Minimum Essential Emergency Comm N

The Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN) is focused on modernizing communication systems to maintain reliable connectivity between the President and strategic deterrence forces during stressed environments. A key component of this initiative is the Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal (Global ASNT), which replaces outdated strategic communications equipment at bomber, tanker, and reconnaissance Wing Command Posts (WCPs) and for Mobile Support Teams (MSTs). This ground-based system ensures secure communication paths for receiving and disseminating critical messages such as Emergency Action Messages (EAMs), Force Management messages, and Force Direction messages to aircrews.

Global ASNT is being implemented in separate capability increments. Increment 1 emphasizes deploying Extremely High Frequency/Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF/AEHF) capabilities, replacing older Single Channel Anti-jam Man-Portable (SCAMP) terminals and Secure, Mobile, Anti-Jam, Reliable, Tactical - Terminal (SMART-T) equipment. The initial phase began with pre-production activities, leading to the fielding of terminals. This increment supports production activities including depot standup preparation, engineering tasks, and production configuration control.

Increment 2 introduces an Aircrew Alerting System (AAS) with personal and general alerting equipment alongside High Frequency (HF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) capabilities. This phase replaces Electromagnetic Pulse Hardened Dispersal Communication (EHDC) systems and Aircrew Alerting Communications Electromagnetic Pulse (AACE) systems. The focus is on procuring and installing both non-High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) systems and HEMP-hardened systems while providing training courses for operators and maintainers.

The program also addresses diminishing manufacturing sources by potentially qualifying a second source for Microwave Power Modules. Additionally, it includes the procurement of Electronic Security Systems for Physical Security Level 3 protection of Global ASNT antennas. These efforts are supported by Research, Development, Test & Evaluation funding to ensure comprehensive deployment and operational readiness of these critical communication systems.