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 Command, Control & Communications,
Situational Awareness
Traditionally infantry operated in small units such as squads,
companies and platoons. While ancient armies used larger formations
to aggregate firepower, enhanced communications and devastating
firepower of the modern age dictated different tactics for infantry
units. In practical terms, allocation of communications determines
the smallest size of combat element, which can be controlled as a
coherent unit. In most regular armies, the squad is the smallest
tactical level unit. Below the squad, only better equipped Special
Forces operate in smaller teams. In most recent conflicts, infantry
formations were controlled by voice and visual signals commands,
shouts and whispers. Lack of communications has sofar limited
dismounted infantry operations due to command and control
limitations. As they dismount their Armored Personnel Carriers,
individual soldiers and sub-squad teams could only disperse within
shouting range from each other, to deploy firepower in mutual
support and coordinate their movement.
Intra-squad communications significantly improves infantry
operations. For the first time, independent sub-squad elements can
be employed and coordinate their activity and firepower. Mutual fire
support between and within squads can be controlled. Improved
situational awareness and reporting provides better real-time
intelligence and information gathered in real time. Modern
intra-squad specialized Personal Role Radios (PRR)
offer effective communications within the squad and between combat
teams, enabling effective dismounted infantry operations at a level
previously reserved only for Special Forces.
 Digital information is usually displayed on hand held computers and
ruggedized Personal Digital
Assistants (PDA). These devices provide unprecedented
situational awareness and access to information. PDA devices used by
dismounted infantrymen and commanders to provide situational
awareness combine integrated navigation, observation and orientation
devices, utilizing optronics, digital compass and GPS systems and
laser rangefinder for combat orientation and coordination. Such PDAs
are running mission or role-specific applications linked to
data-enabled PRRs or hand held data-enabled combat-net radios,
operated by squad and platoon leaders. These computers are
presenting maps, aerial imagery, sensor data, intelligence
information etc. They generate and distribute standard reports.
Whiteboard application allows commanders to share common maps,
overlayed with mission-specific information and graphics sketched by
each member. Using this facility, commanders can coordinate planning
without gathering at vulnerable locations. Other applications are
provided to rapid response units such as SWAT and mobile guards,
guided by ground and perimeter protection sensors. Provided with own
position, target locations, images and navigation instructions, such
applications optimize their movement providing the shortest
(distance) or fastest (terrain, road condition etc) intercept
routes, gaining optimal engagement parameters. Similar PDAs provide
remote controlle of sensor systems, including autonomous ground
robots, (UGV) miniature UAVs
(MAV), unattended ground sensors, and even remotely controlled
weapon's platforms.
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