Base Support Communications

The Base Support Communications program is focused on enhancing the Army's communication capabilities by modernizing the Land Mobile Radio (LMR) network. This initiative is essential for providing real-time voice communications and data services to first responders, such as Military Police, Fire Departments, and Emergency Medical personnel. The primary goal is to ensure a synchronized and effective emergency response by upgrading existing systems to meet specific national mandates and standards.

A key objective of the program is transitioning from stand-alone LMR systems at each installation to a centralized enterprise network model. This change aims to optimize cost-effectiveness and improve cybersecurity across Army installations. The program supports operations both within the Continental United States (CONUS) and Outside Continental United States (OCONUS), focusing on robust communication support for non-combatant evacuation orders and other critical missions. By integrating with other systems like Computer Aided Dispatch, Next Generation 911, and Enterprise Mass Warning and Notification, the LMR systems will become part of a comprehensive Base Emergency Communications System.

The program also prioritizes interoperability with federal and mutual aid partners, ensuring seamless communication across different agencies. This interoperability is both a strategic goal and a regulatory requirement under federal statutes. Modernization efforts include upgrading infrastructure at key locations such as Aberdeen Proving Ground, Fort Huachuca, Fort McCoy, Fort Gregg-Adams, and Fort Devens. These upgrades aim to integrate legacy systems into the Army CONUS Enterprise LMR architecture.

Beyond hardware upgrades, the program includes interim contractor support for system maintenance and cybersecurity patching over two years. Engineering and Program Support are crucial in developing acquisition requirements, conducting site surveys, and implementing engineering strategies to achieve an open architecture that supports optimization and interoperability. The overarching aim is to ensure that Army installations have reliable communication networks capable of supporting critical emergency response functions effectively.