Report: DOD command systems need improvement

The Defense Department is working to correct developmental issues with both the Marine Corps’ Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) and the Air Force’s Battle Control System Fixed (BCS-F), reports Aviation Week.

In its annual report released this month, the DOD’s Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) found problems with both systems.

DOT&E noted that the Marine Corps system, which is meant to serve as the primary air operations planning and C2 tool for commanders and staff within the Marine Aircraft Wing, “performed poorly.” DOT&E recommended that the Marines “revisit alternative for meeting the requirement in the CAC2S capabilities production document.” It also noted that “the acquisition program baseline schedule is no longer achievable and requires updating.”

As for the BCS-F, DOT&E noted that recent improvements in systems development addresses many of the earlier reported deficiencies in the system, which was meant, among other tings, to marry NORAD and FAA radars to prevent terrorists from using hijacked aircraft for another Sept. 11-like attack. But, the DOT&E pointed out, the BCS-F still relies on the emergency interim system it was supposed to replace for key workload functions.

Furthermore, it echoed concerns raised by the DOD Inspector General 2008 report that BCS-F development has been hindered by requirements creep.