Company and Below Command and Control Information Exchange Study

Abstract : This report presents the results of a recently conducted task analysis on the communications needs for the Marine Corps Distributed Operations (DO) concept of infantry operations and recommendations based on currently available technologies for outfitting future DO small units. The results of this task analysis should be of use not only to DO but also to other rapidly paced collective/team-oriented operations that would benefit from distributed command and control decision structures. The intent of DO is to take advantage of advanced, distributed information technologies and systems in order to enable these teams to function more autonomously than they have in the past. Communication systems typically employed by the Marine Corps infantry do not offer practical support for this mode of operation. A summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the sensory "channels" available for communicating timely information is provided. In addition, a description of the desired traits for an effective communications package suitable for modes of team operation such as DO is offered.