Disaster Incident Response Comms Terminal (DI

The Disaster Incident Response Emergency Communications Terminal (DIRECT) program is a procurement initiative managed by the Army under budget line item 2161B47200. Its primary objective is to provide robust, deployable communications capabilities to support Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) missions, particularly for the National Guard operational commanders in all 50 States and 4 Territories. The program is designed to ensure seamless information exchange during disaster response scenarios, leveraging the Army's Tactical Network to facilitate network connectivity for first responders and emergency managers.

DIRECT's specific goals center on enhancing interoperability and connectivity among various agencies and partners during disaster incidents. The program delivers Commercial Coalition Equipment (CCE), which enables commercial internet access for civilian and multinational partners. This capability is critical for reducing the size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements of deployed technology, thereby addressing the growing demand for rapid and scalable communications solutions in emergency situations.

Another key objective of the DIRECT program is to interconnect disparate voice communications networks and devices used by multiple response agencies at incident sites. By bridging these systems, DIRECT ensures that local, state, federal, and military responders can coordinate effectively, regardless of the specific equipment or protocols they use. This interoperability is essential for unified command and control, shared situational awareness, and efficient resource allocation during complex disaster response operations.

The program also includes a cellular solution component, which provides immediate commercial wireless and secure cellular network connectivity. This capability is intended to support first responders, state authorities, and federal agencies by enabling enhanced command and control and real-time information sharing at incident sites. The cellular solution is particularly valuable in environments where traditional communications infrastructure has been compromised or is unavailable.

Funding for DIRECT was previously allocated under the Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC) program but was realigned to the B47200 line item beginning in FY 2022. This realignment reflects the Army's commitment to consolidating and streamlining its disaster response communications investments. The program is justified under Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, which mandates the provision of such capabilities for homeland defense, domestic emergency responses, and military support to civil authorities.

In terms of budget execution, the FY 2026 request for DIRECT shows no new funding, indicating that procurement objectives for this cycle have been met or deferred. Previous years' funding supported the acquisition and fielding of DIRECT equipment to both the Army and Air National Guard, ensuring that active and reserve components are equipped for rapid response. The program's procurement quantities and costs are distributed to maximize coverage and readiness across all designated states and territories.