of a simplified block diagram of a typical CDS/NTDS in a tactical data system. Another example of a tactical data system is the Integrated Tactical Amphibious Warfare Data System (ITAWDS). Tactical Support Systems Tactical support platforms include a variety of systems. Unlike tactical data systems, tactical support systems generally use either mainframes or micros as their operational computers. Depending on the system, tactical support systems can use a single computer or a multiple  computer  configuration.  The  computers  in tactical  support  systems  also  interface  with  other computers,  peripherals,  displays,  communication  links, and   operational   programs.   Let’s   look   at   three examples: ASW systems, JMCIS, and NIPS. ASW SYSTEMS.— ASW systems deal primarily with  antisubmarine  warfare.  They  provide  active  and passive  search,  detection,  tracking,  and  classification operations necessary to engage and destroy subsurface or  surface  targets. They  support  ASW  airborne systems. ASW systems include the Antisubmarine Warfare  Operations  Center  (ASWOC)  and  Carrier- Antisubmarine  Warfare  Module  (CV-ASWM)  systems. These systems use a single computer as their central point of operation. The computers in these systems interface with the following  subsystems  or  equipment  within  their subsystem: l Command  and  Control  Subsystem  —Controls the  data  to  and  from  this  subsystem  and  other subsystems through the ADP Subsystem and Display Subsystem. l Communication   Subsystem —Allows com- munication  between  Maritime  Patrol  Aircraft  (MPA)  or Surface Units and/or ASWOCs, CV-ASWMs, and FHLTs. Communication is via secure voice or secure data networks. . Fast Time Analysis System (FTAS) Subsystem (ASWOCs  and  CV-ASWMs  only)  —Analyzes  acoustic and nonacoustic data provided by mission aircraft. JOINT MARITIME COMMAND INFORMA- TION SYSTEMS.— The Joint Maritime Command Information Systems (JMCIS) is an informational data system used to provide data to designated flagships. It is  used  to  effectively  conduct  battle-management  of  the tactical situation. The  JMCIS  consists  of  a  data processing subsystem and a video processing subsys- tem. The data processing subsystem includes desktop computers   (DTC/TAC-n¹)  with  single  and  dual monitors, printer plotters, and printers. The video processing subsystem includes high and low resolution monitors, large screen displays, and video switch. Communication between DTC/TAC-n in the data processing subsystem and video processing subsystem is accomplished via a Genser fiber-optic LAN. JMCIS gathers data from a variety of external links including OTCIXS, Flag communication, Fleet Broadcast, and Link 11 or Link 14. NAVAL   INTELLIGENCE   PROCESSING SYSTEM.—  Naval  Intelligence  Processing  System (NIPS)  integrates  up-to-the-minute  tactical  intelligence with national and fleet-produced database intelligence information. Data is gathered from the Naval Modular Automated  Communication  System  (NAVMACS), Ocean Surveillance Product (OSP), Generic Front End Co-Processor  (GFCP),  Automatic  Tracking  Point (ATP), Fleet Imagery Support Terminal (FIST), video diskplayers, and optical disk recorders, and, in turn, is disseminated  to  GFCP,  ATP,  and  Tactical  Aviation Mission Planning System (TAMPS). The NIPS uses the  DTC/TAC-n  in  a  LAN  configuration  as  its operational  computers.  The  other  hardware  interfaces include hard drives, color printers, plotters, tape backup units, a camcorder, and light table. The NIPS uses both MS-DOS and the UNIX operating system to process and manage its mapping/imagery workstation and message  handler  workstation.  Depending  on  the  vessel, the NIPS can be a basic system, as on a multipurpose amphibious assault ship (LHD), or it can be a much larger system with multiple workstations and remotes, as on a carrier (CV). Naval Tactical Command Support Systems Naval  Tactical  Command  Support  Systems  include those systems that handle data used for administrative purposes   and   office   functions.   They   support organizational  and  intermediate-level  maintenance, supply and financial management, and administrative applications. The types of computers generally used are minicomputers  and  microcomputers.  Nontactical systems  include  the  Shipboard  Nontactical  ADP Program (SNAP I, SNAP II, and SNAP III) Systems and PC. 1-8