Space and terrestrial transmission systems in tactical C3 architectures

Key elements of space and terrestrial transmission systems in tactical command, control, and communications (C3) architectures are discussed, and the current transmission architecture, supporting tactical command and control (CC), is outlined. Over the years a tactical transmission architecture has emerged which makes the most of each transmission medium's specific characteristics. This architecture includes (1) single-channel terrestrial VHF nets for direct CC of land combat; (2) single-channel terrestrial UHF nets for direct CC of combat in the air; (3) single-channel satellite UHF nets for CC of the battle at sea, or to execute the initial phases of single service and joint force contingency actions; (4) multichannel terrestrial networks for CC of forces on land, and to serve combat support and combat servioe support activities; and (5) multichannel satellite systems to support the higher-echelon CC structure, especially in widely dispersed situations.