SIGNALScape

Lockheed Martin Systems Integration has been awarded a $6,569,712 cost plus fixed fee contract to redesign the light armored vehicle and command and control upgrade configuration. The U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity.

Ultra Electronics Tactical Communication Systems (Ultra TCS) has been awarded a contract amendment valued at $18.1 million with the Army, in which Ultra TCS supplies AN/TRC-190(V)3 radio assemblage modification kits and associated equipment for the Army's Warfighter Information Network-Tactical program, a critical enabler of LandWarNet. Since January, Ultra TCS has received $10 million under the contract.

Friends and family members of U.S. Marines deployed to an operational location in Iraq can send their loved ones a message without ever visiting the mailbox. MotoMail aims to bridge gaps in communications between parties who may not have e-mail access or who just want to send a physical letter for a more personal touch. MotoMail, in conjunction with SuperLetter.com Incorporated, operates a Web site that allows users to create a message online that will be downloaded and printed out at a Marine Corps post office then physically delivered to the deployed Marine. MotoMail messages are downloaded at least once a day in the operational theaters, and the organization strives to deliver all letters within 24 hours of printing. The Delivery Status feature enables senders to keep track of their messages through the three delivery stages-Stage 1: received at the MotoMail server; Stage 2: letters downloaded to the MotoMail terminal; and Stage 3: letters have been printed and sent for delivery. The service is provided at no cost. While the service is geared largely toward Marines, troops in other military branches who are collocated with the Marine Corps can receive the mail as well. MotoMail also offers two-way services so troops can send letters back home by creating an account on MotoMail using credit cards. Letters are sent to a regional SuperLetter office determined by the first digit of the destination zip code for printing. Postage is applied, and the mail is placed in the U.S. Postal Service system. Troops can send up to five letters for free, and all additional messages cost 50 cents. Users can create accounts on the Web site as well as find answers to frequently asked questions and other resources.

In "Network Operations Mandate Critical Considerations," Lt. Gen. Harry D. Raduege Jr., USAF (Ret.) outlines and explains his "pillars of netcentricity," which are communications infrastructure; security, including privacy and cybersecurity; information management, governance, and leadership. These pillars are so important, he continues, because as organizations face the challenges of continued streamlining, as resources continue to dwindle even as security demands continue to grow. With all this in mind, what key elements for effective and efficient network operations pose the greatest challenge for defense agencies?