
Appendix D
frames attached and transmitted via the secret internet protocol router network (SIPRNET), thereby
providing imagery information to the supported command by tactical communications. Those UAS units
have the capability to furnish videotapes of missions to service intelligence agencies for analysis. Personnel
disseminate information in digital message format and freeze frame imagery (national imagery
transmission format) to the theater intelligence system via—
z Army ABCS.
z USAF Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS).
z USN Global Command and Control System – Maritime.
z USMC tactical combat operation system.
D-5. Users with the appropriate Army UAS RVT can receive real-time imagery from the UA. For
example, to receive Shadow imagery the user must possess a Shadow RVT; any other Army UAS RVT
would not be compatible. Each Army UAS transmits in the omni-directional mode and the user must be
within 40 kilometers for Hunter and 50 kilometers for Shadow. Currently I-Gnat does not possess a RVT.
Users pass combat information directly to the service FECs through service tactical communications for
immediate TA and targeting.
D-6. Secure communications systems are used exclusively, including secure SINCGARS, DSN (using the
STU-III phone), and MSE and SIPRNET. Although voice communications systems are handy for quick
coordination, SIPRNET has proven to be the system of choice for passing mission requests, targets, and
mission summaries.
REQUEST AND TASKING PROCEDURES
D-7. The Army BCD receives all requests for Army UAS mission support. UAS requests, tasking, and
reporting procedures vary (depending on the type of system, echelon of deployment, command relations,
and support relations); therefore, standard tasking and reporting procedures were developed. Whenever
possible, the appropriate echelon collection manager should receive a mission request at least 24 hours
before the mission or in-flight modification to an ongoing mission. This requires timely, detailed
coordination between the asset manager and A2C2 cell to ensure successful mission execution. Not
intended to cover all the possibilities, the following paragraphs provide guiding principles.
D-8. To enhance communications, the selected Army UAS provides two liaison personnel to the
JAOC/BCD, allowing the liaison personnel to operate 24 hours a day. The UAS liaison personnel represent
the UAS commander at the JAOC/BCD, advise the JAOC/BCD personnel on UAS TTP, and coordinate
UAS flights. The selected Army UAS unit operations personnel should periodically contact its liaison team
at the JAOC/BCD to verify specifics in airspace measures.
D-9. Forward requests for support to the Army BCD who prioritizes requirements, selects the UAS unit,
and coordinates the airspace through the A2C2 element.
z For hasty (immediate) missions or in-flight diversions, the Army BCD transmits tasking directly
to the GCS/MPS and provides an information copy to the parent unit TOC.
z For deliberate (preplanned) UAS missions, the BCD forwards tasking through the chain of
command to the parent unit TOC, and then to the UAS unit and GCS/MPS for execution.
REPORTING
D-10. After collecting the target, data recovery and dissemination flows from the GCS or directly from the
UA to a RVT. Units conduct normal reporting through voice or data messages detailing observed activity.
The GCS produces the reports and sends them to the ASAS or other consumers. For example, finding a
high-value or time-sensitive target generates a voice report to the UAS LNO (an experienced individual
from a UAS unit) in the JAOC/BCD. This allows the JFACC (or unit assigned tasking authority)
immediate access to retask the platform in NRT. Transmission of the video may be in real time via Trojan
D-2 FMI 3-04.155 4 April 2006