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hampered their effectiveness. The need for rapid, mobile
communications became crystal clear when assigned personnel had to
routinely perform duties away from their fixed HF radio, as well
as when increasing demands for operational and logistics support
frequently took OIC/NCOICs away from their primary duties.
Additionally, even when LMRs were available, they were not able to
support the need for communications with host MTF or airfield
management personnel such as ambulance platoon vehicles, combat
control teams (CCTs) or the airlift control element (ALCE). These
lines of communication become critical in the management of timely
patient movement and when coordinating an aircraft's arrival,
departure or potential over-flight at designated airfields.

Recommendation. Increase, as necessary, the number and type of LMRs currently 
authorized for tactical AE under TA903. Test for operational effectiveness and 
consider authorization of supplemental communications equipment which would 
allow mobile communications capability with non-AE elements from either USAF 
or sister service units. The most common mode encountered has consistently 
been FM, although consideration should also be given to multi-band systems 
that include UHF or VHF capability as well.

(4) HF Antenna Equipment.

Observation. Deployed HF antenna equipment and associated space requirements 
were often identified as limiting factors to optimum utilization of existing 
HF radio capabilities.

Discussion. GRA-4 masts and long-wire antennas with Harris couplers are 
traditionally utilized to support AE communications. Their use offers a 
flexible capability to erect numerous types of antenna configurations which 
generally perform well. Experience gained during Operation DESERT 
SHIELD/STORM, as well as during NIMROD DANCER in Panama, identified some 
drawbacks which warrant consideration of replacement or supplementary 
equipment. The employment of B5W broadband antennas, added to TA903 last year, 
proved highly successful in that they eliminated the need for a mechanical 
coupler. Primarily used in conjunction with the long-wire antenna, the coupler 
takes up significant cube and weight-in a loadout and its malfunction rate was 
significantly increased with exposure to dust, sand, and temperature extremes. 
The coupler also draws wattage from that normally available to the radio 
amplifier, reducing its optimum communications capability. Several deploying 
AE elements encountered limited availability of adequate real estate needed 
(minimum 40'x40') for one mast, let alone the two masts needed for a 
directional antenna. Several AELTs had no choice but to set up their antennas 
on building rooftops or to place their antennas so far away that they had to
-use a Harris remote which forced an additional degradation of their radio 
capability. Tactical AE communications are sufficiently important to warrant 
the most compact, efficient and rapidly deployable antennas available for HF 
radio.

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