Distributing the workload

New tasking feature for SitaWare Frontline and SitaWare Edge gives commanders new capabilities for allocating unit missions.

When undertaking modern operations on the battlefield, the ability to distribute tasks and orders and track their progress and results is a fundamental requirement for commanders. The latest update for the SitaWare Frontline and SitaWare Edge systems now gives commanders the ability to create and allocate tasks to subordinates as part of operational requirements, and obtain an overview of their progress.

“Commanders operating in the field are able to disseminate tasks to other SitaWare Frontline and SitaWare Edge users. For example, a platoon commander in a vehicle could task a section with a reconnaissance mission to gather intelligence in a particular area, or a dismounted commander can allocate movement orders to teams to ensure they are in the right place for upcoming operations,” says Jesper Annexgaard, ISR and Mobile Defence Product Manager at Systematic.

Creating a visual link

A major benefit is not only the sharing of tasks and their execution status and progress, but the ability to link tasks to objectives and activities directly on the map. This enables a much easier and unambiguous communication with subordinates, as it avoids having to describe things you can simply point to on the map.

“As they conduct missions, subordinate users are then able to report the completion of their missions to a commander, with this information then being conveyed to higher echelons for wider operational status and intelligence delivery. This top-down approach to mission management helps to create a better awareness of the workings of a team, and how they are being allocated to support wider mission objectives,” Annexgaard added.

Simplified task distribution and tracking

Once tasks are created and allocated, users can see a simple and intuitive task list which displays the type of tasks received or given. This enables commanders to track tasks they have been assigned, as well as ones they have delegated. The data gained from these missions can be synchronised to other users within a network, as well as delivered to higher headquarters for improved battlefield situational awareness.

Tasks and data are delivered around the battlefield utilising the SitaWare Tactical Communication (STC) protocol. STC is a market-leading communication backbone process that provides mobile SitaWare users with robust, secure, and highly resilient network capabilities. Its radio-agnostic design gives users the freedom to choose which radio or transmission system suits their situation – from High Frequency (HF) sets, through to satellite communication (SATCOM) systems, and Very High Frequency (VHF) and IP-based radios.