U.S. Army’s Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) process. Photo: Army Capabilities Integration Center

[Via Satellite 06-09-2014] Iridium Communications will participate in the U.S. Army’s Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) process, a rigorous assessment of network and non-network capabilities and new commercial technology to determine acquisition solutions for the Army, a process that takes place twice a year. Iridium will demonstrate a Position Location Information (PLI)-based tracking device, the Enhance Mobile Satellite System (EMSS) Beacon, manufactured by NAL Research. The device will be outfitted on a maneuver platoon to determine the utility of near real-time position and location tracking of Army personnel and assets.

The PLI device is “puck-like” in shape and supports Geo-fencing and integration into the Nett Warrior system for global tracking of soldiers. Iridium was awarded a $400 million five-year fixed-price contract with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) in 2013 to provide satellite airtime solutions to the DoD and their federal partners. The contract renewed Iridium’s provision of delivering EMSS airtime.

“The EMSS Beacon is designed to meet the size, weight and power requirements for the dismounted soldier and fills a need that has been around for more than 10 years,” said Ngoc Hoang, president of NAL Research. “Our device provides a critical communications lifeline for soldiers on the battlefield, and only Iridium’s network provides the truly global tracking capabilities that meet the military’s needs.”