Wireless command posts strike a cord for the Army

The U.S. Army Project Manager Tactical Network office will be fielding PacStar Secure Wireless Command Posts to securely transmit classified and unclassified information across wireless networks.The new wireless command posts will weigh 82 pounds instead of 625 and eliminate 17 boxes of expensive cable. The power produced by these systems will decrease to 250 watts from 1,216, but the performance should be the same, according to a June 5 news release.The new systems will also reduce setup and allow soldiers to stay connected for longer when quickly moving between command posts.This communications solution will include PacStar IQ-Core Crypto Manager, which will assist in “making fielding CSfC [Commercial Solution for Classified] in tactical settings practical.” “PacStar SWCP small form factor delivers the benefit of Wi-Fi to U.S. Army Project Manager Tactical Network in a dramatically smaller form factor than prior solutions,” said Peggy Miller, PacStar chief executive officer, in the news release. “PacStar IQ-Core Crypto Manger reduces system complexity, providing rapid, intuitive management so that U.S. Army can quickly extend its ability to securely transmit classified information to wireless networks.”