Theater Battle Mgt C2 System

The Theater Battle Management Command and Control (C2) System is a critical Air Force program designed to enhance the Department of Defense's ability to plan, execute, and manage personnel recovery operations across all Combatant Commands, Joint Services, and other government agencies. The primary objective of this line item is to procure and sustain the Personnel Recovery Command and Control (PRC2) system, which provides web-based access to isolated personnel reports, tools for command and control of recovery efforts, and rapid identification of personnel in distress. The PRC2 system is integral to Air Operations Centers (AOC), Joint Personnel Recovery Centers, and Rescue Coordination Centers. It enables time-sensitive collaboration and dissemination of recovery information.

The PRC2 Capability Improvement subprogram specifically focuses on sustaining and upgrading the PRC2 system's hardware and software infrastructure. Funding will support the maintenance of virtual and developmental network data centers, as well as the procurement of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and government off-the-shelf (GOTS) software. These investments are intended to ensure the continued reliability and modernization of PRC2 services, which are essential for the rapid recovery of isolated personnel in operational theaters. The program office responsible for PRC2 utilizes organic labor from the 517th Software Engineering Squadron (SWES) at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, emphasizing an in-house approach to system development and sustainment.

The PRC2 Hardware & COTS Software procurement line item is dedicated to acquiring and installing the necessary hardware and software kits to support PRC2 operations. This includes recurring purchases of installation kits and associated logistics support for the development network (DevNet) that underpins PRC2 applications. The goal is to maintain a robust and secure IT infrastructure capable of hosting mission-critical personnel recovery applications, such as the Personnel Recovery Mission Software (PRMS) and Personnel Recovery Mission Manager (PRMM). These applications are designed to operate independently, providing specialized support for warfighting missions that involve rescuing isolated personnel from hostile environments.

The Support and Sustainment component of the budget line ensures ongoing technical and logistical support for PRC2. This includes funding for nonrecurring support activities, such as software updates, hardware maintenance, and network management. The objective is to guarantee uninterrupted PRC2 operations, allowing for rapid collaboration and information sharing among recovery teams. Sustaining these capabilities is vital for maintaining operational readiness and ensuring that personnel recovery missions can be executed efficiently and effectively.

From a technical perspective, PRC2 is a cloud-based platform information technology (PIT) system with two major web applications. Its architecture leverages both COTS and GOTS software to provide secure, scalable, and flexible services for personnel recovery operations. The system's design supports independent operation of its core applications, enabling redundancy and resilience in mission-critical scenarios. The program's reliance on organic development resources at Hill AFB allows for rapid response to emerging requirements and facilitates continuous improvement of PRC2 capabilities.

The justification for continued investment in the Theater Battle Management C2 System centers on the need to provide reliable command and control tools for personnel recovery, a mission area that directly impacts the safety and survivability of U.S. and allied forces. The PRC2 system enables the Department of Defense to quickly identify, locate, and recover isolated personnel, reducing risk and enhancing operational effectiveness. The requested funding supports both procurement and sustainment activities, ensuring that the system remains current with technological advancements and operational needs.