The U.S. Army is moving forward with phase two of its Armored Formation Network (AFN) On-the-Move (OTM) Pilot, a program designed to provide armored units with high-capacity mobile connectivity for command and control (C2) in fast-paced, distributed operations.
The 1st Infantry Division (1st ID) is at the forefront of this initiative, testing advanced communication systems to enhance battlefield survivability and operational effectiveness.
“This new equipment is providing a definite advantage,” said Lt. Col. Marreo Burch, senior division communications officer (G6) for 1st ID. “To give the commanding general and other senior leaders the ability to move around the battlefield and stay connected — especially with the adversary’s ability to detect the command post from just a sheer electromagnetic (EM) spectrum standpoint — increases our survivability [and lethality].”
The AFN OTM kit integrates multiple emerging commercial technologies, including high-throughput, low-latency satellite communications (SATCOM), multi-band line-of-sight backhaul, 5G LTE cellular, and secure Wi-Fi. These systems enable resilient connectivity even in denied, degraded, intermittent, and low-bandwidth (DDIL) environments, providing commanders with a continuous operational picture.
“During my 45-minute ride, when one transport was degraded, it would auto-switch to the lower latency mode of transport while we were moving,” Burch explained. “It definitely helped with maintaining comms while on the move.”
The equipment is modular, allowing integration onto various platforms, including Humvees, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs), Armored Multi-purpose Vehicles (AMPVs), and Strykers. The system also reduces size, weight, and power (SWaP) demands, critical for armored vehicle operations.
The Army’s network modernization aims to replace large, static command posts with mobile, agile alternatives that can rapidly displace and reposition. The AFN OTM equipment includes expeditionary at-the-quick-halt (ATQH) satellite systems, enabling command posts to establish connectivity within minutes.
“The speed at which the enemy can [identify] us once we turn on all of our equipment and systems is really our biggest challenge,” said Maj. Adam Black, deputy G6, 1st ID. The dispersed communication capabilities provided by the kit allow units to spread command post operations across larger areas, reducing vulnerabilities.
“If [we operate dispersed and] we lose a specific section of our CP, we won’t lose the entire CP,” Black added.
Phase two of the AFN OTM pilot will be tested during combat training center (CTC) rotations at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, in fiscal year 2025. Feedback from the 1st ID and other units will guide the Army’s decisions on integrating these technologies into broader modernization efforts, including Next Generation C2 systems.
By ensuring armored formations have reliable, adaptable network capabilities, the Army seeks to maintain a decisive advantage on the modern battlefield. As Chief Warrant Officer 2 Justin Carrier of the 1st ID noted, “Because of the amount and types of transport [in this kit], I have faith that we can retain some form of [upper TI] network transport in any type of disruptive environment.”
The AFN OTM program represents a critical step in preparing armored units for future large-scale combat operations, emphasizing speed, adaptability, and resilience in an increasingly complex battlefield environment.