Spring/Summer 2006

Military IT Capability by Rick Robinson

GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH INSTITUTE engineers are leading the system integration and production design effort that will create a broad-based information technology capability for the command and control needs of future U.S. task forces.

courtesy U.S. Department of Defense Georgia Tech Research Institute engineers are leading the system integration and production design of the Deployable Joint Command and Control (DJC2) program, which was tested during the Hurricane Katrina rescue efforts in 2005. It integrates new and existing applications into a shared-information environment.

Their work is part of an approach that includes not only full information technology (IT) capabilities (networks, voice, video, telephone, etc), but also shelters environmental control units and power for a stand alone, fully deployable system.

The Deployable Joint Command and Control (DJC2) program is envisioned as a “system of systems.” It will integrate new and existing applications into a shared-information environment that connects a joint task force (JTF) with the national military command structure, combat support, regional combatant commands, intelligence, and service and multinational components.

The DJC2 program is headed by the DJC2 Joint Program Office and is run through the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City, Fla. Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) support is funded under the C4I Munitions Test and Improvement Contract (CIMTIC II) contract, for which GTRI is a prime contractor.

“DJC2 is the hardware and software solution to bring everything together that needs to be packaged and sent out for joint task force deployments,” says Carlee Bishop, a GTRI researcher and DJC2 project director. “With this equipment, they can set up a command center in the middle of nowhere and run a full JTF.”

GTRI engineers are designing the information technology portion of DJC2, with the aim of integrating custom military technology and off-the-shelf civilian technology into a seamless unit. This effort includes network, software, communications and telephony/video subsystems. GTRI is also researching state-of-the-art concepts to enhance the DJC2 capabilities, plus designing and integrating the engineering solution.

The prototype DJC2 system was tested during the Hurricane Katrina relief effort last year. While the task force was being formed to support the victims of the hurricane, the DJC2 system was being packed up and shipped to Louisiana to support command and control of these efforts. Although still under development, the system provided essential communications capabilities needed to conduct the complex task of coordinating civilian, state, federal and military personnel.

CONTACT:

Carlee Bishop at 404-407-6335 or carlee.bishop@gtri.gatech.edu.

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Last updated: August 9, 2006