United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Phase 1 video teleconferencing (VTC) architecture

Abstract

In the 22 October 1993 USSOCOM Special Operations Forces Command, Control, Communications, and Computers Systems Master Plan (SOFC4SMP), USSOCOM identified current and mid-term mission needs for a VTC capability. Specifically, VTC was identified as a valid means for providing the United States Commander in Chief Special Operations Command (USCINCSOC) with the ability to personally communicate with his commanders and forward-deployed forces to achieve positive command and control of Special Operations Forces (SOF). To address these needs, USSOCOM has initiated a multi-phase program to provide HQ USSOCOM, its Component Commands, its theater Special Operations Commands (SOCs), and other selected SOF units with a highly capable VTC system. This system will be in full compliance with Department of Defense (DOD) VTC policy and standards and will be interoperable with the Defense Information System Network (DISN) and the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS). This paper outlines the multi-phase USSOCOM VTC program and provides details on the implementation of its Phase 1 architecture. >