188th ISR Group Connects Three Locations During Tactical Exercise

Photo By Master Sgt. Jessica Wilson | U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Baggett, 188th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group standards and evaluations non-commissioned officer in charge, and Master Sgt. Travis Black, 188th ISRG weapons and tactics senior non-commissioned officer in charge, demonstrate the ability to rapidly establish reliable, interoperable communications during a multi-location tactical exercise across Arkansas at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center, Arkansas on Sep. 15, 2026. Working alongside the 189th and 19th Airlift Wings, the team deployed the Radio Interoperability System to connect cellular, VHF and UHF networks, supporting command and control operations for C-130H aircraft and ground forces. The exercise marked a first-of-its-kind test of the 188th Wing’s RIOS system and provided valuable lessons for future communications deployments in austere and dynamic environments. (Air National Guard photo by Capt. Thomas Phalen)  

FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS, UNITED STATES

09.15.2026

Story by Master Sgt. Jessica Wilson 

188th Wing

EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. – The 188th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group deployed a field communications setup during a multi-location tactical exercise, securing connectivity across Razorback Range, Camp Robinson, and Little Rock Air Force Base.

188th Wing ISRG Airmen, Capt. Thomas Phalen, Master Sgt. Travis Black, and Tech. Sgt. John Baggett partnered with 189th Airlift Wing and 19th Airlift Wing teams to establish range control communications and airfield control in austere conditions.

Operating at the Arrowhead Assault Strip at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center, Arkansas, the team resolved initial connectivity issues through quick field troubleshooting. This ensured uninterrupted command and control support for participating C-130H aircraft and ground forces.

The team integrated the Radio Interoperability System (RIOS) to bridge networks and ensure exercise execution. Utilizing six individual cellular, VHF, and UHF radios, the RIOS platform cross-banded and relayed text, voice, and cellular communications between units across all three locations.

This deployment validated the team's ability to rapidly establish redundant, interoperable communications in dynamic range environments.

“This is a first of its kind test for the 188th Wing’s RIOS system,” said Baggett. “Not only were we able to establish multi-network communications across the state, but we are bringing back many lessons learned to make setup and connectivity easier in future applications."

• Date Taken: 09.15.2026
• Date Posted: 09.16.2026 18:01
• Story ID: 574940
• Location: FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS, US