International Defense Security & Technology Your trusted Source for News, Research and Analysis
Related Articles
Introduction
Command posts (CPs) are the nerve centers of military operations, where critical decisions are made, and strategies are devised. In the past, these posts were often large, fixed installations designed to manage and coordinate combat operations. However, as warfare evolves and the battlefield becomes increasingly dynamic and technology-driven, the traditional command post model is being reevaluated. The future of command posts is focused on enhancing security, mobility, and efficiency, ensuring that military units can respond swiftly and decisively in an ever-changing environment. This article delves into the future of command posts, exploring how advancements in technology and strategic thinking are enhancing their security, mobility, and efficiency to meet the needs of increasingly complex military operations.
Advanced Threats and Emerging Technologies
Command posts are the nerve centers of military operations. They are where commanders make decisions, coordinate forces, and track the progress of the fight. In today’s increasingly complex and interconnected world, command posts must be able to adapt to new threats and challenges. These command posts are especially vulnerable due to their physical and electromagnetic signature, in addition to the lack of speed and mobility.
The nature of warfare is changing rapidly, driven by advances in technology such as drones, sensors, and cyber capabilities. In this new era, traditional command posts—often large, stationary compounds—pose significant risks. They can be easily targeted by enemy forces, especially with the proliferation of precision-guided missiles, directed-energy weapons, drones, and satellite surveillance technologies.
The increasing sophistication of near-peer adversaries, who can utilize advanced surveillance systems like Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and directed-energy weapons, makes command posts prime targets for destruction. Directed-energy weapons, for instance, can target both network infrastructure and specific military and commercial communications nodes.
The Army has acknowledged the vulnerability of tactical command posts to discovery and destruction due to their physical and electromagnetic signatures. With the shrinking battlefield and reduced response times, the threat to these mission-critical facilities is more pronounced than ever. As a result, ensuring their protection, survivability, and operational availability has become a top priority.
Additionally, as military operations become more distributed, the need for command posts to be mobile, flexible, and resilient is more pressing than ever. Command posts must be capable of operating in harsh environments and adapting to real-time changes on the battlefield.
Enhancing Security Through Camouflage and Resilience
One of the primary challenges for the future of command posts is improving security. In a world where enemy forces can track every move using advanced sensors and satellites, it is no longer feasible to have large, stationary command posts that stand out as obvious targets. Instead, the future of command posts lies in developing smaller, more agile, and camouflaged units that can evade detection and quickly relocate when necessary.
To adapt to evolving threats, military forces are investing in technologies that enhance the defense and fortification of these key assets. These efforts include mobile command posts that can be easily set up and taken down, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Advanced camouflage techniques, improved physical protection measures, and redundant communication networks are being incorporated to minimize vulnerabilities.
One of the most significant challenges is mitigating the electromagnetic signature of command posts. As adversaries improve their sensor capabilities, the need to reduce these signatures has become urgent. By employing strategies such as reducing the signature of radios and other communication systems, command posts can “hide in plain sight,” blending their signals with ambient noise to avoid detection.
For example, camouflage netting and other innovative concealment materials are being used to hide command posts in plain sight. In addition, the development of stealthy vehicles and portable shelters is helping to ensure that command posts can remain hidden while still maintaining full operational capability.
Moreover, integrated sensor systems, surveillance technologies, and sophisticated access control mechanisms are being deployed to prevent unauthorized access and detect potential threats. Furthermore, resilience is a key focus for the future of command posts. As enemy forces grow more capable of targeting specific infrastructure, the Army is exploring ways to make command posts more resilient to cyberattacks, physical assaults, and environmental challenges. The integration of redundant communication systems, backup power supplies, and robust data encryption measures will help ensure that command posts can function even in the face of significant threats.
Considering the insider threat perspective, command posts should also consider placing sensors within their facilities for comprehensive monitoring. Recording conversations, physical movements, and communications internally can provide valuable insights for process improvement, machine learning, and AI refinement. However, privacy implications must be carefully addressed. While a populated data lake enables insights and information retrieval, formulating the right query becomes critical, potentially enhanced through AI-driven improvements similar to Google search queries.
Increasing Mobility: The Rise of Mobile Command Posts
Another key aspect of the future of command posts is enhanced mobility. Command posts must be capable of rapid relocation in response to dynamic battlefield conditions. Traditional tent-based command posts require significant time to set up and dismantle, increasing the vulnerability of personnel and systems. The need for faster deployment and mobility is clear, as commanders often face delays in establishing critical infrastructure, leaving them exposed to attacks.
Traditional tent-based command posts require significant setup and breakdown times, resulting in delays in establishing critical network infrastructure and limiting commanders’ situational awareness. It currently takes about 50 hours to break one down and about as long to get one up and running and re-establish communications once a new location is located enhancing the risk of being attacked. The cumbersome process of deploying tents, generators, network servers, and running cables increases the vulnerability of personnel and systems. The shifting nature of modern warfare demands a more agile and responsive approach to command post operations.
As military operations become more fluid and decentralized, command posts must be able to move quickly and efficiently to maintain control over dispersed forces. Mobile command posts (MCPs) are rapidly becoming a central feature of modern military strategies.
The Army has already begun to develop highly mobile command posts that can be deployed on trucks, trailers, and other vehicles. These mobile units can be relocated as needed, providing commanders with greater flexibility and the ability to respond to rapidly changing battlefield conditions. The future of MCPs will likely involve even greater levels of integration with automated and AI-powered technologies, allowing command posts to be set up and reconfigured in a fraction of the time it currently takes.
Advances in communication and information-sharing technologies are central to the mobility of future command posts. Modern communication networks, including satellite links, high-speed data transmission, and secure wireless systems, enable mobile command posts to remain connected to other units and headquarters, regardless of their location. This ensures that commanders have access to real-time intelligence, situational awareness, and decision-making tools, regardless of where their command post is deployed.
To address this, military forces are adopting mobile command vehicles equipped with state-of-the-art communication systems, satellite connectivity, and self-sustaining power sources. These mobile command posts allow commanders to remain on the move while maintaining real-time situational awareness and decision-making capabilities. This flexibility and agility enhance the survivability of command posts, especially in fast-paced, unpredictable combat environments.
The Role of Distributed and Dispersed Headquarters
One strategy to reduce vulnerability is the distribution and dispersion of command post elements. By decentralizing command functions and dispersing personnel across multiple locations, military forces can ensure that command and control capabilities remain intact, even in the event of an attack. This approach enhances operational resilience and allows commanders to maintain communication links and make decisions, regardless of disruptions or threats to centralized facilities.
The Connected Command Post: Integration and Interoperability
The future of command posts relies on seamless integration and interoperability with other military assets and systems. Commanders need to access a wide array of data sources, including intelligence feeds, sensor networks, and real-time battlefield information. Achieving this requires robust communication infrastructure, standardized protocols, and collaborative networks. By integrating various platforms and systems into a unified command and control architecture, command posts can leverage a comprehensive picture of the battlefield, enabling faster decision-making and coordinated actions
Efficiency Through Technology Integration
Efficiency in command posts is essential for the successful execution of military operations. The future of command posts will rely heavily on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data analytics. Technological advancements are transforming the way command posts function. Innovations such as cloud computing, AI, and wireless communication are enabling command posts to be more secure, mobile, and efficient than ever before. These innovations will enable command posts to process vast amounts of information quickly, derive actionable insights, and support faster, more accurate decision-making.
Leveraging Multisensor Platforms and AI in Operations
The future of command posts will also see a rise in the use of multisensor platforms, which will optimize the collection and delivery of data to cloud-based systems. Once in the cloud, AI will process near-raw data, including voice recognition, facial identification, and object detection from images or videos. Continuous sensor operation, rather than intermittent activation, will maximize data collection, ensuring that command posts are constantly updated with relevant information. AI’s ability to analyze large datasets and provide real-time situational analysis will be crucial in both long-term strategic planning and short-term tactical decision-making. At the operational level, AI can predict potential outcomes, suggest actions, and even identify correlations that human staff may overlook, helping military leaders make more accurate decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data
AI and big data are revolutionizing command posts by automating processes and improving decision-making. AI can analyze vast amounts of data in real time, providing commanders with actionable insights and predictive analytics that help optimize battlefield strategies. Big data allows for a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment, enabling commanders to track enemy movements, anticipate threats, and manage resources more effectively.
Advanced Data Analytics: Data analytics will be another crucial component of future command posts. With the proliferation of sensors and surveillance systems, command posts will be inundated with data. The ability to filter and analyze this data efficiently will be essential for military decision-making. Advanced analytics tools will help commanders prioritize critical information, identify patterns, and make more informed decisions.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and ML will be used to process vast amounts of battlefield data in real-time. Commanders will have access to AI-powered systems that can analyze enemy movements, predict potential threats, and suggest optimal strategies based on current conditions. These systems will significantly reduce decision-making time, allowing commanders to respond more swiftly to changes on the battlefield.
By integrating AI into command and control systems, commanders can access real-time insights, optimize resource allocation, and reduce decision-making times. Predictive analytics and intelligent data visualization tools will further enhance the efficiency of command posts, enabling them to respond more effectively to changing battlefield conditions.
AI’s capabilities also extend to predictive maintenance and sustainment, ensuring that command post systems remain operational even in harsh conditions. By automating routine tasks, AI reduces the burden on personnel, allowing them to focus on higher-level decision-making and mission-critical activities.
Wireless Command Post (WCP)
The Wireless Command Post (WCP) represents a groundbreaking shift in command post design. By eliminating the need for extensive cabling, WCPs enhance mobility and flexibility, enabling real-time communication without the constraints of traditional infrastructure. Wireless communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi and LTE-enabled mobile devices, allow commanders and personnel to maintain secure communication links even in remote or austere environments, contributing to greater operational efficiency and mission success.
On-the-Move Networking
The dynamic nature of modern warfare requires secure, mobile communication capabilities. Mobile command posts, particularly smaller form factors integrated into soldiers’ equipment or mounted on vehicles like High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs), must be ruggedized to withstand diverse terrains and extreme conditions. These mobile systems will ensure that commanders can maintain situational awareness and coordinate actions while on the move, without compromising security or efficiency.
Enhancing Network Availability and Security
In addition to AI’s role in decision-making, it will be integral in maintaining network operations. A high-availability network with multiple communication nodes is essential for maintaining constant connectivity, especially in mobile or dispersed command posts. AI will play a key role in managing these networks, detecting failures, and responding to hostile actions or network degradation in real time. Furthermore, command posts must also prioritize internal security by integrating sensors for comprehensive monitoring. By recording conversations, tracking physical movements, and monitoring communications, these sensors will provide valuable data for refining machine learning algorithms and AI capabilities. While this raises privacy concerns, the benefits in terms of improved security and operational efficiency will drive innovation in how command posts function in future warfare scenarios.
Integration with Autonomous Systems:
Autonomous systems, such as drones and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), will be integrated into the future command post infrastructure. These systems can provide real-time reconnaissance, surveillance, and even support in logistics, freeing up human resources for more strategic tasks. For example, drones equipped with sensors could gather intelligence and transmit it directly to the command post, while UGVs could be used for delivering supplies or evacuating casualties.
The Role of Commercial Technologies
In addition to military-grade technologies, the future of command posts will also rely heavily on commercial innovations. Many of the advanced technologies that will shape the future battlefield, such as communication networks, satellite services, and sensor technologies, are now being developed in the commercial sector. The military is increasingly looking to partner with commercial technology providers to accelerate the adoption of these innovations.
One area where commercial technologies are having a major impact is in satellite communications. The military is exploring partnerships with commercial satellite providers to enhance connectivity and overcome bandwidth limitations. For example, services like SpaceX’s Starlink and Eutelsat’s OneWeb are providing high-speed internet access in remote areas, allowing command posts to remain connected to the global information network.
Shift to Commercial Communications Networks
The Army is undergoing a significant shift in how it approaches communications, moving away from traditional military networks toward more adaptable commercial communication systems. Commercial networks offer advantages such as being less detectable by adversaries, potentially improving operational security.
Similarly, advancements in communication technologies, such as 5G networks, will enable faster, more secure data transmission for command posts. These networks will support the transfer of large amounts of data in real-time, ensuring that commanders have access to the most up-to-date information available.
However, integrating these networks with military communication systems has proven challenging. For example, during a training exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), a unit using 4G cell towers in an area where the local infrastructure operated on 3G was quickly identified. This situation highlighted the need for seamless integration between military and civilian communications infrastructure.
Developing a Transport-Agnostic Communications System
To address these challenges, the Army is developing a “transport agnostic” communications system that enables units to switch between different types of communication networks, including cellular and military links, without disruption. This flexible system will allow units to operate undetected across various environments. The Army plans to release a pilot program for this system in 2025, aimed at improving adaptability and ensuring units can operate in diverse, dynamic conditions.
Commercial Satellite Providers: A Game Changer
Commercial satellite communications are also being explored as a potential game-changer for the Army. Traditional military satellites have limitations in data capacity and deployment flexibility. By collaborating with commercial satellite providers like SpaceX’s Starlink and Eutelsat’s OneWeb, the Army is enhancing its communications capabilities. The development of the Next Generation Tactical Terminal will allow military units to seamlessly connect with multiple commercial satellites, providing more flexible and robust communications options in the field.
Overcoming Bandwidth Limitations
The Army is also addressing bandwidth limitations, a critical factor for military communications. By expanding access to commercial satellite services, the Army can significantly increase its bandwidth, which is crucial as units disperse to avoid detection. Efficient bandwidth management will be essential, as not every unit will have access to these resources. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to modernize command and control infrastructure, enabling more efficient communication during operations.
Cloud Computing: The Backbone of Future Command Posts
Cloud computing is revolutionizing the deployment and accessibility of command posts. Cloud-based systems enable real-time access to operational environments from anywhere, even for commanders on the move.By leveraging cloud resources, command posts can maintain constant connectivity, ensuring that commanders have access to critical operational data regardless of location. Cloud resources provide a consistent and comprehensive view of the battlefield, allowing command posts to remain connected across various domains, from home stations to the frontlines. Cloud-based systems also offer scalability and flexibility, allowing command posts to be deployed rapidly and efficiently across diverse operational settings.
With advancements in civilian technologies like 5G and commercial satellite links, cloud computing ensures high-speed connectivity and low latency, crucial for timely decision-making in high-stakes combat situations. Moreover, the hybrid cloud model, which combines off-premises and local computing resources, offers flexibility and efficiency, especially in environments with limited connectivity. This approach also minimizes the size, weight, power, and cooling (SWaP-C) requirements of on-premises server stacks, optimizing command and control systems’ mobility and effectiveness.
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) Integration
The use of VR and AR technologies in command posts is a game-changer. These technologies can enhance commanders’ situational awareness by providing a 3D, interactive view of the battlefield. Through a common operating picture (COP), commanders can visualize critical data, enemy movements, and potential threats in real time, enabling them to make faster, more informed decisions. VR/AR interfaces can also streamline command post setups, making them more portable and easier to deploy in dynamic operational environments.
These technologies will support distributed command posts, allowing commanders to virtually “visit” distant locations, facilitating remote coordination and enhancing resilience. The integration of secure Wi-Fi and optimized server stacks will enable greater portability and efficiency, ensuring command posts remain adaptable to evolving operational needs.
Conclusion: The Future of Command Posts is Dynamic and Multifaceted
The future of command posts lies in their ability to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of modern warfare. With advancements in mobility, security, and efficiency, command posts will become more resilient, agile, and effective in supporting military operations.
By transitioning from traditional tent-based setups to agile mobile platforms, military forces can overcome the limitations of fixed positions and improve their response capabilities. Mobile command posts enable rapid deployment, seamless networking on-the-move, and reduced vulnerability to adversaries.
AI will provide commanders with objective analyses and recommendations, surpassing human decision-making capabilities in many scenarios as its exponential improvement continues. As people gain trust in AI’s performance, more responsibilities will be delegated to these systems, potentially leading to the replacement of certain staff positions. To navigate this shift, planners must establish thresholds to determine when, how many, and what types of decisions should be transferred to machines, considering the potential impact of each decision.
Through the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI, cloud computing, and wireless communication, command posts will evolve into dynamic, interconnected hubs that enable commanders to maintain situational awareness, make informed decisions, and execute successful operations in even the most challenging environments. These innovations will ensure that command posts remain agile, secure, and capable of managing the next generation of military operations, enabling forces to maintain a strategic advantage in an increasingly uncertain world.
References and Resources also include:
https://www.afcea.org/content/future-command-post
https://www.ausa.org/articles/need-speed-technological-advances-require-agile-command-posts
