DTIC ADA559809: Pacific Theater Operations

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by  Defense Technical Information Center

Pacific Theater
operations
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1. REPORT DATE 3. DATES COVERED
2011 2. REPORT TYPE 00-00-2011 to 00-00-2011
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER
Pacific Theater operations
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Army Communicator,U.S. Army Signal Center,Fort REPORT NUMBER
Gordon,GA,30905-5301
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Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98)
Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18
Pacific Theater operations
By MAJ Glenn Medlock demand for increased mobility and modularization
and CPT Christopher M. Stacy within the Army, in addition to the challenges
presented by the new threat environment. These
The purpose of this article is to provide an challenges drive the requirement for greater speed
informational overview of the NSC-Pacific; and agility in accessing mission critical network
its design, implementation, and operations capabilities and information resources, while
throughout the Pacific Theater. The focus is maintaining a high level of information security.
to describe the manner in which we “fight the The NSC-P accomplishes this by integrating
network” leveraging key Network Service Center and provisioning PLWN resources, including
elements: the 311th Signal Command (Theater), the network access, equipment, and personnel
Pacific Theater Network Operations and Security to deliver a synchronized, seamless, and on-
Center, Theater Strategic Signal Brigades, and our demand information capability in support of the
most important asset - People. The NSC concept Army’s transformation to a more net-centric,
has been discussed in modular force. The NSC,
various articles and at its most fundamental
forums in recent past level, consists of globally
and is now successfully standardized processes
implemented across and procedures required to
the globe. However, a deliver enterprise services
thorough examination of that are implemented and
how it actually performs executed by the theater
from a regional signal commands and their
perspective has yet to be subordinate organizations.
communicated. Structure
This article also In order to completely
describes the current understand the Network
organizational Service Center concept one
environment, the NSC-P must first discuss the sum
capabilities, limitations, of its parts. The NSC-P
and the operational serves many masters which
challenges the units can rapidly evolve into a
in the Pacific face on a daily basis. The intent is management nightmare if not properly executed.
to develop a higher level understanding of the The NSC is neither a place nor a location, but a
requirements that enable the synchronization framework – primarily a managerial concept.
of the critical NSC elements across the Pacific First and foremost, it is a point of injection
LandWarNet and the challenges that impede for information sharing and reporting. It is
progress. The intended impact is to provide comprised of a command and control element, an
practical knowledge, informing both the operating engineering element, and a services element that
and generating forces in the Pacific theater as well is designed to provide ease of access, efficiency,
as other NSCs across the Army enterprise of the and standardization across the PLWN with one
increased capabilities that a well-designed NSC simple goal in mind – provide robust, reliable IT
can provide to the Warfighter. A fully functional services transparently to the customer. Whether it
NSC will provide the 311th SC (T) with the ability is a tactical system providing communications to
to effectively extend and efficiently mitigate a remote customer in a Theater Security Concept
issues related to the delivery of IT services to Plan exercise, a strategic system on a desktop at
users throughout the Pacific theater of operations an established base, or a real world contingency
despite geographic location of the supporting IT like humanitarian assistance support in Japan, the
infrastructure. goal is to provide the same quality of service to the
customer.
The NSC-P focuses its line of operation to
Theory
support three overarching lines of effort; to
The theory behind the NSC is multifaceted and
operate, maintain, and defend the PLWN. These
well documented. The idea was born from the
LOEs align themselves with our three higher
56 Winter - 2011
headquarters; United States Army Pacific, Network to maintain the network. The “maintain” LOE
Enterprise Technology Command, and the U.S. supports NETCOM’s emphasis on consistency and
Army Cyber Command and their requirements reliability of network services.
and expectations for the PLWN. The 311th Signal For the Pacific theater, the 311th SC (T) is the
Command is under the operational control of Army’s IT service provider. They execute the
USARPAC. The LOE associated with “operate” activities associated with network operation,
clearly fits the focus of this higher headquarters for management, and defense and are responsible for
operational control because USARPAC is primarily managing and delivering IT services to Warfighters
focused on ease of access and reliability of services and other users of the PLWN. The 311th
for daily operations as well as any contingencies performs these duties through its headquarters
or exercises. Essentially, they aren’t focused on and subordinate commands and organizations,
how we provide the service, just that the service is including two Theater Strategic Signal Brigades.
provided. The two higher commands that focus on The NSC operations center reports to the 311th
the “how” are USARCYBER and NETCOM. The G3, aggregates and provides theater-wide status
LOEs “maintain and defend” are really the “how” and service awareness, and is empowered to direct
in the provision of services. Network defense daily operations across NSC elements.
must be present in every signal operation and the
LOE “defend” that is associated with this supports
ACENET and ESMF
the intent of USARCYBER to provide for secure,
protected networks across the Global Information A key enabler and great contributor to the
Grid. In order to extend network services there NSC-P success is TF ACENET. ACENET as
must be a conscientious and dedicated effort
(Continued on page 58)
Army Communicator 57
(Continued from page 57) it allows collaboration across organizational planning and
the enterprise at various levels engineering functions, as well
described in a white paper by
leveraging many different assets as meticulous oversight of 311th
LTC Mumford, 516th Signal
to efficiently effect change specific projects.
Brigade S3, “is a Task Force of
throughout the Pacific Theater. A critical responsibility
USARPAC G6, IAPM, 311th SC
Operations for the NSC operations center
(T) Project Managers, Network
is managing relations with
The NSC-P Operations
Engineers, 516th Brigade
the supported Army user
Center manages the day-to-day
S3, P-TNOSC, P-RCERT and
community. The NSC operations
operation of the components that
Regional NECs under the C2
center personnel negotiate
constitute the NSC and performs
of the 516th Signal Brigade
theater-wide service level
other roles as directed by the
commander to implement
agreements, remediate service
311th G3. This responsibility
changes on the PLWN. The
disputes, coordinate inter-theater
includes the clarification
task force takes the outputs of
transitions, and collaborate with
of theater discrepancies on
the ESMF process and delivers
unit commanders to understand
Network Operations roles and
changes requested by the
the requirements of the user
responsibilities, allocation of
customer.
community.
major organizational work
Through daily
assignments, and review and
teleconferences, ACENET
approval/disapproval of theater Theater Network
synchronizes the changes
enterprise-wide service requests
directed by the NSC-P Operations and Security
or requests for change, etc.
TASKORDs with the regional
within the theater. Additionally, Center
NECs current environment.
the NSC Operations Center The TNOSC is a key
ACENET effectively leverages
maps service availability to component, operating as
excellence across the PLWN
mission impact and may direct or a synchronized element in
by identifying subject matter
prioritize response efforts across concert with all other 311th
expertise and matrixes the
NSC operational elements to operational entities to execute
virtual team to produce an
minimize downtime or outages. the NSC operational concept.
implementation plan. ESMF
With operational oversight They are primarily responsible
verifies ACENET follows the
over other NSC elements, for the technical operation,
left and right limits of the
the operations center is the management, and defense of
charter and delivers a Technical
organization responsible for their respective theater LWN,
Acceptance Report agreed upon
understanding and tracking the situational awareness reporting,
by the customer, ACENET,
health of the PLWN; they work and coordination of theater
and the O&M team (NEC/
to ensure that proper procedures service support activities.
TNOSC). Without ACENET,
are followed within the NSC TNOSCs provide the NSC-P and
the NSC-P is just another
construct and that resources other organizations NETOPS
data collection and reporting
are allocated to best meet situational awareness and
entity with no real ability or
the needs of the theater. The reporting information, and work
authority to effect change
performance of this role requires closely with Regional Computer
throughout the organization.
close coordination with theater Emergency Response Teams
ACENET is that authority and
in the defense portion of their
Signal NCOs mission. They also perform
conducting daily policy dissemination, compliance
business in the P- monitoring and enforcement,
TNOSC Operations and, report compliance status
Center directly to the NSC-P, NETCOM,
and USARCYBER.
Theater Strategic Signal
Brigades
Currently, the 311th controls
two TSSBs that disseminate
situational awareness data as
required; 1st Signal Brigade,
which includes the K-TNOSC,
and three Signal Battalions (36th,
58 Winter - 2011
The standardized tactical entry point site at Fort Greeley, Alaska operated by personnel of the 59th Signal Battalion
41st, and 304th), is located at Because of its location satellite transport services for
Camp Walker, in the Republic and operational relationship, Joint Network Node enabled
of Korea. They provide the 1st the 516th Signal Brigade is units in theater. The 311th
Signal Brigade Commander considered to be an essentially Pacific RHN is not currently in
with near real-time information organic part of the NSC-P operation, however, an interim
about the status of KLWN construct. Due to the fact that RHN will be established in Guam
assets and operations on the the 311th is an orders based this fiscal year. It will provide
Korean peninsula. Their focus unit, the 516th must receive the interface into the LWN
is primarily on Combined and process these orders for for WIN-T assets, including
Enterprise Regional Information dissemination and assignment assembly of the transmission
Exchange – Korea networks. to subordinate battalions for plan and support of satellite
The 516th Signal Brigade, which execution. The 516th provides communications equipment at
includes the P-TNOSC and five the conduit from the 311th to the the RHN site, and, tying the
Signal Battalions (30th, 307th, operational Signal battalions. tactical networks securely into
58th, 59th, and 78th), is located Not only does the 516th serve the the enterprise.
on Fort Shafter, Hawaii. They NSC-P in this function, it also Currently, our deployed
provide the 516th Signal Brigade provides manning augmentation signal assets tie into the PLWN
Commander with near real-time to the operations center when by transmitting to regional
information about the status of called upon. Personnel are Strategic Tactical Entry Points
PLWN assets and operations detached from the Brigade located throughout the Pacific
outside of the Korean peninsula. HQ, 30th and the 307th Signal Theater. We have access to
Their focus is on “USARPAC” Battalion to help provide the STEP sites in Hawaii, Okinawa,
networks. The 1st and the necessary manning coverage for Alaska, California, and even as
516th both staff and manage 24/7 operations. For the purpose far as Georgia if ever the need
the TNOSCs as well as regional of this article we will only arise.
Network Enterprise Centers. discuss the 516th Signal Brigade
The subordinate battalions and its subordinate battalions Network Enterprise
under the TSSBs serve as the because of the command
Center
tactical arms of the brigades and relationship with and proximity
Network Enterprise Centers,
deploy Warfighter Information to the NSC-P.
formerly known as Directorates
Network –Tactical assets forward
of Information Management are
in support of TSCP exercises and
Regional Hub Node
the organizations that support
real world contingencies. They
An additional element of
and maintain IT infrastructure
essentially extend the network
the theater NSC construct, is
located on posts, camps, and
throughout the Pacific Theater
the Regional Hub Node. It will
stations. NECs also provide
to provide operating forces with
be primarily responsible for
reach-back capabilities to the
managing and provisioning (Continued on page 60)
LWN.
Army Communicator 59
(Continued from page 59) Network Fault Manager and eHealth Performance
Manager to proactively identify possible problems
touch labor and direct support to users as an
and resolve incidents with thousands of networking
extension of the Enterprise Service Desk. Each
components that reside on the PLWN. Automated
installation has a single NEC responsible to operate
alerts and root cause analysis help to ensure these
all installation level IT infrastructure. Additional
issues are dealt with promptly. Currently, the
tasks of the NEC include situational reporting
P-TNOSC manages the Spectrum servers, but
activities, local planning and engineering, local
provides Spectrum views of all network nodes and
enforcement of Department of Defense and Army
links to the NSC-P. Because of this, the NSC-P has
NETOPS and Information Assurance policies,
much better visibility and control of its IT enterprise.
and service request support for installation
As a result network management and incident
tenants. NECs normally work independently of
response is greatly enhanced.
the TNOSCs, but on occasion, direct coordination

is necessary. The NSC-P works through the
P-TNOSC and the 516th to ensure that PLWN Constraints and Limitations
related policies, procedures, and plans are properly By definition, the NSC-P will integrate Connect,
executed and issues that may arise at the NEC level NETOPS, and Service capabilities, executed by
are mitigated expeditiously. theater signal organizations to effectively and
efficiently manage, coordinate, and provision LWN
capabilities for operating and generating forces across
Network Monitoring
the theater. Doing so, however, is not without its
The NSC-P exercises various means of C2
difficulties. Many constraints and limitations hinder
through the use of leader’s tickets, trouble tickets,
progress almost daily; some of these are described
teleconferences, and battle tracking software.
below. By discussing these factors, we hope to
Leader’s tickets are predefined criteria that state
empower other NSCs with the knowledge to thwart
when certain conditions are met, shift personnel
these encumbrances and avoid the pitfalls of NSC
alert leadership so that they can take action.
mismanagement.
Leader’s tickets are normally commander’s critical
Facilities
information requirements that require a higher
The first constraint is in regard to space limitations
level of coordination or attention for action or
at the NSC-P Operations Center and the P-TNOSC.
decision making and are transmitted through email or
Although both the NSC-P and the P-TNOSC are
telephony.
located in the same building, they reside on opposite
Trouble tickets are of a different nature; they are
ends. In a perfect world, the NSC-P would be co-
designed to accomplish network related tasks and
located with the P-TNOSC & RCERT, but due to
are submitted through a program called Remedy.
space required to fulfill this condition, it is not
Remedy consolidates tickets for tracking and
currently feasible to merge the two centers. The
assigning responsibility to the network technicians or
311th is working with the P-TNOSC to relocate
NETOPS teams for action. Remedy provides a means
some of the NSC-P Operations Center staff closer to
for centralized management of ticket issuance and
the P-TNOSC in the interim that a more enduring
fault mitigation to get the job done.
solution can be attained. 311th is discussing a
Teleconferencing is where the NSC-P can really
possible solution to relocate the NSC-P and members
exercise its control. Teleconferences are held daily
of the P-TNOSC to a building that houses DISA. This
and provide a forum for all involved with the
would solve the disconnect problem between the
network to discuss current and projected issues,
various organizations and provide a more centralized
coordinate planning, and organization, or anything
management function.
else related to the network. Everyone from the

highest level of leadership to the lowliest network
technician participates in these teleconferences Personnel
and that is where the magic happens. These As we structure the NSC-P to cover 24/7
teleconferences enable the NSC concept to function operations, 365 days of the year, we will always run
without boundaries by getting things accomplished into manning issues, both military and civilian. The
that would otherwise be caught up in the “stovepipe” NSC-P is currently manned by a small, permanently
without direct coordination. The beauty of it is that assigned cell that provides C2 for normal day to day
everyone that gets involved is informed at the same business. When a requirement is identified such
time thus avoiding confusion that may stem from as a TSCP exercise or real world contingency, the
loss in translation by following the normal chains of cell is augmented from across the 311th, the 516th
coordination. subordinate units, and the P-TNOSC in order to cover
Battle tracking and analysis is an absolute necessity the manning requirements throughout the duration of
and it is accomplished through the use of Spectrum the operation. The P-TNOSC is mostly comprised of
60 Winter - 2011
contractors who have strict boundaries in regards to authorized overtime, or unscheduled network
working overtime. Funding becomes an issue during outages that always arise at the most inopportune
contingencies and must be well managed in order to moments. The optimal solution would be to train
avoid unnecessary expenditures. Mission readiness is military personnel to cover down on these gaps.
affected when military personnel are detached from However, we have become so dependent upon
the brigade headquarters and subordinate battalions our highly skilled civilian workforce that we have
causing a domino effect across the entire 311th SC (T). been unable to attain this mastery at the military
This puts a strain on the units that must support the level. Eventually, balance will have to be achieved
NSC-P reducing their ability to perform their normal through a combination of both civilian and military
duties as directed. personnel in an effort to increase mission readiness
and effectiveness.
Geography
Subordinate commands geographically
Organizational Structure and
disparate from the 311th SC (T) pose yet another
Reporting
challenge that is directly correlated with the
funding and manning issues mentioned above. The question one has to ask when dealing with
Spanning 7 time zones across the Pacific Theater multiple echelons of the various units located
and crossing the International Dateline, the across the Pacific is “Who is really in charge and
battalions under the 516th Signal Brigade operate what is our command relationship with regards to the
on a different clock. When the duty-day ends in NSC-P construct?” As an example, the P-TNOSC falls
Hawaii, it is in full swing in Japan. This makes under the 516th and works directly with the
it especially difficult to run 24/7 operations for
the civilian sector in terms of additional shifts, (Continued on page 62)
The 311th SC (T) ESMF home page
Army Communicator 61
(Continued from page 61) it is a single focal point through serving as the S3 for the 30th Signal
which to monitor, manage, sustain, Battalion, 516th Signal Brigade,
NSC-P under the 311th. They also and, when necessary, direct signal Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. His
report directly to NETCOM and forces throughout the Pacific recent assignments include the
USARCYBER for LWN related Theater. Operations OIC for the G33, 311th
issues. A key to enabling the NSC-P Signal Command, Fort Shafter,
This can create a lot of to successfully achieve its goals Hawaii, and the Brigade S6 for the
confusion for reporting purposes is to find balance between 15th Sustainment Brigade, Fort
and sometimes causes conflict filling and funding personnel Hood, Texas. MAJ Medlock is a
within the brigade. The military and facilities requirements 2002 graduate of Stephen F. Austin
command structure does not and synergizing the support University.
always lend itself to transparency requirements with the military
thus creating the “stovepipe” effect hierarchical structure. The CPT Christopher M. Stacy
that we must normally adhere to goal is to extend secure, robust is currently serving as the
yet simultaneously strive to avoid. LWN network services across automations officer for the S3,
At times, decisions need to be the Pacific Theater and do it 516th Signal Brigade, Fort Shafter,
made almost immediately despite transparently to the customer Hawaii. His recent assignments
chain of command relationships providing a seamless transition include S6, 3rd Battalion, 7th
between higher headquarters, the from garrison to the deployed Special Forces Group, Fort
311th, 516th, TNOSCs, and the environment. The greatest Bragg, N.C., Signal detachment
operating and generating forces. challenge is in bringing together commander, 3rd Battalion, 7th
A fluid, well-organized NSC all the people, processes, and Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg,
will deter this inefficiency if infrastructure responsible for Special Forces communications
properly executed, understood, the operation, management instructor, and U.S. Army John F.
and maintained by the command. and health of the network Kennedy Special Warfare Center
under a single, administrative & School, Fort Bragg. CPT Stacy
Summary control entity. The NSC-P is holds a master of arts degree in
that entity, and if properly information technology management
The NSC-P synchronizes
manned, equipped, and funded, from Webster University. He is
operations of many elements to
can effectively accomplish this also a 2000 graduate of Liberty
provide the commanding general
significant mission University with a bachelor of science
of the 311th SC (T) and higher
. degree in business management.
echelons a complete operational
MAJ Glenn Medlock is currently
picture of the PLWN. In essence,
ACRONYM QuickScan
C2 – Command and Control O&M – Operations and Mainenance
CENTRIX-K – Combined Enterprise Regional PLWN – Pacific LandWarNet
Information Exchange – Korea P-RCERT – Pacific Regional Computer
ESD – Enterprise Service Desk Emergency Response Team
ESMF – Enterprise Services Management P-TNOSC – Pacific- Theater Network Operations
Framework and Security Center
GIG – Global Information Grid RCERT – Regional Computer Emergency
IAPM – Information Assurance Project Management Response Team
JNN – Joint Network Node RHN – Regional Hub Node
KLWN – Korean LandWarNet STEP – Standardized Tactical Entry Point
K-TNOSC – Korea TNOSC TAR – Technical Acceptance Report
LOE – Line of Effort TASKORD – Tasking Order
LOO – Line of Operation TNOSC – Theater Network Operations and
LWN – LandWarNet Security Center
NEC – Network Enterprise Center TSCP – Theater Security Concept Plan
NETCOM – Network Enterprise Technology TSSB – Theater Strategic Signal Brigade
Command USARCYBER – United States Army Cyber
NETOPS – Network Operations Command
NSC – Network Service Center USARPAC – United States Army Pacific
NSCP – Network Service Center Pacific WIN-T – Warfighter Information Network -
Tactical
62 Winter - 2011