The Ground-Based Operational Surveillance System, G-BOSS, created by Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, is a trailer-mounted tower with mounted surveillance systems and integrated with the command operations center (COC) used primarily by the United States Marine Corps during operations in the Global War on Terror. The G-BOSS is used primarily for force protection, checkpoint security, route reconnaissance, patrol over watch, improvised explosive devices emplacement detection, intelligence gathering, and personnel/vehicle identification. Description The G-BOSS is an integrated surveillance system, which employs the following: a multi-spectral Electro-Optic/Infrared sensor suite with multiple detection and assessment technologies in a self-contained, mobile platform. The G-BOSS has the ability to operate independently between an 80-foot or 107-foot tower. The sensor suite is composed of: a Star SAFIRE IIIFP camera composed of lasers and rangefinders, a ThermoVision 3000 camera with a Global Positioning System (GPS), a Man-portable Surveillance and Target Acquisition Radar (MSTAR). The Ground Control Station (GCS) also contains an optional Remote Ground Station (RGS). With the above technologies, the G-BOSS has the capabilities of video capture, storage, transmission, and power generation. The G-BOSS can also integrate signals from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) using VideoScout management systems along with the Tactical Remote Sensor Suite (TRSS) ground sensors. The G-BOSS has 3 variants: the G-BOSS itself, the G-BOSS Lite, and the CERBERUS Lite. In 2013, U.S. Navy surveillance experts upgraded the G-BOSS system with DC-DC converters for power generation, having awarded Vicor Corporation a contract to improve the power systems. This upgrade package will include a 24-volt DC power electronics devices with 48-, 12-, and 9-volt DC outputs, 24-volt DC converters with 19.5-, 12-, and 48-volt DC outputs, and input mating connector kits. Origins and development The G-BOSS originated and enhanced the Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment (RAID) system. During the Global War on Terror, these systems deployed to various Forward Operating Bases both in Iraq and Afghanistan. The basis for the RAID surveillance system was improved with the development of the G-BOSS. The G-BOSS took the concept of using elevated infrared sensors and put it on a stationary platform. In addition, the G-BOSS brought the addition of a second electro-optic/infrared sensor and a ground-based radar network located in the remote ground station. Included with the RAID towers are tethered blimp balloon systems (aerostats) as part of the Persistent Surveillance and Dissemination Systems, which later developed into the current G-BOSS system. The system employs a variety of sensors tethered