Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) Communications System

• Purpose

• Background

• Specifications

• Applications

• The Future?

Purpose

The Army initiated the Force XXI Battlefield

Digitization program in 1994, with the intent to

proliferate and integrate digital communications and

information management technologies across the

combined arms spectrum. The purpose of this

presentation is to provide information on one aspect of

that program, the Force XXI Battle Command (Brigade &

Below) Communications System.

Background Information

FBCB2 is a digital, battle command information system intended to

provide commanders, leaders, and soldiers—from brigade to

individual soldier, and across all the Battlefield Functional Areas—

improved command and control and enhanced situational awareness

information. FBCB2 primarily consists of software, but also includes a

ruggedized computer for those users and platforms without an

existing computer system. Systems with existing computers capable

of hosting FBCB2 software will receive the Embedded Battle

Command software—a sub-set of FBCB2—and additional hardware as

necessary. Embedded systems for the near term include the M2A3

Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the M1A2 System Enhancement Program

Tank, and the Army Tactical Command and Control Systems (ATCCS).

Equipment Specifications

The FBCB2 system is comprised of:

– Appropriate category of Applique or embedded system hardware.

– FBCB2 software—architecturally compliant with the DII COE.

– Position navigation and reporting capability (e.g., Global Positioning

System (GPS) or an embedded position-navigation (POSNAV)

capability).

– An interface to a terrestrial communication system (e.g., SINCGARS

and/or Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) radio)

or to a satellite communications system for operations over long

distances or rugged terrain.

– A combat identification capability (e.g., a BCIS capability).

Equipment Specifications

FBCB2's primary functions are to send and receive automatic position

location reports derived from its interface with the Global

Positioning System and to send and receive command and control

message traffic via digital over-the-air radio transmissions. The

Tactical Internet is the network of radios and routers that provide

linkages to connect the myriad FBCB2 platforms (both vertically

and horizontally) across the combined arms force. The Tactical

Internet consists of the Enhanced Position Location Reporting

System, the Single-Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System,

and the Internet Controller router.

Applications of the System

The FBCB2 system provides an incredible leap forward in the conduct

of operations on the battlefield. Giving soldiers on the ground a

near-omniscient view of the battlefield will help lift the chaotic “fog

of war” that can lead to mistakes and “friendly fire” casualties. The

Tactical Internet, as FBCB2 is called, takes data collected from

thousands of Global Positioning Satellite sensors aboard vehicles

and aircraft and integrates them with battlefield intelligence from

a wide range of sources. The data are continuously updated on the

fortified FBCB2 Web site and beamed to mobile units in the field.

E-mail and voice transmissions provide additional information.

Applications of the System

The system is protected by the strongest encryption available, and

each onboard computer is equipped with an instant “self kill”

mode, which will destroy the unit if it falls into enemy hands. By FY

2005, the devices will be compact enough to carry by individual

soldiers. Their sensors will monitor the vital statistics of troops and

their vehicles (much like the digital dog tags some troops already

wear).

Soldiers Using the FBCB2

The M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Is Equipped With the FBCB2 System

FBCB2 Allows for Faster Call-for-fire Times

With FBCB2, “Search and Attack” Takes on a Whole New Meaning

The Future?

The Future?The United States Army is currently in the process of developing its

future force structure. Integral to this is the “Unit of Action”, which will serve as the base combat formation, is the Future Combat System (FCS). FCS is actually a family of advanced, networked air and ground-based maneuver, maneuver support, and sustainment systems that will include manned and unmanned platforms.

FCS are networked via a C4ISR architecture including networked communications, network operations, sensors, Battle Command system, training, and both manned and unmanned Reconnaissance and Surveillance (R&S) capabilities that will enable levels of SA and synchronized operations heretofore unachievable.

FCS will operate as a Family of Systems (FoS) that will network existing systems, systems already under development, and new systems to be developed to meet the needs of the UA. The network will enable improved Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), enhanced analytical tools, Joint exchange of blue and red force tracking down to the tactical level, battle command, real time sensor-shooter linkages, and increased synergy between echelons and within small units.