FBCB2 is the key situational awareness and command-and-control system used by U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. More than 85,000 FBCB2 systems have been deployed worldwide. Northrop Grumman completed system segment acceptance testing and delivered JCR to the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, on September 25. The current version of Blue Force Tracker (BFT) takes minutes to refresh friendly force position locations. When JCR is fielded with the new BFT-2 transceiver and network upgrade, friendly positions will be updated in seconds. Other new JCR features and functions include a commercial joint mapping tool kit; Type 1 encryption for relaying classified information; and an over-the-air "self descriptive situational awareness" (SDSA) capability. SDSA will eliminate inflexible fixed databases — one of the biggest complaints of the old system — and allow FBCB2-equipped units to change task organizations in the field to meet new mission requirements. Future JCR releases will provide additional services including open office file transfers, image downloads, chat and instant messaging.
Northrop Grumman developed JCR using an approach based on a common set of core assets, making it more modular, reusable, interoperable and easier to upgrade. This Battle Command Product Line (BCPL) architecture is capable of supporting multiple products for a variety of users, including aviation, dismounted soldiers, logistics and fires.