The first fielding of Capability Set (CS) 13 has begun new equipment training with two brigade combat teams (BCT) of the 10th Mountain Div. at Fort Drum, N.Y., and Fort Polk, La., through the Army’s System of Systems Integration Directorate.
CS 13 is the first fully-integrated package of radios, satellite systems, software applications, smartphone like devices and other network components that provide an integrated connectivity from the static tactical operations center to the commander on-the-move to the dismounted soldier.
It is the first time the Army is delivering network systems as an integrated communications package spanning the entire BCT formation. CS 13 provides mobile mission command to all echelons of the BCT.
New equipment training began last week for the 3rd and 4th BCTs, which will undergo several months of classroom coursework and hands-on experience with the systems.
“These guys have been to Afghanistan and they know what this capability is going to have to do in combat,” said Col. Walter Piatt, 10th Mountain Div.’s deputy commanding general for support. “So who better to get the latest equipment than the 10th Mountain Division?”
As U.S. forces continue to draw down in Afghanistan they will turn over many of their Forward Operating Bases and other infrastructure to local forces, gradually, losing fixed network infrastructure locations.
CS 13 system provides mobile satellite and robust radio capability for commanders and soldiers to take the network with them in vehicles and while dismounted as they conduct combat and security assistance missions. The mobile network greatly reduces the reliance on fixed infrastructure.
“This capability will allow us to remain mobile and will not tie us to fixed facilities,” said Piatt. “It doesn’t make you predictable.”
CS 13 is anchored by two major upgrades: mission command on the move, allowing commanders to take the network with them in their vehicles; and including dismounted soldiers into the network, offering them a new level of real-time information.
Inside MRAP vehicles configured with CS 13 components, commanders will be able to exchange information and execute mission command using mobile communications technologies rather than having to rely on a fixed infrastructure.
“This capability puts the dismounted soldier into the network and that’s something we have not been able to do,” Piatt said. “Not only will we know where each other are, we’ll be able to communicate throughout the entire brigade headquarters. We’ll have constant situational awareness. Then we can turn it on the enemy.”
Both BCTs will continue to receive CS 13 equipment in incremental phases over the next several months before beginning collective training with the entire capability set.