Approximately 60 information and communications specialists of the Lithuanian National Defence System will provide communications support during Amber Hope 2011, the largest multinational exercise held in Lithuania this year, held from June 13 to 23 in the Pabrades Training Area.
A reliable connection and efficient information exchange among the staff and staff elements at different levels and interaction among the various forces is one of the most important elements of successful command and control - not only during the exercise, but also in the execution of real-life military operations.
Troops were deployed to the Exercise area as early as June 1 to install computer and telephone communications networks which will enable users to benefit from telephone, Internet, e-mail and other services. Radio communications networks were mounted to maintain the connection between the Exercise Staff and units for a variety of purposes. The mentioned networks were installed with support from communications and information systems specialists from the Communications and Information Systems Service under the Ministry of National Defence, Joint Headquarters of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, Gediminas Headquarters Battalion, Motorised Infantry Brigade "Iron Wolf," Gen Adolfas Ramanauskas Warfare Training Centre and Military Cartography Centre.
Prior to Exercise participants arriving, communications specialists built an IT network covering an area of approximately 12.5 km. The specialists fitted up 150 computerized work places for participants in Exercise Amber Hope 2011, around 80 telephone devices, and satellite communications terminals. On completion of the Exercise, all equipment and cables will be disassembled, collected and readied for transportation within three days.
"An Exercise of such magnitude and scope is a perfect opportunity to test our equipment and procedures, and improve communication specialists' skills," said Maj Viktoras Kucenko, Chief of Communications and Information Section for Amber Hope 2011. "The preparation period before the Exercise has already revealed that the Lithuanian National Defence System has great communications specialists who have amassed a lot of experience and knowledge, both in constantly developing communications support, and in IT fields - not only because of a range of qualification improvement courses, but also because of their personal determination and motivation to grow professionally" said Viktoras.
Throughout the Exercise, communications and information systems specialists will ensure real-life communications support for the participants by maintaining IT services, repairing any technical breakdowns, ensuring secure and uninterrupted connection, and rendering consultations. Another one of their many roles in Amber Hope 2011 is to simulate communications or communications-related incidents.
For more information about the Exercise:
http://kariuomene.kam.lt/en/ah11.html
www.facebook.com/GintarineViltis
Note for media:
Journalists willing to attend the Visitors and Media Day on 22 June or interview the Exercise leadership should register and
agree on arrival time with Captain Mindaugas Neimontas, Head of the Media Operations Section for Amber Hope 2011, cell phone +370 640 45 380, neimontas@gmail.com.
Pictures from Amber Hope 2011 PIC
