U.S. Army Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division watch as a CH-47 Chinook sling loads a Humvee equipped with WIN-T, the Army's mobile communications backbone, during a training exercise. (U.S Army Photo by Sgt. Bradford Alex)
When the U.S. Army deploys, the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) enables communications, mission command and situational awareness for soldiers on the battlefield. In an article published on DVIDS website, 1st Lt. Daniel Johnson reported on the capabilities of the new Tactical Communications Node-Lite (TCN-Lite) for the WIN-T network. Soldiers and pilots from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, became the first in the operational Army to sling-load the TCN-Lite in a training exercise last week.
The Tactical Communications Node was originally developed in the five-ton Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles. The new TCN-Lite is integrated onto Humvees, which can be sling-loaded from a CH-47 Chinook for significantly increased mobility and operational flexibility.
“The TCN provides satellite and line-of-sight network connectivity, both on-the-move in a convoy, at the quick halt, and to the stationary command post, enabling mission command and advanced communications as part of the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical.”
The WIN-T network keeps soldiers connected and its versatility allows the Army to utilize its capabilities anytime and anywhere. The TCN-Lite was designed with light infantry and rapid deployable units in mind and will help the Army become quicker and more mobile, especially when conducting operations.
"[The TCN-Lite’s mobility] definitely brings more versatility to our fighting force" said Staff Sgt. Arik Browning, 2nd BCT, 101st Airborne
The TCN-Lite will help the Army become quicker and more mobile when conducting expeditionary operations. Master Sergeant Jarrod Gozy, referenced the communication reach back issues he experienced while deployed in Iraq. With TCN-Lite, Gozy said, “the ability to move the communications platform anywhere on the battlefield gives us greater reach back for our Soldiers.”
The 2nd Brigade Combat Team will support the Army’s upcoming Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) at Fort Bliss, which will further validate systems like the TCN-Lite that will be fielded for future missions. To read the full article on TCN-Lite, visit dvidshub.net.
Source: 1Lt Daniel Johnson, “Strike Soldiers First Warfighters to Sling Load TCN-Light,” dvidshub.net
About WIN-T
WIN-T is the U.S. Army’s tactical network backbone providing secure voice and data communications for soldiers on the battlefield without the need for fixed infrastructure. This network is capable of providing critical information to soldiers which helps to keep them safe in any situation. To learn more about WIN-T, click here.
