FORCEnet engagement packs : "operationalizing" FORCEnet to deliver tomorrow's Naval network-centric combat reach capabilities . . . today

Abstract

In response to the CNO's tasking to examine Sea Supremacy within the context of SEA POWER 21, SSG XXII proposed the concept of FORCEnet Engagement Packs (FnEPs). The FnEPs concept represents the operational construct for FORCEnet and demonstrates the power of FORCEnet by integrating a specific set of joint sensors, platforms, weapons, warriors, networks and command and control systems, for the purpose of performing mission-specific engagements. Initial pack asset allocation and constitution will be based on a specific threat or mission, however, the capability to dynamically reconfigure and re-allocate assets "on the fly," to reconstitute a new pack will enable cross-mission engagement capabilities. Integrating the six FORCEnet factors must focus on five critical functions we term "Combat Reach Capabilities (CRCs)". These include: Integrated Fire Control (IFC), Automated Battle Management Aids (ABMAs), Composite Tracking (CT), Composite Combat Identification (CCID), and Common/Single Integrated Pictures (CP). FnEPs achieves fully integrated joint capabilities focused on the engagement chain, and represents a revolutionary transformation in Naval operations complimentary to FORCEnet, SEA POWER 21, and Sea Supremacy. This thesis has two goals. First, we will conduct analysis to better understand the FnEPs Concept including the myriad of technical, organizational, and programmatic requirements for its implementation. Second, we will propose a roadmap for the continued development and 'institutionalization' of the FnEPs Concept.