Combat Systems Reference Manuals

All subsystems of a combat system—weapons, search radar, communications, antisubmarine war- fare, electronic warfare, and sonar—interface through the naval tactical data systerdcombat direc- tion system (NTDS/CDS) subsystems. These collec- tively compose a single shipboard system. All combat systems subsystems are very impor- tant to the overall readiness of combatants. As a senior technician and supervisor, you must work with your fellow combat systems technicians, supervisors, and operators to ensure a high state of combat sys- tems readiness. Figure 4-1 illustrates the typical ex- ternal components of a combat system. COMBAT SYSTEMS REFERENCE MANUALS Two reference manuals are vital to the training of personnel in the operations of combat systems equip- ment aboard ships. They are a combat systems train- ing requirements manual and a combat systems technical operations manual. Both of these manuals are generic, ship-class-specific publications that may be obtained aboard your particular ship. COMBAT SYSTEMS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS MANUAL A combat systems training requirements manual (CSTRM) is developed for each class of ships in the force. It specifies the standards of technical and oper- ational training expected for all operators and tech- nicians of that ship class. COMBAT SYSTEMS TECHNICAL OPERATIONS MANUAL Sophisticated combat systems integration is rap- idly replacing the single-system operations found aboard older combatants. To help these ships adopt and maintain these technologically advanced sys- tems, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) has directed that each ship within a ship class with tactical data systems and related equipments installed be provided with a combat systems technical opera- tions manual (CSTOM). Developed specifically for each ship of a class, the CSTOM contains the necessary technical data to provide the technicians with all aspects of systems capabilities, operations, and maintenance. Specifically, the CSTOM contains and organizes the technical data that shipboard personnel need (1) to operate and maintain the integrated combat sys- tems, (2) to maintain material and personnel read- iness, and (3) to define significant capabilities and limitations of the combat system. The CSTOM is also a reference for the following topics: The integration of systems and subsystems. The readiness requirements for operational and maintenance personnel. The establishment of the ship’s electronic readiness team to maintain on-line combat systems readiness. The provision of text and graphic materials to be used for both classroom training and self- instruc- tion. Pictorial diagrams, rather than conventional block diagrams, provide more-realistic training. Data are presented in levels ranging from elementary to detailed, allowing presentations to be made at the appropriate educational level. 4-2