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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.
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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 Tanner)
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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.”
By U.S. Army Sgt. William Tanner
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2015
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