US Army trains with new communication equipment during Saber Junction

The US Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade is using the newly acquired Point of Presence (PoP) and Soldier Network Extension (SNE) equipment during the ongoing multinational Saber Junction exercise in Germany.

The hands-on training with the new PoP/SNE tactical communication equipment was conducted in Grafenwoehr Training Area on 7 September.

The equipment is designed to enable mobile mission command. In addition, the equipment provides on-the-move network connectivity, both line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight.

Saber Junction 2019 provided an opportunity to paratroopers assigned to 173rd Airborne Brigade to train on the PoP/SNE communication equipment.

Meanwhile, paratroopers assigned to Charlie Company, 2D Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade conducted night drivers training with new lightweight ground mobility vehicles (GMVs) during Saber Junction.

The army’s new GMV airborne tactical vehicles underwent field tests during attack night course at Grafenwoehr Training Area.

In a release, the US Army said: “The night course gave the Paratroopers the opportunity to apply the techniques that they have learned throughout training in a simulated combat environment and showed the capability of new lightweight, airborne tactical vehicles.”

The GMV vehicles are intended to provide the army with enhanced tactical mobility. They are primarily meant for troop movement and can be airlifted by army helicopters.

Around 5,400 participants from 16 ally and partner nations are participating in Saber Junction 2019.

The exercise, which began on 3 September, will run until 30 September at the US Army’s Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels Training Areas.

Saber Junction is aimed at evaluating the readiness of the 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute land operations in a joint, combined environment with other allies. Additionally, the exercise is expected to improve promote interoperability.