The General Dynamics C4 Systems-built Warfighter Information Network - Tactical (WIN-T) Increment 1 has a significantly expanded role with U.S. Army National Guard units. Originally developed for combat operations, WIN-T Increment 1 is now a critical communications hub that re-establishes secure, high-speed, high-bandwidth network communications following domestic natural disasters and civil emergencies.

The National Guard first used the system in this capacity following Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. When power was lost and cellular and mobile communications were unavailable, the WIN-T Increment 1 system enabled law enforcement, first responders and military organizations to communicate, share data and collaborate while keeping communication over secure military networks separated.

"For 10 years, soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan depended on WIN-T Increment 1 for lifesaving communication and access to intelligence in areas where there was no network communications infrastructure," said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems.

"For the National Guard, WIN-T Increment 1 delivers the same vital voice, video and data communications enabling the rapid and efficient deployment of emergency first responders and helping to save U.S. citizens' lives."

Referencing the role of WIN-T Increment 1 following Hurricane Sandy, a story recently published by the U.S. Army said, "The National Guard and the WIN-T Increment 1 team moved quickly to implement the solution and set up mobile command posts to restore the local, state and federal government's communications capabilities." National Guard units in every state are equipped with WIN-T Increment 1 systems.

WIN-T Increment 1 is fully fielded to the entire Army with 210 systems in the hands of active-duty Army, Army reserve and National Guard units. Following WIN-T Increment 1 is WIN-T Increment 2, the Soldiers' Network and cornerstone of the U.S. Army's network modernization plan.

When combined with the AN/PRC-154 Rifleman and AN/PRC-155 two-channel Manpack networking radios, WIN-T Increment 2 delivers vital situational awareness, intelligence and mission command that keeps pace with soldiers and moves with commanders in vehicles, during every stage of a mission. WIN-T Increment 2 systems are currently fielded with the 101st Airborne and two Brigade Combat Teams with the 10th Mountain Division.