C4I mobility architectures for 21st century warfighters

The US Army´s legacy communication systems are predominately voice based, message based and courier based systems. While some current communications systems-the Tactical Packet Network (TPN), AUTODIN, etc.-provide data access for mobile warriors, they do not provide the full functionality required for command, control, and communications on-the-move (C3OTM). These communications systems need to be upgraded to provide the required mobility (any time, anywhere) for 21st century warriors. The Army is planning to adopt tactical personal communications services as well as terminal mobility solutions in order to provide increased mobility and flexibility on the battlefield. The military has begun to implement wireless command posts, and has defined architectural concepts incorporating a wireless digital battlefield. There is a need to develop mobility architectures that utilize commercial off the shelf products for the tactical forces without adversely affecting existing operational functionality and mobility capabilities. The Army mobility needs are unique. Military mobility requirements address large number of highly mobile hosts/warriors and the need for seamless interaction between mobile hosts/warriors to be maintained while the communications infrastructures are mobile. We propose a C⁴I mobility architecture for 21st century Army networks. The proposed architecture is the result of a review of postulated mobility requirements, commercial mobility standards, and current Army architectures. We suggest that an evolutionary approach be taken for upgrading mobility solutions without adversely affecting the existing operational functionality and mobility capabilities of the Army´s network