Chapter 4
AN/TSC-93A Tactical Satellite Platoon
4-1. General
The AN/TSC-93A Tactical Satellite Platoon is organized and equipped for use in a non-nodal or point-to-point configuration. The terminals operate in the space segment of DSCS II and III. Terminal configurations include shelters, standard trucks, power sources, power switching gear, and trailers.4-2. Structure
The AN/TSC-93A Tactical Satellite Platoon fills a key position in the building block concept. Terminal sections provide the spoke portion of the hub and spoke configuration described in chapter 3. The terminal teams are attached to the major headquarters they support.
a. Mission. The mission of the AN/TSC-93A Tactical Satellite Platoon is to provide the tactical satellite communications net for the TA. Terminal facilities are provided at major functional command headquarters in the EAC. Terminal facilities also may be provided at corps, field army, or unified and combined headquarters. Terminals also may be used in the area network of the TCS(A).
b. Assignment.
(1) The terminal section teams of the AN/TSC93A Tactical Satellite Platoon may be attached to headquarters such as--
(b) Theater Air Force.
(c) Army alternate.
(d) TAACOM.
(e) Pershing Brigade.
(f) Field Army.
(g) Army corps.
(2) AN/TSC-93A may be assigned wherever there is a need.
c. Organization. The AN/TSC-93A Tactical Satellite Platoon consists of a platoon headquarters element and five AN/TSC-93A terminal sections. Each section has two tactical satellite teams.
(2) Each terminal section team is staffed and equipped for standalone operation.
4-3. Command and control
The TACSAT Company commander employs the operating elements according to mission requirements and operational directives. The extended distance between company headquarters and terminal section teams makes it necessary for the TACSAT Company commander to extend operational control to the platoon leader, platoon sergeant, and section team chiefs. They, in effect, are the TACSAT Company commander's operations staff. The platoon leader directly supervises operations of the widely dispersed teams. He or she keeps the unit commander informed on the operational status of the platoon.
a. Platoon personnel.
(2) The platoon sergeant, as senior NCO, acts in the name of the platoon leader when dealing with other NCOs. He or she helps the platoon leader ensure mission accomplishment and is the principal enlisted advisor.
(3) The Tactical Satellite Systems Platoon section chiefs are responsible for accomplishment of missions and functions of their AN/TSC-93A Tactical Satellite Platoon teams. The section chiefs advise the platoon leader and platoon sergeant on the operational status of their terminals. They assist the platoon sergeant in the administration of enlisted personnel. Because of their separation from company headquarters, they must be able to make support arrangements for their teams.
(4) The tactical satellite systems platoon operators are responsible for the actual performance of the terminal. The operators provide status reports to the team chiefs.
b. Internal communications. The following internal communications exist within the AN/TSC-93A Tactical Satellite Platoon:
(2) HF net.
4-4. Employment
a. The assets of the AN/TSC-93A Tactical Satellite Platoon are employed to support major headquarters command and control communications. They augment the existing terrestrial communications systems. They can also be used to interconnect the TCS(A) area nodal system.
b. Individual terminal teams will be widely dispersed. Each team will be dependent upon the headquarters of attachment, particularly for billeting, food service support, and security.
c. The platoon headquarters will make arrangements for command and control, administrative, and logistical support to the dispersed terminal teams.
d. At full strength, the AN/TSC-93A Tactical Satellite Platoon is capable of installing, operating, and maintaining ten AN/TSC-93A tactical satellite communications terminals. Terminals are highly mobile and can be installed and disassembled rapidly.
4-5. Operations
The AN/TSC-93A Tactical Satellite Platoon augments communications links which are currently served by LOS, troposcatter, and HF radio systems. Operating frequencies, transmit power settings, antenna angles, and so forth, are received from the SCCC described in chapter 6. SCCC instructions must be followed exactly. Operating parameters must not be changed without specific approval of the SCCC.
a Capabilities. The AN/TSC-93A Tactical Satellite Platoon terminal provides the following capabilities:
(2) Link with a nodal terminal or with a terminal in the point-to-point mode.
(3) Can, on the downlink side, receive, demodulate, and switch a single SHF carrier via the demultiplexing equipment to the user interface.
(4) Fully independent operation from a 10 kW, single-phase engine generator or compatible commercial power.
(5) Operational in severe environments.
b. Limitations.
(2) Each team will require billet and food service support from the headquarters of attachment.
(3) Administrative and unit level logistical support will be provided by the TACSAT Company.
(4) DS supply and intermediate (DS) maintenance for organic equipment, except C-E equipment, will be provided by the TAACOM. GS supply and intermediate (GS) maintenance for C-E equipment and SRA support for COMSEC equipment will be provided by the TAACOM.
(5) Transportation of maintenance support team personnel and critical equipment evacuation or replacement flights must be provided by the TA aviation assets.
(6) The AN/TSC-93A Tactical Satellite Platoon communications terminals have the following system limitations:
(b) DCS interface is restricted or limited by the amount of equipment in the DSCS or GMF gateway entry at the DSCS earth terminals.
c. Defense.
(2) Limited area defense may be conducted for short periods of time. Extended security must be provided by the headquarters of attachment. Operations in an NBC environment will be dependent upon the situation.
d. Mobility.
(1) The AN/TSC-93A Tactical Satellite Platoon headquarters has the following TOE vehicles:
(b) Truck Cargo: Tactical 5/4 ton 4 x 4 w/Commo Kit.
(2) The AN/TSC-93A terminal sections have the following TOE vehicles:
(b) Truck Cargo: Tactical 5/4 ton 4 X 4 Shelter Carrier W/E M1028.
4-6. Deployment
a. The AN/TSC-93A Tactical Satellite Platoon is housed in a modified S-250 shelter. It operates with the AS-3036 (8-foot diameter) antenna. The antenna is designed for operation with DSCS satellites. The tracking algorithm function is incorporated within the shelter electronics complement.
b. The shelter is normally transported on the bed of a 5/4 ton tactical cargo truck with the disassembled 8-foot antenna on a second truck. Each truck tows a trailer-mounted engine generator or power unit.
c. The baseband (multiplexing or demultiplexing) equipment is contained within three curb-side racks inside the shelter. The modem and IF or RF assemblies are located in three racks on the road side of the shelter. The electronic equipment can operate in an NBC environment.
d. Each part of the satellite terminal equipment is transportable by road; air (C-130, C-141, C-5A aircraft or helicopter); rail (flatbed); and sea (ship).
e. Each terminal is capable of independent operation.
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