hardening into ground terminals for installation and operation in communications shelters. The MILSTAR
SATCOM system provides the most survivable communications link on the battlefield in both intense jamming
and nuclear environments.
2. The AN/TSC-124 will be the Army's MILSTAR terminal. It will be fielded in Army units in the early
nineties. It will provide antijamming scintillation-protected, tri-service interoperable satellite communications
to support critical C2 communications. Exclusive of the SCS, the AN/TSC-124 does not replace existing
communications equipment on the battlefield; it augments the existing terrestrial C2 nets when other
communications means are degraded or destroyed. The traffic transmitted via the AN/TSC-124 terminals will
normally be essential data communications. Voice communications, though possible, are not intended to be the
primary method of communications through the MILSTAR system. System efficiency decreases as voice
traffic levels increase. Therefore, data traffic will have a higher priority for channel access throughout the
system.
LEARNING EVENT 7: DEPLOYMENT
1. SCS. AN/TSC-124 terminals will replace AN/MSC-64s, currently used within the SCS, to operate the
Flaming Arrow Net in Europe and Korea.
2. Theater. At EAC in Europe and Korea, AN/TSC-124s will provide for connectivity between the theater
main, theater alternate, theater Army main, theater Army alternate, the theater Army MILSTAR control center
(TAMCC), and six discretionary headquarters such as major joint or allied unit headquarters, additional CINC
support, and the like. The theater TACSAT signal company will install, operate, and maintain the terminals.
3. Contingency support The 235th Signal Detachment and 209th Signal Company will each employ AN/TSC-
124 terminals in support of Army and JCS operations worldwide. They will augment the theater assets if
necessary.
4. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The 112th Signal Battalion will employ AN/TSC-124 terminals
in support of SOCOM operations.
LEARNING EVENT 8: EMPLOYMENT
The AN/TSC-124 will be a commander's asset. Although regular and recurring association of terminals and
headquarters will occur, the terminals can be employed at the commander's discretion. The commander can
assign a priority of communications and fight the communications assets as a combat multiplier like any other
weapons system.
1. Nets and networks. The unique characteristics and capabilities of the terminals and associated satellite
systems make structured nets unnecessary. Because the terminals operate with a Department of the Army
Materiel Annex (DAMA) technique, there is no requirement for dedicated channels. Because of the processing
capabilities of the satellites and the ability to address discretely any terminal within the system, MILSTAR
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