Military

Initially, the task force experienced challenges with MST-20 radio repair and SATCOM refresher training. For some time, the task force commander made improving single-channel TACSAT communications a top priority. In fact, TF Hawk cancelled some MREs because of lack of reliable SC TACSAT communications. The Corps continued with the repair and replacement of the MST-20 radios. Meanwhile, the ACofS, G6 expedited fielding and operator training for the new AN/PSC-5 SPITFIRE radio in the Corps. In only a few weeks, TF Hawk received the new radios and were trained to operate them. Figure 1 depicts communications during MREs and planned mission execution.

Communications

Because of force caps on the task force and requirements to respond to other contingencies, most TF Hawk units deployed only portions of their assets. Since a majority of the unit key leaders deployed forward, task force signal planners had the immense task of building a communications architecture whereby these leaders could continue to provide command and control (C2) for rear detachments and stay-behind assets. Table 1 provides the details for communication support in the task force area. TF Hawk used some of these common communications systems not only to simplify communications between forward and rear elements, but also to boost morale, such as making DSN and NIPRNET available for morale and welfare purposes.

ADOCS: Automated Deep Operations Coordination System
IRAP: Integrated Response Air Picture
ADSI: Air Defense Systems Integrator
CTAPS: Contingency Tactical Air Planning System
CRONOS: Critical Response Operations NATO Open System
SC TACSAT: Single-Channel Tactical Satellite
LOCE: Linked Operations Capability, Europe
MSE: Mobile Subscriber Equipment
VTC: Video Teleconference
SIPR: Secure Internet Protocol Router
NIPR: Non-secure Internet Protocol Router
DSN: Defense Switching Network
FM: Frequency Modulation

According to FM 24-1, communications are any transmission, emission, or reception of signs, signals, writings, images, and sounds or any information by wire, light, fiber optics, radio, visual, or other electromagnetic systems. TF Hawk signal support assets provided unparalleled success for combat communications operations using MSE and SATCOM. The ability of the Signal battalion to move large amounts of information over vast distances was so reliable that MSE was deployed forward with key radar and MLRS assets. The MSE assets are normally reserved for headquarters support.

The Signal battalion in support of TF Hawk installed, operated, and maintained a robust and flexible communications network. Although the equipment met all performance expectation, it was the dedication of the unit soldiers and leaders that allowed task force to meet all communications obstacles, such as a harsh environment and restrictive operational parameters. The unit successfully cleared each one with professionalism and ingenuity. The proactive attitude of battalion personnel helped them overcome many issues to include initial entry support.

Automation

Automation is converting a procedure or process to automatic operations at an exchange, terminal, or local area network (LAN) according to FM 24-1. For this operation, the automation technologies included graphics and word-processing software and files, copiers, telecommunications, printing, data processing, and electronic record systems. Since these were significant data requirements above the capabilities of MSE, the signal team conceived, constructed and maintained an unprecedented data package to support the task force. Completely isolated from the doctrinal tactical packet network of MSE, the data package connected directly to users in the task force headquarters on one end and AN/TSC-85 satellite terminals on the other. To shield it from the environment, to secure information and to maintain the satellite links, battalion personnel applied their resourcefulness and found viable solutions.

The Signal battalion erected the DRAS tent to provide shelter for the data equipment, a procedure that required four to six personnel. The DRAS contained a floor and several windows and doors (with Velcro attachments) that totally enclosed the data racks and kept dust, mud, and rain off the equipment. The tent had approximately 402 square feet of interior useable space, with raw dimensions of 33.25 ft x 13.5 ft x 10 ft. Signal Battalion technicians used electric fans to control the temperature inside the tent.

To address this challenge, the Signal battalion customized a field data package using AN/TSC-85 multi-channel tactical satellite (TACSAT) terminals, FCC-100 multiplexer/de-multiplexer, modems, codex, multi-rate voice cards, encryption devices, network routers, network hubs, network encryption systems (NESs) and signal drivers. The key piece of the data package was the FCC-100 multiple protocol router, which provided customized data, voice, and video support above the capabilities of the MSE packet network. This single platform was capable of combining functions of voice systems, data systems, and frame relay as a multiprotocol router. The data package, made up of three FCC-100s, provided 256 KBPS VTC, 56 KBPS DRSN, 768 KBPS DSN, 1.2 KBPS AUTODIN, 768 KBPS SIPR, 192 KBPS NIPR, 56 KBPS NATO E-mail, and 64 KBPS CTAPS for the air traffic coordination. Key to the success of this package was its flexibility in reallocating more or less "bandwidth" to particular systems during the operation. For example, the Task Force decided that NIPR was not a required system during MREs. It was inactivated and reactivated at the direction of the ACofS, G6 during predetermined times during the exercise. The three diagrams that follow show signal flow for the data package in support of the TF Hawk headquarters and DOCC.