Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network
The Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN) is a network of systems providing uninterrupted communications throughout the pre-, trans-, and post-nuclear warfare environment. At minimum, MEECN is designed to provide a one-way flow of information to activate nuclear forces during severe jamming and a post-nuclear environment.[1]
Components
As of 1994, MEECN consists of various programs: Miniature Receive Terminals (MRTs) for nuclear bombers, High Power Transmit Sets (HPTS) for E-4B aircraft, Dual Frequency MEECN receivers (DFMRs) for ICBM Launch Control Centers.[2]
Ground Element MEECN System (GEMS)
Minuteman MEECN Program (MMP)
The Minuteman MEECN Program (MMP) replaced the aging Survivable Low Frequency Communications System (SLFCS) Launch Control Centers (LCCs) with an Extremely High Frequency (EHF) and Very Low Frequency/Low Frequency (VLF/LF) communications equipment.[4]
MMP consists of EHF Milstar and VLF/LF communications equipment.[5]
The 91st Missile Wing's Oscar-01 at Minot AFB, North Dakota was the last Minuteman Launch Control Center to have updated to the MMP configuration.[6]
See also
- Post-Attack Command and Control System (PACCS)
- Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS)
- Ground Wave Emergency Network (GWEN)
- Survivable Low Frequency Communications System (SLFCS)
References
- ↑ Aldridge, R. (1983). First Strike! The Pentagon's Strategy for Nuclear War, 0-89608-154-0
- ↑ Air Force Historical Research Agency: PMD 2070(29)/22131F/32015F/11213F Program Management Directive for Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN) VLF/LF System Improvements
- ↑ Congressional Research Service: "Nuclear Command and Control: Current Programs and Issues", May 3, 2006
- ↑ Strategic-Air-Command.com: "Minuteman Missile History", no date
- ↑ Air Force FOIA documents: 392d Training Squadron slides on MEECN, no date
- ↑ Air Force Space Command: "Minot completes final MEECN modifications", 17 Nov 2005