Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE)

The Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE) is a specialized program within the Department of Defense (DoD), funded under Air Force budget line item 835110. JCSE operates under the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command (JECC), which is part of U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). The primary goal of JCSE is to provide rapidly deployable, en route, early entry, and scalable coalition command, control, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities to Combatant Commands, Joint Chiefs of Staff, DoD agencies, and select non-DoD agencies. JCSE enables the rapid establishment and transition of Joint Forces Headquarters, bridging critical joint communications requirements during crisis or contingency operations.

JCSE's objectives focus on procurement and modernization of communications equipment to support operational needs. The program is designed to deliver technology solutions that address emergent requirements from Combatant Commands and Service Components. JCSE's Modernization Program, as validated by Director, Joint Staff Memorandum (DJSM) 0148-20, ensures that equipment and capabilities remain relevant and effective in supporting joint operations. The Air Force funds one-third of JCSE's validated modernization requirements, with the remaining shares provided by the Army and Navy, reflecting a joint-service commitment to the program's success.

For Fiscal Year 2026, JCSE's base funding is allocated for the procurement of a range of communications hardware and systems. This includes Joint Deployable Airborne Packages, Secret Internet Protocol Router (SIPR) and Mission Partner Environment (MPE) Cloud Platform as a Service (PaaS), Joint Task Force Wireless Campus network capability, commercial satellite augmentation, tactical radios, terrestrial communications systems, satellite hubs, networking elements, virtual appliances, video teleconferencing capabilities, alternative power solutions, software-defined wide area networks, and tactical data centers. These procurements are aligned with Strategic Planning Guidance, Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) architecture, DoD Chief Information Officer Strategy, and Combatant Command Joint Task Force capability requests.

Joint Deployable Airborne Packages support airborne command and control and wireless distribution of C4I up to three miles, enhancing operational flexibility. The SIPR and MPE Cloud PaaS ensure continued operations in contested or denied environments, supporting secure communications and data access. The Joint Task Force Wireless Campus network capability enables wireless workstation connectivity in tactical settings, improving mobility and reducing physical infrastructure requirements. Commercial satellite augmentation provides additional satellite terminals, increasing transport diversity and resilience for deployed forces.

JCSE invests in tactical radios, terrestrial communications systems, satellite hubs, and networking elements to replace end-of-life equipment and maintain operational readiness. Virtual appliances, video teleconferencing capabilities, and alternative power solutions further enhance the ability to support coalition and joint operations. The deployment of software-defined wide area networks and tactical data centers supports the JCSE Global Enterprise Network, enabling zero-trust security, mobile joint command and control cloud access, and dynamic failover capabilities. These advancements are critical for supporting Delayed/Disconnected Intermittent Low Bandwidth (DDIL) environments and integrating with the Department of Defense Information Network and Joint Information Environment.

Each year, JCSE produces an Annual Modernization Plan in compliance with DJSM 0148-20, and the JECC hosts a Semi-Annual Modernization Program Review for the Joint Staff, Services, and Combatant Command representatives. This review process ensures transparency and accountability in procurement activities and modernization efforts. Monthly procurement status reports are submitted to USTRANSCOM, which holds overall responsibility for the JCSE Modernization Program. The Air Force's portion of funding under this line item is essential to maintaining JCSE's ability to deliver scalable, secure, and technologically advanced communications support across the full spectrum of joint operations.