Counter-IED systems jam tactical comms in Iraq

[sabra]

http://www.fcw.com/article97264-01-05-07-Web

Counter-IED systems jam tactical comms in Iraq

Jammers used by U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq to defeat radio-controlled improvised electronic devices (IEDs) have the side effect of knocking out a wide range of tactical radio systems, according to the Naval Sea Systems Command.

Navsea, which is asking for industry input on mitigating the problem, said IED jammers, known as Counter Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems, can cause the “loss of all communications” from co-located or nearby tactical radio systems. The Navy manages the joint CREW program for Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Joint IED Defeat Organization.

At the same time, active battlefield radio systems interfere with the IED jammers “to the extent that the CREW systems become ineffective,” according to Navsea's request for information.

...

John Grimes, chief information officer and assistant secretary of Defense for networks and information integration, speaking at the DOD spectrum conference last month, said that the department faces a real challenge of operating IED jammers while at the same time ensuring the jammers do not knock out tactical systems.

[truthisfreedom]

1. These people need to learn how to use good-old American ingenuity!

[damntexdem]

3. Bugles and drums.

Image of a Civil War bugler communicating with the troops.

[Ezlivin]

2. Smoke signals on a windy day

Technology can be as much of an impediment to military operations as the lack of it.

Many military experts have cautioned against too much reliance upon technological solutions in combat. For instance, H. John Poole argues in "Phantom Soldier: The Enemy's Answer to U.S. Firepower" that "If Marines equipped with all of the latest gadgetry were to try to refight the battle of Iwo Jima, they would have as much trouble as their grandfathers did. (p. 215)"