Information Collection and Correlation Decision Support System for the Marine Corps TCO Environment.

Abstract : This report describes an information collection and correlation (ICC) decision support system designed to aid the process of combat information production in Marine amphibious operations. Three operators perform information correlation: one at the reconnaissance and surveillance (R&S) station of the division Intelligence Center, another at wing level and a third one at the Marine Amphibious Force (MAF) level. They correlate new information with existing information in order to maintain a file which contains the most current picture of the enemy situation in the form of ground tracks. In addition, the MAF operator performs combat information coordination. The present unaided information correlation system is likely to create information overload resulting in processing delays and failure to make combat information available in a timely manner. The ICC support system was designed to reduce this overload by automating or aiding of some of the functions involved in combat information production. The system covers the following processes: (1) reliability assessment, (2) identity identification, (3) conflict identification, (4) conflict resolution, and (5) information selection. The support system has been designed for implementation in the Marine Tactical Combat Operations (TCO) System.