The Command, Control, Communication, and Computers (C4) Branch identifies, experiments with, and analyzes new communication and information system technologies for the warfighter. C4 Branch supports numerous Marine Corps network developmental tasks and interoperability demonstrations to assess the potential impact of advanced C4 technologies on future expeditionary operations. Current C4 Projects:

Next Generation Command & Control (NGC2) is a developmental effort to produce a surrogate C2 architecture to support Enhanced Company Operations (ECO) and Enhanced MAGTF Operations (EMO). It is focused on increasing command and control capabilities from the squad to the MAGTF-level. This project focuses on the emerging Mobile Ad-Hoc Networking (MANET) concept which will ultimately allow for greater flexibility and reliability of tactical networks. Another focus area within NGC2 is Digital Tactical Communication System (DTCS). DTCS is a tactical communications system that uses Netted IRIDIUM to provide On-The-Move (OTM), Over-The-Horizon (OTH), and Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) voice and data capabilities at ranges greater than 200 miles.

Mobile Expeditionary Tactical Network-CLOC Enabler (METN-CE) is a mobile CLOC (Company Level Operations Cell) C4 concept demonstrator that seeks to provide a mobile company-level Combat Operations Center (COC) with enhanced C2 capabilities that are currently only available with fixed infrastructure organic to higher echelon organizations. The effort will provide OTM and OTH voice and data connectivity via a broadband data network path enabling secure internet access at the tactical level. It also provides MANET and DTCS OTM and OTH voice and data-over-radio connectivity. A CLOC enabling package provides support for intelligence efforts, combat operations, and in enhancing a commander’s battlefield situational awareness.

Network Management System- Tactical MANET (NMS-TM) is a project that aids the decision-making processes and administration of a tactical MANET in both simulation-based and real-time operational environments. NMS-TM enables users to predict, monitor, and control network behavior; this specifically includes viewing and remotely managing variables such as node status, node location, attached equipment, channel selection, frequencies, error rates, and network utilization.