Smaller, Faster, Better

Photo By Sgt. Daniel Lucas | Spc. Edward Kyser, satellite transmission terminal operator, C-392nd Signal Company, runs networking cable at the Advanced Command post. The ACP is smaller than the Contingency Command Post and will provide rapid and flexible command and control to anywhere in Third Army's area of responsibility.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

01.30.2010

Story by Sgt. Daniel Lucas 

203rd Public Affairs Detachment

Third Army set up its newest command and control element at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Jan. 10.

The Assault Command Post will provide Third Army command and control element in a smaller, more flexible package anywhere in Third Army's area of responsibility.

"[Third Army] has to be ready to deploy anywhere [within Third Army's area of responsibility] within a moment's notice," said Brig. Gen. Stephen Twitty, chief of staff, Third Army. "We have to have the flexibility to get into hot spots and provide command and control."

The ACP travels with four vehicles and essential equipment to transmit necessary information back to headquarters. This allows the ACP to deploy with less than 96 hours notice to anywhere in Third Army's AOR and once it has arrived, be setup and able to transmit information back to headquarters in a matter of hours.

"The [ACP] is a smaller package and requires less planning and contracting to move into position," said Master Sgt. Brian Bland, noncommissioned officer in charge of the ACP, current operations, Third Army. "It can also maintain flexibility on the battlefield."

The basic package contains two humvees, a light-medium-tactical vehicle, essential equipment to transport a satellite dish and two Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelters.

According to DHS Technologies, the DRASH is a quick-erect shelter system that integrates shelter, mobility, lighting, heating, cooling and power in one package.

All the necessary equipment can fit into a C-17 to be transported straight to its strategic destination.

The ACP is manned by a team of less than 40 people representing a slice of Third Army's essential command and control elements.

Since October, the ACP has been picking up speed and has been being prepared with the same well planned haste as it's intended use.

"In these last few months, it has grown from a piece of paper to what you see today," said Capt. Anthony Polczynski, plans officer, current operations, Third Army. "[The ACP] is gaining momentum and motivation and its going well."

• Date Taken: 01.30.2010
• Date Posted: 01.30.2010 03:26
• Story ID: 44630
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW