Commanders have increasingly robust on-the-move command capabilities thanks to ongoing improvements in vehicle-mounted systems. The point-of-presence (POP) vehicles tested in the recent Network Integration Evaluation 15.1 are essentially a “TOC on wheels,” said SPC Gerardo Cabrera.
A TOC—Tactical Operations Center—was once rooted to an unmovable location, a situation that has changed significantly. The POP brings situational awareness on the battlefield, he said.
This year’s model is based on more advanced vehicles than in past exercises, which has brought one particular improvement, he said. “Improper shutdowns were one of the biggest causes of hardware failure in previous exercises,” he said. “They have improved it to the point where you can slam the vehicle down and [the systems] will still work.”
The POP features a line-of-sight antenna and a satellite antenna. The POP is reserved for commanders, but the Soldier Network Extension system available to company-level and lower ranks is almost the same lacking only the line-of-site antenna, he added.
CLICK HERE to see our video interview with Cabrera and other video features from NIE 15.1.
