US Military Conflicts and SIGINT

Over the course of last 100 years, the United States has been involved in over ten military conflicts. With each and every conflict SIGINT collection and analysis has grown and matured. Of all the SIGINT platforms no platform has had a more far reaching impact on the battle field then Prophet Spiral version 1 Collection system. From the Prophet Spiral 1 to the newly fielded Prophet Enhanced, the prophet system has allowed commanders real time access to valuable SIGINT intelligence and Electronic Warfare unlike any time in history.

After the gulf war and Somalia, It was determined that the U.S. needed to re-examine their ability to perform SIGINT collection operations. During the Mid 1990’s a decision was made, both versions of the Ground Based Common Sensor (GBCS Heavy and Light) as well as the Advanced, needed replacement. Born out of this desire and years of development the “Prophet ORD was approved by TRADOC effective 26 April 1999. This officially transitioned the program from the Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Common Sensor (IEWCS), Ground Based Common Sensor - Heavy/Light (GBCS-H/L), and Advanced QuickFix (AQF).”[1] One system to replace three different systems. Collection, Targeting, and electronic warfare simultaneously integrated into one tactical system.

For this discussion of the Prophet we will start with the Prophet Spiral v1 and conclude with the newest version The Enhanced. The Original concept of what a prophet systems is a “Division and Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) commander's principal signals intelligence & electronic warfare (SIGINT & EW) system and preprocessor of organic SIGINT.”[2] Although the Spiral started out as a Division level assets it has transitioned are the enemy has transitioned. Original...

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...der’s ability to control and understand SIGINT and EW in his battle space. The five key mission of Signals Mapping, Electronic Attack (EA), Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR), precise location techniques to assist in the targeting process, and selected signals internals exploitation are truly a force multiplier. Never in modern warfare has such power been place in the hand of those most directly able to influence the battle. As we move forward in the war on terrorism the Prophet will continue to advance in order to provide commanders every advantage on the battle field.

Works Cited

http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/systems/prophet.htm

Kimberly Johnson, "Army's Prophet Enhanced system offers mobile intel: PE ground signals intelligence system flexes its combat muscle. Defense Systems (2011) http://defensesystems.com/articles/2011/09/06/c4isr-1-prophet-enhanced.aspx