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Year in Review: CECOM SEC Provides Solutions Through Modernization

Tuesday, January 20th, 2026

In 2025, the Communications-Electronics Command Software Engineering Center advanced the Army’s modernization portfolio through scalable software capabilities.

Given the Army’s adoption of continuous delivery and modern DevOps, transformation is the new normal for the Department of War support center headquartered in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

DEVSECOPS AND CONTINUOUS DELIVERY

Powered by expertise in AI, DevSecOps, electromagnetic warfare, operational support, and software solutions, the Center concluded the year by advancing its core mission to deliver modular, transformative solutions that meet Soldiers’ evolving needs through enhanced cyber posture, scaled-up deployment cadence, modernized systems, and expanded field engagement. These competencies support enterprise DevSecOps efforts on behalf of the Enterprise Cloud Management Agency and the Chief Information Officer.

CECOM SEC’s extensive and continuous modernization posture kept the Army ahead of evolving threats without disrupting readiness. In step with its continuous software release cadence, the Center delivered 350 security updates in FY25, ensuring Soldiers have access to cutting-edge capabilities.

SOFTWARE MODERNIZATION AND CLOUD ENABLEMENT

FY25 saw the Center meet the Army’s need for cloud-based solutions. Cloud-enabled modular infrastructure allows the Army to deliver innovation rapidly so updates can be rolled out instantly across the force without delay.

“Software’s always changing, the environment’s always changing—so the requirements for systems are also changing with that, and we need to be able to adapt,” says Seiichi Sugawara, computer scientist for CECOM SEC.

The Center is propelled by the Army’s demand for innovation against the backdrop of an ever-changing battlefield.

“There’s a change in risk appetite. The Army is taking on more risk in order to release these next-generation systems faster,” Sugawara stated.

In FY25, CECOM SEC’s modernized cloud infrastructure met this speed of delivery with almost 600 software releases.

ZERO TRUST CYBERSECURITY

With the Army moving toward cloud-native solutions and continuous integration and continuous delivery, or CI/CD, there’s a growing requirement for a cyber posture that underpins modernized capabilities.

CECOM SEC advanced its cyber posture for the Army by working with the Army Materiel Command to support the DOW’s policy and procedure development for Zero Trust cybersecurity. In an escalating cyber threat environment, one of the Center’s goals is to educate the workforce on Zero Trust by partnering with Defense Acquisition University. The Center also partnered with U.S. Military Academy at West Point to analyze the feasibility of the SEC-developed mapping between Zero Trust and the DOW Risk Management Framework.

Continuous hardening of Army systems is required to ensure that readiness keeps pace with modernization across a more resilient foundation.

AI FLOW AND AI-ENABLED CAPABILITIES

FY25 was also CECOM SEC’s successful proof-of-concept year for AI Flow, an application built around AI agents, workflows, smart API’s, and custom AI applications. Designed to revolutionize workflows through cutting-edge AI technology, the application uses open AI structure to assist in a range of functions.

AI Flow currently handles 37 subscriptions with 500 agents across various organizations and averages 90 million tokens a month—and is growing, too. In FY25, the user base surged to 5,000.

The Center’s Army Reprogramming Analysis Team combined AI Flow with its Simulation Modeling Framework to create an AI-enabled code generator.

ELECTROMAGNETIC WARFARE AND THREAT ANALYSIS

That effort is part of the Army’s increased demand for threat analysis. FY25 saw continued field demand, upping the tempo of electromagnetic warfare support and driving the need for faster mission data updates. The Army Software Portal Electronic Notification System, managed by CECOM SEC, provided over 33,000 downloads for Soldiers requiring air and ground mission software support. The Center also analyzed 2,800 threats.

READINESS DATA AND DECISION SUPPORT

CECOM SEC’s mission focus in readiness continued to build rapport with Soldiers in the fight across the world. Its Data Analytics and Readiness Team developed a Power BI decision support tool that gives Army leadership real-time visuals of critical data such as budget allocations, acquisition milestones and equipment deployment timelines.

The Center’s usage of Low Code No Code technology is accelerating development and delivery of software to Soldiers.

Personnel from DART and CECOM SEC’s Technical Services Directorate also worked with the Army Audit Agency to develop tools for detecting fraudulent activities involving government-issued credit cards and the Defense Travel System. Out of 17 million Army vouchers, they were able to flag 240,000 for further review.

LOOKING AHEAD

The center’s deep commitment to meeting Soldiers’ needs is a testament to its continued pursuit of scalable software readiness.

While increased demands for AI, machine learning, and automation play out, the fact remains: CECOM SEC’s mission is to support people in the fight.

“Everything serves trust—and that trust is built on our technical competence and our work ethic, and the relationships that we can build based on that,” says John Fry, Field Support Branch Chief for CECOM SEC.

All these accomplishments reflect the greater transformation underway across the Army with CECOM SEC positioned squarely at the forefront of Army modernization in FY26.

“2025 was a strategic inflection point for the Center,” says Boomer Rizzo, Deputy Executive Director for CECOM SEC. “We’ve accelerated our shift from legacy software sustainment to agile software solutions. That shift fundamentally changes how we support Soldiers and partners moving forward in 2026.”

In alignment with the Army’s broader transformation efforts, effective January 20, 2026, CECOM SEC was redesignated as the CECOM Army Software & Innovation Center.

By Kevin Deegan

Posted in Army, Comms, Cyber, EW, Guest Post | Comments Off on Year in Review: CECOM SEC Provides Solutions Through Modernization

BNC MOLLE Antenna Mount

Friday, January 2nd, 2026

The BNC Molle Antenna Mount from Radio Made Easy allows you to securely mount your BNC Antenna to any 2 rows of PALS/MOLLE webbing. Available with or without antennas and coax.

radiomadeeasy.com/product/bnc-molle-antenna-extension

Posted in Comms | 1 Comment »

DBC – Variable Carry Platform

Tuesday, December 30th, 2025

Constructed with Curv and shock cord, the Variable Carry Platform flexes and expands to securely fit everything from slim handhelds to larger radios.

The rear panel features thick foam padding to eliminate pressure points during extended wear. A separate, reversible hook-and-loop mounting panel allows the VCP to be installed on either the left or right side.

dirtybastardscollective.com/variable-carry-platform

Posted in Comms, Load Carrying | Comments Off on DBC – Variable Carry Platform

Marines Visualize Electronic Signature with Electromagnetic Spectrum Signature (EMSS) called the All-domain Electromagnetic Radio Operator Trainer (AERO-T)

Friday, December 26th, 2025

MCTSSA, MCSWF, NPS Join Forces for AERO-T

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – The Marine Corps Software Factory (MCSWF) is creating a training tool to provide Marines the ability to visualize their Electromagnetic Spectrum Signature (EMSS) called the All-domain Electromagnetic Radio Operator Trainer (AERO-T) and are collaborating with Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA) to bring the solution to the Fleet Marine Force (FMF).

AERO-T began as the subject of Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) thesis work by Marine Corps Maj Will Oblak and Capt Niles Moffat. This research identified a need across the service for improved EMSS training at the tactical level. In addition, it identified a technological solution which detects the radio frequencies produced by Marines training in the field and uses simulated enemy electronic warfare assets to show Marines their EMSS use. It trains Marines how to operate and manage their EMSS within a live, virtual, constructive training environment (LVC-TE).

“Once we understood the nature of the EMSS environment, we could place synthetic enemy receivers across the landscape and show Marines how far their EMSS will travel in a given environment,” said GySgt Patrick Sherlund, MCSWF’s AERO-T product manager and lead software engineer. “All of this is done through a simple web interface that is easy for any Marine to understand. It’s a level of training that we have never been able to produce before this.”

Oblak started his NPS Thesis in the spring of 2024. His goal was to enhance EMSS training at the tactical level in the Marine Corps.

“The current method of training our Marines on their EMSS use involves specialized equipment, deploying at a tremendously expensive cost, that trains the leadership, but not always the front-line operator,” said Oblak. “We needed something that can teach Marines to treat their communication equipment with the same respect they treat their rifle.”

Over the last nine months MCSWF took the idea generated by this research and developed the system into an actual capability. They did this in-house with their uniformed developers, led by Sherlund.

MCTSSA has been an integral partner and stakeholder alongside MCSWF in the implementation of Oblak’s thesis. Over the past six years, MCTSSA’s Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) team has been providing EMSO support to the FMF as a service using exquisite commercial equipment. “MCTSSA’s unique experience has ideally positioned them to provide the subject matter expertise and direct connection to the fleet,” said Oblak. “These relationships highlight what is capable when academia, software development, and fleet expertise are fused together.”

MCTSSA’s EMSO team noted the challenges associated with this type of training and applied their expertise to help generate a combined solution with MCSWF.

“There isn’t an organic solution for Marine Corps units to view their EMSS that exists today,” said Mark Bawroski, MCTSSA Warfighter Support Officer. “AERO-T allows us to seek out EMS emissions in real time, with the software created by MCSWF, and show those emissions to units in training in a small and affordable form factor.”

To best integrate this information into tools that Marine units are currently utilizing, MCSWF developed AERO-T Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK)plugin and AERO-T Command Terminal that will allow units to view the data collected by the AERO-T systems.

“AERO-T gives our communications Marines something we’ve never had before,” said CWO2 Kevin Porter, strategic electromagnetic spectrum officer, assigned to 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF). “An equity that delivers blue force sensing and spectrum monitoring in a small, adaptable package. What makes this different is that it wasn’t handed to us by contractors. It was built at the MCSWF, by Marines who understand the fight, for Marines who will use it. That’s the real achievement.”

In addition to support from the MCSWF, MCTSSA has added another level of support to AERO-T.

“MCTSSA has been nothing but supportive of the vision since day one,” said Capt Matt Robinson, deputy director, MCSWF. “Their subject matter expertise has been instrumental in completing this project.”

AERO-T utilizes Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technology to scan the EMSS in real time and provide that information to training audience in easy-to-understand visual format.

“We developed software that utilizes inexpensive, adaptable COTS hardware in order to track the EMSS,” said Robinson. “The COTS hardware we pair with our AERO-T simulation software mimic the capabilities of our near-peer adversaries. We’re able to adapt, both our hardware and software, to see in a smaller scale, what our adversaries would see with their exquisite and exorbitantly expensive EW equipment.”

According to Robinson, we’re seeing front line troops in current conflicts located, targeted, and killed due to their EMS use.

“The size, scope, and abilities of our near-peer competitors is constantly changing,” said Oblak. “It’s important to recognize that future combat operations will occur in contested EMS environments and our units need to understand how to blend their EMS signatures into their environment.”

Story by Joseph Vincent

Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity

Posted in Comms, EW, Guest Post, USMC | Comments Off on Marines Visualize Electronic Signature with Electromagnetic Spectrum Signature (EMSS) called the All-domain Electromagnetic Radio Operator Trainer (AERO-T)

GoTAK and Solace Communications Deliver Next Generation C4ISR Capabilities in Central Africa with TAK OS

Monday, December 22nd, 2025

GoTAK is proud to highlight a recent operational deployment delivered in partnership with Solace Communications, bringing a full TAK OS enabled C4ISR capability and mission-focused training to an allied partner force in Central Africa.

This deployment demonstrates how TAK OS, when paired with resilient communications, integrated sensors, and operator-led training, transitions from a platform into a field-proven operational capability—supporting situational awareness and mission execution under real-world conditions.

Fielding TAK OS in Operational Environments

Over the course of recent deployments, Solace Communications successfully fielded an integrated C4ISR stack built around TAK OS, delivering a common operating picture directly to operators and commanders in the field. The capability included:

Cloud-hosted and local TAK OS environments
Resilient connectivity via GlobalLink
Live UAS ISR feeds delivered directly to operators’ EUDs
Edge-based AI object detection and sensor integration
A fused, real-time intelligence picture via Solace Fusion

From the GoTAK perspective, this deployment reflects the intended design philosophy of TAK OS: a networked operational layer that connects sensors, operators, and decision-makers across multiple transport paths and environments.

Proven Capability, Moving Toward TRL 9

The system operated as a fully integrated capability under field conditions, supporting sustained situational awareness and mission execution. As a result, Solace Communications has demonstrated TRL 8 across this integrated architecture, with planned upgrades already underway to advance toward TRL 9 through continued operational use.

These upgrades include transitioning deployed GlobalLink units to the Pro configuration, adding:

Local server hosting and off-grid power
Local TAK OS hosting for disconnected operations
LTE and SATCOM failover connectivity
Direct integration with MANET radios

This architecture reduces latency, removes dependence on backhaul connectivity, and enables sustained operations in disconnected, denied, and degraded environments.

Training That Enables Sustained Operations

Alongside capability delivery, Solace Communications provided end-to-end TAK OS and MANET training, deliberately structured to move beyond basic familiarization. Training tiers included:

Foundational instruction for operators new to TAK OS and MANET

Advanced configuration and network management for technical staff
Train-the-trainer modules to support independent sustainment and scale

This approach ensures TAK OS is not just deployed, but understood, trusted, and operationally owned by the teams using it.

A Shared Vision for Operational TAK

This Central Africa deployment highlights the strength of the partnership between GoTAK and Solace Communications. When TAK OS is combined with resilient transport, edge processing, and real-world training, it becomes a force multiplier—extending situational awareness at the edge and beyond, across time, distance, and connectivity constraints.

From integrated ISR feeds to fused intelligence and resilient communications, this deployment underscores what can be achieved when TAK capabilities are delivered by teams who understand operational reality.

GoTAK looks forward to continuing our collaboration with Solace Communications as TAK OS capabilities expand into new environments and mission sets.

Posted in Comms, International, ISR, Press Release, TAK | Comments Off on GoTAK and Solace Communications Deliver Next Generation C4ISR Capabilities in Central Africa with TAK OS

Comrod Announces Strategic Partnership with Bridgepoint to Accelerate International Growth and Innovation

Wednesday, December 10th, 2025

STAVANGER, Norway, Dec. 2, 2025 – COMROD, a leading Norwegian provider of advanced tactical communications and power solutions for the defence industry, as well as specialist utility and infrastructure systems, today announced that Bridgepoint, one of the world’s leading mid-market investors, will become the company’s new majority owner.

Bridgepoint, through its Bridgepoint Development Capital V fund, will acquire a controlling stake in COMROD. This investment represents a significant milestone in COMROD’s growth journey, reinforcing its ambition to strengthen its position as a premier provider of tactical communication systems for the defence sector and specialist electricity utility solutions.

A Partnership Focused on Growth and Innovation

The partnership is designed to support COMROD’s continued expansion as a global leader in defence communications and capitalise on its position as a trusted partner to NATO allies, defence integrators, and Tier-1 primes.

Key focus areas under the new ownership will include:

International Expansion: Accelerating COMROD’s growth and further scaling of the company internationally.

Investment in R&D: Supporting significant investment in R&D capabilities to drive innovation.

Operational Excellence: Strengthening operational excellence and automation further across the Group.

Strategic M&A: Executing a targeted buy-and-build strategy to accelerate growth, particularly in emerging domains such as unmanned systems and electronic warfare.

COMROD’s product portfolio, which includes mission-critical products and systems such as antennas, masts, amplifiers, and power supply systems, underpins secure and resilient tactical communications on the battlefield. The company also supplies specialist infrastructure solutions, including composite utility poles and monitoring systems for power distribution networks.

Management Commentary

Ole-Gunnar Fjelde, CEO of COMROD, commented:

“We are excited to partner with the Bridgepoint team. The investment from Bridgepoint represents an important milestone in our journey to strengthen our position as a leading provider of tactical communication systems for the defence sector and specialist utility solutions. In Bridgepoint, we have found a partner that shares our values and can support us in realising our next phase of growth.”

Johan Dahlfors, Partner and Co-Head of the Nordics at Bridgepoint, added:

“COMROD represents an opportunity to back a global leader in a specialised, rapidly growing segment of the defence communications market. The firm combines deep engineering expertise, trusted customer relationships and a proven track record of delivery across long-term defence programmes. We look forward to supporting the team as they continue to scale COMROD internationally and invest further in innovation.”

Transaction Details

COMROD and its shareholders were advised by Alpha Corporate Finance (M&A adviser), Schjødt (legal adviser), and EY (financial and tax adviser). The transaction is expected to complete in 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed.

www.comrod.com

Posted in Comms, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Comrod Announces Strategic Partnership with Bridgepoint to Accelerate International Growth and Innovation

Silvus StreamCaster 4400 Enhanced MANET Radio Receives Department of Defense (DoD) Certification for Secure U.S. Military Drone Operations

Tuesday, December 9th, 2025

DoD’s innovation unit and AUVSI, a leading autonomous innovation industry group, validate expanded portfolio of Silvus NDAA-compliant radios for secure use in unmanned missions

CHICAGO – December 9, 2025 – Silvus Technologies (Silvus), a Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) company and a global leader in advanced wireless networking solutions, today announced that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has added the StreamCaster 4400 Enhanced (SC4400E) mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) radio to its Blue UAS Framework, a rigorous testing and certification program that approves technologies for use in U.S. military unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations. The Association of Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has also added the SC4400E to its Green UAS Cleared Components list, certifying it meets rigorous cybersecurity and supply chain standards for commercial drones and components.

“The Blue UAS Framework and AUVSI Green UAS certification validate that the SC4400E MANET radio meets the rigorous standards for secure, mission-critical connectivity demanded by today’s leading-edge unmanned systems operating in the world’s most challenging and contested environments,” said Neema Daneshvar, vice president of Product, Silvus Technologies. “Its addition to both programs strengthens Silvus’ position as a benchmark for robust, secure and resilient command and control (C2) and mesh networking solutions for UAS and unmanned operations.”

Powered by Silvus’ proprietary Mobile Networked MIMO waveform, SC4400E radios create a scalable connected mesh network that can link hundreds of nodes, from drones to ground radios, to stream high-bandwidth video, voice and sensor data back to command with extreme range. The radio is designed to easily integrate into fixed infrastructure or vehicular, maritime, airborne or unmanned systems, to support missions across air, land and sea.

The SC4400E provides access to Spectrum Dominance 2.0, an ever-expanding suite of electronic warfare (EW) defense capabilities, including Low Probability of Intercept/Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD), Anti-Jamming and Advanced Threat Protection. These capabilities help deliver secure and protected communications in congested and contested spectrum environments without sacrificing performance, even under electromagnetic attack.

The National Defense Authorization Act-compliant SC4400E joins the StreamCaster SC4200EP, StreamCaster LITE SL4200 and SL5200 MANET radios on the Blue UAS Framework and Green UAS Cleared Components list.

Posted in Comms, Drone, Press Release | Comments Off on Silvus StreamCaster 4400 Enhanced MANET Radio Receives Department of Defense (DoD) Certification for Secure U.S. Military Drone Operations

New Course Upgrades AFSOC Tactical Communications Training

Friday, November 21st, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Air Force Special Operations Command recently completed the second iteration of the AFSOC Tactical Communications Course at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

The tactical communications course is several weeks of a specialized training program designed to teach Air Commandos the skills and knowledge needed specifically to work communications for special operations missions.

“We needed a course to train AFSOC communicators on SOF-unique equipment and SOF employment for USSOCOM missions, and it needed to be a repeatable and sustainable solution,” said Chief Master Sgt. Robert Harris, AFSOC communications directorate senior enlisted leader. “AFSOC takes great pride in producing Air ‘COMMandos’ who are extremely competent, innovative problem solvers, and deliberate risk takers. This course provides that foundation for our warfighter communicators.”

The tactical communications course, which incorporated Airmen from all over AFSOC’s active duty, guard, and reserve wings, covers everything from USSOCOM network fundamentals and satellite communications to tactical radios and mission planning.

Communications in AFSOC and USSOCOM are uniquely characterized as being highly adaptable, redundant, and secure in austere, rapidly changing environments. Communicators must establish and maintain connectivity with limited infrastructure and be able to operate in a denied or contested electromagnetic spectrum.

“Due to AFSOC’s agile force packaging, members can be out in the field as the only communications technician,” said a course training manager. “We teach them multiple career fields and how to work on equipment they may have never touched before. That makes them a subject matter expert so they can get everything required done.”

The training also allows Airmen to more rapidly complete requirements on their career education and training plan.

“It can take more than a year for Airmen to complete all training requirements within their work centers, but this schoolhouse will cover 40% of those key competencies over a period of a few weeks,” said a course training manager.

The course serves as a force multiplier, advancing training so Air Commandos can fulfill duties at their home units and seamlessly transition to deployed environments, where they become even more mission critical to sustaining operations and generating airpower as part of the agile combat employment concept.

“Airmen return proficient with their core equipment and can quickly master their upgrade training- saving hundreds of man-hours in preparation for deployments and dramatically improving unit readiness.” said Harris. “Future expansion of the course should focus on integrating emerging technologies and capabilities for more realistic scenarios.”

AFSOC prioritizes deliberate development of Air Commandos so they can be adaptable experts within their operational environment.

Story by Capt Brandon DeBlanc

Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in Air Force, Comms, Guest Post, Training | Comments Off on New Course Upgrades AFSOC Tactical Communications Training