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Archive for the ‘Training’ Category

Spectra Group Train Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to Use Troposcatter MTTS

Sunday, March 23rd, 2025

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, a specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, has been supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to enhance their strategic communications expertise, particularly by maximising the capabilities and hence benefits of using Comtech’s Troposcatter Modular Transportable Transmission System (MTTS).

Spectra Group acquired the global distribution rights for Comtech’s Troposcatter Family of Systems (less USA, Canada and Mexico which is retained by Comtech) in 2024 and late last year Spectra Group also announced opening their Australia office to better support the Asia region.  

Tropospheric scatter is a communications capability that uses the Troposphere (up to about 13km altitude) to provide high bandwidth communications.  It is satellite independent and works in a GPS/GNSS denied environment, so is suitable for use in a Peer-on-Peer conflict/Multi Domain Integration.  Troposcatter inherently has very low latency and can provide huge bandwidth, potentially enabling analysis and manipulation of large data, which combined with its low operating cost makes it suitable for strategic down to tactical headquarters.  Troposcatter MTTS is the most flexible, rapidly deployable, modular transit case troposcatter system available for when the operational situation demands high power, typically 500W.   Key benefits for the AFP include rapid deployability, exceptional mobility and robust performance in challenging environments, enabling critical voice, data, and video communications in situations where traditional infrastructure is unavailable.

Throughout March, Spectra Group has been providing a comprehensive familiarisation and training package to the AFP to ensure that they are not only able to unlock the full capability of their MTTS Troposcatter systems but also embed indigenous knowledge and expertise to maintain the capability for the future.

Shaun Barry, Business Development Manager at Spectra Group said: “We have been working hard over the last couple of years to develop opportunities in the Asia region and this training programme is a good example where we are directly supporting our customers to not only get the best from their equipment now but also sustain that capability into the future.  The region is extremely geographically complex which presents multiple strategic communication challenges for security forces and Spectra Group has have a number of superb systems including Troposcatter, SlingShot and soon GENSS that provide the perfect solution to these challenges.”

www.spectra-group.co.uk

188th Infantry Brigade Innovation Lab Invests in Drone Training for Future Combat

Sunday, March 23rd, 2025

FORT STEWART, Ga. – The 188th Infantry Brigade is breaking new ground in Army training and readiness with the launch of its Innovation Lab, a future forward initiative dedicated to the development, construction, and integration of drones in modern warfare.

As part of First Army’s mission to prepare Reserve and National Guard units (Compo 2 and Compo 3) for mobilization, the 188th Infantry Brigade is embracing emerging technologies to enhance warfighter capabilities. The Innovation Lab provides Soldiers with hands-on experience in drone assembly, programming, and field training, preparing them for efficiency on the battlefields of the future.

Maj. Trevor Barrett, the Brigade Innovations Officer, emphasized the lab’s value in fostering a culture of adaptability.

“This is the future and the sooner we can expose Soldiers to this technology the better and more proficient we will be,” Barrett said. “This makes our Army stronger, more adaptive, and more lethal.”

The Innovation Lab is a collaborative space where Soldiers from various military occupational specialties (MOS) work together to construct and modify drones tailored to mission-specific needs. Using commercially available components and 3D printing, the lab enables Soldiers to design drones for reconnaissance.

In addition to drone construction, the Innovation Lab integrates small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) into field exercises and combat simulations. Soldiers undergo training on drone piloting and electronic warfare countermeasures to prepare them to operate effectively in both offensive and defensive scenarios.

“I think sUAS operation will be a required skill for many MOS and you will see multiple variants in the US inventory,” Barrett said.

The Innovation Lab serves as a multifaceted learning tool for drone technology, with Soldiers being trained on both the assembly and field use of the sUAS. The drones that have been built will be introduced at upcoming training events and competitions for the brigade.

“We plan on using these systems this summer at eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTCs) and the second annual Pershing Cup Best OC/T Competition,” Barrett said.

This initiative aligns with the Army’s broader modernization efforts, leveraging grassroots ingenuity to develop practical solutions for warfighters at all levels.

“Like most Soldiers, I am a student of warfare and have seen how drones have changed the modern battlefield,” Barrett said. “The overall objective is to become masters of these systems, learn to employ them effectively, and modify them to defeat our enemies.”

As the 188th Infantry Brigade continues to refine its drone training program, the Innovation Lab is a tangible testament to the Army’s commitment to adaptability and technological advancement. With each flight and every experiment, Ready Brigade Soldiers are not just learning to use drones—they are shaping the warfighting future.

Story by SSG Marlana Cureton, 188th Infantry Brigade

Cubic Participates in Cope North ‘25 Multi-Domain Exercise

Tuesday, March 18th, 2025

Providing “truth in training” to trilateral air interoperability operations with U.S., Japan and Australia

SAN DIEGO – March 17, 2025 – Cubic’s Advanced Training Solutions (ATS) team delivered 4th and 5th generation Air Combat Maneuver Instrumentation (ACMI) systems, with Simplified, Planning, Execution, Analysis, Reconstruction (SPEAR) Common Data Model (CDM), to Cope North’s annual training exercise held in Guam.

“Our solutions introduce a new era in training, enabling posture and deterrence, exponentially increasing warfighter readiness.” said Paul Averna, VP and GM, ATS for Cubic. “The successful mission integrated a blended environment of F-35 P5 Internal Subsystem (IS), ACMI pods, ground stations and SPEAR, delivering a fully operational, high fidelity tracking of three F-35 partners and three variants of 4th gen fighters from three U.S. services for the first time ever. We’re grateful to participate in this critically valuable exercise and we look forward to many more years at Cope North.”

Cubic is a recognized industry leader in Air Combat Training (ACT) designs and delivers solutions to support 4th and 5th generation aircraft training. The F-35 P5 IS provides high fidelity, encrypted Time Space Position Information (TSPI) for live monitoring and post mission review for accurate and efficient reconstruction. Cubic’s ACMI pods incorporate advanced GPS technology, allowing pilots to train anywhere at any time over land and sea, enabling training missions to be conducted without reliance on fixed range infrastructure. In 2025, Cubic will field the next evolution of ACMI, P5 System Security Update (SSU), encrypting the ACMI pod data for true interoperability between 4th and 5th gen fighters. All training data is ingested in SPEAR, during and after the mission, for enhanced data visualization and analysis to provide “speed to insight” to significantly improve combat effectiveness. SPEAR delivers a complete reconstruction of “when, how and what” happened, allowing the participants to spend the majority of their debrief time on the analysis of “why” it happened.

Saab Receives Order for Additional Live Training Equipment from U.S. Marine Corps

Friday, March 14th, 2025

Saab has received a contract modification award from the U.S. Marine Corps for additional Marine Corps Training Instrumentation Systems (MCTIS) equipment. The order value for this award is USD $37 million (SEK 375 million) with deliveries taking place from 2025 to 2027.

This award ensures the U.S. Marine Corps will continue implementing Saab’s deployable and expeditionary MCTIS capability. This advanced, interoperable live training solution helps Marines train in the most realistic environments, significantly improving their performance and survivability on the battlefield.

The system focuses on developing and reinforcing effective tactics, techniques and procedures, while also facilitating joint training with NATO allies during multinational exercises.

“We are honored that the U.S. Marine Corps continues to rely on us as their training partner for the next generation of Marine warfighters,” said Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the U.S. “Our training capability enhances combat readiness by immersing Marines in realistic scenarios and rigorously analyzing their decision-making and actions, ultimately delivering on the objective of saving American lives. We take pride in providing the premier interoperable, land-based live training capability in the world.”

Saab’s collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps began with a contract awarded in June 2021, marking the transition from the previous Instrumentation and Tactical Engagement Simulation System II (ITESS – II) to the MCTIS training system. 

New Online Emergency Trauma Care Training from CTOMS Academy

Friday, March 7th, 2025

CTOMS™ is please to announce the release of three new online training bundles for civilians. These course bundles are designed to help prepare citizens to respond to trauma casualties in emergency or crisis situations. They include detailed courses on scene safety, the assessment and treatment of major trauma casualties, emergency bleeding control, airway and respiratory management, and hypothermia management.

Like all CTOMS™ Academy e-training, these bundles make use of video demonstrations, lab footage, and 3-D animations for enhanced student engagement and understanding.

The Wilderness Responder, Industrial Responder, and Prepared Citizen Responder bundles are available now from CTOMS™ Academy.

Use code SSD25 for 25% off al CTOMS Academy online training.

Visit CTOMS™ for more information.

Prolonged Casualty Care – “Not the Plan, But Needs a Plan”

Thursday, March 6th, 2025

In military and tactical medicine, Prolonged Casualty Care (PCC) is a prime example of something that isn’t the plan but needs a plan. The standard protocol in combat medicine follows the MARCH algorithm and the Tactical Evacuation (TACEVAC) process, ensuring casualties are stabilized and rapidly evacuated to a higher echelon of care. However, in austere environments, evacuation might be delayed or impossible due to terrain, weather, enemy threats, or logistical failures.

PCC isn’t part of the intended medical plan because the expectation is rapid evacuation but since delays are a known possibility, a plan must exist to handle extended care in the field.

Key Elements of PCC Planning

1. Resource Management:  Since standard medical resupply isn’t guaranteed, planning must include rationing fluids, medications, oxygen, and blood products.

2. Patient Monitoring & Deterioration Prevention:  Extended field care requires tracking vitals, managing infections, and preventing secondary injuries.

3. Prolonged Pain Management & Sedation:  Casualties may need extended analgesia, sedation, or even ventilatory support.

4. Field-Expedient Interventions:  Improvising solutions for issues like wound care, nutrition, and hypothermia prevention.

5. Decision-Making on Movement vs. Staying Put:  Teams must plan whether to hold their position or attempt a self-evacuation.

Conclusion

PCC is a contingency rather than the primary goal, yet it requires its own protocols, training, and preparation. Failing to plan for PCC means hoping for the best instead of preparing for the worst, a dangerous mindset in operational medicine.

For more information on CTOMS™ tactical and operational medical training, contacttraining@ctomsinc.com or visit ctomsinc.com

Team O’Neil’s Tactical Driving Tuesday – Counter-Interdiction

Tuesday, February 4th, 2025

Not interested in having your vehicle boxed and possibly kidnapped, or other exposed to other nefarious goings on? Then you need to think about counter-interdiction tactics. Like Instructor Wyatt will tell you, keep it moving; no matter what.

If you’re in need of in-person training like this, sign up for the Team O’Neil Tactical Driving Course at their facility in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This five-day course includes driving under NODS and is available to military and other government agencies as well as civilians.

Silvus Technologies StreamCaster Training Program

Wednesday, January 29th, 2025

Starting January 27, the StreamCaster Training Program is evolving into a streamlined 4-Day Course to help you maximize your tactical communication skills.

The new format includes 3 Days of foundational training and 1 Day of specialized modules with topics that include Advanced API, PTT, Spectrum Dominance (U.S. citizens only), ATAK & EUDs, and Unmanned Systems.

Designed for Silvus customers and end-users, this immersive training experience equips organizations with the skills & experience to unlock the full potential of #StreamCaster MANET radios for operational success.

Purpose-built to upskill participants from novice to expert, this program will cover advanced network design, deployment strategies, and best practices for building resilient mesh networks in any environment.

The StreamCaster Training Program is held monthly at Silvus Technologies headquarters in Los Angeles. Seating is limited – don’t miss the chance to elevate your team’s expertise. Can’t make it out to Los Angeles? No problem, Silvus can also conduct onsite training on the go.

2025 COURSE SCHEDULE

SILVUS HQ, LOS ANGELES, CA

January 27 – 30
March 24 – 27
May 19 – 22
July 28 – 31
September 22 – 25
November 17 – 20

To learn more about, and register for Silvus HQ classes, and in-field training opportunities visit: bit.ly/3tYrSwu