DTIC ADA495274: Army Communicator. Volume 31, Number 1, Winter 2006

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Army Communicator. Voice of the Signal Regiment. Vol. 31 No. 1,
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Winter 2006
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Chief of Signal’s Comments
Training the Regiment for certainty and
educating the Regiment for uncertainty
Fellow members of the Signal Using this methodology and lessons
Regiment: from deployed units, we have changed
The essence of the Army’s the paradigm in which we think, talk, and
transformation today lies in capturing teach the network. We are now teaching
opportunities created by the our Soldiers and leaders how to “fight”
technological change omnipresent in rather than “manage” the network. We
our increasingly complex world. Key are now going to train all signal Soldiers
to that change is the education and and leaders to see themselves – at all
training of signal warriors so they can times – as critical enablers charged with
take advantage of these advances and assuring the health and operation of this
feel comfortable with the new critical weapon system. We owe our
equipment. intelligent Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and
It is clear that the Regiment Sailors attending our classes the skills
needs to educate Soldiers in a more and knowledge to network the force in the
network-centric environment and joint and coalition fight.
provide consistency from doctrine to We have started by transforming
actual employment of the network. the advanced individual training
BG Randolph P. Strong
We must ensure that our experience into three new and distinct
Chief of Signal
instruction addresses the entire parts. In the first part all Soldiers are
network. In order to produce adaptive taught about networks holistically through
Soldiers who are agile thinkers and a “Signal 101” core program while they
competent with ever-evolving live in a forward operation base. Through
technology, we need to bring the need to create a new mindset – a reinforcing warrior tasks and battle drills
whole training system and structure new understanding of fighting a training, Soldiers are educated on
into net-readiness. We cannot do it networked force. This warrior network fundamentals, Internet Protocol
piecemeal. The network is a critical thinking is information age fundamentals, information assurance
weapons system. It is time to go after appropriate and not just new fundamentals, combat net radio, and blue
our training strategies in order to be technology grafted on old thinking force tracking fundamentals.
positioned for the future. patterns. The training construct Soldiers then go to the second
With this in mind, we have set that we developed breaks down phase and complete competency courses
out to dramatically re-tool our signal internal educational stovepipes and for their specific MOS. Finally, all
school. It is apparent that training our goes from “whole to part.” We will students have their skills validated in a
signal warriors so that they function introduce every Soldier to the entire capstone field training exercise. During
comfortably in a net-centric network and then provide MOS this exercise, the signal warrior completes
contemporary operating environment training based on the military reception, staging, onward-movement,
would not be truly effective if we occupational specialty
See Chief of Signal Comments
simply focus on new technology. We requirements.
continued on Inside Back Cover
In order to produce adaptive Soldiers
who are agile thinkers and competent
with evolving changing technology,
we need to bring the whole training
system and structure into net-
readiness. We cannot do it piecemeal.
The network is a critical weapons
system.
U.S. ARMY SIGNAL CENTER AND FORT GORDON Worldwide web homepage address http:// PB 11-06-1
www.gordon.army.mil/AC/ Winter 2006
C E-mail [email protected] Vol. 31 No. 1
OMMAND ARMY
Commander/Commandant Communicator
BG Randolph P. Strong
Command Sergeant Major
CSM Michael Terry
Voice of the Signal Regiment
E S
DITORIAL TAFF
Table of Contents
Editor-in-Chief/Graphic Designer
Janet A. McElmurray Features
Senior Adviser 2 Modular communication solutions in the 2ID
Susan Wood By CPT Benjamin Genthner
Illustrator
5 Tactical COTS concept used for GWOT
Billy Cheney By CPT Jack Sander
Photography
8 Commercial technologies in Iraq
Stephen Larsen, Tony Medici, Richard
Mattox, LTC Stephan Middleton, Anthony By MAJ Mike Parsons
Ricchiazzi, Marlene Thompson, White House
Photo, 11 Black Network proves its mettle during Ulchi Focus Lens 2005
By COL Robert L. Bethea, Jr., MAJ Edward P. Mattison, Jared Shepard, and
CPT Kevin Knowlen
16 Telecommunications service distribution in an expeditionary Army
By CPT Ross W. Charton and 1LT (P) James R. Minicozzi
34 Katrina Disaster Relief special section
35 67th does their best: communications
By Kristy Davies
36 Signal Soldier proves blood IS thicker than water
By SPC Brandon Aird
Army Communicator (ISSN 0362-5745) (USPS
305-470) is an authorized, official quarterly 37 56th Sig Bn assists in Katrina disaster relief
professional bulletin of the U.S. Army Signal Center, By 1LT Sharron Stewart
Fort Gordon, Ga. 30905-5301. Periodical postage
paid by Department of the Army (DOD 314) at 38 G6, 35th Division’s participation in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts
Augusta, Ga. 30901 and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Army By MAJ Francis Polashek
Communicator, U.S. Army Signal Center, Fort
Gordon, Ga. 30905-5301. 39 Katrina task force volunteer meets President Bush
OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTION: Army Communica-
tor is available to all Signal and Signal-related units, By Stephen Larsen
including staff agencies and service schools. Written
requests for the magazine should be submitted to 56 Signal Museum outreach
Editor, Army Communicator, U.S. Army Signal By Robert Anzuoni
Center, Fort Gordon, Ga. 30905-5301.
This publication presents professional 58 Strange signals: Muzak - thanks to George O. Squire
information, but the views expressed herein are
By Mike Rodgers
those of the authors, not the Department of Defense
or its elements. The content does not necessarily
reflect the official U.S. Army position and does not Cover: This edition of the Army Communicator cover reflects signal training
change or supersede any information in other official as found in the Chief of Signal Comments.
U.S. Army publications. Use of news items
constitutes neither affirmation of their accuracy nor
product endorsement. Cover by Billy Cheney
Army Communicator reserves the right to edit
material.
CORRESPONDENCE: Address all correspon- Departments
dence to Army Communicator, U.S. Army Signal
Center and Fort Gordon, Signal Towers (Building 41 Circuit check
29808), Room 713, Fort Gordon, Ga. 30905-5301.
20 Index 2005
Telephone DSN 780-7204 or commercial (706) 791-
7204. Fax number [phone]. 27 TSM update
Unless otherwise stated, material does not
represent official policy, thinking, or endorsement by
Official: By Order of the Secretary
an agency of the U.S. Army. This publication
contains no advertising. of the Army
U.S. Government Printing Office: 1984-746-045/
1429-S.
Army Communicator is not a copyrighted
publication. Individual author’s copyrights can be PETER J. SCHOOMAKER SANDRA R. RILEY
protected by special arrangement. Acceptance by
Army Communicator conveys the right for General, United States Army Administrative Assistant to the
subsequent reproduction and use of published Chief of Staff Secretary of the Army
material. Credit should be given to Army
Communicator. 0530503
MMoodduullaarr ccoommmmuunniiccaattiioonn
ssoolluuttiioonnss iinn 22IIDD
By CPT Benjamin Genthner just about any modular CPs requir- from the intelligence systems it was
ing secure voice and data. Through renamed COVN-K and was fielded
Effective command, control,
much experimentation and fine- by the 122nd Signal Battalion in
communications, computers, and
tuning by the 2ID G-6 and Northop January 2005. The COVN-K has been
intelligence systems are critical to
Grunman the COVN-K has quickly used intensely for operational needs
the success of a modular force on
bloomed into a C4I mainstay on the of the 2ID ever since.
the modern battlefield. In order to
Korean peninsula.
make precise and timely decisions
Composition
during the battle, our commanders
Thesis The COVN-K can be grouped
require the ability to access secure
Since its fielding in January into two major parts groups. (1)The
voice and data, video teleconferenc-
2005, the COVN-K has proved spoke antenna and radio frequency
ing, real time intelligence and
invaluable in 2ID’s ability to com- subsystem; which includes the
collaboration tools. The employ-
municate as a modular force. Al- antenna, up-converter, amplifier,
ment of these capabilities gives the
though the JNN has enhanced low noise block converter, and inter-
commander a common operating
interoperability and networking facility link cables. (2)The COVN-K
picture from which he can make
capabilities, COVN-K has become an LAN subsystem; which consists of a
swift and accurate assessments
extremely attractive alternative to Cisco black side router, a KG175, a
based upon relevant and well-timed
legacy mobile subscriber equip- Tactical Command Post /Internet
information. The ability to share a
ment/tactical satellite communica- Protocol link enhancer and the red
COP among subordinate, higher,
tions. Its high bandwidth, ease of side router. The COVN-K integration
and adjacent units is a force multi-
installation and generally low of top of the line commercial-off-the-
plier which pays dividends in every
maintenance and overhead make it a shelf hardware makes replacing
war fighting function.
perfect solution for any organization parts convenient.
The Army is currently invest-
looking for quick, efficient, and
ing in these C4I capabilities through
sustainable communication. The Deployability
the Joint Network Node fielding.
COVN-Ks abilities have been tested, In comparison to conventional
JNN has proved to be a valuable
refined and validated during MSE and TACSAT assets, COVN-K
C4I system during in its recent
Warpath III, War Fighter 05, and the is very easy to deploy. Using a
deployment in support of Operation
ULCHI Focus LEN 05 exercises, in lightweight 2.4 meter off-set feed
Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi
which the system provided secure antenna dish transportable via
Freedom. 2nd Infantry Division and
voice and data services to major humvee, the COVN-K system can be
many other units across the Army
subordinate commands within 2ID setup and operational by two trained
have yet to be fielded.
and also to our Republic of Korea operators in as little as 30 minutes.
JNNs, however, are still
LNO teams across the peninsula. This setup time makes it an attrac-
expected to buoy up the growing
tive communications tool to modular
needs of a modular force. Faced
Origin command posts on the move.
with subscriber needs racing
Although heavily employed for
beyond its network capabilities and
operational needs since its induction Survivability
a JNN fielding no where on the
at 2ID, the COVN-K system was The COVN architecture was
horizon, the 2ID G-6 has aggres-
originally designed by and for designed to promote survivability
sively pursued viable solutions.
United States Forces, Korea J2 to among intelligence/communications
This path led 2ID to the
provide signal intelligence, human networks around the Pacific Theater.
procurement and fielding of the
intelligence, and imagery intelli- With hubs, servers and Multi-
Combined Operational Very Small
gence data to military intelligence Controlled Units located on Sunset
Aperture Terminals Network Korea.
units. The J2 system, named Com- Beach, Oahu, Hawaii, the systems
The light weight, easily deployable
bined Intelligence VSAT Network gateway is survivable despite
terminals were a perfect match to
Korea, quickly became popular possible hazardous situations on the
support brigade tactical operating
because of its ease of deployment, Korean peninsula. This survivability
centers, major subordinate com-
reliability and maintainability. To is a key feature considering the
mand posts, liaison officer teams, or
delineate the operational systems unpredictable nature of the enemy.
2 Winter 2006
LOS architecture were sometimes
difficult to overcome. A brief terrain
analysis of the Korean peninsula
reveals a mountainous landscape
with an abundance of foliage, plant
life and undergrowth. Large low
lying areas are susceptible to flood-
ing and are often used for agricul-
tural means. Conventional LOS
based radio systems such as the
Single-Channeled Ground to Air
Radio System and MSE face a
unique challenge on the Korean
peninsula. The abrupt terrain
throughout Korea is not conducive
to LOS voice and data communica-
tions.
Terrain 2
In the event of sudden North
Korean invasion the Korean terrain
would severely impede the 2ID’s
ability to Install, operate, maintain
and protect a LOS architecture. Due
to the vulnerability of relay posi-
tions, deploying a network using
these systems would require excess
security, and co-habitation with
protection elements. Aviation assets,
already taxed with theater level
missions, would be required to place
nodes and relays upon otherwise
inaccessible hilltops. Extended
logistics and maintenance operations
would have to be planned, executed,
and sustained. In summary, deploy-
ing a conventional MSE/frequency
COVN-K is fully scalable, super-high frequency VSAT terminal modulation architecture in support
approved for C-band operation. of a fast moving modular force
would most likely be a complex and
hazardous venture. In the event that
Data the commercial hub, the COVN-K
2ID would “Fight Tonight” the
The COVN-K is a fully scalable can support scalable multi-meg data
modular nature of COVN-K would
and modular super-high frequency rates depending on the assigned
help mitigate these risks, creating a
VSAT terminal approved for C-band bandwidth provided by the Network
flexible communication network
operation with a tested data rate of Management System. The COVN-K
which is easy to install, operate,
3.0 Mbps In bound to the hub and has the ability to allocate bandwidth
maintain, and protect.
up to 60 Mbps outbound from the to each terminal on the network
hub. The system is capable of making it scalable to whatever
Challenges
operating in the SI/TK, Sensative mission requirements may be. The
The COVN-K program has not
Infomation Releasable to Republic of COVN-K network administrator
been without its challenges; 2ID has
Korea, SECRET COLATERAL, continually monitors and assesses
yet to move their servers to Hawaii.
SECRET Republic of Korea classifi- how terminals are using their
This has caused undue latency in the
cation level individually, or any allocated bandwidth to ensure
COVN-K network. This “Double
combination of the four classification optimal performance.
Hop” situation is an ineffective way
levels to include all four simulta-
to use the network because it essen-
neously. Terrain 1
tially has doubled the time for a
The employment of COVN-K
subscriber in the field to connect to
Scalability has also helped resolve terrain
his hub/server.
Featuring full redundancy at challenges that with 2IDs traditional
Army Communicator 3
Currently 2ID has resorted to a made in an unconventional manner. A Q S
CRONYM UICK CAN
“virtual hub” solution in which a By thinking outside the box, 2ID and
hub is made from a COVN spoke the G-6 team working closely with
BDE – Brigade
terminal located at the division Northup Grunman have created a C4I – Command, Control, Commu-
main. This “virtual hub” is acting as solution to support the modular nications, Computers, & Intelligence
an inject point to the division communications needs of a trans- COP – Common Operating Picture
servers. This solution does work, formed force. COS – Commercial-off-the-shelf
CIVN-K – Combined Intelligence
however it causes undue latency The COVN-K has been an
VSAT Network Korea
because Instead of having to travel integral part to 2ID’s transformation,
COVN-K – Combined Operational
from a subscriber in the field to the and although it has had its chal-
VSAT Network Korea
satellite and down to a server farm lenges it has proven to be a more CP – command posts
in Hawaii, in the “virtual hub” than adequate placeholder for JNN. FM – frequency modulation
configuration, packets have to travel With the current fielding of JNN FY – fiscal year
twice the distance, leaving again steadily slipping to the right, 2ID is HUMINT – Human Intelligence
ID – Infantry Division
from Hawaii, back to the satellite currently slated to procure seven
IFL – inter-facility link
and back down to the “virtual hub” additional COVN-K systems in fiscal
IMINT – Imagery Intelligence
at the main. There are future plans to year 05-06. There are also plans to
IP – Internet Protocol
move 2ID’s servers to Hawaii, integrate COVN-K into the eventual JNN – Joint Node Network
however until this is done extended 2ID JNN Network. Despite the LAN – Local Area Network
latency will continue to cause eventual fielding of JNN, future LEN – Large Extension Node
problems. Specifically at the applica- research development and refine- LNB – low noise block
LNO – Liaison Officer
tion layer in which many “real time” ment of the COVN-K will remain a
LOS – Line of Sight
applications which seek information key training objective of the 2ID G-6
MCU – Multi-Control Unit
constantly have experienced issues as we move to expand in our role as MSE – mobile subscriber equipment
due to latency. the “Voice of the Warrior”. NMS – Network Management Sys-
tem
Conclusion CPT Genthner is currently OEF – Operation Enduring Free-
dom
In conclusion, with the ever assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division
OIF – Operation Iraqi Freedom
growing demand for bandwidth and where he works in the G-6 NETOPS
RF – radio frequency
C4I systems by commanders of a section at Camp Red Cloud Korea. He
ROK – Republic of Korea
modular force; units such as 2ID was previously assigned to Fort Bliss, SHF – super high frequency
have experienced a period in which Texas, where he served as a Air Defense SIGINT – Signal Intelligence
the demands of the subscriber often signal officer and MSE platoon leader SINCGAR – Single Channel Ground
do not match the ability of a tradi- from 2001-2004. He attended the Signal to Air Radio System
TACSAT – Tactical Satellite
tional line-of-sight network. These Captains Career Course class 06-04
TCP – Tactical Command Post
challenges have led to great strides where he graduated in March 2005.
TOC – Tactical Operations Center
USFK – United States Forces, Ko-
rea
VSAT – Very Small Aperture Termi-
nal
4 Winter 2006
Tactical COTS
concept used for GWOT
By CPT Jack Sander Network Enterprise Technology extended from the campus architec-
Command, based at Fort Huachuca, ture through a COTS solution within
Commercialization concept
Ariz. ruggedized transit cases. This unit
Initial combat operations
This paradigm resulted in a then hypothetically receives orders
within Iraq in support of the Global
situation that required the Signal to relocate to another base that has a
War on Terrorism required rapidly
Corps to develop an interim solution more permanent, long-term strategic
deployable communications person-
designed to rapidly relieve tactical information infrastructure with
nel and equipment. Once initial
units in order to free them up for limited Outside Plant fiber optic
combat operations were concluded,
reconstitution and follow-on mis- cable already in place.
those same communications person-
sions in support of the GWOT. In As the unit prepares to move,
nel began to focus on building a
order to fulfill the need for this they merely disconnect the COTS
long-term strategic commercial
interim solution, the tactical com- components within their transit
communication infrastructure that
mercialization concept was devel- cases and then transport those cases
provided a robust, redundant, and
oped by the 35th Signal Brigade with them as they move to the new
reliable extension of the Global
(Airborne), based out of Fort Bragg, base. Upon arrival at the new base
Information Grid to U.S. and Coali-
N.C. Commercialization of net- the unit already has an organic
tion forces.
works is defined as the displacement capability to hook directly into the
The transition from initial
In other words, commercialization
of the tactical network is a bridge
between the tactical
communications network and the
long-term strategic commercial
Replaces
infrastructure. MSE
o 250Kpbs
o DNVT/DSVT/Data
combat operations to stability and o 6 Psx/2 Vehicles
sustainment operations occurred of tactical communications assem- COTS
very rapidly in Iraq. blages by modular, commercial-off- o 30 to 100 Mbps
The supporting transition from the-shelf solutions. In other words, o VOIP/Data
o 2PAX/0 Vehicles
the tactical communications network commercialization of the tactical
that existed during initial combat network is a bridge between the
existing OSP infrastructure, without
operations to the long-term strategic tactical communications network
having to wait for additional fiber
commercial communications infra- and the long-term strategic commer-
optic cable to be extended to their
structure that provides service for cial infrastructure.
location. This methodology saves
stability and sustainment operations All commercial components
time, effort, and supports our
does not occur as rapidly as neces- and devices are housed in rugged
combat forces effectively with the
sary to keep pace with the combat transit cases. They represent a
necessary C4 services.
maneuver units. Providing immedi- standardized solution that can meet
ate command, control, communica- current and future subscriber
Commercialization of network
tions, and computer support to the demands through a modular design
technologies
warfighter is the responsibility of the that allows easy relocation as the
Commercialization of networks
tactical signal units within theater. supported commander moves
consist of the design and implemen-
Conversely, the operations and throughout the battlespace. A good
tation of a commercial-off-the-shelf
maintenance of the long-term, example of this application would be
network solution that can be placed
strategic commercial infrastructure to consider a unit that is currently
into operation immediately to relieve
falls under the purview of personnel located at a remote Forward Operat-
tactical communications assem-
at the Network Enterprise Systems ing Base. While stationed at the
blages. These COTS solutions are
Technology Activity within the FOB, the unit is receiving C4 services
Army Communicator 5
based upon several current and
emerging technologies such as the
Redline Communications’ AN-30e
Broadband Wireless System,
Canon’s Free Space Optics Trans-
ceivers, Cisco System’s VG248
Analog Phone Gateway, and the
Coalition Military Network.
The AN-30e Broadband
Wireless System operates within the
5.4 to 5.8 gigahertz range of the
electromagnetic frequency spectrum
and is designed to be capable of
transmitting up to eight full T1
circuits over a planning range of 80
kilometers. The Canon Free Space
Optics is a bi-directional optical
beam transceiver designed to be
capable of transmitting a data rate of
156 Mbps over a planning range of
2000 meters. Both the AN-30e
Broadband Wireless System and the
Free Space Optics Transceiver can be signal unit in theater was the 35th cations assemblages for follow-on
managed remotely through Simple Signal Brigade (Airborne), which missions in support of the Global
Network Management Protocol. deployed to Iraq as the Multina- War on Terrorism.
Cisco System’s VG248 Analog tional Corps-Iraq Coalition Network In order to meet this mission
Phone Gateway provides full Operations and Security Center. the unit developed teams within
integration of analog devices (tele- From the beginning of the receipt of each subordinate unit’s area of
phones, modems, fax machines) into deployment orders for the rotation operations. Based upon bottom-
the CallManager Internet Protocol the Soldiers, non-commissioned level-up input from both subscribers
telephony system. The Cisco VG248 officers and officers of the 35th and the teams, the brigade devel-
Analog Phone Gateway is housed in Signal Brigade began preparing for oped an Engineering and Installation
a 19-inch rack-mount chassis and the challenging mission of commer- model for the design of COTS
capable of supporting up to 48 cialization. Realizing that the skills solutions. This model consists of
wireline subscribers. required to install a commercial several phases and is depicted
The Coalition Military Net- network infrastructure normally graphically in the illustration above.
work provides a rapidly deployable, reside at the Echelon Above Corps The process begins with the
self-contained tactical-type capabil- level the brigade’s leadership validation of the subscriber’s com-
ity that extends the campus architec- formed a plan to prepare for the munications requirements. Once
ture for secure and nonsecure voice, upcoming mission. validated an initial engineering
Nonsecure Internet Protocol Router Preparation before deployment survey is completed to determine the
Network, and coalition classified included Soldiers attending fiber necessary Bill of Materials and the
data network connections to remote optic cable splicing/installation engineering design is modeled
sites. The Coalition Network schools, engineering/installation through the use of automated tools.
architecture uses a multifrequency, courses, and a myriad of advanced Next any necessary Requests for
time division multiple access, data networking classes, all designed Service are submitted to higher
demand-assigned multiple access to ensure that they built the skills headquarters and the necessary
system which fully integrates into an necessary for success in the commer- equipment to fill the Bill of Materials
Internet-Protocol information cialization mission. The foresight of is located. Once all equipment is
infrastructure. this preparation by the unit’s leader- located an inventory is performed
These COTS solutions have ship paid huge dividends through- along with initial configuration and
several advantages in terms of out the deployment. testing of all components/devices.
increased bandwidth, quality of The mission defined by the Once the Telecommunications
service, and a reduction in both the brigade’s leadership was to install an Service Order is approved by higher
number of personnel and vehicles interim commercial network solution headquarters, the Bill of Materials is
required for operation. that provides enhanced command, transported to the installation site.
control, communications and Upon arrival at the installation site
The mission computer services to the warfighter the equipment is placed into opera-
During OIF-III, the lead tactical while displacing tactical communi- tion and end-to-end user connectiv-
6 Winter 2006
ity is verified. Upon verification of soldiers of the 35th Signal Brigade
A Q S
CRONYM UICK CAN
end-to-end connectivity the tactical (Airborne) completed a massive OSP
communications assemblage is mission, terminating over 5,160
relieved of its mission. All necessary individual strands and installing BOM – Bill of Materials
C4 – Command, Control, Commu-
documentation such as engineering over 795 miles of fiber optic cable.
nications and Computers
instructions and AutoCad drawings The in ISP statistics for the brigade’s
CMN – Coalition Military Network
are then completed and distributed accomplishments were equally as CNOSC – Coalition Network Opera-
to the appropriate agencies. impressive, with over 167 buildings tions and Security Center
The main requisition source for wired for subscribers and over 501 COTS – Commercial-Off-The-Shelf
the bill of materials during the OIF layer-2/3 switches configured E&I – Engineering and Installation
EAC – Echelon above Corps
III rotation was either equipment throughout Iraq. The brigade also
FOB – Forward Operating Base
that had previously been procured installed over 5,000 Voice over
GIG – Global Information Grid
for a project that was no longer Internet Protocol phones and pro-
GWOT – Global War on Terrorism
needed or end-of-lifecycle equip- vided service to over 6,600 commer- ISP – Inside Plant
ment that was repaired and refur- cial subscribers in the largest tacti- METT-TC – mission, enemy, ter-
bished by the brigade during the cal/strategic communications rain and weather, troops available
deployment. network in the history of the Signal and civilian
NETCOM – Network Enterprise
The Outside Plant missions Corps.
Technology Command
performed by the Soldiers of the Most importantly, the tactical
NIPERNET – NonSecure Internet
brigade during the rotation were communications concept allowed the
Protocol Routing Network
designed to support the tactical Signal Corps to provide an enhanced OIF –III – Operation Iraqi Freedom
commercialization concept while quality of service to the warfighter, Rotation III
moving towards the goals of a long- housed within a modular design that OSP – Outside PlantRFS – Re-
term, strategic commercial infra- can be relocated throughout the quests for Service
SNMP – Simple Network Manage-
structure installation. battlespace as necessary in accor-
ment Protocol
In some cases we were able to dance with current mission, enemy,
TSO – Telecommunications Service
use existing Iraqi manhole structures terrain and weather, troops available Order
and conduits for the installation of and civilian factors to achieve VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol
fiber optic and copper cable. In tactical and operational objectives.
other cases the manhole structure The tactical commercialization
and conduits were damaged beyond mission was a resounding success CPT Sander is currently assigned
repair and cable assets were direct- for the brigade during OIF-III, to the 35th Signal Brigade (Airborne) S3
buried to bypass the unusable allowing the Signal Corps to provide Engineer section. He commanded
manholes. Continual forward- immediate C4 solutions to the Company C, 327th Signal Battalion
progress was maintained at all times, warfighter while simultaneously (Airborne) during Operation Enduring
providing an ever-increasing quality advancing as rapidly as possible Freedom IV. His previous assignments
level of C4 support to the warfighter. with the installation of the long-term include training with industry at AT&T
This progress was maintained commercial infrastructure. The hard Research Laboratories, Battle captain
by using assets that were on-hand in work and dedication of the Soldiers, for the Joint Signal Support Element in
theater as opposed to waiting on non-commissioned officers and support of CJTF-180 during Operation
additional equipment and resources officers of the 35th Signal Brigade Enduring Freedom II, and Squadron
to arrive from CONUS. In this (Airborne) paid off as they finished Signal Officer for the 3rd Armored
manner the brigade ensured that the rotation by achieving a total Cavalry Regiment during the Stabiliza-
there was a constant, steady de- decrease of almost two full tactical tion Force-7 rotation in Bosnia-
crease in the number of required area signal battalions within Iraq. Herzegovina.
tactical signal forces throughout the This is an approximate total of He holds an undergraduate degree
duration of OIF-III. 1,146 Soldiers, 50 communications in Electrical Engineering from Colorado
Soldiers from the 35th Signal assemblages, and 25 data packages Technical University in Colorado
Brigade (Airborne) install a Tactical that will now be able to reset and Springs, Colo.
Commercialization Data Package maintain the combat readiness
during OIF-III. necessary to meet current and future
warfighter demands in support of
The results the GWOT.
During the OIF-III rotation the
Army Communicator 7