An Cosantóir

20 | Roger So Far? by Wesley Bourke Photos by Armn Neville Coughlan T he work of the CIS (Communication and Information Services) Corps may not look as exciting as that of a 120mm heavy mortar crew or an engineer's heavy demolitions exercise, but without them the entire Defence Forces would grind to a halt. They are a small corps with a huge impact as their specialist officers, NCOs, signalmen and signalwomen carry out complex behind-the-scenes jobs using highly technical, and in some cases classified, equipment. An Cosantóir was recently granted access to the CIS Corps, allowing us to bring you this insight into the Corp's training and capabilities. Sgt Ken Smyth told us about the detachment commander's course and the various equipment used by the CIS on the ground; Sgmn Tom McHale-Roe and Sgwn Sarah Downey took us through the communication operatives (Com-Ops) course; and Lt Bartley McFadden gave us an insight into the world of encryption and cyber-crime. From Battalion to HQ The CIS Corps provides many different services both in-barracks and on the ground. In barracks the linecrew, for example, is responsible for maintaining the telephone lines and the computer network. CIS is also responsible for the intranet, the PMS, the Helpdesk, and the SDS post throughout the country. On the ground CIS detachments provide communications for battalion, brigade and above. The CIS detachments' trailers can be deployed as a rear-link or acting as a relay or a rebro station. Further mobility can be achieved using fitted-for-radio (FFR) vehicles or the CIS's LTAV (light tactical armoured vehicle). The Corps can also utilise the C2 container, which is a mobile command and control unit for brigade level and above that can offer encrypted telephone and data communications, internet and satellite communications. Part of the on-the-ground equipment are the ruggedised Toughbook laptops operating the Tactical Battlefield Management System (TBMS). This system provides file transfers, command messaging, and blue-force tracking with GPS, giving 'eyes' on Defence Forces vehicles on patrol or other CIS detachments. Sitting in with An Cosantóir September 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie Cpl Jimmy Tarpey and his team of three signallers on a Detachment Commanders course, we were able to watch every vehicle and detachment operating in the Glen area on the TBMS. "In this exercise scenario we are operating with the MPs," explained Cpl Tarpey. "They are operating in a hostile environment so it is vital we monitor their positions at all times and relay any change in the situation back to Brigade HQ." On the ground you will find regimental signallers at battalion level. These are infantry soldiers trained up to operate signal equipment at platoon-, company- and battalion-level. A CIS detachment is deployed to relay information from battalion to brigade HQ where CIS signallers will be operating from a C1 container, relaying information to staff in the C2 container. The Detachment Commanders course is the first phase of a CIS NCOs course during which signallers go through deployment and communications training. Sgt Smyth told us, "A detachment should be operational within two hours, which includes raising a 60ft Clarke mast and the Harris tactical antenna." Voice and data communications are carried out with SINCGARS VHF, which has a range of 35km, and Harris HF sets, which have an unlimited range. "In theory, under suitable conditions it doesn't matter how far the battalion is from brigade HQ. As long as we have HF we have comms that allow for voice and data transfer such as photographs," said Cpl Tarpey. "You see this in practise overseas, for example, where the CIS vehicle accompanying a long-range patrol would be fitted with HF, allowing for secure communications way beyond the 35km range of the SINCGARS." The C2 container, which is put in place by a Drops vehicle, can also be set up and operational within two hours. "The principles are the same," Sgt Smyth told us. "The detachment commander learns how to site and clear the route in and out." The C2 container is also equipped to allow for the viewing of from a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) or from an ISTAR OP. Com-Ops Communications have come a long way from the

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