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SCOTTSDALE: General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, has received a $231 million contract modification from the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command for 165 Combat Operation Centers (COCs), mobile command and control systems.
The COCs will meet an urgent operational need for regiment and battalion Marine Corps units in Iraq. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in July 2007 and to be completed by mid-2009. The COCs will be produced by existing employees in Scottsdale, Ariz.
“The COC has become the strategic foundation for command and control at the battalion and regimental levels of the U.S. Marine Corps,” said Manny Mora, vice president of Battle Management Systems for General Dynamics C4 Systems. “It is forming the bridge to future, comprehensive command and control systems for Marines.”
The COC sets up within 40 minutes, includes a network of workstations supporting standard Tactical Data Systems and other mission-critical software, and has large-screen displays that can take input from any workstation. The system integrates non-secure and secret voice and data communications, Voice- over-Internet-Protocol capabilities and networked servers. Tents, trailers, radios, power generation and other tactical hardware are also integrated for command and control that can be deployed via air, ground or sea.
The Marine Corps has ordered more than 260 Combat Operation Centers since the program was originally awarded to General Dynamics in 2002. From battalion to expeditionary force level, COCs are enabling battlefield commanders to digitally collect, process and disseminate tactical information for a more comprehensive situational awareness and rapid decision-making during all phases of battle.
General Dynamics C4 Systems is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. With more than 11,000 employees worldwide, the company specializes in command and control, communications networking, computing and information assurance for defense, government and select commercial customers in the United States and abroad.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 81,100 people worldwide and expects 2006 revenue of approximately $24 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation.
