U.S. Army Fields PacStar Secure Wireless Command Post Improving Mobility and Command Post Setup Time

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

PacStar announced that U.S. Army Project Manager Tactical Networkprogram is fielding PacStar Secure Wireless Command Post (SWCP) (Wi-Fi) -- reducing size, weight and power (SWaP), speeding setup time of Command Posts, and increasing Warfighter mobility. The program uses a Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) solution to provide secure classified and unclassified Wi-Fi to the Command Post. Initial fielding efforts to Expeditionary Signal Brigades, corps and division headquarters and Army brigade combat teams have been ongoing since the summer of 2018.

During combat operations, Army forces must often move or “jump” base locations to outmaneuver enemies or avoid attacks. PacStar SWCP is the program’s second generation CSfC solution provided by PacStar, reducing SWaP, increasing mobility, providing additional levels of ruggedness and reliability. By going wireless, command post set up and tear down times are reduced by hours, and communications teams save the time and expense of transporting and installing thousands of feet of wire for every move. Soldiers can operate untethered from their workstations for improved collaboration. Most importantly, by going wireless, the capability reduces network downtime, to enable commanders to conduct critical mission command during setup phases.

PacStar SWCP (Wi-Fi) comprises small form factor, modular, rugged networking equipment and servers running best-in-class network infrastructure technology configured to meet CSfC requirements. The PacStar modules inside the solution save up to 10 times the size and weight, and up to 18 times the power of comparable datacenter class equipment – while meeting MIL-STD environmental requirements.

The solution includes PacStar IQ-Core Crypto Manager, speeding set-up, configuration and reducing monitoring challenges, making fielding CSfC in tactical settings practical, while delivering key benefits:

• Rapidly and reliably simplifying setup and configuration of IPsec VPNs
• Managing certificates, publishing and distribution of certificate revocation lists and more, which is otherwise intractably difficult
• Accessing multiple, independent vendor equipment and software through a single user interface, reducing training and speeding operations
• Collecting device and security logs, generating events and alerts – ensuring the solution can be proactively monitored for health and security.

“PacStar SWCP small form factor delivers the benefit of Wi-Fi to U.S. Army Project Manager Tactical Network in a dramatically smaller form factor than prior solutions,” said Peggy Miller, chief executive officer, PacStar. “PacStar IQ-Core Crypto Manager reduces system complexity, providing rapid, intuitive management so that U.S. Army can quickly extend its ability to securely transmit classified information to wireless networks.”

Project Manager Tactical Network completed all required DoD certifications and accreditations necessary to fully connect and field PacStar SWCP and the system is available for acquisition throughout the U.S. Army via the Army Common Hardware Systems program office, or directly from PacStar through a variety of other contract vehicles.

IQ-Core Crypto Manager is available today for use with PacStar-designed tactical and enterprise systems, as well as separately for integration on OEM systems and insertion into existing programs of record.

This announcement is part of an ongoing set of CSfC-related awards and fieldings by U.S. Army PM Tactical Networks of PacStar hardware and software technologies with total awards exceeding $16 million to date.

About PacStar

Pacific Star Communications, Inc. (PacStar) is a leading provider of advanced communications solutions for a wide range of military, intelligence and commercial applications. PacStar created and manufactures its COTS-based rugged, small form factor expeditionary and mobile communications systems. Separately, it developed integrated, network communications management software, IQ-Core Software, for the military, federal, state/local government and emergency responder markets. The company’s patented IQ-Core Software, hardware technology and integrated solutions provide secure, command, control and communications systems, particularly in remote or infrastructure starved areas. In addition, PacStar’s communications systems are ideally suited for commercial/industrial organizations with mission-critical field communications requirements.