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JFHQ-PAO Indiana National Guard
INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana's and Joint Task Force 81's Joint Incident Site Communications Capability team members tested their skills and equipment in May 2011 during Ardent Sentry, a national-level exercise, with new radios, phone systems and computers that allow troops to communicate no matter what the situation.
"The JISCC provided satellite communication for both phone and Internet allowing JTF 81 to communicate with Joint Forces Headquarters, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, and Northern Command," said Maj. Jeffrey G. Hammer, the JISCC team leader. "We were a behind-the-scenes success and allowed the task force to communicate no matter what."
The communication team used equipment that provided numerous capabilities like satellite-based Internet access, Voice over Internet Protocol phones, a series of VHF and UHF radios. In addition the team also tested the new Military Auxiliary Radio System module.
According to Hammer, the MARS was designed to be a backup to the satellite-based communications platform and provide digital messaging directly between radio stations or to email accounts via Internet connected radio nodes. Hammer also said the system provides outstanding long-range, high frequency voice communications.
"The JISCC also conducted the first official MARS operations using the new MARS module that only the Indiana National Guard has been issued. Thanks in part to our successful MARS operation sending messages to Michigan MARS and National Guard Bureau, other states will be getting the MARS module," said Hammer. The Michigan MARS is an all-volunteer organization of civilian, amateur radio operators.
During the exercise, the Internet went out numerous times due to technical and atmospheric issues, said Hammer.
"That meant no computers and no phones. These outages generated extra interest in a backup system to maintain both situational awareness, and command and control. This is exactly why National Guard Bureau and the U.S. Army MARS Headquarters developed the new module with an independent nationwide network to support it," said Hammer.
Hammer reflected on why this exercise was so vital to the JISCC team.
"Testing this equipment is vital," said Hammer. "Most of the time, there will be less than 24 hours between the time of notification and the time troops have to be on the ground. And the JISCC is one of the first pieces of equipment that must be deployed and made operational. There is no time to fix something that is broke or figure out how to use it. When we get the call, we have to be ready to go into action providing support and saving lives."
During the national-level exercise the JISCC team regularly made contact with radio based messaging nodes across the country.
"This proved that no matter what part of the country was devastated by communications outages, the JISCC would be able to keep the command team in contact with the outside world," said Hammer.
Or as communications soldiers say, "You can talk about us, but you can't talk without us."
| Date Taken: | 07.15.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.15.2011 08:11 |
| Story ID: | 73780 |
| Location: | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 108 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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