These extracts from the document "Vol 1 Part 2 SAS Definitions as of 03 Dec 2004.doc" (though a bit dated for these high tempo times) seem to suggest that the division between "bn and above" and "bn and below" may be meaningless in the continuum between BG and the Pl sub-section. What do you think?
LAND FORCE COMMAND AND CONTROL INFORMATION SYSTEM (LFC2IS). LFC2IS provides Army Commanders and Staffs with automated (digitized) support for C2 purposes to achieve effective command and information superiority through common communications, data and automated functionality. The tools provided by LFC2IS support the decision-action cycle such as battle procedure, the Operation Planning Process (OPP), etc. It comprises the following main components:
a. Athene Tactical System (ATS). ATS is an integrated C2 system that provides automation support for commanders and staffs at formation and unit levels for the non-specialist planning, directing, monitoring and control functions. Basically ATS is an integrated network of computers with specific software applications to facilitate the decision cycle of the functional elements who are required to plan, direct and monitor soldiers during operations;
b. Situational Awareness System (SAS). SAS comprises the Situational Awareness Module (SAM) software and the Modified Precision Lightweight Global Positioning System Receiver (PLGR) using the Iris Communications System as the bearer of the information. SAS provides commanders at all levels with better situational awareness graphically of own forces and threats through accurate position reporting and navigation capabilities in near real time; and
c. Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR). PLGR provides the majority of SAS users with basic textual positional awareness, which is accurate, continuous, all weather, three dimensional position, velocity, elevation and time information from the GPS satellites (five NAVSTAR). It can be operated as a stand-alone unit or more importantly when linked with SAS.
102.23 – TACTICAL COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM (TCCCS). The TCCCS project had an objective of providing a secure, survivable, responsive, and easily maintained tactical communication system. It comprises equipments, which include combat net radios (CNR), data terminals, cellular telephones, long-range communication terminals, and tactical message handling systems, communication management, cryptographic material management and trunk systems. TCCCS serves as the backbone to LFC2IS, and includes the Iris system, which is the communication portion. Iris is a secure, integrated, hierarchical communication network. It includes portable and vehicle-mounted HF, VHF, and UHF single channel radios, which are compatible with SAS.
102.24 – SITUATIONAL AWARENESS (SA). The understanding of the operational environment in the context of a Comd’s (or Staff’s) mission or task.
102.25 – COMMAND AND CONTROL INFORMATION SYSTEM (CCIS). An integrated system comprised of doctrine, procedures, organizational structure, personnel, equipment, facilities and communications which provides authorities at all levels with timely and adequate data to plan, direct and control their activities.
