MSC Operational Description

MSC SYSTEM OPERATIONAL DESCRIPTION

The following is for informational purposes only to provide situational awareness relative to how MSC systems will be typically used, operationally, including system deployment, tactics, training and maintenance.

1. MSC System Deployment

An area is identified as an area of interest/concern that could benefit from real time surveillance or additional surveillance to augment existing systems by a local level chain of command. This could be an area of concern (based on recent activity or intelligence) or high traffic area that is not adequately covered by other currently deployed technology.

A unit is deployed to the area in a location that provides the best operational view. Line of sight is the primary limitation with deploying the technology effectively, due to the varying terrain of the Southern Border. Mobility of the unit is critical for placing the unit in areas that provide the best view for accomplishing the desired mission.

2. Southern Border Agent Tactics

Once deployed to a site, MSC systems will be agent-manned in shifts (typically either 6-or 8-hours in duration) on a 24 hour/7 days a week basis. Site selections and on-site duration are based on the operational needs of the Border Patrol.

The MSC system operator, once stationed, communicates location and checks the health and status information of the MSC system. Once operational, the agent-operator uses the MSC system to detect Items of Interest (IoIs) and then gain additional IoI information/characteristics (e.g. whether the IoI is a human, vehicle, conveyance or other;

location; speed; direction; etc.) for the purposes of tracking and identification. Once classified, the IoIs information is communicated to other ground-based/airborne agents for tracking and apprehension. The MSC operator continues monitoring IoIs and assists the ground units in bringing about the appropriate law enforcement resolution.

3. MSC System Agent Training

Both initial and ongoing training will be provided to agents who will be operating and maintaining the MSC systems. Training will be based on the existing Border Patrol model being used to support similar currently deployed systems. Once the MSC system has been defined, modifications to the current training modules will be conducted.

The current training model includes two-levels: 1) web-based and 2) on-the-job training (OJT) designed to be given by experienced system lead agents/operators in the field environment.

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4. MSC System Maintenance/Supportability

The maintenance/supportability approach for the MSC system has the goal of stabilizing the system and decreasing personnel time commitments to maintenance. Two levels of maintenance (organizational and depot) are envisioned to support the MSC systems in addition to basic maintenance activities that may be performed by agent-operators.

MSC systems’ maintenance will transition through a phased approach from vendor-provided to Border Patrol organic maintenance support through establishing capabilities to repair reparable items and replenish inventory.

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