This report examines the command and control (C2) lessons from Operation Desert Storm (ODS) and, based on those lessons, postulates a set of operational objectives for command, control, communications, and computers (C4) architectures and derives a set of physical and informational needs that such architectures must meet. The report conceptualizes three schematic architectures to fit those needs, examining one in greater detail. In addition, the author outlines several concepts for optimizing C4 architectures, such as providing commanders with a common picture of operations throughout a region and creating a "switchboard in the sky" by pushing information from the sustaining base to an intermediate point that is nominally above the active region where operations are being conducted. The main conclusion of this concept formulation study is that it is feasible for joint task enabling force elements to be more interoperable while moving by adopting new architectures, systems (particularly space systems), technologies and procedures.

"Prepared for the United States Army"--T.p. "Arroyo Center"--T.p. "MR-487-A"--p. [4] of Cover.

Introduction -- Deriving operational objectives for C2OTM -- Deriving information and physical requirements for the operational objectives -- Analysis of the Army's current and planned C4 subarchitecture -- Computer-to-computer communications (CtC) -- Switchboard in the sky (SIS) -- Common picture of the operation -- Conclusions and recommendations -- Appendix A: concept for acquiring new information technologies in discrete steps -- Appendix B: concept for space-based platform proxies for battalion-level training at the National Training Center.