The US Army is testing new mobile communications gear to improve the operational capabilities of armored units, defense technology site C4ISRNET reported on Thursday.
The improved equipment will reportedly address the “slow and clunky” communication between units operating in the field and their respective command posts, affecting their ability to survive and be effective against adversaries.
According to 3rd Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Charles Costanza, armored units need to be distributed to neutralize enemy forces more efficiently. However, he said that command posts are often “too big,” making smooth communication difficult for these units.
In January and February, the US Army conducted exercises to better understand modernizing communication networks since rapid movement is vital on the battlefield. Their communication systems must allow them to conduct missions at the right speed and range.
“The general feedback we’ve received so far is it’s easy to use, it’s expeditionary in mindset and allows us … [to] keep a much smaller command post signature, which will help us increase our survivability,” 3rd Infantry Division commander Col. Terry Tillis said, as quoted by C4ISRNET.
Additional Advantages
Maintaining communications in armored formations is one of the most challenging tasks because of the confined space on the platforms. Sometimes, units have to stop their vehicles to establish a link with their command posts.
However, with the new equipment, soldiers claim that communications can now be maintained “seamlessly” while units are dispersed.
“It is going to change because it adjusts the tempo and we’re going to be able to move faster. What changes for us is the ability to move when we need to move,” Tillis explained, adding that the technology would fundamentally change how soldiers fight.
Once proven viable, the service will start working with identified vendors to integrate the mobile communications gear.