Brigade and regimental level have become the principal maneuver level of the modern air/land combat. These formations require special C4 systems to enable flexible connectivity, information flow and data processing. Brigades are employed as independent formations (particularly in rapid projection and expeditionary forces) or as tactical elements pursuing joint operations. When employed by higher HQs, Brigades are controlled by divisions as part of land forces corps, armies, or joint, coalition forces. While the brigade is responsible for a growing array of and tasks and units, integral or attached ad-hoc, it has also evolved to become an information hub mediating information to and from tactical, operational and strategic levels.
Empowered by modern C4 tools, brigade Command Posts (CP) expanded their authority to control larger areas and more flexible and diverse forces. Growing demand for information and real-time intelligence required the development of intelligence collection and battlefield surveillance means, and access to divisional and strategic intelligence assets. Mapping and terrain modeling capabilities are also fielded at these echelons, to support operations, analyzing terrain and mobility to support operational planning. Equally important is the Blue Forces Tracking (BFT) – tracking and location of all friendly forces presented in the brigade’s area of responsibility, provided through dedicated systems or as by-product of modern GPS enabled communications equipment.
This feature continues to cover the following topics:
- Tactical C4 Networking Challenges
- Building Blocks of C4 Systems
- Vehicular C4 Applications
- C4 for the Battalion Level
- Situation Assessment Tools For Dismounted Leaders
- Brigade’s Tactical Operations Center
- Common Operation Picture (COP)
- The Modern Command post
- C4 Networking Architecture
- Mission planning Tools
