Using Current Command and Control Systems, Is It Possible to Use Sensors to Provide a Near-Perfect Logistics Combat Power Estimate to Army Brigade Com

Meeting the challenges inherent in full-spectrum operations has presented Army commanders with missions that are becoming more and more complex. As a result, the need for timely and accurate information is becoming even more critical to enable commanders to make the best possible decisions to effectively plan and conduct these operations. One of the most critically important information requirements needed by commanders is the visibility of his combat power. A commander must know the current and projected combat ready personnel, equipment, and supplies available to plan and conduct military operations. The two primary command and control (C2) automated systems at the tactical level to assist in performing this requirement are the combat service support control system (CSSCS) and the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2). Though these C2 systems have significant capabilities, they have significant shortfalls in providing timely and accurate combat power visibility. The main purpose of this thesis is to determine if there is a better method to populate and update the current C2 systems through the use of sensors to provide a near-perfect combat power estimate.