At the MAGTF CE level, the G-6/S-6 exercises overall staff cognizance and technical direction of the MAGTF communications system and person- nel. The G-6/S-6 also coordinates with the con- trolling authorities of external networks. The G-6/ S-6 is assisted by personnel from the communica- tions battalion to exercise operational systems control. Operational systems control is exercised at levels lower than the MAGTF down to the bat- talion/squadron level by the G-6/S-6 of that orga- nization. The G-6/S-6 is supported by organic communications units or detachments.
Operational Systems Control Center
The functions of an operational systems control center (OSCC) exist at all levels of MCS control. At the higher echelons of MSC and above, spe- cific agencies are established to conduct these functions. At the lower echelons of the battalion and squadron, the functions are still performed,
but they are performed at the S-6/communications unit level. Figure 2-1 details a typical joint opera- tional systems control model. The OSCC func- tions consist of the four elements discussed in the following paragraphs.
Systems Planning and Engineering
The systems planning and engineering (SPE) ele- ment performs future operations functions for communications operations. The SPE at any ech- elon consists of MCS network design. These net- works are designed and subsequently engineered to meet the operational requirements as deter- mined by the communications officer. Circuits are determined by type and number to meet both internal and external command communications requirements. The SPE personnel normally per- form their duties in a suitable facility as part of the G-6/S-6 staff in the main command post. The MAGTF G-6/S-6 is the senior Marine communi- cations officer who directs the overall SPE effort at the MAGTF level. The G-6/S-6 at lower eche- lons, with the assistance of their supporting com- m u n i c a t i o n s u n i t / d e t a c h m e n t , p e r f o r m s appropriate level SPE functions in accordance with the overall MAGTF communications plan.
Systems Control
The SYSCON performs current operations func- tions for communications operations. It is estab- lished by the operations officer of each commun- ications unit to maintain current information on availability and operational readiness of the MCS and to set priorities and resolve conflicts. The SYSCON receives direction from the SPE and coordinates directly with senior, subordinate, and adjacent SYSCONs as required. Its personnel perform their duties in an appropriate facility in the vicinity of the supported command post and must have the technical expertise and experience to coordinate the resolution of complex commu- nications problems.
Figure 2-1. Joint Operational Systems Control Model.
Technical Control
The TECHCON element provides centralized technical supervision over the installation, opera- tion, and maintenance of SCR, wire, multichan- nel, and data communications systems. Its functions are performed from a specially-designed TECHCON facility, the network operations cen- ter, maintenance facilities, and communications centers when established. The TECHCON facil- ity provides a means to conduct and coordinate circuit troubleshooting and restoration. The facil- ity’s size and scope are driven by the size of the communications organization and types of ser- vices being provided. All TECHCON personnel must have the technical expertise and experience to resolve complex communications problems.
Joint Communications Control Center
The joint communications control center (JCCC) is the operational systems control agency of the JTF or CCDR communications system staff officer (J-6). According to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual (CJCSM) 6231.07D, Manual for Employing Joint Tactical Communi- cations - Joint Network Management and Con- trol, the JCCC provides theater or JTF planning level and supervision of component communica- tions control centers (CCCs). Normally, liaison officers from each Service component command are provided to the JCCC as subject matter experts and participate in JCCC functions as watch members. See figure 2-1.
Joint
Communications Control Center CCDR/JTF J-6
Component
Communications Control Center MAGTF
Communications Control Center G-6 System Planning and Engineering G-6 Systems Control Communications Unit Technical Control Communications Unit
MAGTF Communications Control Center
The MAGTF G-6 employs the MAGTF CCC as the MAGTF operational systems control center. Subordinate communications battalion/company staffs augment the MAGTF CCC. The MAGTF CCC coordinates external communications con- trol with the JTF or CCDR J-6 through the JCCC. The MAGTF CCC also may be required to sup- port a Marine component HQ.
Component Communications Control Centers
Each component of the joint force or theater command, whether USA, US Air Force (USAF), USN, or Marine Corps, establishes some form of an OSCC to perform component-level opera- tional systems control functions. The compo- nents of the designated Army theater signal command normally support the Army component command and augment the JTF/theater-level o p e r a t i o n a l s y s t e m s c o n t r o l a g e n c y . T h e MAGTF CCC coordinates OSCC functions with joint and Service component CCCs to maintain the joint network.