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to communicate effectively. For example, all HF operators become quickly 
aware that communications during the hours surrounding dawn and dusk, 
acknowledged high risk periods during combat situations, become extremely 
difficult, if not impossible. Atmospheric conditions, propagation, sun 
spots, quality of assigned frequencies, unauthorized users' interference 
and unseen HF signal obstructions are all common problems. With HF radios, 
it is well known that "when it's good, it's great, but when it's bad, 
you're out of luck". Pacer Bounce equipment, when used in a fixed and 
environmentally controlled setting such as an AECC or AECE, generally 
remains capable of performing its designed function. However, when taken 
to the field environment that most AELTs and MASFs face, its inherent 
limitations become a hindrance. Excessive cube and weight are well 
documented in its detriment to MASF and, especially, AELT mobility and 
loadout suitability. Additionally, as experienced both in Operations JUST 
CAUSE and DESERT SHIELD/STORM, it is highly susceptible to climatic 
conditions such as heat, humidity, sand and dust which lead to increased 
failure rates and unacceptable interruptions to AE's most critical 
communications link. At locations where the tactical situation demanded 
the use of remotes because antennas could not be placed within the usual 
150 feet of the receiver/ transmitter, exposure of equipment and signal 
degradation common to remote use was more severe. Finally, currently 
authorized Pacer Bounce equipment offers no secure voice capability nor 
does the adaptation of the KL-43 encryption/decryption device offer 
efficient secure data capability. 
 
Recommendation. Fund the 1 AES proposal, previously approved by HQ MAC/SO, 
that requested the procurement of LST-5B, satellite communications 
(SATCOM) radio systems for the lead tactical AE units. Employment of these 
radios would allow augmentation of existing HF systems and virtually 
assure 100 percent communications capability, regardless of conditions, 
throughout the worldwide AE system. The approved proposal called for 
procurement of 10 SATCOM units, with a distribution of three units each to 
1 AES, 32 AEG, 37 AEG, and one to the Patient Airlift Center PAC). 
Additional upgrades for the Pacer Bounce system include KY-99 and/or 
TACTERM equipment for secure voice capability, high-speed modems and 
adaptive controllers, and Harris 5000 Series Tactical HF radio 
combinations that are "ruggedized," designed for field expediency and 
already fully compatible with existing PACER BOUNCE equipment and proposed 
upgrades. 
 
(3) Land Mobile Radios (LMRs). 
 
Observation. There was a consistent need for short to mid-range (1-15 
miles) communications capability for AE mission launch support and 
operational continuity. 
 
Discussion. Although LMRs are currently authorized under TA-903 for AE 
elements, very few field elements deployed with them. Even when they were 
available, problems regarding programmed vs available frequencies and 
insufficient range severely 
 
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