The Joint Communications Support Element (Airborne) (JCSE) is a United States Department of Defense (DoD) standing joint force headquarters expeditionary communications provider that can provide rapid deployable, en route, early entry, and scalable command, control, communications, and computer (C4) support to the unified combatant commands, special operations commands, and other agencies as directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

[2][7][8] On order, the JCSE can provide additional C4 services within 72 hours to support larger combined joint task force headquarters across the full spectrum of operations.

[1] The JCSE was established at MacDill Air Force Base as the Communications Support Element (CSE) under the now disestablished U.S. Strike Command—redesignated U.S.

[1] With just over 400 U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army personnel assigned, the CSE was established to serve as a quick response communications unit during crisis and contingency operations.

[1] In 1972, the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps joined the CSE, and was redesignated as JCSE with operational control transferred to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

[1] JCSE teams have deployed all over the world enabling DoD senior leaders to communicate in conflict zones and disaster areas.

[18][24] The JCSE has a unique modernization program with special authorities based on a joint staff memorandum and financial investments that allow the Element to rapidly acquire commercial off-the-shelf and government off-the-shelf equipment as well as the newest technologies available to accomplish its mission with 24/7 reach-back capability and access to DoD and commercial networks that can be deployed in hours.