The system is scheduled to achieve initial operational capability this month. The automation feature makes it easier for operators to generate messages and correct errors.
Messages can now also be automatically compared for similarity.
This is significant because, as a way of providing checks and balances, an emergency action message must be composed independently by two different operators. Then the two messages, which are elaborately encoded, must be compared to make sure they say exactly the same thing, before the order is sent. Because the messages relay nuclear commands, there is no room for error, so this increased accuracy is invaluable. Making all this happen was no small task. Because the system has been integrated with so many communication systems, Briggs and others believe it could ultimately be placed on multi-purpose mobile platforms.