Communications Control Center

DRAFT 30 June, 1999

Go back to: Corps as a Warfighting Headquarters

Associated sections: [ Communications Control Center ] [ Commandant ] [ Corps Commander and Cmd Staff ] [ Intelligence Staff ] [ Sustainment and CSS Staff ] [ Personnel and Manpower Staff ] [ Operations Staff ] [ Personal Staff ] [ Planning Staff ] [ Theater Missile Defense Staff ]

Contents

Communications Control Center Requirements
Communication Requirements of an EAC
Defense Information System Agency Liaison
EAC Requirements
General
Global Command and Control System
JCCC
Joint Communications Support Element
Manning
Multinational Communications
Operational Tasks
Organization
Tactical Tasks
Theater Requirements

General

The Communications Systems Directorate of an EAC staff . This includes development and integration of communications architecture and plans which support the command’s tactical and operational requirements as well as policy and guidance for implementation and integration of interoperable communications systems to support command in the execution of the mission. The communications system, is the CEAC’s principal tool used to collect, transport, process, disseminate, and protect data and information. The communications system gives the CEAC the means to exercise authority and direct assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the mission. Component tactical communications systems must be under the technical control of and be responsive to the CEAC. Complexity of joint operations and the finite amount of communications resources may require the CEAC to adjudicate or assign subordinate commands responsibilities for providing communications systems support. This normally is done in Annex K (Command, Control, and Communications Systems) to the OPLAN, OPORD, or campaign plan. Communications systems are based on the continuous need for quality information to support EAC operations. The CEAC controls the communications system to ensure data and information get to the right place on time and  in a form that is quickly usable by its intended recipients. The EAC establishing authority ensures communications systems requirements are supported; coordinates communications activities; prepares communications policy and guidance; and ensures the compatibility of EAC communications systems. Communications systems must be interoperable, flexible, responsive, mobile, disciplined, survivable, and sustainable. The value of information increases with the number of users. Communications systems normally focus on EAC operations; however, they also must support intelligence, logistics, and special operations. Detailed communications techniques and procedures necessary to deploy and sustain a EAC are contained in the CJCSM 6231 series, "Manual for Employing Joint Tactical Communications," architecture; and Annex (Command, Control and Communications Systems) of the CEAC’s OPLANs, OPORDs, or campaign plans.

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Theater Requirements

The EAC Establishing Authority ensures that communications systems personnel, communications security (COMSEC), and equipment requirements of the CEAC are supported. Coordinate communications activities with the CJCS, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Services, combatant commands, component forces, and others, as appropriate.   Prepare communications policy and guidance to enable subordinate forces to operate within the unified command structure. Ensure compatibility of EAC communications systems.

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EAC Requirements

The CEAC is responsible for providing overall management of all communications systems supporting the EAC.  Ensure adequate and effective communications systems are available to support EAC C2 infrastructure. Publish communications plans, annexes, and operating instructions to support the assigned mission. Review and coordinate communications plans prepared by subordinate commands. Request CJCS-controlled transportable communications assets, including Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE) assets, in accordance with CJCSI 6110.01, "CJCS-Controlled Tactical Communications Assets" and other established procedures. Ensure both passive and active information protection operations are conducted continuously to preserve the integrity and security of networks and nodal communications systems from hostile attack. Ensure compatibility of EAC communications systems.

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Communications Control Center Requirements

The EAC J6 is responsible to respond to the CEAC for all communications and automated information systems matters.  Exercise staff supervision of all assets (including CJCS-controlled transportable assets) and procedures employed in joint communications systems and networks as required to accomplish the overall EAC mission. Establish and supervise the operations of the JCCC to support top level network control, management of tactical communications systems within the JOA, and strategic communications connectivity within the JOA.

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JCCC

A JCCC may consist of current operations, computer systems support, networks, headquarters support, future operations and plans elements, with supporting administrative, DISA, and JCSE elements. CJCSM 6231 series, "Manual for Employing Joint Tactical Communications," provides a detailed description of each element and its responsibilities. Below is a synopsis of these elements:

• The DISA liaison officer serves as the interface between the EAC J6 and DISA.
• The current operations element serves as the JCCC liaison with the JOC.
• The computer systems support element manages automated data processing support to the EAC. Network elements manage and control joint communications circuits and systems.
• The HQ support branch provides all communications support for the HQ.
• The future operations and plans element supports JCCC operations elements.
• The J6 liaison to the IO cell coordinates all information assurance aspects of defensive IO to support EAC operations. Draft CJCSI 6510.01B, "Defensive Information Operations Implementation," provides more details on defensive IO and information assurance policy.

EAC J6 ensures that subordinate headquarters (Service and/or functional components) establish network management and control centers and have clearly defined missions and areas of responsibility within the network. The J6 adjudicates conflicts, establishes clear lines of communications and reporting obligations between control centers, and facilitates the execution of all communications actions to maximize support to the EAC commander. Normally the EAC JCCC provides overall systems management, whereas subordinate elements focus on those portions of the network under their cognizance. A DISA representative and frequency management detachment normally will deploy with the EAC and may work in the JCCC or current operations, as directed. A regional space support center (RSSC) representative will deploy, on request from the CEAC, to support ground mobile forces tactical satellite planning. Detailed reporting requirements are contained in CJCSM 6231 series, "Manual for Employing Joint Tactical Communications." Plan for and oversee the establishment of connectivity for EAC HQ radio circuits, to include internal message drafting, distribution, and tracking.  Manage EAC frequency allocation and assignments, coordinate with the area supported combatant commander’s J6 and FN communications authorities, and deconflict internal frequency requirements and allocations of component forces. Plan, coordinate, and monitor the use of  COMSEC procedures and assets throughout the EAC JOA. Refine OPSEC planning guidance and ensure communications-related activities are conducted to eliminate OPSEC vulnerability and support military deception. Develop Annex K (Command, Control, and Communications Systems) to the CEAC’s OPLANs, OPORDs, or campaign plans.

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Joint Communications Support Element

The Joint Communications Support Element JCSE is a rapidly deployable, joint tactical communications unit under the operational control of the Joint Staff. JCSE provides secure and nonsecure voice, data, message, and video communications for up to two EACs and two JSOTFs simultaneously throughout the world. The unit responds to major theater wars, plus contingencies of all types, including humanitarian and disaster relief operations. JCSE is requested under provision of CJCSI 6110.01, "CJCS-Controlled Tactical Communications Assets," which provides the procedures and format for requesting JCSE. Supported combatant commander consolidates and submits requests to JCS, and funds JCSE support. This element supports time-sensitive operations, with missions normally not exceeding 45 days. However, CEAC can request an additional 45 days support through the supported combatant commander. When directed by the Joint Staff, the JCSE installs, operates, and maintains communications facilities in support of a EAC and/or a JSOTF, including internal HQ communications. An active duty element and the two Air National Guard Joint Communications Support Squadrons comprise the JCSE. Tailored to the mission, units are staffed with personnel from all the Services and are equipped with a wide array of tactical and commercial communications equipment. JCSE personnel are allocated to support communications requirements during predeployment, ADVON deployment, main-force deployment, and employment phases. JCSE has a variety of transmission equipment available for employment to meet the requirements of a EAC and/or JSOTF HQ. Included are: military (ultra high frequency [UHF], super-high frequency [SHF]) and commercial satellite systems (C, Ku, international maritime satellite), troposphere scatter, and line of sight microwave. JCSE has a variety of terminal and special communications equipment available for employment to meet the requirements of a EAC and/or JSOTF HQ. Included are: circuit switches, telephones, message switches, record traffic terminals, deployable red switches, video teleconferencing, CNN terminals, deployable GCCS terminals, e-mail, access to Defense Switched Network, access to Defense Data Network (including SECRET Internet Protocol Router Network and/or Unclassified but Sensitive Internet Protocol Router Network), multiplexing capabilities, and local area network for staff use. JCSE can provide communications packages to subordinate and component HQs that include: SHF satellite terminals, multiplexing equipment, and UHF single channel satellite systems. These packages are tailored to the requirement. Subordinate HQs include JSOTF HQ, special forces operations bases, and naval special warfare task groups.

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Defense Information System Agency Liaison

Defense Information System Agency Liaison Officer serves as the principal interface between the EAC J6 and DISA HQ. Assists the EAC in coordinating, planning, executing, and evaluating the defense information infrastructure (DII) support to the EAC. Regional Space Support Center Liaison Officer. The RSSC serves as the primary point of contact in coordinating all ground mobile forces satellite requirements in support of the EAC.

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Communication Requirements of an EAC

Communications Requirements of the EAC HQ and each assigned component will provide its own communications systems and supporting communications. Communications support of a EAC HQ may be provided through the JCSE or other CJCS-controlled assets when requested by the supported combatant commander and approved by the CJCS. However, if the JCSE is already committed, the supported combatant commander may direct that this support be provided by a Service component or a consolidation of assets from the combatant commander’s components. In either case, communications support to the EAC HQ and connectivity to the components normally will be coordinated by the EAC J6. Extension of the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) services into the assigned JOA is initially accomplished through standard tactical entry points, Defense Satellite Communications System entry points, and high frequency entry stations. As forces build in the JOA, requirements will surge past the capability of standard tactical entry point (STEP) sites to support. Other means to connect the EAC with the DISN will be introduced into the JOA to include commercial satellite and leased communications services. These systems were not previously introduced simply because they were unable to respond to the deployment timeline. These systems will assume the primary support role from the STEP sites due to their greater bandwidth and ability to put the tactical entry point within the JOA. DISA will direct the employment of communications resources at designated gateways to extend DISN services to tactical networks. DISA contingency and support plans provide guidance on the requesting and termination of DISN services in the tactical environment. The appropriate DISA Regional Operational and Security Center will closely supervise the allocation, routing, and restoration of channels and circuits of the DII to provide DISN services for positive communications support of deployed forces. Component commanders may be tasked with providing personnel and equipment required to install, operate, and maintain communications for their HQ support and for communications circuits from the component HQ to subordinate commanders. Additionally, component commanders may be tasked to provide communications from their component HQ to the CEAC. When two or more commanders are collocated, communications requirements will be coordinated and consolidated to the maximum degree possible. The EAC J6 will initiate and coordinate any cross-Service agreement with the JCCC and the component planners.

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Multinational Communications

Multinational communications Systems Standardization and Procedures Standardization among allied nations and the United States is achieved through international forums IAW policy and procedures in CJCSI 2700.01, "International Military Rationalization, Standardization, and Interoperability Between the United States and Its Allies and Other Friendly Nations." With respect to communications systems,  the policy in CJCSI 2700.01, "International Military Rationalization, Standardization, and Interoperability Between the United States and Its Allies and Other Friendly Nations," focuses on enhancing multinational combat capabilities for US military forces to communicate and share data and information. The United States participates in many forums of rationalization, standardization, and interoperability negotiations around the world, including: NATO;  Other multinational organizations (e.g., American, British, Canadian, and Australian Armies, Air Standardization Coordinating Committee, Multinational Communications-Electronics Board); and Bilateral contracts. Frequency managers and communications personnel must be given the authority to maintain control over communications frequency allocations, use, and communications discipline in operations involving multinational forces. For communications systems multinational doctrine, the J6 is the Joint Staff office of primary responsibility.

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Global Command and Control System

Global Command and Control System GCCS provides the commander with a complete picture of the battlefield and the ability to order, respond, and coordinate communications information. Along with many other capabilities, GCCS will integrate the following. Deliberate planning and CAP. Force deployment and employment. Fire support. Air operations and planning. Intelligence. Force status as provided in the SORTS.  GCCS provides the means for strategic and operational direction and technical administrative and decision support for the C2 of US military forces. GCCS provides the means for operational direction and administrative support involved in the C2 of US military forces. GCCS does not include the operating forces, but it links with designated communications that: Extend from GCCS subsystem communications facilities to subordinate commanders or operating forces; and Extend one echelon below the communications-related facilities of the Defense agencies and the Service HQ of the Military Departments.

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Organization

The actual composition of the J6 will be dictated by the overall organization of the EAC and operations to be conducted. Several of the J6’s functions may be placed under the joint communications control center (JCCC).

Green cells are those permanently manned by the corps as a tactical warfighter.  These cells would expand with sister service augmentation.  The purple cells indicate those staffs required for the corps to effectively communicate at the operational level.   In all cases the army manning of these billets is drawn from corps base signal brigade personnel and the G/J6 is the signal brigade commander.

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Manning

Communications Control Staff, Communications Control Center - To send feedback use this e-mail
link Billet Feedback.

Joint Communications Control Center, Communications Control Center - To send feedback use this e-mail
link Billet Feedback.

Computer Systems Support, Communications Control Center - To send feedback use this e-mail link Billet Feedback.

Communications Current Operations, Communications Control Center - To send feedback use this e-mail
link Billet Feedback.

Awaiting feedback from the field for billet information for the following cells, sections, centers
(right column).  Wire diagram posted for reference. To send feedback use this e-mail link Billet Feedback.

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Operational Tasks

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Tactical Tasks

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DRAFT