The current mission of the 2d Reconnaissance Battalion (2D RECON) is to conduct ground and amphibious reconnaissance and surveillance along with other operations as directed in support of the 2d Marine Division. Recon Marines are heavily trained in airborne and combat diving techniques in order to allow them to bypass traditional land defense systems. They are sent to various schools to learn various special skills including: Scout Sniper, Jump, Military Free Fall, Combatant Dive, Ranger, and other DOD and SOCOM sponsored schools.
Somewear has enabled our team to effectively monitor jumper position, during free-fall and while under canopy, and seamlessly communicate navigational details or mission-critical information. Within seconds of jumpers exiting the aircraft and deploying their canopy, the safety crew can track if the jumper or whole jump team is going to make it to the desired point of impact under canopy.
The Challenge
For years, during free-fall operations, Recon Marines have used radios that are limited in range, compasses, and their calibrated eyes to navigate to their target. Understanding each jumpers’ position is challenging and if they’re out of range their position becomes unknown, increasing their vulnerability and adding complexity to the operation.
Without proper tracking or communications, when a jumper is off course, the team needs to guess where the jumper landed — several miles away — and often times navigate in the dark for hours to f ind them. Jumpers that are off course may also land in hazardous terrain and without immediate support their safety is at risk.
2D Recon was leveraging unreliable comms and an operating picture that was dependent on jumpers accurately reporting their position. Due to the limited margin for error associated with military free-fall operations, 2D Recon required a fail-proof jump tracking solution that could be trusted in any environment.
The Solution
For operators in the field and leadership overseeing the operation, having access to a jumper’s position translates into increased situational awareness, accountability and safety. By equipping the Recon Marines, ground units, and remote leadership with our advanced software platform and technology, the team is able to seamlessly communicate and immediately course correct in the air to increase jumper effectiveness.
2D Recon leadership can immediately identify when a jumper is off course and proactively anticipate their landing zone, ultimately reducing the time spent looking for lost jumpers. Through a strategic implementation of our technology, 2D Recon is improving their jumper accuracy. After each jump, 2D Recon conducts a debrief to review each jumpers’ track and identify mistakes and room for improvements.
Somewear’s intuitive interface and ATAK integration enabled the team to quickly take advantage of Somewear’s capabilities and adapt their operating procedures to streamline communication and jumper tracking.
The Results
- Maximized jumper accuracy, ultimately increasing effectiveness and safety.
- Provided leadership an eye-in-the-sky for real-time location monitoring.
- Collected and reported observations in real-time to increase operational efficiency.
Products
Global Hotspot
SATELLITEAn encrypted, resilient satellite solution that integrates into any kit. Ideal for asset tracking and for isolated personnel who require SATCOM to stay connected.
Grid
Web, iOS, Android, ATAKEstablish situational awareness that encompasses all assets and empower your team, from operator to command, to maintain complete control of missions.
Node
MESH & SATELLITEAn encrypted multi-network solution, combining the efficiency of mesh radios and resilience of satellite communication with SmartBackhaul™ technology.