Figure 3-3: CID CONOPS
The Combat Identification (CID) ACTD provides a framework for a program of technology experiments, modeling, simulation, and analytical efforts, culminating in an operational demonstration of air-to-ground and ground-to-ground CID system alternatives. The goal of the CID ACTD is to demonstrate system alternatives that can enhance the capability of our combat forces to positively identify friendly and hostile platforms during air-to-ground and ground-to-ground operations, in order to reduce fratricide due to misidentification, and to maximize combat effectiveness. To achieve this goal the CID ACTD will:
Concept of Operations and Technical Approach
The approach for the CID ACTD will be to employ technology experiments and operational demonstrations-supported by modeling, simulation, and analytical efforts-to assess the utility of various CID system alternatives proposed for satisfying air-to-ground and ground-to-ground mission needs. The ACTD is divided into two phases.
Phase I comprises several technology experiments, each designed to assess the capability of one or more of the system alternatives to satisfy mission requirements. Each experiment is of sufficient duration and scope to allow for a range of measurements to validate the alternative and begin gathering data on system performance to address the following Critical Operational Issues (COIs):
The system alternatives will be installed on ground and air platforms which will be operated by troops to the extent that maturity of the equipment and safety permit.
Phase II of the CID ACTD is an operational assessment phase and consists of two different "tracks." The first track is for those alternatives which will be provided as a residual capability for the gaining operational command. The U.S. Army command designated to receive this residual capability is the Experimental Force (EXFOR) for the U.S. Army Task Force XXI Advanced Warfighting Experiment (AWE) in FY97. This brigade-sized force will be comprised of operational units from the 4th Mechanized Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. The AWE, which is part of the U.S. Army's Battlefield Digitization Initiative, will demonstrate a number of digital technologies and system alternatives designed to revolutionize warfighting effectiveness of the Force for the 21st century by leveraging information technology. The USMC command conducting operational demonstrations will be the Special Purpose U.S. Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) (Experimental). SPMAGTF will retain residual systems for further USMC evaluation. The Arizona Air National Guard will be the experimental organization for the U.S. Air Force and will retain the remaining residual system alternative. The ACTD will leverage information and lessons learned from experiments in Task Force XXI and ideally will use Task Force XXI systems and crews in the follow-on All Service Combat Identification Evaluation Team (ASCIET) `97 annual evaluation. The second track is for those system alternatives which will go directly from their respective technical experiments to ASCIET'97, or in some cases, go directly to tactical units for further evaluation.
The Services will provide forces and CID systems at ASCIET'96 to acquire baseline data required in the evaluation of ACTD system alternatives. Thermal combat identification panels, thermal infrared lights, and the Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) will constitute the baseline.
A Combat Identification International Demonstration, to be conducted in 3QFY97, will examine the interoperability of Battlefield Combat Identification System (BCIS) on Allied platforms as well as several Allied combat identification technologies. Even though this event is not considered to be a formal part of the ACTD, it is expected to generate certain data and insights that will be useful in assessing the ACTD system alternatives.
Phase I technical experimentation venues are Ft. Monmouth, NJ; Yuma Proving Ground, AZ; Naval Air Weapons Center (NAWC), China Lake, CA; and at the locations of supporting system contractors. Phase II operational demonstrations and AWEs will be conducted at Fort Hood, TX; Camp Shelby, MS; Fort Irwin, CA; and 29 Palms, CA.
The CID system alternatives that will be evaluated in this ACTD include the following four classes:
The specific system alternatives that will be evaluated are as follows:
With the exception of SABER, SADL, and PLAID, all of the ACTD systems alternatives are being provided by the U.S. Army. The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) is providing platforms to examine BCIS, BCIS Pods on fixed wing aircraft, and EFAC. SABER is a U.S. Navy system. SADL is provided through a cooperative effort between the Arizona Air National Guard, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force. PLAID is being developed by the U.S. Air Force. Figure 3-3. illustrates the concept of operations.
Figure 3-3: CID CONOPS
The acquisition strategy for each phase is as follows:
The DUSD(AT) will provide the executive level management for the CID ACTD. A Senior Oversight Panel chaired by the DUSD(AT), will set overall goals and objectives, provide direction to the Executing Agent, ensure proper resourcing of the ACTD, and review program status and progress toward objectives.
The DUSD(AT), has designated the Deputy for Research and Technology, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army, Research, Development, and Acquisition (ASA, RDA), as the Executing Agent for the CID ACTD. He will oversee the development and integration of required technologies.
The Combat ID ACTD has joint managers. The U.S. Army Deputy Project Manager for Combat Identification (DPM, Combat ID) and Director, Joint Combat Identification Office (Dir, JCIDO) are designated as Joint ACTD managers for Combat ID ACTD. DPM, Combat ID leads the technology and materiel acquisition effort and the Director, JCIDO coordinates operational efforts.
Active participation of operational forces is an integral part of all phases of this ACTD. The Atlantic Command (ACOM) has been designated the User sponsor for the CID ACTD. ACOM is actively participating in all planning and management aspects of this ACTD and, in conjunction with selected Service units, will coordinate the required staff and military equipment for exercises. The CID ACTD Management Plan details the specific responsibilities for equipment and resource support. The program schedule, consisting of two phases, is illustrated in Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-4: CID Schedule
CID points of contact are listed below.
| AT Staff | Service/Agency | User Sponsor |
| Mr. Bruce Deal (703) 697-4473 |
Mr. Bob Doto DPM Combat ID (908) 427-5324 |
COL John Edwards JCIDO (703) 693-2814 COL Tom Page LTC John Arthur |