Abstract

     The Army is increasingly taking advantage of the Department of Defense Global Positioning System (GPS) for not only navigation but also command and control. GPS is a powerful tool that can provide extremely accurate position and time data to units in the field.  Our Army's ability to ascertain precise locations of troops, equipment, and materiel provides a tremendous advantage over adversaries.  Until very recently, this advantage has primarily been incorporated into navigational and weapon systems.  Now, however, the Army is integrating GPS with a militarized GIS software called Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2).  FBCB2 combines GIS, GPS, and communication equipment to build and transmit a common tactical picture of the battlefield.  This project attempts to familiarize and educate the reader on the overall GPS program then briefly discuss the FBCB2 system.
 

Introduction

     As a brief introduction to the military use of GPS, view the following video that discusses the Army's use of GPS technology in training and combat.  To view the video, click on the image below.  After viewing the introductory film clip, click on the PowerPoint Presentation to take a self-guided, self-paced tutorial on the Global Positioning System and the Army's new FBCB2 system.  All of the information containted on this web page is unclassifed material derived from open source information.  PowerPoint is required to view the presentation.  If the reader does not have PowerPoing, click on the microsoft.com banner to download a Viewer.

Related Links
Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS)
TRW Defense Programs
FBCB2
Command and General Staff College
 

Sources:
Barker, J.H.  U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Navigation and Weather. Space Orientation Course, 1999.*
Space Reference Text.  U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, 1999.
FBCB2 Software Screen Captures.
Department of the Army File Photos.
 
 
 

*A special note of recognition to Mr. J.H. Barker who granted me permission to modify and update a GPS course that he originally authored.