Battlefield Automation: Acquisition Issues Facing the Army Battle Command, Brigade and Below Program

摘要

The Army plans to increase the exchange of information on the battlefield through the Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade and Below (FBCB2) Program. The goal is to 'digitize' the forces--create an automated information network at the brigade level and below by installing computers on individual battlefield platforms and linking those computers by radio. We reviewed the Army's acquisition plans for FBCB2. Specifically, we evaluated the program's significance to the Army's battlefield digitization goal, the Army's derivation of cost estimates, and the feasibility of the Army's fielding schedule. We also collected information on experimental performance results to date. FBCB2 will be the principal digital command and control system for the Army at the brigade level and below and will constitute the third major component of the Army's Battle Command System. Currently, the Battle Command System comprises the (1) Global Command and Control System-Army located at strategic and theater levels, which interoperates with other theater, joint, and multinational command and control systems, and with Army systems at the corps and levels below and (2) Army Tactical Command and Control System, which meets the command and control needs from corps to battalion.