'Dagger' Brigade puts mission command systems to the test during exercise

HOHENFELS, Germany-- U.S. Soldiers from 82nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, continue to test the limits of their equipment with the deployment of a Secure Mobile Anti-jam Reliable Tactical Terminal to Hohenfels, Germany in support of multinational exercise, Allied Spirit VIII, Jan. 15- Feb. 5, to validate its ability to communicate with the brigade's second SMART-T in Zagan, Poland.

The SMART-T is a satellite communications system that can provide voice and digital transmission in jamming, nuclear, or chemical environments, and even remain operational through a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse incident.

The team responsible for operating the SMART-T is attached to the Polish 12th Mechanized Brigade, supporting their communications and mission command enabling operations for the duration of Allied Spirit.

The 82nd BEB is exercising the SMART-T to test a proof of concept, said 2nd Lt. Justin Horton, platoon leader, 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion.

"What they are going to do, is put the SMART-T through our Signal Shelter Switch to reach the SMART-T in Poland," said Horton.

The distance being tested is approximately 230 miles.

"The SMART-T is a very good piece of equipment, and very durable," said Horton. "It can even resist EMPs and a lot of countermeasures taken against it."

The system's operators also appreciate the system's capabilities. "It provides communications through the Milstar satellite," said Cpl. Koty Kennedy, SMART-T team leader, Company C, 82nd BEB. The Milstar satellite provides the military with assured, survivable satellite communications with low probability of interception and detection, according to U.S. Air Force Space Command.

Kennedy's prior experience was on the AN/TRC-190 High Capacity Line of Sight Radio, before being assigned to the SMART-T six months ago. He has enjoyed learning to work with the satellite system.

"This system is older, but pretty reliable," said Kennedy "It will allow you to have communications in some really adverse conditions."

The 82nd BEB additionally deployed two HCLOS operator teams and systems, also capable of both voice and digital transmissions, to Hohenfels to support their fellow battalion, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd ABCT, and 12th Mech. Bde. during Allied Spirit.

Horton explained the benefits of having a redundant system. "If our phoenix [satellite system] goes down, 82nd BEB will still be able to provide a continuous connection between 1-18 Inf. Regt. and 12th Mech. Bde. with the link provided by their HCLOS systems," said Horton. The HCLOS is the back-up to a back-up, so we can still talk to the Polish brigade."

The phoenix system is another capability that provides ESB units with high capacity, inter- and intra-theater range extension for networked battle command and control information, including logistical, operational, intelligence, and administrative data, according to Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T).

Approximately 4,100 participants from 10 nations are taking part in Allied Spirit, providing its participants hands-on experience and opportunities to test secure communications between NATO allies and partners.

The 2nd ABCT is participating in the exercise as part of their deployment to Central Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve, a mission intended to provide a tangible expression of U.S. commitment to strengthening the defensive and deterrent capabilities of the NATO Alliance.