to define the tactical
communications system required to support modern land commanders. It begins by
outlining key design drivers that shape the architecture of a tactical
communications system. Options for a mobile tactical communications system are
then examined and a suitable framework is developed within which architectural
issues can subsequently be considered.
Chapters 6 to 10 then address the major subsystems of the tactical
communications architecture. Each subsystem is considered in terms of the
fundamental design drivers that direct the provision of tactical communications.
Architectural options are analyzed and a preferred option is selected.
Consideration is also given to the options available for the migration of legacy
subsystems. Finally, Chapter 11 addresses the critical issue of interfaces. |
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