Analysis the Prophet way - TSM Notes - new military intelligence system for use by United States Army

Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin, Jan-March, 2002 by Kevin C. Peterson

The PC will have an on-the-move (OTM) capability that gives the tactical commander the flexibility to monitor new developments during highly fluid operations and while re-deploying a TOC. Objectively, the PC element will also serve as the exfiltration node for remoting selected voice-grade channels to higher echelons for further exploitation. Remoting is essential to extend collection baselines to maximize collection, exploitation, and lethality.

The PC element will be capable of digitally interfacing with the supported division well as the tactical warfighter "at the point of the spear." The Army will upgrade PC's workstations to be interoperable (information exchange) with the Army Battle Command System (ABCS) suite and the Global Command and Control System (GOCS) baselines. As the extended battlespace grows and the speed of operations increases, PC will be able to provide for the rapid processing, analysis, and throughput of ISR information. PC's primary interface will be the signals and signatures enclaves of the Division Common Ground Station-Army (DCGS-A). At the brigade level, PC will preprocess Prophet-derived intelligence for subsequent digital injection into the supported battle command system enroute to the applicable DCGS-A enclave. PC workstations will interface with automated [C.sup.2] and intelligence processing systems over various battlefield communications systems. These communications are vital to the exchange of information with ot her Prophet systems, brigade operational and intelligence elements, ISR integration cells, and applicable DCGS-A. We will accomplish all multi-sensor (SIGINT and measurement and signature intelligence [MASINT]) tasking, reporting, cross-correlation of databases, algorithm updates, and remoting of signals within this framework.

Additionally, [P.sup.3] I will include a PC element with the ability to receive collateral Integrated Broadcast System (IBS) data digitally, as well as the ability to inject Prophet-derived intelligence data and reports into lBS. Increasing the commander's ability to leverage and cross-cue available sensors, PC's ability to transmit reports enables the sharing of Prophet-derived data with other ISR assets operating in theater, thus enhancing the supported commander's overall operational effectiveness.

Maneuver commanders on the high-speed battlefield of today require the capability to respond rapidly to changing operational scenarios that PC and the Prophet suite of systems provide. PC will be the critical link between Prophet, its supported commander, and higher echelons. The PC element's ability to process, correlate, fuse, and display Prophet-derived intelligence data will meet these demands and will ensure the lethality and survivability of U.S. forces in the field.

Colonel Kevin Peterson is the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) System Manager-Prophet (TSM Prophet) at the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca (USAIC&FH). Readers may contact him via E-mail at kevin.peterson@ hua.army.mil and telephonically at (520) 533-5579 or DSN 821-5579. You may also contact the Deputy TSM, Major Mark Oleksiak, at mark.oleksiak@hua.army.mil.