Special Operations Command and Control Element (SOCCE) Preliminary Analysis of Equipment and Personnel Requirements for the Digitized Battlefield

Abstract

Abstract : When Army special operations forces (SOF) operate in conjunction with or close to conventional Army forces, a special operations command and control element (SOCCE) is established to synchronize operations and harmonize actions between the SOF and conventional force elements. A SOCCE is usually co-located with an Army corps tactical operations center (TOC). On the emerging digitized battlefield, the corps TOC will be equipped with the Army Tactical Command and Control System (ATCCS) to provide a seamless flow of tactical information to commanders, corps, and below. A SOCCE will also require an ATCCS capability in order to exchange information with the conventional force and successfully perform its mission. A preliminary mission and task analysis was conducted to assist in identifying initial equipment and personnel requirements for a digitized SOCCE employing ATCCS. The outcome of the analysis indicates that if assumptions regarding SOF message format compatibility with ATCCS software are met, the SOCCE will be able to operate with two maneuver control systems (MCS), which is the integration component of ATCCS. The analysis also indicates that, in addition to the existing operations center, the SOCCE will require a signal center to link the operations center with other headquarters within the electronic battlefield command and control architecture. Personnel augmentation will be necessary to fully staff the SOCCE operations center S2 (intelligence) and S3 (operations) functions for 24-hour operations. Recommendations are that the equipment and personnel requirements identified by this analysis be verified during field training exercises and by simulation and modeling, a van or vehicular mounted shelter configuration be considered to house a SOCCE, and documentation be initiated to establish requirements for a system acquisition program.