CMS EXAM Flashcards
Combat System Definition
The Combat System is the set of person and machine resources which comprise the fighting capabilities of the vessel. Sub-systems will include weapons, sensors, intelligence and information sources and the Combat Management System.
Combat Management System definition
The Combat Management System is a military management system, comprising a close integration of person and machines which together enable:
• The production of a comprehensive tactical picture.
• Formulation and issuing of directives for the deployment of available resources.
• Monitoring compliance with directives and the extent to which they may require modification.
What functions should the CMS system fulfil
Provide access to, and display of, the total information requirements of the Command.
• Assist the Command in planning, threat evaluation and decision taking.
• Provide control over weapon deployment.
• Provide control over ship’s movements.
• Provide control over external communications including the means for the transmission, receipt and where appropriate, the display of orders and information to and from other units and shore authorities.
• Provide control over ship emissions, e.g. signature reduction, electronic and acoustic emissions.
• Provide control over damage and weapons repair.
What are the time critical components of C2?
Long Term. This is concerned with very long term planning and resource allocation with a range of interest extending over major sea areas and over periods ranging from a day up to months.
Medium Term. This relates to planning and resource allocation to meet objectives over a shorter period than the ‘long term’ context. This activity will have a range of interest of the order of a thousand miles, and have a time range from hours to days.
Current. This is concerned with short term (tactical) management of resources to meet the demands of the environ¬ment with the aim of achieving the objectives laid down in the ‘medium term’ planning. The activity will operate over the range up to a few hundred miles and a time range from seconds to minutes.
Immediate. This relates to the control of individual resources in response to direction from the ‘current’ level and to sudden changes in the environment. This activity is concerned with limited ranges of information and time-scales in the range of minutes down to fractions of seconds.
Describe a Centralised structure
A Centralised structure which comprises one (or a small number of) central functional processor carrying out all data handling compilations and control functions.
STAR NETWORK
Characteristics of a Centralised Architecture:
• Difficult and expensive to amend/enhance.
• Single point of failure, limited redundancy.
• Vulnerable point to point links.
• Heavy loading on central computer.
Describe a federated structure
A Federated structure which comprises a number of subsystems which are autonomous in data handling to a certain degree, but are still controlled to a certain degree by one (or small number) controlling computer.
BUS NETWORK
Characteristics of Federated architecture:
• Load on central computer reduced.
• Still require controlling computer.
• Degree of distributed processing.
• Utilises serial highway or LAN so increased flexibility for expansion.
• Communication protocol or standard required.
WILL NOT FAIL IF CONTROLLER DOES
Used on T23 and T45
Describe a Distributed command structure
A Distributed structure which divides the data handling load via the processors in the system without using fixed or central points.
In essence blade server technology.
ALSO LIKE BUS NETWORK
Characteristics of Distributed architecture:
• No single point of failure.
• Complex data handling required.
• Increased redundancy - single member system loss does not affect whole system.
• Utilises serial highway or LAN so increased flexibility for expansion.
• Communication protocol or standard required.
Define a COMMAND SYSTEM
The Command System is the logical grouping of personnel and machines responsible for the immediate to current activities of the Combat Management System and for the management of the Combat System in the short term.
Define a COMMAND SUPPORT SYSTEM
The Command Support System is the logical grouping of personnel and machines responsible for the medium to long term activities of the Combat Management Systems which will include:
• Medium & long term Planning.
• Organic & non-organic information fusion.
• Management of non-organic information systems.
Define the NATO Defined System Architectures
• A Centralised structure which comprises one (or a small number of) central functional processor carrying out all data handling compilations and control functions.
• A Federated structure which comprises a number of subsystems which are autonomous in data handling to a certain degree, but are still controlled to a certain degree by one (or small number) controlling computer.
• A Distributed structure which divides the data handling load via the processors in the system without using fixed or central points.
Functional grouping
?
What possible problems may arise with the development of NEC?
NETWORK ENABLED CAPABILITY
Over Control - micromanaging must be combatted
Information Overload - more training, personnel and tools required
Information Assurance (IA) - must protect vital networks from attacks
Procurement - must be timely, efficient and ultimately successful
What are the three Levels that NEC will impact?
Strategic - government level, MoD cooperating with other depts
Operational - PJHQ works with allied and coalition commands
Tactical - collaborative working, force-wide sharing
What does JOCS stand for and what is it?
Joint Operations Command System
Set of LANs connected by a WAN, fixed or deployable sites of flexible sizes, each network has 3 domains of various Security levels - is worldwide deployable, and interfaces with NATO and allies.
What timescales do the CS and CSS systems operate over:
Command system: Current/Immediate
Command Support system: Medium/long term
