Colonel Describes Combat Communications

In February, the chapter welcomed Col. Dominic Caraccilo, USA, deputy chief of staff, U.S. Army Forces Command, for its meeting at Fort McPherson. Col. Caraccilo provided the chapter with refreshing and candid viewpoints on the effectiveness of battlefield command and control systems used over the past decade. A fixture in the 101st Airborne Division, he has been deployed in numerous combat roles starting as early as 2001 to Iraq and Afghanistan. A true veteran of combat operations and recipient of three Purple Hearts, the colonel has earned the authority to speak about what the U.S. has gotten right and wrong in tactical combat communications.

What works? Fixed satellite communications work. If Col. Caraccilo had to rely on one system that is always reliable, he would choose this. He states that fixed satellite communication could be better if it worked on the move, but he is pleased with its performance overall. Global Positioning Systems are another positive workhorse in the colonel's experience.

What doesn't work? Col. Caraccilo sited various systems that seem to promise more than can be delivered. He would much prefer less capability with more reliability than the reverse. The speaker had encouraging words for the emerging minds in the local area that happened to be visiting the chapter with their winning science projects. Recognizing their already impressive intellectual gifts, he urged them to engage in current events and keep a challenging mind to local and world situations.

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