Blue Force Tracker: Difference between revisions
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| author = Force XXI Information as Combat Power | | author = Force XXI Information as Combat Power | ||
| url = http://proceedings.ndia.org/3620/FBCB2_BFT.ppt}}</ref> | | url = http://proceedings.ndia.org/3620/FBCB2_BFT.ppt}}</ref> | ||
While BFT now uses commercial satellites, the intention is to bring it under [[Warfighter Information Network-Tactical]], to make a much wider range of communications facilities available. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist|2}} | {{reflist|2}} | ||
Revision as of 22:12, 27 June 2009
Blue Force Tracker (BFT) is a U.S. military command and control system, based on the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) soldier- and vehicle-level workstations, but going beyond its limitation. It also complements networks used for combat service support (CSS) functions such as supply and maintenance. The two systems are most significantly limited by the range of two networks: Enhanced Position Location Radio System, which transfers low-speed data and GPS position and time information, and the VHF/FM radios used for voice and low-speed data within battalions and brigades.
The end user equipment encompasses all FBCB2 equipment, and goes beyond it. User terminals go from palmtops, to ruggedized laptops, to stations built into tanks and helicopters, to larger displays for command posts.
Even before the restructuring of the United States Army from a division to a brigade oriented force, significant limitations were showing in combat service support (CSS). CSS functions often needed to operate beyond the division's area of responsibility (AOR) and its radio systems, for fundamental reasons such as getting parts and fuel from rear depots. [1]
BFT gives range extension to both tactical systems. Nevertheless, it still has limitations. In particular, the basic BFT updates information every five minutes, which increases the chance of fratricide when units are in close contact, or if BFT data is being used to direct artillery fire. A new version, expected to reach the field in 2010, updates every 10 seconds, and also allows soldiers and marines to exchange electronic mail and Microsoft Word documents. BFT2 communicates through the commercial INMARSAT IV satellite; the terminals cost $2500 rather than the $1600 of BFT1. [2]
Version 1 BFT provided significant improvements to situational awareness in the Iraq War. [3]At the division level, "The V Corps common operational picture was 90% BFT. BFT was one of two resounding successes for OIF because commanders down to Brigade level were able to track combat maneuver units in near real time." 3rd Infantry Division said “The single most successful C2 system fielded for OIF was the FBCB2-BFT system…BFT gave commanders situational understanding that was unprecedented in any other conflict in history”[4]
While BFT now uses commercial satellites, the intention is to bring it under Warfighter Information Network-Tactical, to make a much wider range of communications facilities available.
References
- ↑ , Chapter 4: Combat Service Support; Topic D: CSS C3I; Subtopic 3: Range Capability of Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below System (FBCB2) to Support the CSS Force Structure, Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), CAAT II Initial Impressions Report (IIR), Center for Army Lessons Learned
- ↑ Kris Osborn (13 October 2008), "Superfast Blue-Force Tracking: New Gear To Exchange Data up to 45 Times Faster", Defense News
- ↑ Richard E. Hayes and Kristi Sugarman (28 September 2006), Thunder Runs into Baghdad: The Impact of Information Age Command and Control on Conflict, 11th International Command and Control Research and Technology Symposium
- ↑ Force XXI Information as Combat Power, The SATCOM FBCB2-BFT System, National Defense Industrial Association