Service members on Okinawa collaborate data, save lives

Photo By Cpl. Abigail Brown | A student in the Force 21 Battle Command Brigade and Below-Blue Force Tracking Operator course works on his final practical examination to graduate the course. The FBCB2-BFT course is run by Marine Air Ground Task Force Integrated Systems Training Center on Camp Hansen.  

10.02.2009

Story by Cpl. Abigail Brown 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

The military uses several command and control systems to track friendly and enemy forces, hazards, and resources to lessen the effects of "fog of war."

"Fog of war" is a lack of situational awareness and uncertainty during the commotion of combat. These uncertainties and unknowns about the enemy, the environment, and even the friendly situation pervade the battlefield, according to Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication 1 Warfighting.

The Force 21 Battle Command Brigade and Below-Blue Force Tracking is one of the systems designed to combat the uncertainties created by the "fog of war."

"The Blue Force Tracking system is one of the primary means of communication in combat," said Jeff Murphy, FBCB2-BFT instructor, Marine Air Ground Task Force Integrated Systems Training Center, Command and Control Training and Education Center of Excellence, Training and Education Command, based on Camp Hansen.

The FBCB2-BFT, a computer system installed inside most combat vehicles and command centers, displays a layout of an area and marks friendly troops, contaminants, obstacles, and enemy forces positions that have been entered into the system. Maps displayed can be changed depending on the purpose of the mission.

The BFT system automatically updates the position of the BTF platforms every five minutes or every time a vehicle with a BFT moves 800 meters to let other units know where service members are at any given time. Operators can create layouts of hazards they see and update the screens of other units for quick dissemination of information.

Since it uses satellites to operate, there is no specific range for a BFT. "There is no need to worry about outrunning the signal in a fast-paced battle," said Chad Hartman, director of MISTC Okinawa, MISTC, C2-TECOE, TECOM.

There are also chat capabilities on a BFT that allow operators to communicate with each other, request medical evacuations and submit NBC reports.

The MAGTF Integrated Systems Training Center offers a three-day operators course for the FBCB2-BFT and other C2 systems.

"The teaching was hands-on and straight forward," said Cpl. John Jorgensen, military policeman, Military Police Company, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. "It's so easy to remember even though the class is in-depth."

Operating a BFT does not require a secondary military occupation specialty. Marines can further their own education by enrolling in the course before they operate a BFT. In order to do this, they need to receive their command's approval. They do not need any prerequisite training.

"Most people returning from theater are either glad they knew how to operate the BFT or wish they took classes before they left," Murphy said.

"It's important because this is one of the biggest systems in Iraq and Afghanistan," he added. "Understanding the system before going into theater helps the command element be part of the warriors in terms of seeing what they are seeing on the ground."

These systems aid in situational awareness of troops and reduce the chances of friendly fire casualties, Murphy commented.

"C2 systems allow us to see friendly forces, enemies and local elements which aids in situational awareness," Hartman said. "Information is the key and these systems allow us to disseminate it quickly so people can react to the same situation at the same time."
To enroll in a MISTC C2 class, Marines can call 623-2053, after receiving command approval.

"I would definitely recommend this class to other Marines," Jorgensen said. "It's something you need to know to help save lives from friendly fire and contaminants. It's definitely worth the three days."

• Date Taken: 10.02.2009
• Date Posted: 10.06.2009 01:56
• Story ID: 39719