Communications security

Expeditionary comms get smaller, easier to deploy

When expeditionary communications forces hit the ground, they become the eyes and ears of an operation that map the terrain and gather critical situational awareness. But that data is only good if it can be relayed back to command.

Expeditionary comms have been evolving quickly, with new technologies enabling faster deployment, more stable transmissions and easier transport of vital gear. Improvements include miniaturized radios, easily deployable satellites and simple tablet adaptations.

Terminal upgrades

For the Air Force, the latest news comes in the form of a program known as the modernized enterprise terminal (MET) upgrade. As announced in January, the first $15 million MET outside the United States is now operational: the antenna sits in a radome on the ground at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.