Posted on Jul 13, 2019
Mapping Apps Are Endangering Special Operators - Puzzle Palace
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"KILSWITCH is an acronym that stands for Kinetic Integrated Low-cost Software Integrated Tactical Combat Handheld. APASS stands for the Android Precision Assault Strike Suite.
The apps provide satellite views of a warfighter’s surroundings similar to Google Maps that help pinpoint locations. They also enable forces to talk to each other and share updates in real time like instant messages to provide better situational awareness.
Engadget noted in a 2015 blog post that the KILSWITCH app can help forces devoted to calling in airstrikes, known as Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) deliver airstrikes in four minutes, faster than ever before.
Before the development of sophisticated satellite-mapping software programs, requests for airstrikes and other close air support were done using radios and paper maps. After the initial request, there would be a long lag time for the airstrikes to arrive.
Careful coordination between JTACs and the inbound aircrews is necessary in order to avoid friendly fire. In intense combat situations, such constant coordination can take place in the middle of a firefight with opposing forces.
While some special operators in the Navy and conventional Marines readily embraced the KILSWITCH/APASS applications, critics aware of the hacking weaknesses point to a preferred and more trusted geo-spatial program that provides up-to-the second situational awareness whose software has been rigorously tested and doesn’t have the cybersecurity vulnerabilities."
The apps provide satellite views of a warfighter’s surroundings similar to Google Maps that help pinpoint locations. They also enable forces to talk to each other and share updates in real time like instant messages to provide better situational awareness.
Engadget noted in a 2015 blog post that the KILSWITCH app can help forces devoted to calling in airstrikes, known as Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) deliver airstrikes in four minutes, faster than ever before.
Before the development of sophisticated satellite-mapping software programs, requests for airstrikes and other close air support were done using radios and paper maps. After the initial request, there would be a long lag time for the airstrikes to arrive.
Careful coordination between JTACs and the inbound aircrews is necessary in order to avoid friendly fire. In intense combat situations, such constant coordination can take place in the middle of a firefight with opposing forces.
While some special operators in the Navy and conventional Marines readily embraced the KILSWITCH/APASS applications, critics aware of the hacking weaknesses point to a preferred and more trusted geo-spatial program that provides up-to-the second situational awareness whose software has been rigorously tested and doesn’t have the cybersecurity vulnerabilities."
Mapping Apps Are Endangering Special Operators - Puzzle Palace
Posted from puzzle-palace.com
Apps
Cyber
Tactics
Special Operations
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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Computers are helpful...and a danger. We just need to get smarter in their use.
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Good morning LTC,
I enjoyed your post. Taking the high ground in many forms is the American way.
I bet most Platoon Sgt's with a small pocket drone gets over on most enemies in the field.
Have a good day Sir.
I enjoyed your post. Taking the high ground in many forms is the American way.
I bet most Platoon Sgt's with a small pocket drone gets over on most enemies in the field.
Have a good day Sir.
(2)
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