(c) The forward communications company. The forward communications company
provides multichannel and RATT support, linking DIVARTY, and the combat aviation, air defense, MI,
engineer, and armor battalions into the multichannel network. The company also provides multichannel
relays in the forward division area of operations. Figure 2-10, page 2-19, shows doctrinal equipment
employment.
i. MSE Division Signal Battalion.
(1) Overview. As discussed in Chapter 4 of the FM 11-30 extract at Appendix B, the MSE
signal battalion is organized into an HHC, two area signal companies, and a signal support company.
HHC performs the usual command, control, and logistical functions. The area signal companies provide
the node center switching and extension node service. The signal support company performs extension
switching and retransmission duties.
(2) The area signal company has a company headquarters and two nodal platoons. The nodal
platoon has a node center section and an extension switch section. The node center section does the
node switching, using transmission assemblages [AN/TRC-190 (V3) ], wire systems, and a radio access
unit (RAU). The extension switch section has 10 teams that establish the four SENS, one RAU, and five
[AN/TRC-190 (V1) ] transmission systems. Signal support company.
(3) The signal support company has a company headquarters and a general support platoon.
The general support platoon has an extension switch section, a wire section, and an FM retransmission
section. The extension switch section has five teams that establish one LENS, one RAU, two
transmission systems, and one wire team. The wire section has two installation teams that install and
maintain wire and cable for the LENS and J-1077 distribution boxes. The FM radio retransmission
section has two teams that provide single-channel retransmission stations for division level FM voice
nets.
j. User-Owned and Operated Equipment. The concept of user-owned and operated equipment
must be stressed by signal officers in combat units. Force structuring has resulted in fewer signal
support soldiers to install, operate, and maintain systems. An example of a user-owned and operated
component is the mobile subscriber radio terminal (MSRT). Supported units must understand that the
equipment is theirs. They are responsible for its readiness. Within brigade CP, the signal soldiers cable
up and establish a J-1077 distribution box. Supported soldiers can then run their own wire lines to
subscriber telephones in the TOC, for example. This concept gets everyone involved in establishing and
maintaining good communications. Of course, the signal officer must ensure that training on user-
owned equipment is conducted, and he is available during maintenance problems.
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