Videoconferencing and its Role in the Army

This thesis discusses the capabilities and the requirements for integrating videoconferencing technology into the Army's communication system. As the bandwidth requirements for videoconferencing are lowered and the bandwidth availability increases, it is becoming more feasible to incorporate a videoconferencing system into a commander's communication structure. The current family of videoconferencing equipment is reviewed and current standards that govern videoconferencing are examined. Videoconferencing systems are described in both a tactical and garrison environment with an emphasis on bandwidth requirements, survivability, and system security. Also, current tactical examples of videoconferencing use are discussed to provide insight as to the possible future uses of systems. Currently videoconferencing systems are used for staff planning, videomedicine, and videotraining. Finally, a projected videoconferencing architecture for a corps/division is analyzed with possible locations of the videoconferencing sites and communication systems that could link the videoconferencing sites together. A breakdown of possible users is provided to show that videoconferencing can play a successful support role in the Army.