ABSTRACT
Command, control, and communications (C3) systems are visualized by many as a series of black boxes linked by satellite to all points of the globe for the control of military forces. This chapter shows that effective C3, while it may in some cases have this capability, must encompass the hardware, software, and manpower necessary to ensure the president's ability to instantaneously communicate with, command, and control US military forces operating worldwide as he discharges his responsibility as commander in chief of these forces. It identifies in broadest terms those C3 systems currently available to decision makers and describes them in sufficient detail to make them understandable to those not technically oriented. A major technological achievement developed to satisfy US C3 requirements is the Worldwide Military Command and Control System (WWMCCS). The chapter also discusses some of the more important automated capabilities currently available to assist in crisis planning may help in understanding what is available to decision makers.
