Reduced footprint initial communications and next generation deployable communications systems

Today's military users depend on robust and highly reliable communications systems to enable use of sophisticated battlefield management and execution systems. These systems support every aspect of the military's mission from logistics supply to advanced battlefield situational awareness and intelligence systems. However, the first-in communications infrastructure needed to support these systems in the deployed environment is either inadequate or non-existent. Many first-in users are the most disadvantaged, and typically deploy with very limited communications capability, severely impacting the amount of information available to them. The USA Air Force Communications Agency (AFCA) developed the prototype Reduced Footprint Communications System (RFIC) specifically with first-in users in mind. Since that time, AFCA has continued exploring the latest advances in rapidly deployable lightweight communications systems. This paper describes the history and background of the original RFIC prototype and the role AFCA played in the development of the system. Further discussion focuses on AFCA's ongoing efforts associated with the latest technologies and advancements in the commercial markets, and DoD-sponsored initiatives that are accelerating the integration of these technologies.