Base Support Communications

The Base Support Communications program (Line Item 9716BU4160) is a critical component of the Army's communications modernization efforts, as outlined in the FY 2026 budget justification. This program is primarily focused on the procurement and deployment of real-time voice and data communications infrastructure via the Army Land Mobile Radio (LMR) network, supporting the Army's FY 2030/2040 operational objectives. The LMR network is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of installation public safety organizations, first responders, force protection personnel, and other base management functions.

The Base Support Communications line item is now part of a broader consolidation effort, merging with the Emergency Management Modernization Program (BU8000) to form the new Base Emergency Communications (BECS) program (B74000). This consolidation aims to streamline procurement and lifecycle modernization of emergency management and critical communications capabilities. BECS integrates five key capabilities: Land Mobile Radio (LMR), Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Enterprise Mass Warning Notification (EMWN), Next Generation-911 (NG-911), and First Responder Broadband Network (FRBN). The objective is to provide a single, interoperable communications architecture for Army installations.

The LMR subsystem within BECS is transitioning from legacy, stand-alone systems at each post, camp, or station to a centralized enterprise network model. This migration is designed to maximize cost-effectiveness, improve cybersecurity, and ensure compliance with public law 112-96, which mandates an Internet Protocol (IP) infrastructure for emergency communications.

The LMR system provides mission-critical mobile and portable communications for garrison first responders, including Military Police, Fire Departments, and Emergency Medical personnel. It also supports force protection, homeland security, and installation management missions.

The procurement objectives under this line item include acquiring network infrastructure, enabling functions, and subscriber unit devices such as handheld, vehicle-mounted, and desktop radios. The program also funds initial critical system spares, dispatch consoles, and interim contractor logistics support, which includes system and cybersecurity patching. The hardware and software acquired are tailored to the unique requirements of each installation, taking into account factors such as geographic coverage, terrain, number of users, mutual aid partners, and operational concepts.

The justification for this investment is rooted in the Army's need to ensure synchronized, timely, and effective emergency response capabilities both within the continental United States (CONUS) and overseas (OCONUS). Reliable communications are essential for coordinated emergency response, maximizing radio spectrum use, and providing secure voice transmissions. The program also supports federal statutory requirements for interoperability with other federal agencies and mutual aid partners, which is vital for health, life, and safety missions.

The modernization effort will converge legacy LMR systems into a regionalized architecture, enabling synchronization with other BECS capabilities such as FRBN, CAD, NG-911, and EMWN where available. This approach leverages shared infrastructure such as towers, speakers, switches, routers, and relays to optimize interoperability and digital communications for both military and civilian emergency personnel. The program also emphasizes cybersecurity, ensuring that all components meet current standards for secure and reliable operations.