Currently defined as an advanced concept technology demonstration, or ACTD, the FPC2 basically provides a tool for tracking virtually anything in a given theater of operations. For example, during Keen Edge 2000, USFJ headquarters was the primary command and control operations center. Prior to the FPC2, exercise inputs such as a sabotaged line, and the hundreds of other incidents a day, were marked on a wall map with grease pencils. While plotting information gathered from messages sent by the affected area, the map got rather confusing, according to Lowe. With the computer-based system, highly detailed maps of each area involved in the exercise are logged into the computer and can be drawn up with the click of a mouse.
Information is plotted into the program in layers.
This means when looking at a particular incident, excess information can be added or taken away to make it easier to decipher. Then, specialists can quickly and more accurately analyze the situation and send their analysis to the affected base. In return, base commanders can develop effective countermeasures and appropriate responses for the affected installation. Plus, each affected area, or base cluster as they were called in Keen Edge 2000, would have its own computer system, allowing monitors to update incidents, with the information instantly available on every system within the theater. This would eliminate the need for wall maps overburdened with grease pencil markings.