Army.Mil discusses using ATAK in its ITN:
Maj. John Intile, executive officer for the1-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 82nd Airborne Division (Air Assault), obtains battlefield situational transmitted using the Integrated Tactical Network components, including commercial airwaves, tactical satellites and the Android Tactical Assault kit end-user device chat functions.
Known as the Integrated Tactical Network (ITN), the new approach provides smaller, lighter, faster and more flexible communications systems with multiple connectivity options that are available primarily at the battalion and below level, down to the dismounted Soldier.
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Their ITN kit contains the AN/PRC 148 2-channel Leader radios, which feature TrellisWare TSM commercial and Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) waveforms. Two channels allow the platoon leader to talk to its command in one ear and platoon on the other, freeing up the radio telephone operator for other tasks.
“Instead of carrying two radios, which is what I’ve done throughout my career, I can carry one,” Risenmay said. “The reduced weight and wires makes life easier as you are out and about in the field.”
The Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK), which is an unclassified version of the Nett Warrior hand-held situational device, is another lightweight ITN component. Sgt. 1st Class Arbie Ignatius Melendrez is the 1-508 PIR battalion fire support non-commissioned officer. He is responsible for integrating and coordinating all fires support within the battalion, and stated that the ATAK is benefitting all of the company forward observers and fire support officer.
“Using the ITN, they are able to maintain and coordinate information reporting and knowing where everyone is in the battlefield in real time,” he said. “They utilize information to coordinate fire support at the company level and integrate those fires to engage targets in the field. With use of the ITN I have been able to communicate with less equipment and further than I have in my 13-year career.”
