Network gives Soldiers new 'digital guardian angel'
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- The Army's new, mobile tactical communications network has reached Afghanistan, where U.S. forces are relying on the technologies to stay connected and cover more ground.
From tracking the progress of small groups of Soldiers at remote outposts to directing operations while traveling through mountainous terrain, the unit is leveraging Capability Set 13, or CS 13, to communicate and carry out its advise-and-assist missions in support of the Afghan National Security Forces.
"The enhanced situational awareness given to us by this suite of technology has allowed us to maintain a 'digital guardian angel' as we conduct our advising duties and missions," said Maj. Gary Pickens, the communications officer for the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, which is the first unit to deploy CS 13 in theater. "The various platforms of CS 13 give us a digital reach like we've never had before."
The technology, an integrated group of tactical communications systems that came together through the Army's Network Integration Evaluation, or NIE, process, arrived in Afghanistan with the BCT this summer, and has supported multiple missions during the last several weeks. While it is still early in their deployment, users say CS 13 is a significant improvement over previous equipment and will become even more critical as drawdown operations accelerate.
Leaders discuss space, missile defense at symposium
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- The Rocket City once again became the launching pad for leaders in the space and missile defense universe.
With the theme of "Shaping Capabilities for a Dynamic Environment," the 16th annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium was hosted at the Von Braun Center, Aug. 12-15. The conference was presented by the Air, Space and Missile Defense Association, the National Defense Industrial Association's Tennessee Valley Chapter and the Air Defense Artillery Association.
"Our warfighters have made an indelible mark in history with unparalleled performance," said retired Maj. Gen. John W. Holly, SMD Symposium industry chairperson. This performance and commitment, coupled with a nationally supported industrial base, provide the necessary impetus to shape a dynamic future. We look forward to your attendance, engagement and vision as we endeavor to shape the future of our industry and our nation."
On his first full day in command, Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, gave a USASMDC/ARSTRAT and Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense update to those in attendance. He talked about what the command is doing, not only today, but what the command aims to do tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.
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