Communications architectures and capability improvement evaluation methodology

The increased complexity, tempo and changes in modern-day military operations combined with advances in C4ISR systems, create a highly difficult problem domain. This is significantly compounded by the need to make cost effective decisions on allocation of resources. Assessment of suitable advanced communications and information systems has previously been done in an ad hoc, piecemeal manner, which introduces problems operationally and in procurement. This paper describes an evaluation methodology to assess the military utility of communications architecture options using: operational scenarios, detailed discussions with warfighters and assessments of key performance measures