Tactical local area networks.

Abstract

During Operation Desert Storm, the senior U.S. Marine Headquarters used a Local Area Network for command and control. Despite some limitations, the network was largely a success. The opportunities for employing the network to a greater extent for command and control are extensive. This requires careful examination of the functions of command and control and the capabilities of the system. Matching functional requirements to system capabilities will lead to optimum employment. Development of doctrine to use the network, education on how to use it, and improvements in its capability are all necessary. This technology is but one example of the available information technologies that must be harnessed for Marine Corps command and control to provide effective support to combat forces. A mechanism must be established for the Marine Corps to focus the efforts of experienced Marine leaders, information technology developers, and Fleet Marine Force system users to forge the vital link between our combat systems — command and control.