504th MI Brigade fields new equipment to assist Army's intelligence mission

By Sgt. Dominique M. Clarke, 504th MI Brigade Public AffairsNovember 23, 2015

Standing ready during a field training exercise
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A Prophet Enhanced system mounted on a MRAP-All Terrain Vehicle is used by 504th Military Intelligence Brigade Soldiers to carry out their missions. Soldiers manning the Prophet system can search for, monitor and analyze enemy radio communications fr... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Paired for collection and analysis
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A pair of Prophet Enhanced system trucks sit in a training area during a recent Field Training Exercise. The Prophet system has sensors which can intercept enemy radio communications and radio frequencies, and allows the Soldiers manning the trucks t... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Increased capability with the Prophet Enhanced vehicle
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers from the 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Military Intelligence Brigade, man vehicles like these to conduct signals intelligence (SIGINT) missions. The Prophet Enhanced system is mounted on a MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle to allow max... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT HOOD, Texas (November 23, 2015) -- Soldiers of the 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Military Intelligence Brigade, recently fielded the Prophet Enhanced System mounted on modular vehicle kits, in a move directly impacting modernization among the Army's intelligence equipment.

The Prophet Enhanced system is a dedicated, all-weather tactical ground-based signals intelligence (SIGINT) system. The Soldiers used the Prophet Enhanced system, which is mounted on Mine Resistant, Ambush-Protected All-Terrain Vehicles, or M-ATVs, during a Field Training Exercise at Fort Hood, Nov. 10. The Military Intelligence Soldiers using the Prophet hold maintain a 35-series Military Occupational Specialty, and play a direct role in supporting the Army's maneuver forces and high value targeting efforts.

The Prophet consists of a dismounted or mounted integration kit, each providing distinct capabilities. The dismount kit provides a full sensor capability, while the mobile kit has a smaller footprint and is therefore a more portable kit.

Field Training Exercises are usually simulated "mini-battles" that provide realistic scenarios and situations a unit might face if deployed supporting worldwide operations. While squad and platoon-sized units can conduct a field training exercise, most exercises are conducted at the company, battalion or brigade levels.

Warrant Officer Evan Beeson, an intelligence maintenance and integration technician with A Company, 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Military Intelligence Brigade, said the vehicle-mounted systems allow Soldiers to work on-the-go, versus being tied to a stationary computer workstation.

"The system allows the soldiers to use the network like they are inside a building, but from their vehicles," said Beeson. "I know the soldiers like that." He continued by saying the Soldiers are anxious to use the new equipment in training and operational enviornments.

"I look forward to working on the system," said Beeson. "The Soldiers are excited to have the new equipment."

The Prophet system is continuously being tested and prepared to perform on the battlefield. Making the system compatible with a new fleet of Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles greatly improves the capabilities of both Soldiers and the system itself.

Spc. Daniel Minter and Spc. Isabelle Isidoro, are cryptological linguists with A Company, 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Military Intelligence Brigade, and operated the Prophet system during the battalion's exercise.

Isidoro said the transition to the improved Prophet system was "nice and easy," while Minter added that its improved capabilities will be a tool in the fight against the war on terrorism. Both agreed the Prophet Enhanced system is much better than the previous models.

1st Lt. Andrew Howerton, a platoon leader with A Company, 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion, said the Prophet Enhanced system allows for protection at a small unit level.

"The system improves the possibility to know what the enemy is doing before they enact on their motives. So the information collected will help avoid situations where people may be harmed," said Howerton. "The equipment is a necessity. Soldiers function better with the equipment and it allows them to be faster in their work."

Related Links:

Program Executive Office - Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors

504th Military Intelligence Brigade on Facebook

Fort Hood Press Center website

III Corps and Fort Hood