ACP 201

Uncontrolled Copy When Printed
UNCLASSIFIED
ACP 201
a. Tactical systems are usually self-contained within a command structure and are
designed to allow the commander to conduct his mission at the operational level.
b. Strategic systems are generally more global in nature and are operated on either a
common-user or special purpose basis. While a strategic system may be confined
within a specified area, it may also be limited to a particular type of traffic.
106. Whilst ACP 121 clearly defines strategic and tactical level communication, modern
TCP/IP based communications systems are best situated at the Operational level providing
communications services to the Strategic, Operational and Tactical levels. Consequently
procedures and doctrine have to be developed in order to support this new paradigm Future
emphasis will be toward direct services between users of computer terminals, in the form of
desktop-to-desktop facilities using tools such as chat, e-mail and web services. Furthermore,
developments in LOS ad-hoc networking will reduce the reliance on satellite services and enable
voice, data, graphics, and video or imagery to be fully exploited at each of the strategic,
operational and tactical levels.
PURPOSE
107. To meet and sustain warfighters‘ messaging requirement, an operational construct that
effectively and efficiently employs all available information tools must be sourced. The intent of
this document is to provide a ―concept‖ that will meet this requirement. This concept is based on
the establishment of an operational doctrine, with integrated lines of authority, processes and tools,
that is responsive to all MNTG domains. The objective is an end-to-end tactical command and
control capability with integrated doctrine, tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) that manages
and directs tactical messaging at the Task Group level.
108. Collaborative tools, applications and operating systems run on information systems. It is
therefore imperative that the efforts of those responsible for managing the information are
intimately linked to those responsible for managing the systems and networks, in order to develop
the most appropriate collaborative solutions to meet the Commander‘s needs.
SCOPE
109. Chapter 1 of this publication is designed to provide the basic Concept of Operations for
information exchange using IP systems within the context of an AUSCANNZUKUS MNTG,
under the tactical command and control (C2) of a designated authority. Chapters 2, 3 and 4
provide more in-depth explanation of the means and use of tactical messaging tools, supported by
accompanying annexes that provide the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) associated with the
use of email, chat and web services.
110. Such a MNTG invariably operates in a bandwidth constrained environment across a
Coalition/Allied MTWAN. Whilst most MNTG operations will be conducted on an appropriately
covered and secured MTWAN, from time to time it may be necessary for MNTG units to operate
in support of specific activities involving external Government and Non-Government agencies.
1-2 Original
UNCLASSIFIED
(Reverse Blank)