African Union Strikes Communications Gold in Darfur Peacekeeping Missi

African Union Strikes Communications Gold in Darfur Peacekeeping Mission

African Union (AU) peacekeepers faced significant communication challenges in their Sudan mission; deployment of the TAC-PAK Briefcase Mobile Command Center enabled multiple redundant AU communication channels from remote operations bases



FORT COLLINS, Colo., May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region in western Sudan has received plenty of media attention in recent years thanks to the voices and dedication of some of Hollywood's elite. Since civil war broke out in Sudan almost a decade ago, over two million Darfuries have been displaced in the remote region, countless people have been killed and many more have been the victims of rape and other forms of abuse. Unbelievably, the situation in Sudan would be worse were it not for the tireless peacekeeping work of the African Union (AU) forces that have been on the ground for the past six years.

Given a recent flare-up of hostilities between South Sudan and Sudan due to a dispute over oil revenues, the AU recognized the need for more resources in the remote communications sterile locations and deployed two new TAC-PAK mobile command systems. These custom-configured "mobile command in a box" TAC-PAK systems, manufactured by 308 SYSTEMS in Fort Collins, Colorado (http://www.308systems.com, are follow-up TAC-PAK systems augmenting previously deployed AU TAC-PAKs. The new systems were custom-configured to meet specific AU Sudan mission filed communication requirements. From the base of AU peacekeeping operations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, one African Union General said, "These systems are like gold out in the field."

TAC-PAK Mobile Command System: http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-TACPAK.jpg

The AU's TAC-PAK deployment addressed the shortfall of command and communications infrastructure and equipment experienced by the AU forces on a daily basis in Sudan. With over 20,000 troops, police and civilians spread throughout the region, AU operations are often stymied by myriad security and logistical constraints due to Sudan's unforgiving terrain and a hostile political environment. While the voices of Hollywood's elite have been great at raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the TAC-PAKs have been effective at connecting the voices and data needs of on-the-ground peacekeeping forces.

Deploying the TAC-PAK mobile command systems, the AU has been able to create a satellite communications-based continent-wide wireless network that enables troops to coordinate, share information and request support. The TAC-PAKs have created an invaluable and fast communications infrastructure where there once was none.

About 308 SYSTEMS

At the forefront of rugged field command and communications, for 14 years 308 SYSTEMS has provided revolutionary Ultra-Agile Mobile Command and Communication solutions to a broad spectrum of commercial, government, and military customers. From its headquarters in Fort Collins, Colorado, 308 SYSTEMS has established a legacy of innovation and leadership in developing advanced, integrated communication systems that satisfy the customized specifications of military, government and commercial clients. These technical capabilities are available on multiple General Services Administration (GSA) schedules, and are complemented by a focus upon technical excellence, quality products, and uncompromised integrity.