ACCESSION NUMBER:00000
FILE ID:96092701.txt
DATE:09/27/96
TITLE:27-09-96  DEFENSE DEPARTMENT REPORT, SEPTEMBER 27, 1996

TEXT:
(Global Command & Control System)  (570)

The Pentagon has announced a new computerized Global Command and
Control System to replace the old WWMCCS system.

Following is the text of the DoD statement of September 26:

(begin text)

GLOBAL COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM ADOPTED

The Global Command and Control System has now replaced the venerable
Worldwide Military Command and Control System (WWMCCS) as the
Department of Defense's computerized system of record for strategic
command and control functions. With GCCS, joint commanders can
coordinate widely dispersed units, receive accurate feedback, and
execute more demanding, higher precision requirements in fast moving
operations.

The new GCCS system provides combatant commanders one predominant
source for generating, receiving, sharing and using information
securely. It provides surveillance and reconnaissance information and
access to global intelligence sources as well as data on the precise
location of dispersed friendly forces.

With the Global Command and Control System, warfighters can plan,
execute and manage military operations. The system helps joint force
commanders synchronize the actions of air, land, sea, space, and
special operations forces. It has the flexibility to be used in a
range of operations: from actual combat to humanitarian assistance.
The Joint Operational Planning and Execution System has been
transferred into this new environment. The nation's military plans are
kept and updated around the world using the JOPES system.

GCCS replaces the older WWMCCS network of large mainframe computers in
use since the 1970s with a client server computer system built on
modern information technology. The new technology, based on a common
operating environment, allows greater software flexibility,
reliability, and interoperability with other computer systems. For
example, commanders can establish their own homepages at the secret
level and communicate securely through e-mail with counterparts around
the world. GCCS gives military personnel the same kind of "plug and
play" availability with Windows-type operating systems on home
computers.

Prior to being declared the system of record, GCCS underwent thorough
testing, including a rigorous two phase operational test. Test
databases were evaluated operationally from late April to June 1996.
In early July, databases containing "real world" plans were moved from
WWMCCS to GCCS. Final operational testing commenced. WWMCCS remained
in a standby mode to provide back up capability in the unlikely event
of failure while GCCS was used as the primary command and control
system.

At the end of August 1996, the decision was made to declare GCCS as
the single system of record. WWMCCS has now been terminated entirely
for the day to day operations of strategic command and control. GCCS
proved its use during recent U.S. military actions in Operation Desert
Strike. The Joint Staff witnessed first hand an operational system
providing a picture of the evolving battlespace in real time via GCCS
workstations.

Implementation of GCCS is a major accomplishment. Nevertheless, it is
still only an early phase of a larger, more ambitious effort known as
"C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence)
for the Warrior." The C4I for the Warrior vision is to bring together
all command, control, communications and intelligence elements in
order to speed information flow throughout the battlefield. The
ultimate objective is to link U.S. forces, allowing them to
communicate and trade information more rapidly than ever before. By
putting in place the basic infrastructure to support such a network,
GCCS represents a critical step in achieving this objective.

(end text)
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