Communications are essential
for gathering data, planning operations, performing C2 functions,
and supervising performance. Effective management of FSB functions
depends on adequate communications to keep abreast of changing
situations and requirements.
The FSB relies on both its
organic communication assets and the support of the division signal
battalion. Due to the length of CSS transmissions and the high
density of elements in the BSA, use of couriers and wire communications
should be maximized to lessen the security risk of substantial
radio use.
Communications equipment and
systems in the corps and division are changing. The current area
communications system described below will be replaced by the
MSE system. Current FM (AN/VRC-12 series) radios and AM (AN/GRC-106)
radios will be replaced by the single-channel ground and airborne
radio subsystem and the improved high frequency radios.
These changes will affect
the FSB in the area of connectivity to the area system. Under
the current system, the forward support platoon of the signal
battalion runs wire to the FSB switchboard. When MSE is deployed,
the FSB will run wire from unit locations to the MSE interface
point. The amount of wire the FSB headquarters and companies will
need will be based on the dispersion requirements of the particular
situation. With the deployment of MSE, wire-laying for all units
will have to be covered by the unit SOP. It must cover who does
it and in what priority. The actual communications means will
remain essentially the same. The FSB will depend on, the couriers,
combat net radios, and wire access to the signal-corps-provided
area communications system. Automated hardware systems will be
subscribers to the area via wire access.
The current area communications
system is shown in Figure 4-1. The FSB headquarters and companies
use their organic switchboards and telephones for internal wire
communications. Wire nets are depicted in Figures 4-2 through 4-5. The FSB will normally tie into the area communications system
(signal battalion Multichannel system) at the signal battalion
forward support platoon switchboard. The companies will tie into
the FSB switchboard or directly into the signal battalion switchboard
to gain access into the area system.
When the mobile subscriber
equipment area system replaces the current area system, the current
organic 2-wire switchboards and telephones will not be capable
of entering the 4-wire digital system. The FSB and its companies
will retain the two organic switchboards for BSA security and
internal operations.
MSE is the area common user
voice communications system within the corps. It is the backbone
of the corps system and will be deployed from the corps rear boundary
forward to the maneuver battalion main CP. The MSE system is
comprised of five function areas:
-
Area coverage.
-
Wire subscriber access.
-
Subscriber terminals.
-
Mobile subscriber access.
-
FBS will participate in the
first four of above functional areas.
Area coverage means that MSE provides common user support to a geographic area,
as opposed to dedicated support
to a specific unit or customer. Figure 4-6 shows the deployment
of area nodes across a corps area. These nodes are called node
centers. They are depicted in Figure 4-7. They are under the control
of the corps signal officer.
At division level, the signal
battalion operates four of these nodes. Connected to these nodes,
via line-of-sight radios, are small extension node switchboards
and large extension node switchboards. The following switchboards
are organic to the division signal battalion:
-
12 SEN (VI) switchboards capable
of supporting 26 customers each.
-
4 SEN (V2) switchboards capable
of supporting 41 customers each.
- 1 LEN switchboard capable of supporting 176 customers.
A typical deployment of switchboards
within the division is shown in Figure 4-8, units. (Tactical dispersion
requirements require the FSB to tie into a SEN.) Figure 4-8 is
only one approach. The location of switchboards will be determined
by the G3 based on the recommendation of the division C-E officer.
The C-E officer considers the commander's intent, customer requirements,
and other factors of METT-T. Switchboard location. cannot be consistently
related to specific units.
Wire subscriber access points
will provide the entry points (interface) between fixed subscriber
terminal equipment owned and operated by users and the MSE area
system operated by signal units.
Figures 4-9, 4-10, and 4-11 show
the MSE switchboard configurations through which the FSB may tie
into the area system. The two types of interface equipment are --
-
The signal distribution panel
(junction box) J-1077. Each panel provides up to 13 subscriber
access points.
-
Remote multiplexed combines
which provide access for eight subscriber access points.
Subscriber terminals used
by the FSB are digital nonsecure voice telephones. These provide
full duplex digital, 4-wire voice as well as a data port for interfacing
the AN/UXC-7 facsimile, the TACCS computer, and the unit-level
computer, as depicted in Figure 4-12. They also provide the interface
for the FSB to enter the ATCCS. Figure 4-13 portrays the assignment
of DNVT, facsimile, ATCCS, and ULCs for the FSB. The DNVT ties
into the area system through a panel or RMC.
The MSE mobile subscriber
terminal is the AN/VRC-97 mobile subscriber radio telephone terminal.
This MSRT, which consists of a very high frequency radio and a
digital secure voice terminal, is a vehicle-mounted assembly.
It interfaces with the MSE system through a radio access unit.
The primary use of the MSRT is to provide mobile subscribers access
to the MSE area network. Figure 4-14 is a typical MSRT interface
into the area system. RAUs are deployed to maximize area coverage
and MSRT concentrations. MSRTs can also operate in CPs to allow
access to staff and functional personnel. Figure 4-14 represents
assignment of MSRTs in the FSB, The MSRT in the supply company
is located at the ATP. It is used by the DAO representative to
coordinate class V requirements. The MSRT user will have a KY
68 telephone connected to the radio mounted on his vehicle. As
long as the radio unit has line-of-sight contact with the RAU,
it has connection into the area system. The operational planning
range is 15 kilometers from any RAU.
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