From ship-to-shore communications to battlefield networks, the U.S. Navy relies on a complex web of radio systems to maintain its operational edge. At Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic, the Radio Communications Integrated Product Team (RC IPT) is ensuring those vital connections remain strong by preparing Navy Reservists with critical, real-world skills.

As the Radio Capabilities Based - In Service Engineering Agent (CB-ISEA) for Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) PMW/A 170, this dedicated team is significantly improving the preparedness of Navy Reservists through a robust annual training (AT) program.

The program, which started in 2022, provides real-world experience on radio communication systems, offering reservists invaluable professional development, contributing to fleet readiness. It has expanded to include multiple events each year.

To address the need for enhanced Battle Force Tactical Network (BFTN) training for reservists, NAVWAR Information Warfare (IW) Southeast (SE), N7, initiated a collaboration with the RC team. Responding to this need, the team developed a comprehensive annual training (AT) program at its St. Juliens Creek labs in Portsmouth, Virginia.

“This collaboration allows us to extend our support beyond typical engineering and technical services to actively enhance the readiness of the Reserve force,” said Tim Logan, Radio Comms IPT Lead. “It's a valuable opportunity to directly contribute to the Navy's strategic depth.”

Since its inception in 2023, the team has conducted eight training events, which are designed to foster a dynamic learning environment by combining returning reservists with those new to the program.

“As a reservist, having the opportunity to attend training and earn a certification on systems currently used in the fleet increases our readiness and helps fortify relationships with active-duty personnel,” said Electronics Technician Chief (ETC) Clifton Robinson, a senior reservist who coordinates and interfaces between government management and reservists.

Robinson also noted that practical experience builds familiarity with the equipment, allowing for a more focused approach to system operations, while understanding system architecture is crucial for efficient troubleshooting.

Reservists new to the BFTN system dedicate their first week of training to the BFTN Course of Instruction (COI). Space limitations restrict full participation in the course alongside active-duty Sailors. However, all reservists attend classroom-based training and have the opportunity to complete lab-based training during the second week of their AT, culminating in a certification exam.

“This was the first AT where I truly learned something new, attended formal instruction, and walked away certified as a subject matter expert (SME)," said Information Technology Specialist 2nd Class (IT2) Michael Bahn. “Unlike previous ATs, some of which involved mainly watch standing or filling temporary roles, this experience was structured, educational, and impactful, giving me both technical skills and situational awareness, which significantly enhanced my preparedness for future assignments,” said Bahn. Further, he emphasized how the training, especially the practical experience with the BFTN system and a shipboard System Operational Verification Testing (SOVT), significantly increased his confidence and provided a realistic understanding of ship operations.

Following the BFTN COI, reservists receive on-the-job training (OJT) by being assigned to various Radio Comms teams. This training is tailored to current team activities and provides practical experience in lab-based testing—including Pre-Installation Test and Check Out (PITCO), software testing, and equipment testing—as well as shipboard testing, equipment repairs, and troubleshooting, including System Operational Verification Testing (SOVT) and System Operational Tests (SOTs).

The training extends beyond the BFTN system, offering reservists opportunities to work on various radio communication systems, including High Frequency (HF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radios, UHF filters, Tactical Variant Switches, and portable radios.

“"I was able to join in the BTFN course for the first time, and I was completely involved from the system introduction to the practical lab activities to the assessments that allowed me to test my understanding,” said Information Technology Specialist 3rd Class (IT3) Allison Brown, a first-time attendee of the BFTN course.

Brown explained that the training strengthened her foundational knowledge and operational skills and gave her a thorough understanding of the local topological base for reliable and secure naval communication. She also found the staff and instructor to be excellent and very helpful.

The AT program enhances reservists’ knowledge and skills on radio equipment, enabling them to make a more immediate and impactful contribution if called to active duty. This enhanced readiness was demonstrated in February 2024, when reservists participating in AT with the Radio Comms IPT were integrated into a Mobilization Exercise (MOBEX) as part of a NIWC Atlantic Wartime Acquisition Readiness Planning (WARP) exercise.

“The MOBEX provided an invaluable opportunity to seamlessly integrate reservists trained during AT directly into a realistic wartime scenario. The RC IPT's participation was crucial; it allowed us to test and refine administrative processes—from travel orders to security clearances, and onboarding—proactively addressing potential bottlenecks and ensuring these reservists can seamlessly transition into roles within the IPT, contributing significantly to our national defense posture,” said RC IPT Deputy IPT Lead, Adrin Diggs.

Comprising approximately 100 personnel primarily at St. Juliens Creek Annex and Charleston, S.C. (with team members also in the Washington, D.C. area and Mayport, Fla.), the RC IPT operates and maintains five system laboratories supporting various critical communication systems, including the Amphibious Tactical Communications System (ATCS), Digital Modular Radio (DMR), Battle Force Tactical Network (BFTN), and Tactical Variant Switch (TVS).

While the program aims to provide technical training to Navy Reservists, RC IPT Lead Tim Logan noted an unexpected benefit. “The AT training has turned into a recruiting opportunity for the IPT. To date, two reservists who attended AT with the Radio Comms IPT have transitioned to Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS) orders, filling critical vacancies and providing full-time technical support to the team for multiple years," Logan said.

The RC IPT's commitment to reserve training aligns with the Navy's focus on readiness and strategic depth, ensuring a well-trained and prepared reserve force ready to support the fleet's communication needs.

Regarding the value the training has provided to the NAVWAR Reserve Program, the collaboration with the RC IPT has afforded Reservists rare opportunities to acquire technical expertise on a mission-critical, shipboard C4 system with a certifying test protocol and put boots on deck and hands on gears side by side on board Navy vessels with NIWC technical experts and ships’ force.

“Over the last three years, we have sent more than one-third of our enlisted personnel to the Radio Comms IPT, including [one Sailor] who became the FY24 Sailor of the Year for NIWC Atlantic and NAVWAR for his work in their shop,” said Capt. Peihua Ku, NAVWAR Reserve Program Information Warfare West Commanding Officer. “Our relationship is so strong, we are relocating a 30-member Reserve Unit to Norfolk to draw in more local Sailors and deepen our presence at St. Julien’s Creek Annex. It is an excellent example of Total Force Integration between the Active and Reserve components to strengthen the resilience of our fleet communications.”

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