(U) Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Standard Tactical Entry Point (STEP)

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U)  The DISA STEP program provides for an upgrade of the 14 DSCS fixed station facilities with a standard set of core Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) services and equipment to better resolve the warfighters concern about lack of standardized support for tactical forces. Specialized equipment within the STEPs link a DSCS satellite to the tactical terminal in the theater of operations and beyond into the area common user system.

Description: (U)
(U) Standardized Tactical Entry Point (STEP) is an initiative to upgrade existing DSCS strategic earth terminals by providing the warfighters with a set of standardized pre-positioned services for entry into the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN).   The near-term STEP configuration will provide users with the flexibility to accommodate innovative tactical options to improve data rate capability, voice quality, and delivery of a wide range of services required by the warfighter utilizing DSCS (SHF, X-Band). The standardized, pre-positioned Joint Voice and Data Services (Defense Switch Network , Defense Red Switch Network, Video Teleconference, the Unclassified Internet Protocol Router Network the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network, and the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System) will provide the Joint Task Force (JTF) commander access to critical Command and Control networks during the first 30-45 days of a deployment. The Navy will access their Navy Tactical Network via STEP and DISN. This will provide the seamless web for interoperability between Navy and TRI-TAC equipment. Future STEP designs will focus on integrating emerging technology and maintaining interoperability with new Tri-band terminals.

(U) The program will upgrade the 14 DSCS fixed station facilities with a standard set of core Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) services and equipment to better resolve the warfighter's concern about lack of standardized support for tactical forces.  Sites at Fort Gordon and Fort Monmouth will be equipped for training and testing, respectively.  Specialized equipment within the STEPs link a DSCS satellite to the tactical terminal in the theater of operations and beyond into the area common user system.  Interoperability and multi-frequency integration will be part of the STEP system and will feature enhanced capacity, compatible multiplexers, switching capability, and voice and data circuits. 

(U) STEP design has been separated into three phases:
- (U) Near-term: Will use military inventories and COTS equipment to realize the proposed STEP capabilities.
- (U) Mid-term: Will incorporate new DSCS subsystems that will be available by 1998.
- (U) Far-term: Will utilize new technology and equipment development designed to improve the STEP efficiency and to meet future growth requirements.

User Impact: (U)
(U) To be supplied.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Operational/Programmed.
	(U) FOC: 01/1999 (2QFY1999).

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) Army Terminal Upg & Rpl, DSCS II, DSCS III, DSCS Service Life Enhance Prog

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) SHF Ground Segment Terminals

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) MILSATCOM.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) DoD.

Date of Information: (U)
01 February 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)