Differences between civilian and tactical information systems in the areas of user service and available communications support make feasible treatment of information transport facilities of a tactical information system as an entity. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to provide a guide for information system analysts, designers, and users in considering the desired qualities of information transfer means to support a tactical information system. Much of the research for this thesis was accomplished while working on related matters for the TOS and TACFlRE systems while the author was assigned to the U.S. Army Computer Systems Command. The remainder was performed through search of available literature on digital communications and information input and display. The ability to transfer information by telecommunication provides a means of taking information services to battlefield locations where information computers are not appropriate. However, the harshness of the electro-magnetic environment on a modern battlefield limits the ability of telecommunications to transfer information. This tactical communication condition which reduces communications availability and quality provides the basis for the data processing operations which transport information between the elements of the tactical information system. User requirements for timely and responsive information input and display also plays a major role in the operations and design of the information transfer subsystem. Further, examination of the impact of the information transfer subsystem on system integration shows that an efficient information transfer means coupled with distributed processing can be the key to system reliability and survivability.

AD 0733382 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)