PEO C3T PM FBCB2

• Origins in Digital Battlefield Needs: The PM FBCB2 (Product Manager, Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below) was established in the 1990s to bring digital situational awareness to U.S. Army and Marine forces, responding to the need for real-time battlefield communication and tracking. • Part of PEO C3T: PM FBCB2 operates under the Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T), which oversees modernization of tactical communications. • First Major Use in Operation Iraqi Freedom: FBCB2 systems played a crucial role during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, providing Blue Force Tracking (BFT) that allowed commanders to track friendly forces and reduce fratricide. • Blue Force Tracking (BFT) System: The core of PM FBCB2’s product is the BFT system, which uses satellite communications to display the real-time positions of friendly and enemy forces on digital maps. • Interoperability: FBCB2 was designed to work across different military branches and platforms, including Army, Marine Corps, and coalition partners, enhancing joint operations. • Transition to JBC-P: The success of FBCB2 led to the development of its successor, the Joint Battle Command-Platform (JBC-P), providing even greater capabilities and security. • Saving Lives on the Battlefield: Numerous reports credit FBCB2/BFT with saving lives by preventing friendly fire incidents and enabling rapid response to changing battlefield conditions. • Massive Fielding: By the late 2010s, over 100,000 FBCB2/BFT systems had been installed on U.S. and allied vehicles, helicopters, and command centers worldwide. • Evolution of Technology: The FBCB2 program has evolved from basic text messaging and mapping to include advanced graphics, chat, and integration with other military networks. • Continuous Software Upgrades: PM FBCB2 has managed regular software upgrades that adapt to new threats, user feedback, and emerging technologies, ensuring the system remains relevant and effective.