C4ISTAR

In military usage, a number of abbreviations in the format C(x) followed by additional letters are used, based on expanded versions of the abbreviation C2 - command and control.

C2I stands for command, control, and intelligence.

C3I stands for command, control, communications, and intelligence.

C4I stands for command, control, communications, computers, and (military) intelligence.

C4ISTAR is the British acronym used to represent the group of the military functions designated by C4 (command, control, communications, computers), I (military intelligence), and STAR (surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) in order to enable the coordination of operations.[1]

C4ISR is the similar term used by the U.S. military (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance).[2]

C4ISTAR and its related terms can be used to refer to infrastructure, a role of military units or individuals, or procedures employed.

Contents

Command, control and communications

Command and control refers to the ability of military commanders to direct forces. The addition of communications to the grouping reflects the fact that communications is required to enable this coordination. In modern warfare, computers are also a key component. The common variations of this acronym are:

Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance

ISTAR stands for Intelligence (information gathering), surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance. It describes methods of observing the enemy and one's area of operations. Variations on this include:

C4ISTAR

Many subsets of these elements are used, or have been used in the past, as acronyms. These include:

See also

References

  1. ^ Sloan, E., "Security and Defence in the Terrorist Era", McGill-Queen's University Press, Montreal, 2005; see Ch. 7 for C4ISTAR discussion.
  2. ^ "Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms", Joint Publication 1-02, Department of Defense, 17 March 2009 [1]