CGS and Apache-Longbow linkage--a 2d Infantry Division initiative.

The Common Ground Station (CGS) is a receiver-processor of Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) data. The CGS provides a visual display of this data correlated against a map background. In addition, the ground station receives imagery, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data, and video, allowing U.S. and allied maneuver forces an early look at the activity of the second, third, and follow-on enemy ground forces. By simultaneously receiving, processing, and displaying multiple intelligence sources on a digitized map background, the CGS system provides input to the "now battle picture" of the battlefield for commanders. Inherent in CGS is the flexibility to provide tailored intelligence collection for lethal targeting by field artillery and attack aviation assets. This unique system also provides battle management, surveillance, targeting, and interdiction support for development and execution of plans and orders with near-real-time correlated information.

Background of the Initiative

Until recently, the system has had limited success supporting commanders' requirements in operations close to the forward line of own troops. This is primarily because Joint STARS is unable to discern enemy targets from friendly targets. The 2d Infantry Division (2 ID) in Korea recently experimented with radar data flow from the Apache Longbow to CGS. This information supplements the shortfalls of the Joint STARS. While attributed to the system during acquisition, this capability was not a reality until recently.

Through the 2 ID initiative, contractors rewrote the software, and the team achieved CGS information transmission to the Apache Longbow, a close-combat asset. The Common Ground Station's digital datalink with the Longbow will provide units throughout the division with more detailed intelligence of the close threat. This initiative also has the potential to increase survivability of the aircraft by providing the Longbow possible early warning of known enemy air defense artillery (ADA) emitters. The system complements information flowing from the Division Analysis and Control Element (ACE) through the unit Analysis and Control Team (ACT), increasing combat effectiveness by allowing the Longbow to plan ingress and egress routes to targets better.

September 2002 Linkage Exercise

During an exercise on 26 September 2002, elements of the 102d Military Intelligence Battalion and 1st Battalion (Attack), 2d Aviation Regiment, successfully linked the CGS with software version CSB 1.B11.1, IDM 2.9H to an airborne Apache Longbow with software version LOT 6, IDM 2.9H. The first step was to establish voice communication using ultra-high frequency (VRC-83) and very-high frequency (VRC-92/RT-1523E), secure and nonsecure. The team accomplished this using the CGS' mounted vehicular antennas and both tail- and belly-mounted antennas on the Apache. External mast antennas were not necessary--as previously thought by contractors--to establish and maintain a successful two-way link between the CGS and the Apache Longbow.

During the initial phase of our trials, the CGS could only receive fire-control radar (FCR) targets and digital plain text messages but could not send information to the Apache. Contractors then made permanent modifications to the CGS software based on controlled environment testing performed by two contract firms on 18 September 2002. On site, contractors extended the periodicity of the present position query (PPQ) from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The PPQ allows the CGS to track the telemetry of the aircraft and is required for a successful link with the Apache. However, the CGS still could not establish a link. During our initial tests, we used plain text and single-channel data as per contractor guidance. However, the key to success was to switch from plain text to enciphered text as well as frequency-hopping mode.

Once all changes were complete, the CGS was able to communicate digitally with the Apache, sending free text and FCR messages, establishing a successful link. Testers initially achieved the link with the aircraft on the ground, providing controlled conditions (line of sight [LOS] and unobstructed communication). Once this was successful, we connected with an airborne Apache. This communication was the first between the CGS and an airborne Apache Longbow using the previously mentioned software configurations. After achieving success, we broke and reestablished the datalink several times to ensure consistency. The Apache was airborne for approximately one hour and traveled roughly two kilometers away from the CGS during the flight.

Having established a successful datalink, the CGS was able to send the Apache Longbow both FCR and digital plain text messages, as well as Airborne Reconnaissance Low (ARL) imagery previously archived in the CGS database. The datalink allowed the aircraft's telemetry to be displayed, thus enabling the CGS operators to track the flight path of the Apache. The ability to track the aircraft's telemetry is vital to effective operations between the CGS and the Apache. If the CGS operator has the ability to see where the Apache is and what it is looking at through the FCR, then the operator can send additional target information the Apache's FCR is not showing.

The aircraft's combat effectiveness and survivability also increases due to the CGS operators' ability to identify and pass on suspected air defense artillery (ADA) and surface-to-air missile sites. The more information that we can provide to the aircraft, the better they will be able to plan future attack missions or alter ongoing operations. According to Colonel James E. Moentmann, 2d Aviation Regiment Commander, the greatest value to the Longbow and aviation brigade is in the pre-mission planning phase. For example, the CGS can provide updated site data before occupying an attack-by-fire position or before departure on a movement to contact.

Using the Apache Longbow to gather data while performing standard attack operations provides commanders with close-combat intelligence and increases the survivability of the aircraft. The most likely scenario is that the Longbows will pass data at the end of a mission as they are rotating off station and conducting a battle handover to another team, with the likely product being a "shot at" file or the last of very many radar snapshots. However, with the first attempt at an aerial link established using the current software, we identified some limitations. The greatest limitation is that the CGS is an LOS system. The Longbow does not have the standoff distance of ARL or the E-8 (Joint STARS) aerial intelligence platforms. It can, however, provide short-range radar imagery that we can confirm with products gathered from other sources. Because the CGS is an LOS-based system, maintaining a link for an extended period may be a problem. Developing a retransmission system for the CGS would be a possible solution.

To truly be effective to the supported unit, the CGS crews and Apache Longbow units must develop a working relationship. They need to understand the capabilities and limitations of the two systems.

Brigade CALFEX 

Since the exercise with 1-2 Aviation in September, the 102d MI Battalion participated in a brigade combined arms live-fire exercise (CALFEX) with 1-2 Aviation and 4-7 Cavalry, also of the 2 ID. Rather than working directly with the subordinate units, the Division integrated the CGS into the Aviation Brigade command and control element, again successfully linking the two systems. During this exercise, the CGS was able to receive "shot at" files, which can assist in calculating battle damage assessments. The CALFEX showed that although a free-text feature is available, the pilots did not often use it; this is simply because talking on the radio is considerably faster than one-handed typing of messages in the aircraft, particularly given the workload in the cockpit.

Final Thoughts

The 2d Infantry Division continues to expand on the CGS-Apache Longbow initiative. Allocation of the five CGS systems currently in the Division is to the Division main and tactical command posts, Aviation Brigade, 1st Brigade, and 2d Brigade. The Army was shortsighted in not providing a sixth system to support the targeting requirements of the division artillery. With the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fielding this coming year, the Division will continue to expand on the intelligence capabilities of the CGS system. The CGS is a relatively new asset to 2 ID and the Army; therefore, MI units must take the responsibility of integrating this system into brigade and division tactical operations centers and other units that would benefit from this technology.

New MIPB Mailing Address

Due to a recent reorganization and in accordance with the Official Mail Address Standards, Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin's new address is:

U.S. Army Intelligence Center

and Fort Huachuca

ATTN: ATZS-FDT-M

550 Cibeque Street

Fort Huachuca AZ. 85613-7017

Sergeant Jessica Ward and Specialist Michael Thornton also contributed to this article.

First Lieutenant Christine Fallon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Telecommunication from Penn State University and a commission in Intelligence through the Reserve Officer Training Program. She graduated from Airborne School and the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course. 1LT Fallon is currently a Platoon Leader with B Company, 102d MI Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, Korea. Her next duty station will be the 902d MI Group, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Readers may contact her via E-mail at christine, [e-mail].

Staff Sergeant Steve Jaime joined the Army in October 1991 as a Fire Support Specialist (13F). His previous assignments have included Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Germany; Hawaii, and Fort Lewis, Washington. After reclassification as a Common Ground Station (CGS) Operator (MOS 96H) in August 2002, SSG Jaime relocated to Korea where he serves with the 2d Infantry Division. He has attend military schools including Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) and Air Ground Operations System (AGOS) training, the Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC), and the Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course (BNCOC). Readers may contact this author via E-mail at [e-mail].