Evaluation of fire support responsiveness in the MAGTF C41 concept

Abstract

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is developing and fielding command and control (C2) tactical data systems (TDS) to improve the warfighting capability of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). To meet the increased communication requirements created by the C2 systems, the Marine Corps is developing the Tactical Data Network (TDN). The MAGTF Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) concept integrates the TDN and the C2 tactical data systems. This thesis evaluates the responsiveness of fire support available to maneuver commanders in the MAGTF C4I concept. The evaluation is accomplished by designing and implementing a simulation model of the ground fire support network for an infantry regiment with three infantry battalions and an artillery battalion in support. To evaluate fire support responsiveness, the average system response times are measured under different transmission rates and number of conduct of fire (COF) nets in the artillery battalion. The analysis technique employs graphical, parametric, and nonparametric statistical methods to test for significant differences in system response times under different conditions. Conclusions state a significant improvement in the responsiveness of fire support available to maneuver commanders in the MAGTF C4I concept. Recommendations stress the necessity to develop appropriate techniques and procedures for digital operations, to continue the existing efforts in using simulation modeling for proposed C2 systems, and to begin collecting data for future modeling and simulation during field operations where fielded C2 systems are employed.