The Joint COMSEC Monitoring Activity (JCMA): A Foglight for the Operational Artist?

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA297770 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The Joint COMSEC Monitoring Activity JCMA is a new capability available to joint operations commands. It can be viewed as an instrument of command and control C2 protection of command and control warfare C2W. In evaluating its potential contribution to the conduct of operational art, its greatest value appears to be for providing near-real-time input of what the enemy is likely to be perceiving from monitoring friendly unencrypted communications. To the extent possible, this can fill what will almost always be a critical intelligence gap. JCMAs joint composition, forward deployable Joint COMSEC Monitoring and Analysis Teams JCMATs, and speed of service offer a unique combat multiplier to joint force commanders. JCMA is well into a two-year proof-of-concept period and has performed 17 missions, including both exercise and real-world operations. Supported commands have expressed satisfaction with the results and stated intentions to request JCMA support in the future. It appears JCMA is an effective tool for helping operational leaders see through the fog1 of war. KAR P. 1

Author(s):
Thompson, Arthur R.
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL WAR COLL NEWPORT RI
Descriptive Note:
Final rept.,
Supplementary Note:
DOI: 10.21236/ADA297770
Pagination:
0034

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
NWC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_2_Battlespace Awareness; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_2.1_Planning and Direction; JCA_5.4.1_Manage Risk; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.4.3_Establish Rule Sets; JCA_5.4.5_Intuit; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_2.1.4_Evaluation; JCA_5.2.2_Develop Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_2.2_Collection; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance
Modernization Areas:
Fully Networked C3; Space
Communities of Interest:
C4I
Descriptor(s):
*COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEMS, *JOINT MILITARY ACTIVITIES, *MONITORS, INPUT, WARFARE, LEADERSHIP, MONITORING, REAL TIME, MILITARY COMMANDERS, ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURES
Field(s)/Group(s):
Command, Control and Communications Systems, Computer Systems Management and Standards
Keyword(s):
JCMA(JOINT COMSEC MONITORING ACTIVITY), C2W(COMMAND AND CONTROL WARFARE), OPERATIONAL ART, COMSEC(COMMUNICATIONS SECURITY)
Report Date:
1995 May 16