An Cosantóir

| 21 cradle-crank telephones and heavyweight radios of World War II to today's compact, lightweight and data enabled, ruggedised battlefield laptops and radios. Within the Defence Forces, the CIS personnel responsible for maintaining and operating these systems, known as Com-Ops (communication operatives), qualify after a 22-week specialist course. Before starting the Com-Ops course all students must complete and pass an ECDL course so they are proficient in IT skills and all aspects of Microsoft Office. The technical side of the course covers areas such as learning about public address systems, batteries, the theory behind communications, electrical principles and data communications. In the radio module of the course, first up is the SINCGARS VHF, both the 119C full-size and 119E half-size versions. This covers everything from basic operations, ERFs (Electronic Remote Fill) and MROALs (Manual Remote Over-the-Air Load), to more technical operations such as how to set up rebroadcast stations; remoting the SINCGARS; relay stations; and how to fit-out vehicles with the various radio configurations. Students are then introduced to the ROVIS (Royal Ordnance Vehicle Intercom System), which is in use in the Mowags and LTAVs. This system allows up to six people to listen in and operate any combination of up to six different radios, for example SINCGARS, Harris, or Motorola. Students also learn about the Harris Falcon II RF5800H MP HF radio, which is used for long distance and worldwide communications, and the Harris Falcon III 7800MP multiband radio. This is a recent addition to the CIS Corps and is a software-defined, narrow and wideband radio that offers simultaneous voice and data operations with an increased data rate that facilitates live video streaming. The next stage of the course is the line module, which involves anything to do with the physical elements of voice and data networks in any military camp or barracks, such as telephone and data lines, outlet points, distribution boxes, comms cabinets, etc. As part of this phase students are introduced to rigging and are given the exciting opportunity to climb the 120ft communications mast in the CIS School. The course then moves on to CommCen (communications centre) procedures, a very relevant topic as a Com-Op would conduct the majority of their duties in their brigade CommCen. This involves learning about the role of the CommCen, its organisation, procedures, dealing with messages and all the associated forms and books. Students then move onto the TBMS referred to earlier and the Tactical Battlefield Network Configuration Application (TBNCA) that allows the operator to set-up and establishes data communication through TBMS with SINCGARS. As a Com-Op it is very important to be able to operate these applications proficiently as they are highly integral to the operation of a CommCen, cash escorts and mobile HQs. The Com-Op students also get the opportunity to learn about some of the more complex and lesser known communications equipment used by the Defence Forces, such as the NORSAT Rapidly Deployable Satellite System; the Thuraya and Iridium satellite phones; and the BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network), which provides a highly portable, always-on connection supporting simultaneous voice and data usage. Students participate in several on-the-ground exercises to give them the opportunity to put theory into practise. After completing a CIS Detachment Commanders course some students, such as Sgwn Sarah Downey, go on to the CIS Technician Scheme, which is a three-year Bachelor of Engineering degree course in Electronic Engineering (Military Communications Systems), in Carlow IT. Encryption and Cyber-crime Officers in the CIS Corps have to complete a YOs course on which many of the modules are the same as those undertaken by their enlisted colleagues. Module 2 is very similar to the Com-Ops course while Module 3 covers a number of technical areas. Here students study the physics behind radio communications, analysing VHF, HF and UHF radio waves. "We also look into IP networking, operation of the DF intranet and the encryption systems for sending classified material," Lt McFadden explained to us. Although it is not essential, officers generally have a technical degree specific to the Corps. Lt McFadden for example has a degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering and is currently studying for an MSc in Forensic Computing and Cyber-crime Investigation. Officers within the Corps take on different projects in order to improve their own knowledge and skills and to benefit the Corps. "Projects could relate to anything from network planning, blue-force tracking, or cyber security, to improving our interoperability with other NATO PfP countries and UN forces," Lt McFadden said. "It is essential for all CIS personnel to maintain and further develop their skills in order to meet current demands and recognise emerging threats in the area." www.military.ie the defence forces magazine

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