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Military Communication Systems

To function effectively, military command and control depends on a complex communication network of equipment, personnel, and communication protocols to relay information among forces. RAND has conducted comprehensive evaluations and research on how to integrate coalition force interactions effectively into a cohesive, flexible, and secure communication network, thereby ensuring a cooperative projection of force.

Report
Unraveling Entanglement: Policy Implications of Using Non-Dedicated Systems for Nuclear Command and Control
It has been argued that the use of common systems for conventional and nuclear command and control risks inadvertent escalation. The authors argue that these concerns have been overstated and that the risks are manageable, with a few caveats.
Mar 9, 2023
Report
Assessment of Joint All Domain Command and Control Requirements and the Use of Live, Virtual, and Constructive Capabilities for Training
This report presents research findings addressing the use of live, virtual, and constructive simulation capabilities for continuation training at air operation centers in the U.S. Air Force, in support of Joint All Domain Command and Control.
Mar 2, 2023
Report
French Army Approaches to Networked Warfare
The French concept of network-centric warfare argues that information-sharing enables forces to forgo armor and mass and underpins France's push for a middle-weight force -- one that can deploy to Africa but is robust enough for higher-end threats.
Jul 6, 2022
Report
What Is JADC2, and How Does It Relate to Training? An Air Force Perspective on Joint All Domain Command and Control
Given anticipated changes in warfare, Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) is a critical new concept that is still developing. For JADC2 to be effective, it must be clear across all echelons, and there must be consistent communication.
Jun 14, 2022
Multimedia
Roberta Wohlstetter Forum on National Security
In October 2018, RAND hosted a forum on national security that honored the legacy of Roberta Wohlstetter, a military analyst who worked at RAND from its creation in 1948 until 1965. Panelists discussed events, capabilities, technologies, and methodologies that demand new concepts for national security and defense.
Mar 19, 2019
Content
Paul Baran and the Origins of the Internet
RAND researcher Paul Baran developed a solution that has evolved into one of the major technological innovations of our time.
Mar 22, 2018
Commentary
Our Reliance on Space Tech Means We Should Prepare for the Worst
Space-enabled connectivity, technology, and services support a diverse array of political, military, and economic activities, many of which modern life on Earth relies upon and which the public often takes for granted. How prepared is global society to deal with the growing reliance on this technology and to mitigate associated risks?
Mar 12, 2018
Tool
Interfacing Force-on-Force and Communications Models: MANA and JNE
This report documents an interface between an agent-based force-on-force simulation and a network simulation for the U.S. Army's Cyber Center of Excellence, Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate (CDID), Cyber Battle Lab.
Nov 8, 2017
Report
Needs, Effectiveness, and Gap Assessment for Key A-10C Missions: An Overview of Findings
This report analyzes several missions assigned to the A-10C aircraft and the needs this mission set could generate over the next five years. It also assesses existing and planned forces' effectiveness and capability gaps in performing those missions.
Mar 2, 2017
Report
Designing Unmanned Systems with Greater Autonomy: Using a Federated, Partially Open Systems Architecture Approach
Many current unmanned systems (UxSs) employ different communication systems and have limited autonomy, which limit information sharing with warfighters and other UxSs. This report identifies ways to address these limitations.
Sep 17, 2014
Commentary
Calling for a Time-Out in the Army Intelligence Software Debate
The Army's Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) program has been getting much attention from Congress, and its future was the subject of a heated exchange between the Army's Chief of Staff General Raymond Odierno and Representative Duncan Hunter in May.
Aug 21, 2013
Report
Virtual Collaboration for a Distributed Enterprise
Addresses the challenges to team effectiveness caused by geographic diversity through an assessment of three modes of virtual collaboration.
Apr 22, 2013
Report
Redefining Information Warfare Boundaries for an Army in a Wireless World
The U.S. Army is studying ways to apply its cyber power and is reconsidering doctrinally defined areas related to cyberspace operations. Clarifying the overlap between network and information operations and other areas could inform Army doctrine.
Jan 16, 2013
Report
CANES Contracting Strategies for Full Deployment
Examines contracting alternatives for the full deployment phase of the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services system, intended to give the U.S. Navy a common set of key command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence networks.
May 24, 2012
Report
Army Networks Enable Shared Situational Awareness and Unity of Action
The ability of U.S. forces to gather, process, and disseminate battlespace information in a networked fashion has given them an advantage in major combat operations. The Army should extend the network to lower echelons; expand it to include host nation, coalition, and other U.S. government partners; and invest more time in developing informal networks.
Mar 13, 2012
Dissertation
Actualizing Flexible National Security Space Systems
Three essays that address some of the challenges associated with improving the flexibility of National Security Space capabilities.
Nov 15, 2011
Commentary
Can You Hear Libya Now?
The U.S. and its allies could help Libyans communicate with the outside world by deploying cellphone base stations on aircraft or tethered balloons, write Dan Gonzales and Sarah Harting.
Mar 4, 2011
Report
Le concept de communication stratégique de l'OTAN et sa pertinence pour la France
Study of NATO Strategic Communications and relevance for France. Looks at: definition, objectives, scope, terminology, command structure, resources. Concludes concept is relevant to France in crisis situations and offers ways to implement it.
Nov 12, 2010
Report
Is NATO's Policy on Strategic Communications Relevant to France?
NATO developed a policy on Strategic Communications in 2009, in part because of its difficulty in gaining the support of the Afghan population. The policy seeks to coordinate all information and communication capabilities in order to enhance the coherence of NATO's words and deeds. At the request of the Concepts, Doctrine and Experimentation Centre of the French Ministry of Defence, RAND Europe reviewed the policy and its relevance for France.
Nov 12, 2010
Report
Navy Network Dependability: Models, Metrics, and Tools
Develops a framework for measuring the dependability of naval networks and describes a software tool for modeling the impact that individual network components have on overall mission operational availability.
Aug 6, 2010

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RAND Topic:
Military Communication Systems

Topic Synonyms:
Military Communications

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