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[Index] 		Warfighter Guide to Intelligence 2000

FUTURES

FUTURES: *
PROPHET *
Mission's of Prophet. *
Basis Of Issue (BOI). *
FSE *
THE FSE CONFIGURATION *
REVIEW OF EXISTING INTELL COMMS ARCH *
FSE L3 *
TARGETING METHODOLOGY *
CART *

 

  • FUTURES:

    • There have been a number of studies to determine the future of the United States Intelligence efforts. Notable studies associated with Military Intelligence include The Hall Study, Ft Huachuca’s ICTs, INSCOM’s SIGINT End-to-End study and the NSAs Unified Cryptologic Architecture. All of these studies indicate a wide range of issues/challenges that face the Intelligence professionals of today and tomorrow. Fantastically expert personnel were gathered in order to define future challenges and how the intelligence community should respond to these challenges. All are worthy of a good reading. Within the Army we often develop what we think are solutions to specific issues that face us in the next few years. There are to many initiatives to represent in any one document however the following were selected because they address three very significant issues facing our profession. The first is the question of should there be Intelligence Collection at the tactical level and if so what should it look like. Prophet is the MI proponents answer to this set of questions. How should we as Intelligence professionals cope with the challenges of monitoring/reporting current operations in support of targeting concurrent with an effective application of intelligence analysts toward the production of predictive (term) oriented analysis. FSE is an initiative that has been undertaken by the 201st MI and directly addresses the command and control, cross cueing and service to the deployed fire support assets. The final initiative that I will cover is the CART. The Cart is an initiative supported by the 201st MI Bn and may be the answer to the question of what should our collection assets of the future look like. Each of these initiatives have been selected and are presented in an effort to heighten the awareness of todays military intelligence professional as to both the issues and some potential solutions that face our profession in the near future.

     

  • PROPHET

    • General Description. The Prophet is the Division and Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) commander's principal signals intelligence & electronic warfare (SIGINT & EW) system and preprocessor of organic SIGINT. It supports Force XXI and Army After Next (AAN) concepts by providing the commander with greatly enhanced situational awareness. The Prophet will also provide the Tactical Commander with an enhanced capability for electronic Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB), battlespace visualization, target development, and force protection throughout the division's width and depths as defined in Army XXI. Prophet will provide for non-lethal fires through its Electronic Attack and will provide the commander with their own Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) asset.

    Interfaces and Connectivity. The Prophet feeds the division and armored cavalry commander's Analysis Control Element’s (ACE) All Source Analysis System (ASAS). It will also feed the subordinate commander's Analysis Control Team’s (ACT) Common Ground Station (CGS) and/or ASAS-Remote Work Stations (ASAS-RWS) providing in near-real-time digital information to the common operating picture (COP). Commanders receive added force protection from Prophet's ability to provide voice reports to the supported units from the Prophet Ground and Control assets.

     

    1. Mission's of Prophet.

    System Description. Prophet consists of Prophet Air, Control, and Ground and is a suite of division- level EW/SIGINT systems that operate at the collateral level or below (The Prophet Control element will have the capability to co-locate and interface with SCI elements such as the ACE or Special Purpose-Built Systems (SPBS)). Prophet’s primary mission will be to electronically map radio frequency (RF) emitters on the battlefield from 20 MHz (High Frequency/HF) to 2000 MHz (Super High Frequency/SHF). Electronic mapping is defined as detecting, identifying, locating, and tracking all RF emitters operating within line of sight and hearability. It also includes a graphical depiction of Electronic Targeting Indicators (ETIs) of these emitters to allow for nodal analysis and correlation with other intelligence feeds at the Division's ACE SIGINT section and within the CGS at the Brigade's ACT. Prophet will facilitate the Protection of Global Positioning System (GPS) (GPS Protect), Detection of intrusion or false GPS signals (GPS Detect), and Attack the opposing forces capability to utilize GPS (GPS Attack). The systems will also have the capability to more accurately locate selected emitters, conduct Electronic Attack (EA) of selected nodes, and perform exploitation of tactical voice communications. The Prophet will provide the capability to cross cue other IEW and non-IEW sensors. The Prophet’s family of control elements and remote sensors/ platforms will consist of the following sub-systems:

    (1) Prophet Control will be the heart of the system. It is the forward, collateral SIGINT analysis element organic to the division and ACR. Prophet Control (PC) orchestrates the overall SIGINT/EW effort within the division. It will remotely control the receivers on the PA platforms, task the PG sensors, and will preprocess the locational data. The PC will transmit and receive formatted reports to and from the Division's ACE and the Brigade's ACT, as well as provide a NRT graphical display ETI Dynamic Overlays of collected information. The Prophet Control will also have an OTM capability giving commanders the ability to track ETIs during displacement operations. To optimize its capabilities, Prophet Control is fully integrated with and cued through ASAS by sound IPB and other sensors such as Joint STARS, Guardrail Common Sensor, Artillery Counter Mortar/Battery Radars and Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control, in a synchronized effort to support the warfighter. Prophet Control will consist of two identical systems facilitating force projection, split based, on-the-move, and displacement (hot jump) operations.

    (2) Prophet Air elements are remotely tasked airborne collection sensors operating in general support of the Division Commander. Prophet Air will provide the division commander with a deep looking SIGINT/EW platform capable of detecting, identifying, and locating all RF emitters throughout the Area of operations (AO). Prophet Air will also have Electronic Attack capabilities.

    (3) Prophet Ground elements are ground collection sensors with the capability for early entry, airborne insertion. Prophet Ground (PG) operates in direct support of the maneuver brigade. The base capability for PG is to provide force protection information from a man-packable system. The mounted PG sensors will also have an OTM collection and reporting capabilities. PG assets must be simple, inexpensive, and easy to maintain, with a low visual and a minimal electronic signature. It needs to keep pace on the Army XXI battlefield. The system will have vehicular capability to allow for use of the vehicle’s power, mobility, and an increased antenna capability, as well as an Electronic Attack capability.

     

    Operational Concept. The Prophet system allows the DIV and ACR commander’s to "paint and understand" their battlespace and gain dominant situational awareness on the Army XXI battlefield. Prophet is a critical component of the Army XXI Division collection package. It gives the maneuver commander a comprehensive picture of electronic emitters within his battlespace and provides the ability to locate, collect, and electronically attack selected emitters where ground reconnaissance assets cannot penetrate or cover in a timely manner. Prophet Ground can also collect or Electronically Attack (EA) from heavily protected areas where commanders are hesitant to commit aerial platforms. Prophet gives the commanders a dedicated, dynamically re-taskable asset with the capability to look wide, as well as deep into their battlespace (150 kilometers wide by 120 kilometers deep). In addition, if valuable information is being passed, Prophet can either exploit the signal for intelligence, or immediate action can be taken to electronically attack the signal to preclude the passing of critical data.

    Prophet will be employed and deployed in the following manner.

    (a) The Military Intelligence Battalion at the DIV Tactical Center and Tactical Operations Center (TAC/TOC) or the regimental equivalents will employ Prophet Control. Prophet Control can also be deployed at the Brigade TOC when in a force projection contingency operation. The Prophet Control will be capable of supporting operations during displacement (hot jump). All sensors will receive their technical data from the Prophet Control element.

    (b) Prophet Air will be fielded to the aviation element of the division or ACR. EW/SIGINT missions will be planned and directed by the Division ACE’s Collection Manager, Military Intelligence BN S-3, and Prophet Control. The PA element will be under OPCON of the MI Battalion Commander and under staff supervision of the ACofS, G2 during peacetime, contingency missions and operations. The PA sensors are deployed approximately 10-20 kilometers from the division’s main effort forward area of in a Restricted Operation Zone (ROZ). This ROZ must be coordinated with the division’s A2C2 element.

    (c) Prophet Ground elements will be fielded to the Direct Support (DS) Companies of the MI Bn or ACR equivalent and will be capable of early (forced) entry through either airborne, air assault or light infantry operational insertions. As deployment/ contingency operations permit, the vehicular component of PG will be deployed into the Area of Operations to facilitate the mobility of the team and enhance the sensor’s capabilities through additional receivers and/or extended antennas mounted on the vehicle. Prophet Ground sensors will normally receive their movement orders directly from the Prophet Control element, as well as coordination for logistics. The vehicular-mounted and dismounted PG sensors are deployed on forward edge of the brigade and ACR footprint. The Prophet Control element along with the SIGINT section of the Division ACE should support the MI BN S3’s execution of tactical control by recommending suitable sites for the PG sensors to deploy based on technical and tactical factors.

     

     

     

        1. Basis Of Issue (BOI).

    Light and Conservative Heavy Division ACR and Strike Force

    Prophet Air: Six Air Platforms Four Air Platforms

    Prophet Ground: Six Ground Sensors Four Ground Sensors

    Prophet Control: One System One System

     

      1. FSE
        2.

        The Forward Sensor Enclave (FSE) is an integral part of the 525 MI BDE, XVIII Airborne Corps. This enclave brings dynamic targeting and situational awareness to the Corps TOC.

        The inception of the FSE concept can be traced to the summer of 1997 when the key leadership in the 525th Military Intelligence Brigade changed over. A series of assessments were conducted aimed at determining the optimum functionality of the Brigade’s robust intelligence capabilities. In particular, these assessments were focused on integration of these various assets and the key role of intelligence collection, processing and dissemination in the targeting process.

         

        1. THE FSE CONFIGURATION

          2. The FSE configuration was designed based on reduced target signature, power and communications requirements. Within the SCIF reside the TENCAP assets and the IPF. Within the collateral section sit the Tri-band Satcom Subsystem (TSS) which provides the link for National Imagery, the Common Ground Station and the Engineering and Mission Vans which support the Semi-Automated Imagery Intelligence Processor (SAIP) ACTD. The signal assets (TSC-93 & Forced Entry Switch) located just outside the wire provide MSE/TPN connectivity. The site is commercially powered, though 200KW generators provide an alternate power source for contingency purposes.

                  1. FSE TOC

          FSE Command and Control is provided by the FSE TOC, which we refer to as Networkcentric. All enclave data streams pass through the TOC via the various system remotes. MOS specific soldiers and officers who review incoming data for targeting and situational development man the TOC. The TOC is also the central hub for both JWICS and SIPRNET circuits. The specific configuration of this 8 x 40 van permits the 525 MI BDE to ‘Tactically Tailor’ it depending on METT-T. The van is divided into two major sub areas. One for collateral systems and the other for SCI systems. Standard racks make it possible to change the configuration within hours to accommodate addition capabilities.

          The TOC also provides a collateral SIPRNET server, which contains all current targeting and situational development data and products. Any unit can access this server with SIPRNET service around the world.

          Key to the effectiveness of the enclave is the Warlord Notebook (WLNB) terminal, which provides direct targeting nominations to the Corps Deep Operations Coordination Cell (DOCC) AFATDs. Nominations using this capability can narrow the gap between sensor detect and ordinance delivery to within minutes.

           

        2. REVIEW OF EXISTING INTELL COMMS ARCH

          3. The complexity of the FSE demanded a thorough review of existing intelligence communications architecture. At the risk of oversimplification, this design centers on six clusters or consumers within the enclave: IPF, ETRAC, AEPDS, MIES, CGS, and the FSE Tactical Operations Center (TOC) van. We established three internal local area networks: SIPRNET, JWICS, and AUTODIN (automatic digital network). The SIPRNET and JWICS hubs were located inside the operations van for administration and management, while the AUTODIN was managed from a central switch inside the AEPDS. In addition to these networks, we also brought in a redundant SIPRNET path via the Mobile Subscriber Network (MSE)/Tactical Packet Network (TPN). Our reach-back capabilities were fairly robust using a TROJAN SPIRIT II for the principal JWICS and SIPRNET provider and an AN/TSC-93 multi- channel satellite for the MSE/TPN. Also Available to this architecture are the various sensor links and our SUCCESS (Synthesized, UHF (ultrahigh frequency), Computer-Controlled Sub- system) radio path resident within each of our TENCAP systems.

          Now that we have an understanding of the various MI capabilities, which the FSE brings to bear, it is important to understand the problem set which launched the concept.

          Assessments conducted confirmed that indeed much time & energy had been invested into improving the power of the sensor and the link between the sensor and the preprocessor. However, what was clearly lacking was an ability to provide effective and coherent management of the various preprocessors. Without effective command and control, intelligence provided by the powerful preprocessors was not integrated or synchronized. As a result, we were unable to leverage the tremendous capabilities of these various systems.

          What was sorely needed was a way to optimize these various sensors to provide timely, accurate long-range targeting for the Corps Commander.

          The traditional flow of data moves uninterrupted from the sensor to the preprocessor, into the single-source enclave, then to the all-source enclave, and finally to the targeting workstation in our Analysis and Control Element (ACE). From the targeting workstation, information is sent to the Advanced Field Artillery Targeting Data System (AFATDS) which generates Fire Missions to the Deep Operations and Coordination Center (DOCC).

          This flow of information through various hands slows down the targeting process and extends the sensor-to-shooter timeline for several reasons, to include the extensive volume of reports, systemic parsing errors, and the lack of focus on key targets. Perhaps most significantly, the analysts in the ACE are often physically separated from the sensor feeds and do not have a near real time visualization of these feeds, which further reduces their responsiveness to incoming data. The Forward Sensor Enclave was designed to address many of these issues.

        3. FSE L3

          4. The value of the FSE is in the concept of L3:

          L1= Lethality through more timely targeting and situational development

          L2= Lethality through greater fidelity

          L3= Lethality through deeper targeting and situational development, to 300km today, 500km in the next two years.

          Simply put, the FSE provides a level of focused mission management of the corps' critical sensors that was not possible using traditional collection management procedures. Given the variety of responsibilities and duties levied on the collection management section in a corps ACE, it is not possible for the section to intensively manage every active sensor. The FSE's focus on these assets allows the CM to fully exploit the capabilities of each sensor and, in the end, to produce more targets to attack with ordnance or electronic attack (EA). These additional targets come from a shortened sensor-to-shooter timeline and from the ability to fully exploit HPT-focused combat intelligence.

          In concert with the Flight Operations provided by our organic Aerial Exploitation battalion and the Counter-Intelligence, HUMINT Operations Center provided by our Tactical Exploitation Battalion, the FSE provides a dynamic management process to the ISR Architecture. Mission tasking flow from the ISR Cell to the enclave for execution. These specific taskings focus our efforts on in-cycle ATO targets and those non-programmed high payoff targets.

          Cross-talk then occurs between the ACE, FSE, and the ISR Cell as situational development begins. Targeting information is then passed directly to the DOCC for consideration.

          The FSE acts as a sensor and data manager for the ISR Cell.

          FSE = FOCUSED MISSION MANAGEMENT, a new management tool that has created a concurrent path of information flow. This path complements the traditional collection and targeting process by putting a second set of "eyes" on the targets of the greatest significance.

          The FSE’s near-real time sensor-feed visualization and its managed focus on specific targets allows a significantly reduced sensor-to-shooter timeline and a more efficient, effective targeting process.

           

        4. TARGETING METHODOLOGY

        One of the key objectives for this iteration of the FSE, which truly defined a move forward, was the creation of a formalized targeting methodology.

        The traditional targeting process is a cycle of DECIDE-DETECT-TRACK-DELIVER-ASSESS. The FSE targeting cycle is derived from the Corps Targeting Battle Rhythm, which typically looks 96-120 hours out. On a daily basis, targets are defined, detected, tracked and prosecuted. The critical go/no-go execution decision is based on target location validity. The FSE targeting cycle fits into the targeting process between the identification of targets to prosecute and the go/no-go decision. By focusing preprocessors on the timely and accurate detection of the daily Corps deep targets, the FSE significantly enhances targeting efficiency.

        Within the larger cycle of DECIDE-DETECT-TRACK-DELIVER-ASSESS, the FSE is specifically focused on detection, tracking and assessment of pre-planned targets, though it is also capable of focusing on high payoff targets of opportunity. Both types of targets must be tracked and logged on the Target Lifecycle Tracking Matrix from initial detection. TOC Operators follow a step-by-step methodology during the targeting process.

        Within the larger cycle of DECIDE-DETECT-TRACK-DELIVER-ASSESS, the FSE is specifically focused on detection, tracking and assessment of pre-planned targets, though it is also capable of focusing on high payoff targets of opportunity. Both types of targets must be tracked and logged on the Target Lifecycle Tracking Matrix from initial detection. TOC Operators follow a step-by-step methodology during the targeting process.

        Based on the results of the targeting board, the Corps Collection Managers allocate intelligence resources to detect these targets.

        The Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance Cell provides a daily list of mission tasking based on the results of the on-going Targeting process and the Collection Plan. These mission taskings are essentially a more specific version of the High-Payoff Target List, providing both target type & location in addition to the Latest Time Information of Value (LTIOV).

        The FSE TOC transfers these Mission Taskings onto the Target Lifecycle Tracking Matrix.

        As discussed above, preplanned targets are derived from the Corps targeting board and provided to the FSE by the Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) Cell in the form of Mission Taskings. These mission taskings are transferred to the Target Lifecycle Matrix, categorized by ATO number, templated or last known location, planned strike time (S-Time) and three time gates at which the FSE provides target status to the ISR Cell.

        Gates are set at eight hours, four hours and two hours prior to strike time. The FSE is responsible for providing a status of green, amber or red to the ISR Cell at each of these time gates. Green designates that the target has been acquired and identified—meaning it meets Target Selection Standards (TSS) established by the Fire Support Element; amber designates that the target has been detected but does not meet the TSS; red indicates the target has not been detected at the given time.

        It is the responsibility of the FSE Battle Captain to ensure that the Target Lifecycle Tracking Matrix is kept updated and that the proper information is provided in a timely manner to the ISR cell.

        Given the receipt of Mission Tasking from the ISR Cell and the formulation of the Target Life Cycle tracking matrix, the process of FSE targeting is initiated. While the primary focus of the FSE is the preplanned deep attack targets identified at the Corps Targeting Board, the FSE can also detect, track and assess high payoff targets of opportunity.

        The highlighted box TGT(D) denotes an initial detection of a pre-planned target of target of opportunity. Depending on the sensor, the FSE TOC may receive the information in near-real-time from the feed resident in the TOC, or in the case of detection by HUMINT assets will receive a phone call (DSVT or STU-III) or text message over the Warlord Notebook terminal from either the CHOC (CI-HUMINT Ops Center) or the LRS COB (Company Operating Base).

        Upon initial detection, FSE operators will immediately refer to the Target Selection Standards posted in the TOC to determine whether the target detection meets the criteria for Targeting.

        The Target Selection Standards (TSS) are developed by the Fire Support Element and provided to the Forward Sensor Enclave TOC through the Field Artillery Intelligence Officer. These standards are applied in deciding whether to attack targets with the various weapons systems available, based on the accuracy of the sensor detection in terms of

        1) Target Location Error

        2) Size of unit detected

        3) Whether the target is stationary or moving

        4) Time since acquisition.

        If the initial detection meets these TSS, the target is nominated directly to the AFATDS in the DOCC through a Warlord Notebook Text Message.

        If the initial target detection does not meet TSS, the FSE operators will attempt to leverage another available sensor against the target or dynamically retask the same or another sensor to return to the target. The Sensor Attack Matrix (SAM) depicted above is a tool we developed to help us in the FSE determine the optimal sensor to leverage against a target. It was developed based on input of several key leaders and operators with collection management experience, to include the Corps Collection Management team.

        On the x-axis is a list of all sensors available during Desert Lightning; on the y-axis is a list of the high payoff targets. Sensors are prioritized based on their ability to acquire targets based on accuracy, timeliness, and range--the three lethality factors previously described. The lower number indicates the better sensor choice.

        The different colored numbers talk to the point that sensor optimality will vary based on objective, that is--whether we desire to detect (initial or re-detect), track or assess a particular target. For example, while a U2 may be the best sensor to detect a target, the JSTARS may be optimal for tracking and National Imagery optimal for battle damage assessment. As designated on the slide, red indicates detection; yellow, tracking; and green, assessment.

        The FSE operators will use this tool in combination with the Collection Plan in order to leverage the most effective, available sensor against a particular pre-planned or high payoff target of opportunity.

         

        Using the Collection Plan, Mission Tasking, Target Selection Standards and Sensor Attack Matrix, the FSE TOC follows targets through detection & re-detection, and if directed to do so through tracking, delivery and damage assessment. As previously stated, one of the key functions of the FSE Battle Captain is to ensure that the Target Lifecycle Tracking Matrix is accurately maintained for both pre-planned targets and targets of opportunity. In addition, the Battle Captain must ensure that the detection or lack of detection for all pre-planned deep attack targets at each of the specified time gates (Strike Time minus 8, 4 & 2 hours) is reported back to the ISR cell either through STU-III or through SIPRNET as posted to the FSE Home page. This information is critical in determining whether to expend ammunition against a particular target set.

        Finally, we strongly believe the FSE concept provides value to the ISR Architecture through dynamic management of sensors and pre-processors that was previously unavailable. The enclave accomplishes this with organic equipment and personnel.

        The FSE has a bright future in Military Intelligence Intel XXI architecture. As sensors and processors mature, the FSE ensures that our targeting and situational development become more lethal.

        MG Thomas, CG, USAICS & FH, was briefed on the FSE concept at Edwards AFB in January 1999. The dialogue is ongoing with Ft. Huachuca as we seek to further refine the FSE Tactics, Techniques & Procedures. Several technology enhancements are planned in the near term, to include the fielding of the Common Ground Station (CGS) and the Tactical Exploitation System (TES). As technology matures, the FSE is designed to grow with technology. As such, its power to provide timely, accurate and increasingly long-range target acquisition increases in kind.

      2. CART

    The Collection Analysis & Reporting terminal (CART) is a 201st Military Intelligence Battalion’s QRC initiative. It is a highly capable multi-spectral system intended for use in the SIGINT competitive 21st century. The CART enhances our ability to answer the War fighters’ PIRs and conduct operations in conjunction with Force XXI systems.

    Although a list of components is provided it is important to note the modularity of the CART. Procurement of special purpose collection components can be rapidly acquired as either GOTS or COTS, placed in a rack within the CART shelter and become an integral part of the CART system. In addition to the below listed capabilities the following are elements currently being considered for procurement:

    Beyond these procurement initiatives it is known that the CART will be including MASINT receivers within its configuration in the near future.

     

     

    The following is a list of components associated with the CART and their associated capabilities:

     

    MD-403

    AN/PRD-13

    HF / VHF / UHF NB

    WJ-8615P RCVR

    VHF / UHF WB

    ANALYSIS

    TOOL-BOX

    CS-5020C RCVR

    SHF

    • Push-to-Talk
    • Single-Channel Voice
    • Tactical Military
    • Police
    • Motorolas
    • Civilian
    • CB’s
    • Broadcasts
    • Trunk Mobile
    • Air to Air and Air to Ground
    • (Military & Civilian)

     
    • Same capabilities as the AN/PRD-13 and the following:
    • Multi-channel
    • Military

    RL-420

    RL-430

    (detect only)

    • Civilian
    • Analog and Digital
    • Cell
    • Frequency Hoppers
    • Military

    Jaguar V

    (detect only)
    • Unknown and unusual signal identification
    • Record Wideband signals
    • Wideband signal analysis
    • Expansion Slots for additional decryption devices
    • Jukebox
    • Red Storm
    • Cell Phone DNR
  • Microwave Comms
  • Military
    • C2
    • Missile
    • ADA
    • Civilian/Govt

     

     

     


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