Special Operations Command Has Key Role to Play in JADC2 Success.

• Author: Magnuson, Stew

TAMPA, Florida -- While the Army, Navy and Air Force all have different programs and separate funding streams to develop joint alldomain command and control, the three services are expected to one day operate a truly seamless "joint" system with no communication barriers.

Special Operations Command can play a key role in ensuring that this goal comes to fruition, a senior executive said.

The command has a seat at the table and attends all the key meetings of the JADC2 working group, James Smith, SOCOM acquisition executive, told reporters recently.

The overall goal for the three services is to deploy a network connecting sensors and shooters, relying on artificial intelligence to quickly identify targets and then locate a weapon to destroy them. That choice of "shooter" should be the best available solution, whether it is an Air Force jet fighter, an Army Howitzer or a Navy destroyer.

"There's a strong definition of what we will need to do to ensure that outcome for JADC2 is truly joint," Smith said.

The Army has Project Convergence, the Navy Project Overmatch and the Air Force the Advanced Battle Management System.

Despite the three different programs, "we believe that JADC2 has to result in a joint solution," he said.

And if it is not truly joint and interoperable, SOCOM will be the first to know, he added.

Army Green Berets will have to plug into the Army's JADC2 system, Navy SEALs and Marine Corps special operators will have to plug into the Navy's system and Air Force Special Operations Command personnel will have to connect to the Air Force, he noted.

And all these special operations forces fight together, he added.

"USSOCOM is going to be a canary in the coal mine on whether or not JADC2 is truly joint," he said.

The command must make sure that there's...