Comm Switching & Control Systems

The Communications Switching & Control Systems program, managed by the Navy, is designed to improve the Marine Corps' communication infrastructure through strategic procurement and technological upgrades. It focuses on secure voice and data transmissions, key management infrastructure, and cryptographic modernization as directed by the National Security Agency. This initiative aims to protect Marine Corps and Joint cyberspace systems from potential exploitation and attacks, covering both wired and wireless telecommunications systems.

A significant component of this program is the Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE), headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. JCSE provides secure, reliable, and scalable command, control, communications, and computer capabilities for various mission scales. This includes small mobile team missions to full Joint Task Force headquarters deployments. The program ensures these capabilities are available to support joint operations requiring advanced communications equipment.

The Combat Data Network (CDN) is another critical element within this program. It offers a modular suite of deployable network infrastructure equipment that supports network routing, switching, and hosting capabilities across all tactical echelons of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The CDN facilitates connections through Non-secure Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet), Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet), and coalition network enclaves. It also hosts the Marine Corps' tactical cloud environment, supporting command and control applications at the tactical edge.

Additionally, the Operational Command Post (OCP) introduces new capabilities to enhance command and control in degraded communications environments. These enhancements include secure wireless capabilities, cross-domain solutions, improved tactical connections via Radio over Internet Protocol (RoIP) and cellular networks, upgraded audiovisual equipment, and tactical chat enhancements. The OCP also aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning applications to improve situational awareness and operational efficiency for commanders in the field.