8 brigade combat teams to get integrated comms in 2013

The Army will field advanced, integrated tactical communications networks to eight brigade combat teams beginning early next year, Army officials said at the Association of the U.S. Army winter symposium in February.

At the heart of the tactical communications upgrade is Capability Set 13, which comprises vehicles, network components, and associated equipment and software, the officials said. The technologies in the capability set, which were refined during the Army's semi-annual Network Integration Evaluation, offer integrated voice and data capability throughout the brigade combat team formation and the forward edge of the battlefield.

"It's not the individual products that we're delivering -- we're putting together an integrated capability set for the brigade," said Col. Dan Hughes, director of the Army's System of Systems Integration Directorate. "This synchronized effort means that deploying units will receive integrated equipment and comprehensive training, so once in theater they can use the network to the maximum operational effect."