{"id":49066,"date":"2022-10-07T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-07T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2022\/10\/07\/us-army-readies-latest-batch-of-advanced-networking-gear\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T18:27:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T18:27:31","slug":"us-army-readies-latest-batch-of-advanced-networking-gear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/land\/2022\/10\/07\/us-army-readies-latest-batch-of-advanced-networking-gear\/","title":{"rendered":"US Army readies latest batch of advanced networking gear"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON \u2014 The U.S. Army is nearly finished fielding an initial package of communications upgrades and networking enhancements known as Capability Set 21, and officials said they are preparing to dispatch the next iteration, Capability Set 23, beginning this fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The improvements are meant to make battlefield communications more intuitive and more reliable, with size, weight, cybersecurity, bandwidth and advanced cellular technology, like 5G<\/a>, chief among the considerations. Capability Set 21 focused on infantry, whereas Capability Set 23 focuses on Strykers amid a return to the division as the unit of action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division in Alaska is the final unit to receive the Capability Set 21 integrated tactical network. The package is comprised of radios, variable height antennas and small satellite terminals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ITN creates a resilient network that allows tactical commanders the ability to communicate with joint and coalition partners, provides a robust primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency plan for both line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight, allows the battalion to operate independently of the brigade and provides situational awareness down to the platoon level,\u201d Jerry Harper, a product manager at the Army\u2019s Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical<\/a>, said in a statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hands-on training kicked off in August. Once complete, soldiers will use the upgraded kit in multiple military exercises, including a bilateral one in India known as Yudh Abhyas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fielding of Capability Set 23 will begin with a brigade combat team in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, according to Paul Mehney, the PEO C3T communications director. The gear was also sent to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Germany, where it has undergone live-fire testing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Army in April completed a critical design review for Capability Set 23, signifying the gear was relevant, conceptually sound and cost effective. The approval also greenlighted procurement.<\/p>\n\n\n\t