Chapter 4
The Light Division Signal Battalion
The light division signal battalion has the same mission and functions as the heavy division signal battalion with unique functions.
a. The signal missions are normally executed with outside augmentation. Even in a low- or mid-intensity threat environment, if the division is subordinate to a deployed corps headquarters, the corps signal brigade supplies certain interconnecting systems.
b. The signal battalion is designed to support the division when it is employed over extended distances. It supports the division even when the area of operations is noncontiguous and when terrain or circumstances prohibit normal LOS multichannel usage. In these instances the division multichannel TACSAT system usually satisfies C3 requirements.
c. Only a binodal area network is established (rather than 3 as in the heavy division). It still offers system flexibility, alternate routing, and the security gained by elimination of highly vulnerable communications clusters.
The light division signal battalion has four companies. Figure 4-1 shows the structure of this unit by company. They are HHC, command operations extension company, forward command extension company, and the area signal company. Each company has distinct missions and roles that complement each other in support of the division.
a. HHC furnishes the typical mix of command and control assets to operate the battalion. It provides the same functions and has the same mission as the heavy division signal battalion.
b. The command operations extension company is one of the three operational signal companies. It has the personnel and equipment to support CP connectivity for the division headquarters elements. User-owned and -operated terminal equipment connect to these links provided by the signal battalions command operations extension company for both internal and external information transfer.
Figure 4-1. The light division signal battalion.
(1) The command operations extension company has a two-fold mission. It provides essential signal facilities for division elements at Div Main CP and Div TAC. It also provides one of the two area nodes for the division ACUS. The capability to distance these headquarters elements from the area nodes and for dual homing them is provided. It can secondarily provide signal node support for units in the vicinity of node one. This extension service could be LOS multichannel or cable if the distances allow. This gives greater access for outlying tactical units to take advantage of the common-user switched network and other nodal facilities.
(2) The company provides the following services:
- Automatic telephone central office and switching facilities
for trunk and local telephone circuits.
- Secure multichannel LOS communications terminals for access
to the automatic switched network.
- An NRI facility for secure single-channel (FM) radio access
into the division automatic switched network.
- Cable installation teams to install internal cables and local
telephone circuits. The teams lay cable to tagged junction boxes.
Subscribers install local telephone circuits to these boxes. If
time permits, cable teams may assist users in this effort.
- Secure single-channel improved high frequency radio (IHFR)
RATT terminal at the Div Main CP for entry into the division level
net.
- Secure multichannel TACSAT terminals for selected light divisions providing access to the automatic switched network over extended distances.
(3) The company unit level functions involve site defense for node one. In the event sites are collocated with other divisional elements, defense is a mutual responsibility. Limited repair of organic equipment is conducted. Isolated systems, such as the multichannel relays or the FM retransmission sites, pose special logistical and defense concerns to the company.
(4) The company is composed of a company headquarters section, a command operations platoon, a tactical CP extension platoon and the command operations node platoon. The three functional platoons and the elements they support are--
- Command operations extension platoon supports the Div Main CP.
- Tactical CP extension platoon supports the Div TAC.
- Command operations node platoon supports node one.
c. The forward command extension company provides signal support forward of the Div Main CP. It provides the essential signal facilities at the three brigade CPs and the three BSAs.
(1) The forward command extension company provides the following services:
- Automatic telephone central office and switching facilities
for trunk and local telephone circuits.
- Secure multichannel LOS communications terminals for access
to the automatic switching network.
- NRI facilities for secure single-channel (FM) radio access
into the division automatic switching network.
- Cable installation teams. The teams lay cable to tagged junction
boxes. Subscribers install local telephone circuits to these boxes.
If time permits, cable teams may assist.
- Secure single-channel (IHFR) RATT terminals for entry into
the division RATT net.
- Secure multichannel TACSAT terminals for access into the automatic switched network over extended distances.
(2) The company unit level functions involve site defense coordinated with the supported CPs.
d. The area signal company provides signal facilities at the DISCOM as well as five headquarters support teams for communications at the DIVARTY, AB, ADA battalion, MI battalion, and one additional headquarters, as specified by the command. It also provides the second node for the division ACUS.
(1) The second signal node supports units in the vicinity of this node and allows the necessary connectivity into the division area system. This gives outlying tactical units access to the common-user switched network and other nodal facilities.
(2) The company provides the following services:
- Automatic telephone central office and switching facilities
for trunk and local telephone circuits.
- Secure multichannel LOS communications terminals for access
to the automatic switched network.
- An NRI facility for secure single-channel (FM) radio access
into the division automatic switched network.
- Cable installation teams to install internal cables and local
telephone circuits. The teams lay cable to tagged junction boxes.
Subscribers install local telephone circuits to these boxes. If
time permits, cable teams assist.
- Secure single-channel (IHFR) RATT terminals for entry into
the division RATT net.
- Secure multichannel TACSAT terminal for selected light divisions at the DISCOM for access to the automatic switched network over extended distances.
(3) The company unit level functions involve site defense for node two. In the event sites are collocated with other divisional elements, defense is a mutual responsibility. Isolated systems, such as multichannel relays or FM retransmission sites pose special problems. These problems include sustainment of Classes I and III and site defense.
a. The light division signal battalion can provide the following:
(1) Automatic telephone and switching facilities that eliminate the need for point-to-point circuits. This does not prevent the use of long line circuits for temporary or even semipermanent periods.
(2) A binodal area common-user system that affords flexibility, some degree of alternate routing, and the security of eliminating highly vulnerable communications clusters.
(3) An ability to operate the division communications system in difficult terrain that comes from technological advantages (like TACSAT and IHFR) as well as intense training in air mobile operations.
b. The light division signal battalion's limitations are described below.
(1) To meet the size, weight, and volume constraints of a light division, some operational means are sacrificed. Therefore, not all division subordinate headquarters have area linkage as in the heavy divisions.
(2) There is no organic messenger service provided by the signal battalion on a division scale. The following procedures/characteristics overcome this limitation:
- Facsimile is used to transmit message traffic.
- User units are responsible for their own messenger delivery.
- When a division messenger service is required, the division
signal office is responsible for determining routes and schedules.
The division G3 is responsible for tasking division units for
vehicles and personnel.
- User-owned and -operated terminals are relied on to transfer messages through the area common-user switched system. Subscribers dial the intended recipient and send the message without intervention by or assistance of signal personnel.
(3) An available satellite space segment is necessary when extended conditions or difficult terrain requires the use of TACSAT systems. This is a limitation in view of the scarcity of space segment today.
(4) Threat environments are of particular concern. If the threat is great enough, then augmentation to the division signal battalion is needed to counter the REC threat. The system should be dispersed even further. This requires outside augmentation of relays and retransmission stations.
(5) Collocating a major node and one or more division headquarters may be considered in some situations. Of course, the increased physical size and electronic signature make the location more susceptible to detection. Separating headquarters from the nodes is a primary goal. Separation results in immediate physical security and more ease in displacement.
(6) Unit sustainment of highly dispersed signal assets creates a significant challenge. The unit maintains signal-unique systems with little assistance from higher echelons.
(7) There is not as much backup or reserve equipment available. The employment of less complex doctrinal systems should be planned. For instance, employing both stacks of equipment in an AN/TRC-145 multichannel system to terminate two systems allows a spare system in reserve or "jump" status for rapid displacement. This leaves the DSO a small base of assets to be used when needed.
a. The division signal battalion provides an area network of various communication means that allows the division commander and his subordinates to properly plan and execute the battle. Figure 4-2 shows a typical multichannel system in a light division. It is based on two major signal nodes. Limited alternate routing is provided.
Figure 4-2. LID multichannel (LOS) terrestrial system.
b. LOS multichannel is the most common and most frequently used system in the division. It is also used in the heavy division. The basic system consists of terminals at--
- The two area nodes.
- Div Main CP.
- Div Rear CP.
- AB.
- DIVARTY.
- Div TAC.
- ADA battalion headquarters.
- The three BSAs.
- The three brigade headquarters.
- The headquarters designated by the division.
c. The light infantry division (LID) battalion with TACSAT has only31 LOS multichannel terminals. An LID battalion without TACSAT has 36 LOS multichannel terminals.
d. Fielding of the AN/TSC-85A/93A (TACSAT) to selected light divisions has provided additional C3 links for the brigades. In the LID, TACSAT assets will be used to supplement the existing LOS multichannel systems or to provide global C3 depending on the mission. Selected LID signal battalions are authorized two AN/TSC-85As, one at Div Main CP and one at Div Rear CP; three AN/TSC-93As are authorized for deployment in support of the three maneuver brigades. Figure 4-3 shows a typical TACSAT employment.
e. The commander makes the final determination as to location of TACSAT assets. On a linear battlefield the multichannel system may be augmented by TACSAT. TACSAT can be operated on an interim basis until the LOS system is available. On a nonlinear battlefield the TACSAT network may be the primary communications means between the forward elements of the division and the support bases. However, consideration must be given to the increasing importance of IHFR means in light of the ease with which current satellite systems are jammed.
Figure 4-3. Optional TACSAT employment.
Internal Command, Control, and Communications
a. Command and control elements of the battalion function throughout the division to efficiently control and operate the communications system. Normally, the battalion headquarters section and the SYSCON operate from Node 1. The BLCP, positioned at Node 2, controls the battalion's other major functions.
b. The company headquarters disperses throughout the division area based upon operational requirements. All company level units face the problem of widely separated assets. Commanders are more mobile than stationary. Normally, the various company headquarters and functional sections may establish themselves in the following areas:
- HHC--with Node 2.
- Command communications company--with Node 1.
- Forward command extension company--with selected BSA.
- Area signal company--with Node 2.
- Division signal office--with Div Main CP.
- SYSCON--with Node 1.
- BLCP--with Node 2.
- Signal site operations--with BSAs, Div TAC, Div Main CP, and Div Rear CP.
c. The rapid movement of the LID demands a responsive command and control system. The isolated two- or three-person teams performing relay, retransmission, or terminal functions are common. To assist the various command and control elements, FM CNRs are needed. Figures 4-4, 4-5, and 4-6 show the nets used for internal operations and for interface with division level staffs. Figure 4-7 shows the doctrinal equipment employment to support a light division multichannel system.
d. The LID concept presents unique challenges to the unit. Subordinate units supporting the division throughout a wide contingency of missions are also uniquely challenged. Another factor to be considered is the active component, reserve component mix, or round out system used for the LID.
(1) The signal battalion must plan, analyze, and manage a signal training program to compensate for this structural fundamental. The round out brigade along with its necessary CS and CSS elements are not as well trained in signal operations as are full-time units. Older equipment and operational differences may affect the interoperability and lower the design efficiency of the division ACUS.
(2) System engineering and employment by division signal office and SYSCON personnel consider the technical differences that may occur. The incompatibility caused by unfamiliarity with reserve component units should be handled by personal liaison and joint training.
Figure 4-7. LID doctrinal equipment employment.
Potential Deployment Light/Air Assault/Airborne Division
a. Through the application and analysis of METT-T (mission, enemy, terrain, troops and time available), the light division deployed as part of a corps may be found deficient. Logistically, without additional support, the time on station for a light division is limited. Operationally, extended communications lines require equipment from the corps.
b. Command and control, as part of a corps, requires the corps signal office and light division signal office to jointly plan and accomplish the mission. The corps signal office plans for augmentation of the light division as required. An example of this is record traffic management where the two-position AN/TGC-30 of the LID limits the amount of record traffic flow. The corps signal office may support the light division as part of a corps communications center operation or provide a stand-alone configuration
a. The joint task force (JTF) is made up of assigned or attached elements of the Army, the Navy or the Marine Corps, and the Air Force, or two or more of these services. The JTF is established by the Secretary of Defense, by the commander of a unified or specified command, or by an existing JTF.
b. A JTF may be composed of all service elements. The communications engineering of successful joint operations requires knowledgeable signal officers to ensure command and control.
c. The light division participates as a member of a JTF. The division signal office is responsible for contingency communications planning. Each service has a signal office.
a. Just prior to deployment, maximum use of infrastructure communications should be used rather than organic assemblages that may require extensive preparation for transport. At the same time, they must minimize exposure of tactical communications to intercept. It is important at this phase to emphasize the use of either automatic secure voice communications (AUTOSEVOCOM) or locally secured telephones, teletypewriter/data automatic digital network (AUTODIN), and courier systems. These measures protect the security of the planned operation and free tactical communications systems for deployment. Table 4-1 contrasts predeployment missions and possible communications means.
b. TACSAT terminals should not be committed for administrative communications unless they can be quickly and positively recovered and redeployed. These limited assets are critical in the initial deployment and employment phases because of their high mobility and ease of operation in almost any worldwide location.
Table 4-1. Predeployment.
c. Plans must be made for external support to provide access into the Defense Communications System (DCS) or the diplomatic telecommunications service (DTS) in the deployment area if elements of the division are deploying as an independent task force. The DTS interfaces with the DCS, allowing the exchange of both secure voice and teletype/data traffic. Also, each embassy or consulate can assist with the local telephone system in the deployment area. Existing tactical communications systems, with the exception of the UHF/TACSAT and IHFR, do not have sufficient range to communicate out of many contingency deployment areas. It is possible to deploy to an area where even the UHF/TACSAT radio cannot communicate directly back to CONUS. In this case, DTS/DCS interface is the only alternative for intertheater communications.
Strategic Deployment Communications
a. Operations security (OPSEC) is ensured through the use of available communications systems. Each deployed Military Airlift Command Airlift Control Element (MAC ALCE) maintains contact with MAC headquarters in CONUS and with other MAC ALCE teams at intermediate staging bases . (See Figure 4-8.)Table 4-2 contrasts missions and communication means for strategic deployment.
b . Early deployment of a multichannel I TACSAT terminal into a secure base area provides both direct command and control communications and a means for the commander to access the DCS secure voice network through a DCS entry station .
Figure 4-8. Strategic deployment.
Table 4-2. Strategic deployment.
c. Deployed units require assistance to access the DCS through either multichannel TACSAT or high power HF DCS entry. DCS access provides AUTOVON, AUTODIN, secure voice, and WWMCCS access. This capability is not organic to the division and must be provided by the supporting command.
d. Planners must identify mission capability packages as mission planning develops. Incremental deployment may be required based on mission requirements and lift constraints. The essential integrity of communications system packages is retained for the mission. For example, the system must include the basic radio, prime mover, generator, fuel, spare parts, and operators. Any sustained operation includes a maintenance package which is usually a combination of replacement components, repair parts, tools, batteries, a maintenance facility, and trained personnel.
a. During the initial phase of tactical deployment, communications equipment is brought forward to ensure essential command, control, and intelligence communications are immediately available upon arrival.
b. The existing infrastructure should be exploited as much as possible, leaving the tactical communications systems free to deploy forward with the combat forces.
c. If available, the Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center (ABCCC) provides initial command and control communications to a deployed task force headquarters. These scarce assets are usually used to support joint headquarters deployments.
d. OPSEC is key to survival as relays or isolated signal elements are deployed. When possible, deploying teams should move only during periods of limited visibility. Camouflage systems should be installed to prevent direct or overhead observation. Resupply vehicles and routes should be concealed. Failure to observe OPSEC leaves these small teams vulnerable to hostile action.
a. US forces should continue to use the existing communications infrastructure, including US and host nation assets. (See Table 4-3.)
b. Any task force deployed separately will be supported by available long-range communications systems from the division signal battalion. However, because assets may be committed to a higher priority mission, each brigade and battalion must be prepared to use organic HF radio systems for long-range communications. Figures 4-9 and 4-10 show the battalion task force tactical employment and communications.
(1) A separate battalion task force, deployed as either the initial combat element of a larger force or as a small force tailored for a short duration and limited mission, initially deploys with organic manpack VHF/FM and limited vehicular mounted VHE/FM and HF/SSB radio sets if required and if within the movement constraints. When required by the mission, one or two TACSAT teams from the division signal battalion are attached to the task force.
(2) Wire should be used to interconnect local elements within CP areas; however, long wire lines, meaning a greater distance than can be observed unless secure, should be avoided. Long wire lines can be monitored and long wire installation is extremely time consuming. The lines can be destroyed by vandals, track vehicles, or hostile forces. If wire line is extended outside a secure area, the entire telephone network is unsecure unless secured by existing cryptographic devices.
(3) Deployment of a brigade task force is supported by a division CP to provide additional communications and logistical and personnel support. When appropriate, the division CP controls base area operations. The division CP includes a task force signal officer who provides signal planning and technical support directly or through coordination with a supporting signal element. The division task force signal officer exercises operational control of all deployed signal battalion elements. Figures 4-11 and 4-12 show the brigade task force tactical employment and communications.
Table 4-3. Tactical employment.
Figure 4-9. Battalion task force tactical employment.
Figure 4-10.Battalion task force communications.
Figure 4-11. Brigade task force tactical employment.
Figure 4-12. Brigade task force communications.
(4) The reliability and security of the VHF/FM system should be used to full advantage, to include range extension using retransmission stations where required. Multichannel systems should not be deployed unless a requirement for sustained operations communications develops or additional divisional units deploy. Couriers selected from within the task force should continue to carry the non-time-sensitive traffic.
(5) Employing VHF/FM retransmission stations requires care in several areas: antenna siting for best coverage, antenna siting to minimize intercept by hostile forces, resupply and recovery, and frequency management. In general, the retransmission should not be placed at the very peak of a crest or ridge. The higher elevation should be used to mask transmissions from the Threat. Even if the signal is not completely attenuated, the mask distorts the location accuracy for direction finders. Planned positioning should allow for ingress and egress of helicopters without exposure over the horizon. When possible, sites should be located where they are not dependent upon helicopters for resupply or extraction. Key terrain for radio relay becomes obvious in the course of a mission. Collocation of relays aids in their resupply and protection. However, collocation can offer the enemy a lucrative target.
(6) HF radio operations are significantly enhanced by an aggressive frequency management program, with frequency changes as required by atmospheric or other interference, supported by use of an atmospheric sounding device such as a chirpsounder. The unit signal officer must take extracts of propagation predictions into the area to manage HF radio frequencies. The task force signal officer must control the frequencies used to prevent mutual interference which can render systems ineffective. The ADSO will have prediction charts and a handheld calculator system for near real-time prediction. A skilled operator, with correct frequencies, can maintain communications in the contingency area. Local forces will rely upon HF for NLOS communications in the area.
(7) Single-channel TACSAT and VHF/FM (Figures 4-13, 4-14, and 4-15) are used for most critical command, control, and intelligence communications. A Parkhill secured HF/SSB tactical operations center (TOC) net and RATT provide NLOS secure communications to all units. HF/SSB is the only NLOS system provided to units below brigade because of the shortage of TACSAT assets.
(8) A typical multichannel grid network system covers a broad frontal area. However, contingency operations may force the division into an elongated posture, with the deployed brigades positioned quite distant from the division support area (DSA). This resulting multichannel system may involve extensive use of relays including some that may need to be airlifted to locations inaccessible by vehicles. The extended communications ranges may result in a system that does not include DSA-BSA systems or lateral systems between adjacent units. Rather than the grid-like system of nodes, they may be in a more linear alignment. Since the VHF/FM retransmission and the multichannel relays generally support the same headquarters, they are often colocated on favorable terrain. This requires both an integrated defense and an intensively managed frequency plan.
Figure 4-13. Tactical employment single-channel radio UHF/TACSAT.
Figure 4-14. Tactical employment single-channel radio HF/SSB TOC net and division GP RATT net for light division.
Figure 4-15.Tactical employment division command operations net VHF/FM.
(9) ECCM is critical to successful operations. Users must deny electronic intercept to avoid direct physical attack and jamming. Antenna siting and minimizing radio transmissions are key methods of providing tactical ECCM. Each unit should train extensively in these methods.
(10) Liaison teams must be provided adequate communications back to their parent headquarters when they are dispatched to lateral or other headquarters. In the best cases, the existing telephone and message network will be adequate. However, in most tactical situations, the only communications will probably be through the radio that the liaison team brings from their own unit. The radio must be adequate for the communications ranges, and the team must be provided SOI and COMSEC or operations code materiel before departure.
(11) High capacity data communications may be necessary for corps artillery and air defense units operating in the division area. This may require extension of the division multichannel system to these units. They may be colocated with the division artillery or the division air defense battalion, as appropriate. These measures ensure that the corps TACFIRE network and the joint automated air warning network are made available to the division.
(12) Airspace management communications must be coordinated between the Division Air Management Element (DAME) and any combined or joint air operations in the area. The appropriate interface with air defense and artillery fire control centers must also be coordinated.
Sustaining Operations Communications
a. Communications and COMSEC DS maintenance facilities must be deployed forward in the division main area to ensure reliable operation of the secure communications systems. Figure 4-16 shows the sustainment communications system.
b. Development of supporting high capacity communications for the logistics base and high capacity systems linking that base and the deployed division is essential.
c. An expanded base communications system, to include the use of local infrastructure on a contract basis, and an expanded DCS access are required to fully support sustaining base operations.
d. The DISCOM or other specified commander is tasked to control rear area security. If required, the logistics nets and communications lines may be used to support limited combat operations. Major operations require augmentation by combat forces to include their communications means and possible augmentation from division or higher headquarters.
Figure 4-16.Sustainment communications system.
e. The BSA and DSA are normally added into the division multichannel system during the initial deployment of the multichannel system. However, these extensions may be deferred depending on the situation and the ability of the DSA/BSAs to fix their locations relative to the Threat force. In addition to the multichannel system, a separate GP RATT net installed by the signal battalion will provide hard-copy communications traffic between the BSA and the DSA.
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