The world of tactical equipment and tactical tools is always ebbing and flowing with the needs of those who utilize this gear. Since there are so many professionals who use this gear – all branches of military, local / state police, fire fighters, etc. – it can be hard to keep up with the constant alterations and developments in the tactical universe. However, the stories written about these upgrades are important, primarily because they stress how essential these changes are for the men and women who utilize this gear.

For instance, the Marine Corps has been a major proponent in developing systems for better tactical communications between units, infantry and control centers. We’ve discussed the use of smartphone technology as a starting point for massive communications upgrades, but now the Marine Corp is taking this to a new level. According to Defense Systems:

“The Marine Corps is adding improved sensors to its fleet of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to provide better reconnaissance data to warfighters on the ground, a service official said. These sensor efforts and the operational debut of an unmanned cargo helicopter supplying Marine forward operating bases in Afghanistan represent major milestones for the service’s UAS program…”

Up until now, the Marines had been using a primary tactical UAS that is being used at its peak levels, the article says. Steps needed to be made to ensure UAS systems were progressing in positive directions and not stalling out. By taking the existing UAS – called the RQ-7B Shadow – and improving what exists, the abilities of aerial reconnaissance missions should improve:

“The program is now focusing on increased endurance be [sic] extending the aircraft’s wings, improved communications with UHF and VHF radios and a weapons capability…The service is also developing a software reprogrammable payload capability for rapidly swapping out UAS sensors…”

Without the constant support of advancement from authorities in military forces, tactical systems and equipment would never improve to keep up with the technology available. This logistical research and development is absolutely essential to the success of any tactical program.