KEEPING WATCH


Integrated, multiagency C5ISR effort extends aerial layer for improved protection of operating bases in Afghanistan


by COL Matthew Schnaidt, Terry Claussen, and Keith Konop D


uring spring 2010, Coali- tion Forces encountered a high level of insurgent activ- ity. Commanders on the


ground were faced with the challenge of providing persistent situational cover- age of critical U.S., Coalition, and host nation areas throughout Afghanistan. In developing a solution, the Army sought to apply valuable lessons learned during Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn in force protection and intelligence, sur- veillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).


In Iraq, the Army introduced a class of capabilities


that put sensors onto vari-


ous towers and aerostats. These systems provided a situational understanding for ground commanders by using a persistent stare capability. In light of the operational success of


lar investments were made in Operation


Enduring Freedom (OEF). Today, almost every operating base of significant size has one or more of these ISR and force pro- tection platforms providing overlapping, persistent, day-and-night overwatch of our bases, forces, allies, and the Afghan people.


To further leverage fielded ISR systems, the Army decided in May 2011 to add capabilities. The newest of these is part of


the Coalition Command, Control,


Communications, Computers, Intelli- gence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Quick Reaction Capability, which provides an Aerial Layer Network Extension initial operational capability (IOC), among several other capabilities.


these systems in Iraq, simi-


The Aerial Layer Network Extension provides improved sensor and commu- nications networking


among forward operating bases and combat outposts in


Afghanistan so that our forces can com- municate and access network resources across widely dispersed areas and chal- lenging terrains.


This Operational Needs Statement


(ONS) is being met by reconfiguring Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Sensors (PEO IEW&S)


host platforms, primarily


the Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment towers and Persistent Threat Detec- tion aerostats. The primary mission for these assets will remain ISR collection and force protection; however, once the C5ISR radios and network solution sets are deployed on elevated platforms, they instantly extend communication links. Thus, the Army will be able to distribute critical data, including biometrics and full-motion video, to lower operational levels in real time, across the country.


ASC.ARMY.MIL 29


ACQUISITION


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