A 30-day after-action review by the 75th Ranger Regiment of their Rifleman Radio Operational Assessment in Afghanistan was “tremendously positive,” according to Army documents.
The regiment conducted the operational assessment in Afghanistan in December, and in early January offered an after-action review and some initial observations of the Rifleman Radio and end user device, both General Dynamics [GD] products.
The reports were positive enough “to the extent that the unit has requested to expand the role of the system from a squad internal role to a platoon assault role,” the pre-decisional documents, dated Jan. 12, said, and the Joint Tactical Radio Systems Program Manager Handheld, Manpack and Small Form Fit (HMS) is working to provide this additional equipment so Rangers could use the system in that role.
Importantly, the Army documents said that the regiment is expected to request full fielding of the Rifleman Radio based on its effectiveness, suitability and reliability, the particular merits of an operational assessment.
During the assessment, two Ranger platoons used the Rifleman radio as their primary intra-squad radio. Team and squad leaders coupled the radio with an Android-based end-user device display (the GD300) the Rangers developed separately.
Soldiers reported a few problems with largely ancillary equipment, which were isolated and largely explainable. Rangers also suggested improvements, such as adding a physical tie down point, so they could secure the radio to their kit.
The Ranger’s operational feedback will be incorporated by the program manager before fielding.