'Can you hear me now?'

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class William Tanner | Pfc. Jerold Redd, a multi-channel transmission system operator assigned to Charlie Troop, Regimental Engineer Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conducts a radio functions check on the AN/TRC-190 High Capacity Line of Sight (HCLOS) radio terminal during the unit's HCLOS training class at Tower Barracks located in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Sept. 2, 2015. The AN/TRC-190 HCLOS radio terminal is a mobile communications system that allows for a wider distance of communication between different units and sections within a greater mileage ratio than other radio terminals. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. William A. Tanner/released)  

GRAFENWOEHR, BY, GERMANY

09.03.2015

Story by Sgt. William Tanner 

2d Cavalry Regiment

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – Communication has always been essential while playing several key roles in the way our military has moved and functioned throughout its history. It plays an even larger, more pivotal role in our present day military due to the current advances in technology.

For instance, the ability to communicate over great distances would be vital to a unit trying to position themselves, using a smaller element, from one side of a valley to the other while still maintaining a firm hold on their original position. Each side being able to stay in constant contact during a situation like this would play a huge role in the ultimate success of the mission.

Troopers assigned to Charlie Troop, Regimental Engineer Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment not only recognize this but are also working to make communications more reliable for their own unit. On Sept. 2, 2015, the Dragoons participated in training on the use of the AN/TRC-190 High Capacity Line of Sight (HCLOS) radio terminal at Tower Barracks, located in Grafenwoehr, Germany.

“Today we are conducting HCLOS training which is a piece of advanced network extension technology that the Regiment was fielded a few years ago,” said 1st Lt. Nicholas Normandin, a platoon leader with Charlie Troop. “This is the first time that this piece of equipment has actually been used to communicate from one HCLO shelter to another which is kind of a break through for the Regiment.”

The HCLOS radio terminal enables Soldiers to move large quantities of information over long distances using a more reliable signal.

“This piece of technology could be used as redundancy for our data network,” said Normandin. “So if a squadron’s Satellite Transportable Terminal (STT) goes down and they’re unable to receive Secure or Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router (SIPR/NIPR) services, this would serve as a backup.”

With the HCLOS systems possible use throughout the unit’s upcoming rotations and training events, having Soldiers on the ground equipped with the knowledge to run it will play just as pivotal a role as the system itself.

“What we are establishing today is to see if our units can actually work these (HCLOS systems),” said Sgt. Adrian Olipas, a multi-channel transmission system operator also assigned to Charlie Troop. “It would allow us to cut back on latency with phone calls and other things that are detrimental to how signal corps works allowing for commanders to communicate with other squadrons or troops.”

As 2nd CR continues their active rotations and support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, having the use of the HCLOS system during the unit’s training and missions abroad would not only help to improve communications throughout the unit but could possibly increase the likelihood of a smoother more effective mission accomplishment.

“It will be good for overall training and keeps the Soldiers up to date with our equipment and what our actual job is,” said Olipas. “It is a good piece of equipment and just needs to be utilized more.”

• Date Taken: 09.03.2015
• Date Posted: 09.06.2015 13:28
• Story ID: 175361
• Location: GRAFENWOEHR, BY, DE