The U.S. Army has started preparing for the second stage of its Armored Formation Network on-the-move, or AFN OTM, pilot to determine the network technologies best suited for mobile operations.
With support from the 1st Infantry Division, the project will test new AFN OTM equipment, including satellite communications systems that operate in geosynchronous and low Earth orbits, the Army said Monday. The pilot will also demonstrate advanced capabilities, such as line-of-sight backhaul, mesh networking, commercial 5G cellular and secure Wi-Fi.
Maneuvering on Battlefield While Connected
Lt. Col. Marreo Burch, senior division communications officer for 1st ID, noted that OTM network connectivity enables commanders to move around the battlefield while connected and provides enhanced visualization of the battlefield in combat operations, thus increasing forces’ survivability and lethality.
“This new equipment is providing a definite advantage,” he stressed.
Supporting Mobile C2 Functions
The Army envisions that resilient AFN OTM equipment and capabilities will support mobile command and control functions, allowing commanders to make informed rapid decisions, execute swift maneuvers and launch command post operations. AFN OTM is expected to support network connectivity in military vehicles, advance the service’s network modernization program and improve command post mobility.
