DTIC ADA593633: Army Communicator. Volume 27, Number 3, Fall 2002

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Approved for public release;
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distribution is unlimited.
Headquarters,
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C
OMMUNICATOR
Voice of the Signal Regiment ! PB 11-02-3 Fall 2002 Vol. 27 No. 3
! Special focus:
radio’s resurgence --
its “new” uses in the
current and near-
future Army, Pgs. 2-18
! Signal-planning
fundaments for field
artillery, Pg. 23
! POLEX 2002 special
coverage (Part of
Grecian Firebolt 2002),
Pgs. 28-32
! Signal Corps,
Signal Regiment,
Regimental Division,
Signal Corps Regi-
mental Association --
what’s the difference?,
Pg. 33
! Recapitalizing
tactical computer-
automation systems,
Pg. 50
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Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18
Chief of Signal’s Comments
“To defend against all enemies, foreign and domestic. ...”
As we observe the tragic first anni- ing to, recovering from and ultimately pro-
versary of the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, tecting us from a terrorist attack using tools
2001, the Signal Regiment is leading the already “in inventory” but customized for the
way in developing an information sys- new domestic focus within the Army’s fun-
tem that will help government agencies damental mission of fighting and winning
cooperate in defending against our our nation’s wars. The system’s current
country’s enemies – both foreign and name is the Force Protection Command-
domestic. and-Control Information-Management Sys-
tem. Military as well as non-military organi-
Since Sept. 11, we as a nation
zations have shown a great deal of interest
have re-examined how best to commu-
in it.
nicate information about a very present
As our Battle Lab leads the way, our
and asymmetric threat (terrorism) within
intent is to guide the information system’s
our borders. Before this date, communi-
development to a logical end. We envision
cation among our federal, state and local
a system that joins organizations previously
organizations was obviously not as good
unable to efficiently do so in a collaborative,
as it could have been. Since the lack of
information-sharing environment. This will
information-sharing was an “enabler” to
strengthen our national communications
Sept. 11’s events, to “disable” any future MG John P. Cavanaugh
process and enable us to better deal with
similar events, it’s necessary to have a Chief of Signal
the terrorist threat.
system capable of gathering and pre-
What we’re doing now is really what
senting information about the internal
we’ve done as Signaleers since the Army
threat. the Office of Homeland Security gal-
has existed. We’re working to increase
That’s where we as a Regiment vanized efforts across all govern-
cooperation and communication among
come in. Our mission as a Regiment has ment levels. The national challenge
federal and local agencies in the interest of
been to ensure Army units can commu- is how to aggregate threat informa-
defense against a domestic threat. I want all
nicate on the battlefield with each other, tion from local, state and federal agen-
Signaleers to be confident the Regiment is
as well as with the other service compo- cies in a manner that supports in-
working hard and smart to provide the re-
nents: Air Force, Navy and Marines. It’s formed decisive operations. Because
quired set of tools.
an ongoing challenge – with the con- of our experience in joint and coali-
stant change in technology and mission tion communications, we’re the ex-
requirements – to ensure a smooth com- perts when it comes to forming the
munications flow in this environment, solution that seamlessly brings to- As you’ll see in Circuit Check,
but we make it happen. gether disparate systems, so our Page 60, we have a new Chief of
nation looks to us to take point.
However, our mission has been Signal. BG Janet Hicks will ad-
geared to a threat on foreign soil; we’ve And we have. The Signal dress her first comments to the
not really been oriented toward protect- Center’s Battle Lab at Fort Gordon,
Signal Regiment in the next edi-
ing our homeland – until now. The Ga., is leading development of a sys-
president’s executive order establishing tem that facilitates detecting, respond- tion (Winter 2002).
The national challenge is how to aggre-
gate threat information from local, state and
federal agencies in a manner that supports
informed decisive operations. Because of
our experience in joint and coalition com-
munications, we’re the experts when it
comes to forming the solution that
seamlessly brings together disparate sys-
tems, so our nation looks to us to take point.
U.S. ARMY SIGNAL CENTER AND FORT GORDON A Worldwide web homepage address http:// PB 11-02-3
RMY www.gordon.army.mil/AC/ Fall 2002
E-mail [email protected] Vol. 27 No. 3
C
OMMAND
C
Commander/Commandant OMMUNICATOR
BG Janet E.A. Hicks
Command Sergeant Major
CSM Stanley Davis Voice of the Signal Regiment
E S
DITORIAL TAFF
Table of Contents
Editor-in-Chief/Graphic Designer
Lisa Alley Features
Senior Adviser 2 Non-traditional training for a wireless environment
Susan Wood LTC Bart Hill
Illustrators
7 Frequency-modulation retransmission lessons-learned in Korea
Lisa Alley, Tommy Cooper, SGT Clifton CPT Michael Sohn and 1LT Thomas Martin
McDonald, Terry Moehlman, SGT Michael
Nesmith, SFC John Plotts 9 Planning for the use of high-frequency radios in the brigade combat
Photography teams and other transformation Army organizations
Lisa Alley, CPT Dean Denter, MSG Bill David Fiedler
Gierke, SFC Thomas Grant, MAJ John
23 Signal-planning fundamentals for field artillery
Hinkel, SGT Dave Marck Jr., SSG Nate
Orme, SFC Kathleen Rhem, SPC Derick MAJ John Hinkel
Vance, SSG Debra Walker
28 Special coverage: POLEX 2002 (Part of Grecian Firebolt 2002)
311th Theater Signal Command public-affairs office, SPC Derick Vance, SGT
Brett McMillan, SSG Nate Orme, SPC Jonathan Charles
33 Signal Corps ... Signal Regiment ... Signal Corps Regimental Association
-- what’s the difference?
Amy Tuschen
50 Recapitalization of tactical computer-automation systems
LTC Jerome Payne
Army Communicator (ISSN 0362-5745) (USPS
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This publication presents professional
information, but the views expressed herein are
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: Radio, the technology the Signal Corps introduced to the 20th-
change or supersede any information in other official
U.S. Army publications. Use of news items century battlefield, has an expanded use in the wireless environment of the
constitutes neither affirmation of their accuracy nor 21st-century “cyberbattlefield.” Cover illustration by Dennis Garman
product endorsement.
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CORRESPONDENCE: Address all correspon-
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Telephone DSN 780-7204 or commercial (706) 791-
7204. Fax number [phone]. 21 Doctrine update 44 Training update
Unless otherwise stated, material does not
20 Pulse 19 TSM update
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material. Credit should be given to Army Communi-
cator. 0214502
Non-traditional
training for a
wwwwwiiiiirrrrreeeeellllleeeeessssssssss eeeeennnnnvvvvviiiiirrrrrooooonnnnnmmmmmeeeeennnnnttttt
by LTC Bart Hill antennas, propagation, interference
Signal soldiers must and so forth will become extremely
A recent issue of Army Com-
important for overall mission
municator presented an article on use all available means –
accomplishment.
using high-frequency radio in the traditional and nontradi-
As you can see from the Web,
Interim Brigade Combat Team. This
tional – to train and main- the IBCT equipment list is filled with
article, combined with other infor-
mation regarding the numbers and tain wireless-communi- specialized wireless voice or data
communications devices; the S-6 and
types of wireless devices present in cations skills. So I’m pro-
staff will have to be familiar with all
the IBCT, sends a clear signal that
posing that amateur ra- of them when preparing supporting
Signal soldiers must prepare and
dio should be incorpo- communications plans for the IBCT.
train for a greatly expanded wireless
environment. rated as a partner for the The price of
To get a glimpse of this ex-
Signal Regiment to use not being prepared
panded wireless environment, look
as a means of gaining, Communications and com-
over the equipment list Fort Lewis,
puter skills are very perishable and
Wash., has published on the Web for training and maintaining
must be maintained by continual
the IBCT. You’ll find a host of hands-on wireless skills.
training – both classroom and hands-
equipment that will require the
on – starting almost immediately
battalion/brigade S-6 to be involved
after graduation from the Signal
in their use and employment.
Examples are Spitfire, the forward brigade/battalion staff. school at Fort Gordon, Ga. The price
of not having current skills in the
entry device/lightweight FED/
Preparing for the expanded
field was driven home to me during
handheld terminal unit, the near-
wireless environment my assignment with the Multina-
term digital radio and its follow-on,
super-high frequency triband Given the Army transforma- tional Division-North in Bosnia,
advanced range-extension terminal, tion’s increased use of a wireless when one specific operational issue
Movement Tracking System, En- environment, the Signal Regiment as came up that emphasized to me our
hanced Position-Location Reporting a whole needs to find a way to train collective need to maintain indi-
System and enhanced Single- and maintain knowledge of wireless- vidual communications skills for
Channel Ground and Airborne specific skills as well as to familiar- wireless voice and data.
Radio System. ize Signal personnel with the entire A non-U.S. element of MND-
These are but a few of the range of wireless operations. If you North needed to use HF radio as its
systems potentially requiring combine the IBCT requirement for primary means to communicate with
implicit knowledge of their opera- HF radio with the requirements for the U.S. engineer brigade it was
tional use, frequencies, ranges, very-high-frequency frequency- temporarily attached to. No one in
modes, etc. When you look at all modulation voice and data, plus the the engineer brigade knew how to
these devices and at those on the expanded use of EPLRS and wireless establish such a link, nor did anyone
drawing board, the Army expects data networks, you quickly conclude in the division G-6. There were also
the S-6 and staff to be virtual wire- that knowledge and experience in equipment and antenna issues no
less wizards on the corps/division/ using wireless communications, one could quickly resolve. Needless
2 Fall 2002
to say, the HF net was never imple- division’s FM nets. Had knowledge new uses, techniques or devices can
mented and other, less desirable, and experience with FM operations do this on their own time and with
means were found to do the commu- been fresh in my mind, I would have their own resources. Amateur-radio
nications mission in question. known where to look for answers to operators do the research, develop
In the case of the MND-North problems we experienced. the skills, build or buy the equip-
mission, knowledge of near-vertical- To help avoid such issues for ment, conduct their experiments and
incidence skywave propagation, current and future Army communi- operate their own stations. As
general HF propagation, HF radio cators, we need to give our Signal amateur-radio operators, Signal
operations and HF antennas would officers, NCOs and soldiers as many soldiers can do this, too, all the while
have helped immensely, given the options as we can to stay prepared learning and honing valuable
terrain and distances involved. and keep their skills honed. Army wireless skills.
transformation will require extraor-
Gaining and maintaining Amateur radio today
dinarily agile and flexible communi-
wireless skills cations. Our Regiment must be ready Many people will be skeptical
Most Signaleers would agree and must use any means, traditional about my proposal to advance
that the Signal Center’s training and non-traditional, to achieve that amateur radio as a part of UIT, or
courses are the best in the world for goal. even as a legitimate way to help
communications training; the maintain critical communications
Lifelong learning
courses provide entry-level and skills. The reputation of amateur
advanced training in a variety of There’s no single answer to the radio is such that many are turned
wireless areas. But Signal officers, question of how we train and off by its mere mention. However,
noncommissioned officers and maintain skills for Signal Regiment today’s amateur radio is far removed
members with regard to the IBCT’s from years past. In keeping with
soldiers need to continue their
education/training once they leave equipment or wireless communica- advancing technology, amateur
the schoolhouse, especially if they’re tions in general. The Signal Center’s radio has expanded and changed
not immediately assigned to a unit concept for the University of Infor- with the times.
using the equipment they trained on. mation Technology bears this out. As Amateur radio today isn’t just
Further, education/training may not noted on the Fort Gordon webpage the old amplitude-modulation tube-
discussing UIT, learning about driven radio connected to a huge
be obtainable during the duty day or
as part of official training. So how do communications can be done in tower antenna with the operator –
Signal soldiers maintain, even many forums and should be a usually pictured as ancient – sitting
advance, their individual operating lifelong experience. Amateur radio is at his operating position tapping out
skills, knowledge and abilities? designed to be a lifelong learning Morse code. There are indeed
After-hours formal coursework experience and as such fits in closely amateur-radio operators who match
in a classroom is part of the answer, with UIT proposals. Amateur radio this description. However, this is
but not all of it. So how do we could even be incorporated into UIT now the exception rather than the
Signaleers gain hands-on-training as one of the components, just as rule. Each time a new technology or
and experience in wireless commu- academia and industry are. communications mode shows up in
nications on our own? I believe the Amateur radio is a learning the marketplace, amateur-radio
answer is today’s amateur radio. The enabler that meshes with Fort operators find a way to use it,
Signal Regiment and Signal Center Gordon’s UIT initiative to provide a experiment with it, pass traffic over
should partner with amateur radio lifelong-learning environment so it and adapt it to whatever commu-
as a way to learn and maintain Signal soldiers can “refresh and nications uses it may lend itself to.
wireless operating skills. enhance their skills, knowledge and Transmitting and receiving data,
After my tours as deputy G-6 abilities as they progress through voice and video via low frequency,
for 1st Armored Division and as G-6 their career.” UIT only starts with HF, VHF, ultra-high frequency and
operations officer for V Corps, I the schoolhouse at Fort Gordon, SHF are all being explored by
came across a study guide for however. Through virtual learning amateur-radio operators today –
amateur radio. I subsequently took the school proposes to allow access limited only by operators’ imagina-
and passed my novice- and techni- to learning resources anytime, tion, ingenuity and individual or
cian-level amateur-radio-license anywhere, to refresh and enhance collective skills.
exams. While studying for these soldiers’ skills. A great example of this experi-
tests, I relearned a great deal I’d Amateur radio caters to these mentation is packet radio, which
wished I’d known before those same goals. Using amateur radio as allows transmission and retransmis-
assignments. Some knowledge of a learning platform, soldiers who sion of packet data to stations
FM-operations theory would have desire to learn more about wireless- connected via a standard wireless
prevented at least one “discussion” communications technologies and protocol. Amateur-radio operators
with the division commander how they operate; experiment with have packet-radio stations up and
regarding his issues with the wireless technology; and develop operational on virtually every
Army Communicator 3
available frequency band from HF
through SHF. Some established
packet-radio nets reach from south
Florida into Canada and beyond.
To build their nets, operators
use a computer, a terminal node
controller, a radio and an antenna.
Combine this with some amateur-
radio-developed freeware, and even
an entry-level amateur-radio opera-
tor can be on the air with a packet-
data station.
This is expanding into the
realm of Internet protocol and
something akin to wireless Internet.
As with most of amateur radio,
development of wireless-data-type
applications is only limited by the
ingenuity of the amateur-radio
operators, clubs and organizations
experimenting with that technology.
How amateur radio
parallels the IBCT
Amateur-radio technological
experimentation doesn’t stop there.
Amateur radio is experimenting
with something similar to EPLRS as
well as Force XXI Battle Command
Brigade and Below. EPLRS provides
tactical commanders and staffs with
automated, secure, near-real-time
Figure 1. Communications equipment that amateur radio operates (or
radio communications as well as
experiments with) parallels equipment the IBCT has.
data-distribution capability between
computers. In addition, it provides
computer screen. Information and antenna construction as well as HF-
position, location and navigation
symbols can be placed on the map or radio theory.
reporting of combat elements on the
graphic on the screen for all other Some of the necessary operat-
battlefield. FBCB2 uses the tactical
APRS users to immediately see via ing skills are mentioned in Edward
Internet – of which EPLRS is a part –
APRS data transmissions. This Farmer’s recent article (Spring 2002
to provide situation-awareness data
sounds very similar to some aspects Army Communicator). As Farmer
and command-and-control mes-
of EPLRS and FBCB2, doesn’t it? points out, even with automatic link
sages.
While not as sophisticated, APRS is establishment, HF operators must
Amateur radio is working with constantly being improved, experi- know what frequencies are useable
something called the Automatic mented with and used by amateur- at which times of the day to conduct
Position-Reporting System. This radio operators around the world HF net planning. Amateur-radio
system allows near-real-time posi- every day. More importantly, operators who use HF frequencies
tion reporting of mobile amateur- though, Signaleers may work with for their operations – voice or data –
radio operators to base-station APRS in their off time for fun to have learned by studying or by
operators or to other mobile opera- expand skills that directly translate experience what works and what
tors. APRS is used for real-time to skills needed for real operations. doesn’t. The same approach is used
packet communications between Other IBCT wireless-communi- when amateur-radio operators
users and for directly linking mes- cations technologies have parallels in construct or install antennas. The
sages and email into the worldwide the amateur-radio world. Both IBCT methods and means used to design
APRS Internet-linked system via the and amateur radio use HF radio and and construct HF antennas directly
APRS Satellite Tracking and Report- VHF/UHF FM operating skills. HF- translates to Signal soldiers’ use of
ing System, a derivative of APRS. radio operation, as an example, is them in the field.
APRS information is automati- not easy nor “plug and play” by any HF-radio operation is only one
cally or manually placed onto digital means. Successful operators must of many Army-related skills amateur
maps of local areas or regions on a know HF propagation, antennas and radio offers – there are many more.
4 Fall 2002
Becoming an opens the door to amateur radio. As There are many reasons these
amateur-radio operator you progress in your exploration of strict rules apply. One is that ama-
wireless communications, you’ll teur-radio operators may use their
You may ask what the catch is
eventually want to upgrade to a FCC-granted privileges to become
to working in amateur radio. To be a
higher-class license to receive the part of amateur-radio emergency
U.S. amateur-radio operator, pro-
expanded privileges higher-class services and participate as first-
spective amateurs must qualify – in
licensees possess. responders to disaster. Immediately
other words, pass the necessary
Two higher-class amateur- after Sept. 11, 2001, amateur-radio
Federal Communications Commis-
radio licenses are available: amateur operators set up emergency-commu-
sion-mandated tests.
general class and amateur extra nications nets for the Red Cross,
To receive the first-level license
class. To operate on HF frequencies, Salvation Army and others to
and an FCC-issued callsign, candi-
you must obtain a minimum of an facilitate help to victims and their
dates must pass a 35-question
amateur-general-class license. This families at each affected location.
multiple-choice test at an accredited
class of license allows the license Those operators keep the support
test session. These test sessions –
holder to operate using all available nets operating 24 hours a day until
given by local amateur-radio clubs –
modes on frequencies below 30 they were officially stood down.
can easily be found via the Internet
megahertz as well as above. Operations in New York City went
by doing a search for amateur radio
To get this license, you must on for more than a month.
in a given geographic area, such as
have already passed the technician- Every time a storm causes
Augusta, Ga. A quick search of
class exam and a 35-question mul- significant damage to a populated
amateur radio in and around
tiple-choice general-class exam. area, ARES personnel are on the
Augusta found several amateur-
Much more HF theory and opera- scene quickly to help out. Amateur
radio clubs that conduct monthly
tional practice – as well as applicable radio provides real-world communi-
test sessions for anyone wishing to
FCC rules and regulations – are cations when needed.
take an exam.
covered by the general-class-license Meshing the schoolhouse
To pass the exams, you need to exam. As I write this, to operate on
with amateur radio
study. While it may seem amateur HF amateur-radio frequencies in the
radio isn’t as sophisticated or United States, operators must also ARES is one more way amateur
difficult as Army communications – pass a Morse-code exam as part of radio lends itself to our profession
and so any amateur-radio test would the general-class-exam process. This and potential for enhancing our
be easy for Signaleers to pass – this sounds a lot more daunting than it individual Signal skills, particularly
isn’t necessarily true. Even the best- really is. The Morse-code test is a for the future. To successfully
qualified Signaleer doesn’t know the simple 10-question fill-in-the-blank operate in the IBCT, Signaleers will
applicable amateur-radio FCC rules test based on what’s heard in a taped need every bit of skill they can
and regulations. Most don’t know five-words-per-minute Morse-code acquire. We should encourage the
how to mitigate radio-frequency transmission played during a test use of all available means to main-
exposure risk. Few know the fre- session. tain hard-won communications
quencies amateur radio is authorized Even though the Morse-code skills.
to operate on. In short, to pass any test is included for the general To promote amateur radio as a
license tests, you have to know a license, it represents one very small path to lifelong learning requires
range of information, including how aspect of amateur radio. It doesn’t some emphasis during formal
to operate, where to operate, how to have the emphasis it has had in training at Fort Gordon. This empha-
safely operate and how to legally years past. Amateur radio has many sis can be accomplished in several
operate. operating modes; most can be ways:
On the other hand, before explored with or without a general ! Encourage after-hours study
anyone turns away thinking amateur or higher license. of amateur radio by giving extra
radio is too hard, an article in QST credit or some other incentive to
Amateur radio’s services
Magazine talks about a newly those who pursue and pass the first-
licensed six-year-old. To study and Because of the self-develop- level FCC exam and obtain a callsign
pass, she had a lot of help from her mental nature of amateur radio, it during their course work;
parents, who are both licensed may seem unstructured or free form. ! Mention amateur radio
operators. If a six-year-old can pass This is definitely not true. Amateur during class as a means to continue
the technician exam, Signal soldiers radio is a serious undertaking. The learning communications skills, both
will breeze through if they study the FCC considers amateur radio a at Fort Gordon and at follow-on
material. federally licensed communications duty assignments; and
After passing the entry-level service, just as broadcast radio and ! Encourage commanders to
exam, you’re issued an FCC callsign television are. Strict rules apply, and sponsor amateur radio in their units.
valid for 10 years, renewable indefi- learning these rules is part of the The goal is to expose soldiers to
nitely. Receiving your initial callsign license process. amateur radio as a viable continua-
Army Communicator 5
tion of formal training. this article. Amateur radio, by its cies”; on-line at http://www.gordon.
very nature, allows participants to army.mil/AC/spring02/lngHF.htm,
Conclusion
learn about, use and even build Army Communicator, Spring 2002.
Communications training, communications equipment as well
Fiedler, David; “High-frequency radio
through any means, is important to as keep critical skills honed that
returns to transformation Army in
continued operational capability. were learned in traditional
brigade combat teams”; on-line at
The Chief of Signal wrote in Army coursework and unit-level training.
http://www.gordon.army.mil/AC/
Communicator’s Summer 2000 Given the rapid growth of the
wintr01/HFIBCT.htm, Army Com-
edition that one of the “Army’s top Army’s wireless-communications
municator, Winter 2001.
priorities is to transform formations environment, the opportunity to
that were designed for the Cold War train and maintain our communica- IBCT equipment gallery; on-line at
into responsive, rapidly deployable, tions skills must expand beyond http://www.lewis.army.mil/transfor-
lethal combat units … capable of traditional means. To that end, the mation/EquipmentGallery/
full-spectrum operations ranging Signal Regiment should embrace equipment_gallery.htm; May 2002.
from peacekeeping and humanitar- amateur radio as a training tool for
“Media hits,” QST Magazine, June
ian missions to decisive operations Signal Regiment members.
2002.
in a major theater of war.” Given the
broad range of skills required of LTC Hill is serving in the Secure U.S. Army Signal Center and Fort
Army communicators this statement Voice Services Division, Network Gordon University of Information
implies, it only makes sense that we Services Directorate, Defense Informa- Technology; on-line at https://
as the Signal Regiment seek ways to tion Systems Agency. He’s active in uit.gordon.army.mil/, May 2002.
develop our skills both on and off amateur radio, holds an extra-class
duty. Today’s amateur radio pro-
amateur-radio license and is a member of
vides a means to train and learn
the Alexandria Radio Club, Alexandria,
using current technology in a Va., and the Northern Virginia FM ACRONYM QUICKSCAN
“hands-on” environment, allowing
Association. LTC Hill’s past assign-
us to develop our skills not only for
ments include S-3 for 440th Signal
APRS – Amateur Packet Reporting
our careers but also for our lifetimes. Battalion, G-6 operations officer for V System
Since we know continued
Corps, deputy G-6 for 1st Armored ARES – amateur-radio emergency
communications training and skills Division and two assignments support- services
development is critical, you may ask ing MND-North communications in EPLRS – Enhanced Position-Loca-
why I, as 1st Armored Division’s tion Reporting System
Bosnia. His awards include the Merito-
deputy G-6, didn’t personally know FBCB2 – Force XXI Battle Com-
rious Service Medal and Bronze Order
mand Brigade and Below
as much as I could have or should of Mercury. He has a bachelor’s degree FCC – Federal Communications
have about HF and FM radio during
in business automated data-processing Commission
my Balkans (MND-North) tour. The
systems from Idaho State University FED – forward-entry device
answer is that I attended the battal- and a master’s degree in education from FM – frequency modulation
ion/brigade Signal officers course 13 HF – high frequency
St. Mary’s College, Leavenworth, Kan.
years before my Balkans tour IBCT – Initial Brigade Combat Team
or Interim Brigade Combat Team
without consistently using the skills
More reading
MND – Multinational Division
learned in the interim. The key to
Cavanaugh, MG John P.; “Army NCO – noncommissioned officer
keeping skills and knowledge fresh
transformation”; on-line at http:// NTDR – near-term digital radio
and ready for use is to work with SHF – super-high frequency
www.gordon.army. mil/AC/sumr00/
them on a recurring basis. UHF – ultra-high frequency
chsigcmt.htm, Army Communica-
Much of what I learned while UIT – University of Information Tech-
tor, Summer 2000.
studying for my first and subsequent nology
amateur-radio exams was refresher Farmer, Edward; “Long-range VHF – very high frequency
training. That’s precisely the point of communications at high frequen-
6 Fall 2002
Radio communications
Frequency-modulation retransmission
lessons-learned in Korea
by CPT Michael Sohn and and with the assistance of Communi- FM radios (RT-1523E) and the RAU
1LT Thomas Martin cations-Electronics Command at Fort radios (RT-1539) operate on the
Monmouth, N.J., the reason for this same frequency band, so the trans-
“Strike 6, this is Warrior 6, over
condition was discovered. mitting signals from the RAU can
… (static) … Strike 6, this is Warrior
cancel out the transmitting signals
6, over … (static). …” During Ulchi Focus Lens 2002
from the FM (Single-Channel
For a Signal officer in an (the annual peninsula-wide exercise)
Ground and Airborne Radio System)
infantry division, this is one of the and this year’s warfighter exercise,
radio. Furthermore, if the incoming
worst things you could hear – the one of the division’s FM retrans
SINCGARS signal is low, then the
commanding general unable to teams was co-located with a remote
more powerful RAU’s transmitting
communicate with his brigade RAU team. The missions required
signal will overwrite the smaller
commanders. Now imagine the FM communications all the way
received SINCGARS signal and the
difficulty commanders have control- from Seoul to Camp Casey and
FM retrans team will not receive the
ling the battle when they can’t talk beyond – a distance of 60 km. The
intended signal (Figure 2).
over their frequency-modulation FM retrans team experienced severe
radios farther than 15 kilometers interference on the command net When this occurs during
away without using FM retransmis- during these two exercises. The frequency-hopping operation, the
sion. retrans team checked all equipment FM retrans team will hear static and
This scenario may seem but didn’t discover any equipment the distant stations won’t be able to
unlikely, but in Korea or other places errors. During a similar exercise, the communicate through the retrans
with mountainous terrain, it’s an battalion placed the same network team. This condition verified why
obstacle that must be constantly on the ground but without the RAU the retrans teams experienced
overcome. co-located on the hilltop with the FM interference during two division-
The 2d Infantry Division retrans team. During this exercise, level exercises.
conducts exercises that require FM the division command net had Another issue associated with
communications stretching 40 km by almost zero interference and FM mountainous terrain is the need to
60 km in an operations area with six communication was flawless. change net identification while
major intersecting terrains. These Our investigation showed that maneuvering around the operations
missions require multiple FM retrans
nets that link more than 17 com-
mand posts for the division’s com-
mand and control. With the exten-
sive use of FM retrans operations in
Korea, Company C, 122d Signal
Battalion has learned some impor-
tant lessons concerning FM retrans
operations that can maximize FM
communications for warfighters.
In mountainous regions like
Korea, the key terrain for Signal is on
hilltops that provide good communi-
cation coverage for both FM and
mobile-subscriber equipment. With
limited hilltops available, 122d
Signal Battalion is sometimes forced
to co-locate FM retrans with MSE
systems. However, when the FM
retrans team is located close to a
radio-access unit, the FM retrans
team experiences increased interfer-
ence and the division’s FM nets Figure 2. If the incoming SINCGARS signal is low, the more powerful RAU’s
suffer as a result. After investigation, transmitting signal will overwrite the smaller received SINCGARS signal.
Army Communicator 7