American Forces Radio and TV Service

The American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) line item (LI 2666) in the Department of Defense (DoD) budget supports the procurement and installation of shipboard systems that deliver command information, real-time news, training, and entertainment programming to deployed Sailors and Marines. The primary objective of this program is to enhance situational awareness for forward-deployed commanders and improve the quality of life for Navy personnel at sea. By providing access to AFRTS programming, the initiative aims to boost morale, support retention, and maintain compliance with the Chief of Naval Operations Shipboard Habitability Program.

Shipboard Information, Training and Entertainment (SITE) CCTV Digital/300, Digital/400, and Digital/501 systems represent successive generations of digitally based replacements for legacy SITE playback systems. Each variant is tailored to different ship classes and operational requirements, with the Digital/300 and Digital/400 systems requiring one technician/operator, and the Digital/501 system requiring two technicians and three operators. All systems are built using Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) components, which are procured and installed based on ship availability and system condition. Fleet Support Detachments (FSDs) serve as the primary installation agents.

Shipboard Broadcast System (SBS) is an advanced Internet Protocol video system that replaces earlier SITE systems and integrates multiple video sources, including Navy Motion Picture Services programming, video servers, and shipboard surveillance cameras. The SBS system distributes both standard and high-definition video content throughout the ship, leveraging COTS equipment for flexibility and rapid deployment. SBS upgrades are coordinated by FSDs and are scheduled according to ship availability and system lifecycle considerations.

Production Engineering supports the technical and engineering aspects of the AFRTS program. This includes the review and approval of production contract documentation, development of signal flow diagrams, preventive maintenance services, production drawings, provisioning technical documentation, Integrated Logistic Support, Program Support Data, and Allowance Parts Lists. These activities ensure that system upgrades and new installations meet Navy standards for reliability, maintainability, and interoperability.

Non-FMP Installation funds the installation of SITE and TV-Direct to Sailor systems on Navy ships. Installations are performed by Defense Media Activity Agency Fleet Support Detachments and are prioritized based on nominations from Type Commanders. This ensures that installation resources are allocated efficiently and that ships most in need of upgrades receive them in a timely manner.

The AFRTS program is justified by its contributions to Navy ship habitability, operational readiness, and personnel well-being. By providing reliable access to news, training, and entertainment, AFRTS systems help maintain high morale and combat effectiveness among deployed personnel. The use of COTS equipment allows for cost-effective procurement and rapid technology refresh cycles, while the involvement of FSDs and Type Commanders ensures installations are responsive to fleet needs.

For FY 2026, the AFRTS budget request reflects a reduction in funding, consistent with broader DoD efficiency initiatives outlined in recent Executive Orders. The decrease is attributed to fewer planned hardware procurements and installations, as well as reductions in advisory and assistance services. Despite these reductions, the program continues to prioritize essential upgrades and sustainment activities to maintain the operational effectiveness and quality of life benefits provided by AFRTS systems.