Speaker on OEF C4 Architecture

Col. Roger Standfield, USMC, assistant chief of staff G-6 for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (I-MEF), delivered a presentation on I MEF Forward's operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) 12 command, control, communications and computers (C4) architecture for the chapter's August luncheon. Col. Standfield highlighted the resiliency and stability of the network utilized throughout the Regional Command (Southwest) area of responsibility as well as the increased capacity and capabilities that were obtained from use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment and systems. Regional Command (Southwest) uses full motion video platforms throughout the region, which provide near real time video to decision makers anywhere on the battlefield in order to facilitate rapid decision-making and response. The Mobile Modular Command and Control vehicles provided commanders with complete network access while on the move via wideband satellite access. This capability enabled high-quality communication between mobile operation centers and larger headquarters ensuring better coordination of supporting forces and faster decision-making ability. Another moneymaker was the use of Aerostat payloads equipped with Harris PRC-117G radios. These payloads allowed extension of Adaptive Networking Wideband Waveform networks to extreme distances, so an infantry commander aboard a flying V-22 Osprey could maintain live chat and voice of Internet protocol connectivity with his ground forces as well as his higher command echelon. With the robust command and control systems that units fall in on during their OEF deployments, Col. Standfield cautioned that the tactical network in place in Afghanistan is nondoctrinal (complex and static) and that communications planners should not expect such capabilities for all future missions in which Marine forces may find themselves engaged. The colonel also stressed the importance of continual training on traditional tactical communications equipment along with the COTS systems that may be utilized on future battlefields.

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