Modernizing Battlefield Communications: The Army’s Shift to Polymorphic C2 Mesh

The U.S. Army is exploring innovative approaches to counter communication disruptions on the battlefield, moving away from traditional linear contingency plans toward a more robust, layered system akin to “electromagnetic camouflage,” according to Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, commander of I Corps.

McFarlane stated at the TechNet Augusta conference that conventional PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) communication plans are obsolete. He emphasized that sequential, manual responses are ineffective against simultaneous multi-band jamming.

A typical PACE plan might include primary communication via secure FM radio, alternate through satellite calls, contingency using HF radio, and emergency measures like IR strobe lights or runners.

However, these methods are vulnerable in environments where peer adversaries possess advanced electronic warfare capabilities to detect emissions.

McFarlane noted, “Emissions equate to targets, placing a bullseye on any location where signals are detected.”

He described the new approach as fragmenting and intelligently routing data across a polymorphic command and control (C2) mesh to eliminate single points of failure.

This translates to a more resilient and diversified C2 system. Innovative methods encompass decentralized tactical radios, leveraging commercial infrastructure for traffic masking, utilizing low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites like Starlink, and employing low-power ad-hoc and mesh networks.

McFarlane contrasted traditional linear PACE plans with the polymorphic C2 mesh, which is highly diversified, decentralized, and dynamic. It autonomously fragments, encrypts, and routes data across various physical mediums in real-time.

This approach maintains connectivity for C2 posts without reliance on fixed infrastructure. McFarlane added, “By diversifying data and transit paths, we avoid over-dependence on any single physical or geographic vulnerability.”

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