Mounted battle command on the move

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Brian Brown and Spc. Heather Betts building a shelter around the satellite transportable terminal to keep the system cool so that it does not overheat on Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IRAQ

08.12.2011

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

By: Sgt. Kelly Byrd
Bravo Co., 3rd AAB, 1st Cav. Div

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - The mounted battle command on the move is a new concept used by Company B, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, and is geared toward allowing the commander to perform command and control tasks in a mobile platform.

In the past, mobile command centers were effective in accomplishing their missions. However, they lacked the mobile data communications provided by today’s MBCOTM, and could not fully support command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence services.

Mobile command centers such as the MBCOTM allow commanders to have a more accurate situational awareness while maintaining communications with the Army wide area network using a variety of satellites. By using such equipment, the MBCOTM provides secure voice over internet protocol and data network coverage without the constraints of cabling. This also allows the commander to make use of applications such as Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below and the Command Post of the Future thus providing a real time common operating picture in order to effectively accomplish the mission.

While the main command post maintains the entire network structure, and provides tactical information, intelligence, and logistical data related to the area of operations, the mobile command center can be mounted on a variety of vehicle platforms such as a humvee, Bradley, Striker, or any mine resistant ambush protected vehicle and taken off post in support of forward positions providing command and control operations on the battlefield. This makes the MBCOTM a versatile and effective asset in any combat situation.

Since it is designed to be mounted on such a variety of vehicle platforms, it can be quickly dismounted and moved to a different type of platform for various mission requirements. It is more flexible than previous mobile command centers, which were designed for the special purpose command and control vehicle (C2V), designated the M4.

The M4 C2V was based on the multiple launch rocket system chassis, but was discontinued after a limited number of units were produced, making the MBCOTM the primary mobile command center used by the Army. The ability of the MBCOTM to be configured for a variety of vehicles enables the commander to accomplish the mission with added operational security.

Company B network operation’s soldiers assisted in the configuration and initial setup of all communications equipment in the MBCOTM improving the brigade commander’s mission capabilities. This includes initialization of the CPOF, FBCB2, Secure VOIP as well as the switches and routers that provide the data flow. Soldiers from the brigade received training on all basic operations and troubleshooting procedures. Due to the diligent training provided by the network operations technicians, the trained soldiers are ready at a moment’s notice to initialize and operate the systems within the MBCOTM for the brigade commander as well as squadron commanders from both 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment and 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment.

At any time, Company B soldiers are prepared to provide assistance with MBCOTM communication systems. On multiple occasions, the soldiers have deployed to various provinces within the brigade’s area of operations in order to assist with troubleshooting network issues. With their training and assistance, soldiers on site at these locations have gained an exuberant amount of knowledge that will continue to benefit them and the brigade well after redeployment.

There are currently numerous MBCOTM units fielded in Iraq and Afghanistan giving commanders a greater advantage on the battlefield. Allowing commanders to perform command and control tasks while on the move enhances our Army’s combat effectiveness and violence of action in combat operations.

• Date Taken: 08.12.2011
• Date Posted: 08.15.2011 03:10
• Story ID: 75346
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ