What is the Joint Global Command & Control Systems
(GCCS-J)
Introduction
 GCCS-J
is the nation's premier system for the command and control of joint and
coalition forces. It incorporates the force planning and readiness assessment
applications required by battlefield commanders to effectively plan and
execute military operations. Its Common Operational Picture correlates
and fuses data from multiple sensors and intelligence sources to provide
warfighters the situational awareness needed to be able to act and react
decisively. It also provides an extensive suite of integrated office automation,
messaging, and collaborative applications.
Built upon the foundation provided by the Common Operating Environment
(COE), GCCS-J incorporates the latest in commercial computer hardware,
software, and communications technology. Through an innovative evolutionary
acquisition strategy GCCS-J is able to rapidly and cost-effectively field
new applications as requirements evolve and technology advances.
GCCS-J is fielded at 635 sites worldwide, all networked via the DoD's
classified private Intranet. It is designed and implemented to provide
our nation's warfighters the information superiority required to prevail
now, and well into the 21st century.
Overview
The Global Command and Control System is the Department of Defense's
computerized system of record for strategic command and control functions.
With GCCS-J, joint commanders can coordinate widely dispersed units, receive
accurate feedback, and execute more demanding, higher precision requirements
in fast moving operations.
GCCS-J 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.
The GCCS-J enables warfighters to 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 Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES)
has been transferred into this environment. The nation's military plans
are kept and updated around the world using the JOPES system.
GCCS-J, built on modern information technology, is made up of database
servers, applications servers, and clients. GCCS-J is a Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) system built on top
of the Common Operating Environment (COE) and 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-J gives military personnel the same kind of "plug
and play" available with Windows-type operating systems on home computers.
GCCS-J includes support applications, such as the Automated Message Handling
System (AMHS), and mission applications. The mission applications provide
a unique set of capabilities and functionalities to assist the warrior
by integrating data into a single tactical picture, replicating the data
between GCCS-J sites, and displaying data in near real time on a single
chart. Display filters can be used to construct different pictures in
different map windows and overlays can be used to display air route data
and airspace control.
Summary
GCCS-J is the foundation for joint warfighting initiatives. The value
added by sustaining a secure, fully functional joint C2 GCCS-J capability
for the warfighter has never been more apparent than with the Global War
On Terrorism (GWOT). This was affirmed by the comments of the USCENTCOM
J6 in January 2002, recognizing the GCCS-J support to Operation Enduring
Freedom. "GCCS is absolutely critical to CENTCOM's operations."
GCCS-J has again proven itself under fire and earned senior leader praise
as invaluable to Joint warfighting operations in Afghanistan, where it
"...has worked extremely well in providing a common operating picture
at all levels of command seamlessly among each of the service-specific
GCCS systems" and more specifically, the "...killer apps [applications]
of this war are e-mail, Web services, the common operating picture, the
global transportation network and the Joint Operation Planning and Execution
System, or JOPES."
The smooth evolution of GCCS-J requires careful orchestration of the
technical interdependencies and the participation of all contributors.
In order to fulfill critical C2 requirements, we must provide the joint
warfighter with new and enhanced capabilities. GCCS-J provides the warfighter
with a fused integrated near real-time picture of the battlespace, which
is essential to mission success. Without GCCS-J, dominant battlespace
awareness will not be achieved. Seamless integration of Service capabilities
necessary to conduct joint and multinational operations will not be realized.
GCCS-J is the joint warfighters' C2 system of the 21st century.
DISA Technical Program of the Year, 1999
NPR Hammer Award, 1996
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