For the first time, the 25th Infantry Division (25ID) used a Silvus radio network to transmit data in a Command Post Exercise (CPX). CPXs leading to Warfighter exercises are essential and developmental for the 25ID. This exercise and the preceding training period allowed our teams to stress critical warfighting systems, which increased our overall warfighting readiness.
The 25th Infantry Division is an Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) equipped Division. ITN provides expeditionary, mobile, simple-to-use, and hardened capabilities to support the Division as the decisive tactical echelon. The ITN offers a simplified, independent, mobile network solution at the Division echelon down to the small-unit dismounted leader to facilitate mission command, situational awareness, and air-to-ground integration. A well-welcomed addition to the ITN is the Silvus Streamcaster radio.
In line with the U.S. Army's Command and Control (C2) Fix initiative, the 25ID strives to become lighter, faster, more survivable, and more lethal; the Silvus Streamcaster boasts improved size, weight, and power (SWaP) characteristics that make this radio suitable for jungle operations. The Streamcaster weighs 2.5 lbs and is the size of a 5" x 6" photo, allowing the radio to be hand carried, mounted to an all-terrain vehicle, or concealed on rooftops. Additionally, the Streamcaster requires less than 100 watts of power, which can be provided through a battery pack, cigarette adapter, or solar charger. The Streamcaster is a significant SWaP improvement compared to the Army's Terrestrial Transmission Line of Site (TRiLOS), which weighs over 50 lbs, takes up space with three rigid boxes, and requires persistent 120v power.
The 25ID G6 Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. Vincent Labador, stated "Silvus radios offer an extra level of scalability to command post configurations. Intelligent implementation of these radios can afford a command element to share bandwidth from one external transport platform and collectively provide connectivity to alternate sites concurrently."
Another improvement the Silvus Streamcaster provides over the TRiLOS is its innovative waveform technology. The Streamcaster uses Multiple-In Multiple-Out (MIMO), referring to the fact that when data is transmitted into the channel, data is transmitted on multiple antennas. When data comes out of the channel, it is received on multiple antennas. MIMO contrasts a Single-In, Single-Out system with one antenna on both ends of the link. In addition to multiple antennas, the waveform uses a MANET (Mobile Ad hoc Networking) system, a group of mobile devices that can stream voice, data, and video between utilizing the others as relays. The result is a self-forming/self-healing network in which radios can join or leave the network at any time, and the network will continuously adapt its topology as nodes move in relation to one another.
Sgt. Maj. Vincent Labador further iterates, "The updated MIMO and beam forming capability that the Silvus provides enables the operation of small signature high throughput data traffic that could fill the gap in the interim or absent of a full TRILOS requirement."
25ID operates in a theater where the electromagnetic spectrum is highly contested. The Silvus Streamcaster 4200 helps Soldiers exert spectrum overmatch with features that enable the radio to have a low probability of intercept (LPI), low probability of detection (LPD), and anti-jamming resiliency. The radio accomplishes this by dynamically throttling power to the minimum amount necessary to maintain network connectivity. Additionally, the radio automatically scans and monitors the spectrum for interference and cancels the offending interfering signal at the onset of jamming. The entire network will also move at the cleanest frequency to avoid jamming. These systems will provide critical C2 capabilities throughout jungle and archipelagic environments, ensuring that 25ID Soldiers remain ready to overcome challenges in crisis or conflict.
Warfighter exercises improve our military warfighting readiness and allow us to transform capabilities by experimenting with new technologies, techniques, tactics, and procedures. These critical lessons will enable us to continue growing and becoming more effective. Everything we learn is pumped back into the Army via the after-action review process and our professional writing program.
MAJ Justin E. James is the Deputy G6 for the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. His previous assignments include serving as the BCT S6 for 2IBCT, 25ID, and as a Battalion S6 in the 173rd Airborne Brigade. MAJ James is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) at Fort Leavenworth, KS, and the Signal Captain's Career Course at Fort Gordon, GA. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delaware and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland.
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