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USMC Force Recon
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FORCE RECON RESPONDS TO NEED
FOR TIMELY BATTLEFIELD PICTURES
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP
PENDLETON, Calif. (June 17, 1999) -- Alerted to a
pressing need for fast, digital transmission of battlefield
images, Marines from 1st Force Reconnaissance Company
recently hosted ahead of schedule new-equipment training
for tactical digital imagery transmission.
The AN/PSQ 13 Man Pack Secondary Imagery
Dissemination System training was conducted a month
early to provide 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit reconnaissance
Marines digital imagery transmission capability, according
to Capt. George W. Dickey, communications officer.
Each unit, which costs $156,000, consists
of a laptop computer connected to a radio as the base
station, three Special Camera Systems 1,000 and a
hand-held terminal that attaches to the camera and
transmits images through a radio.
Images can be transmitted in as fast as three seconds,
depending on the type of radio used.
Each unit has night-vision imagery capability to take
pictures in the dark.
Digital imagery equipment for tactical
operations was initially tested in 1997 and was gradually
developed to withstand punishment in the field. The
components were field-tested to ensure proper operation
in intense weather and on rough terrain.
The project was designed to fit time-sensitive
missions, including long-range patrolling and small-scale
raids, mostly conducted by reconnaissance units, said
Kelly Norris, an instructor from the Naval Surface
Warfare Center in Crane, Ind.
"It allows Marines to transmit images from shore
to ship in a timely manner. The images could contain
information of a site objective which cannot be acquired
from a national asset," Dickey said.
Fifteen Marines representing reconnaissance
units such as 1st FRC and 1st Division Recon received
the instructors course so they can teach basic equipment
operation to their units. Students learned how to
set up hardware and software, how to transmit using
different radios and were familiarized with equipment
parts. They trained hands on with the camera and its
lenses for day and night missions. To exhibit the
effectiveness of the equipment, the students were
tasked to transmit images and information from Marine
Corps Air Station El Toro to Camp Pendleton and vice
versa. They took pictures of Marines in training,
equipment and sites, then transmitted the images along
with labels, grid coordinates and photos highlights.
The technology allows thorough reviewing of images.
It provides accurate pictures of an
objective so assault forces can rehearse their attack
plan, Dickey said. Normally, recon teams send descriptions
of a site to the main command to determine assault
feasibility, facilitate maneuvering or to "fit"
a site for a proposed bridge or airfield. Photos were
taken using wet film, which is developed after they
get back from their mission for analysis.
"You don't have to wait to get
back to the rear to debrief the information on the
objectives because you can transmit essential information
with the photos securely," said SSgt. Robert
V. Garcia, student. It also allows recon teams to
go from one objective to another when time and duty
dictates, he added. The recon platoon currently deployed
with the 13th MEU recognized the importance of transmitting
data during their recent operations in the Persian
Gulf region, said Capt. William E. Madden Jr. in his
report to 1st FRC. "One piece of gear that really
would have improved our performance would have been
the (MPSIDS) or some other similar system. That would
have made the transmission of pictures easier,"
he said. In response, 1st FRC, 1st Platoon will deploy
with the new AN/PSQ 13.
The NSWC is issuing 73 systems and
providing training to recon-type units throughout
the Marine Corps, Norris said.
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