U.S. Army’s I Corps commander says Pacific combat readiness requires new command systems and training for dispersed operations – Defence Industry Europe

U.S. Army’s I Corps commander says Pacific combat readiness requires new command systems and training for dispersed operations  Defence Industry Europe

The U.S. Army’s I Corps is fielding new command-and-control systems to help coordinate forces separated by water across the Pacific. The U.S. Army’s I Corps is fielding new command-and-control systems to help coordinate forces separated by water across the Pacific. Its commander, Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, said units must also train to survive drones, electronic warfare and demanding environments while sustaining prolonged operations. Speaking at an Association of the United States Army forum on readiness, McFarlane described geography as a constraint on communications, movement and logistics. He pointed to regional exercises and simulations as complementary ways to prepare formations and headquarters for that fight. I Corps is receiving Next-Generation Command and Control, or NGC2, after the 25th and 4th Infantry Divisions validated the systems over the preceding nine months.

McFarlane said the technology improves coordination between separated units and extends their ability to see and deliver effects deeper into the battlefield. “We are now equipping ourselves with next-generation command and control at the corps operational level, as 25th and 4th Infantry Division validated it over the past nine months,” McFarlane said. “That is significantly proven not only our ability to communicate, but command and control, and to see deeper and provide effects deeper, and to enable our coordination across non-contiguous units because of the tools that the Army is providing.”