SIGNAL Connections

The U.S. Navy has consolidated coordination of distributed synthetic training events into one location. The first-of-its-kind facility will train sailors and joint and coalition forces, improving interoperability and efficiency. The center addresses the expanding technical challenges associated with live and virtual training events and saves funds by reducing the amount of resources necessary for planning and execution.

The creation of the Distributed Training Center Atlantic (DTCL), Naval Air Station Oceana, Dam Neck Annex, Virginia Beach, Virginia, marks the first time that one organization has sole responsibility for the technology behind distributed synthetic training events. It evolved as an effective method for removing the burden of handling technical knowledge and infrastructure for training events from Navy schoolhouses so those education centers can now concentrate only on teaching students. According to Cmdr. Keith Payne, USN, DTCL director, synthetic training events have reached such a large scale that having one central point of contact improves the Navy’s responsiveness to the synthetic training audience. Instead of trying to coordinate with multiple individuals and organizations, game planners can reach out to a single entity for all their needs.

The center does not actually conduct any training events but instead generates the core modeling and simulation games and then distributes those games to the necessary parties. The actual scripting and construction is carried out by exercise control groups. These groups run the script as the DTCL manages and controls the game and troubleshoots any issues that arise during execution.

Rugged Bluetooth Headset
Workers and warfighters need reliable and durable communications gear when working outdoors. The Explorer 370 is a ruggedized Bluetooth headset built to meet U.S. military standards. The headset features QuickPair technology for simple, quick setup, and it is capable of operating up to seven hours in talk mode and up to eight days in standby. For more information, visit www.plantronics.com.

Multifunction DockingPort
Personal electronic devices such as laptops and cell phones can quickly clutter a desktop with cables and other accessories. The SpaceStation is a compact multipurpose docking port for laptop users. It features a universal serial bus hub, cable management system, desk organizer and an ergonomic, cooling design. For more information, visit www.bluelounge.com.

Mobile Radios for First Responders
Emergency response personnel require feature-rich and reliable equipment. The ES series of Project 25 compliant radios offers a range of trunking protocols and a streamlined design. Features include operation in Project 25 trunked and conventional modes, enhanced Project 25 Vocoders, Smartnet/SmartZone trunking protocols, and support for up to 864 channels/talk groups. For more information, visit www.efji.com.

Hardware/software application permits constant monitoring, maintenance and tracking for portable computers.

It will take mission over mechanism to function against today’s adversaries.

Chip-scale time keepers offer accurate frequency location, lower power requirements for messaging, detection and navigation equipment.

Every year AFCEA recognizes outstanding intelligence and national defense community professionals with two prestigious awards. The AFCEA Distinguished Service Intelligence Award honors senior-level intelligence professionals for distinguished and sustained performance and achievement; the AFCEA Meritorious Service Intelligence Award acknowledges mid-level professionals making significant contributions to the intelligence community.

AFCEA invites nominations from government, military, industry and chapters worldwide in appreciation of the efforts of those striving to make a difference in today’s intelligence and defense communities. Nominees do not need to be AFCEA members. The AFCEA Intelligence Committee, comprising members from government and industry, will select the winners.

The deadline for nominations is March 31. For more information or to access the online nomination form, visit http://intel.afcea.org.

Homefront Help is SIGNAL Connections’ effort to support U.S. service members, veterans and their families. The column highlights programs that offer resources and assistance to the military community ranging from care packages to benefits and everything in between.

In that same spirit, Homefront Help presents opportunities for readers to donate time, offer resources and send words of thanks to those who sacrifice for freedom. Programs that provide services are listed in red. Opportunities for the public to reach out to service members are listed in blue. Each program description includes a link to the organization's Web site, when available.

The American Soldier Foundation
Driven by its motto “They fight for us—Let’s fight for them,” The American Soldier Foundation financially assists various members of the military community. Grants and interest-free loans are available to troops on extended active duty and their dependents; members of Reserve components on continuous active duty for more than 30 days and their dependents; military members retired from active duty because of longevity or physical disability, or retired upon reaching age 60 and their dependents; and widows, widowers and orphans of service members who died while on active duty or after retirement. The grants and loans are available for a variety of purposes, including everyday needs such as food, clothing, shelter and transportation; medical or funeral expenses; debt repayments; education; financial planning; fines and legal payments; and marriage counseling.

British to Define SOSI Framework
The U.K. Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded a contract for the System-of-Systems Integrator (SOSI) role on the Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) program. The effort defines the framework for the SOSI’s ongoing position in the subsequent phases of the FRES program, which will provide the British Army with a new family of medium-weight, network-enabled armored vehicles. SOSI’s role is to drive the successful delivery of a coherent FRES capability. The integrator will provide expertise in the following areas: program management; system-of-systems engineering and integration; through-life capability and technology management; alliance development and supply chain management; and development of the MOD's SOSI competence. An initial six-month contract worth £4 million (USD $8 million) was awarded to Thales UK in partnership with the Boeing Company. The contractor team will be integrated into the MOD’s FRES project team to form an integrated customer team that will manage the delivery of FRES.