Ground Mobile Forces

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'Ground Mobile Forces (GMF) refers to the tactical satellite communications (SATCOM) component of the Tri-Service Tactical (TRI-TAC) program.^[1] Developed by GTE-Sylvania in the mid-1970s, TRI-TAC was a joint-service military command, control, and communications initiative.^[1] The program aimed to field advanced multichannel switched equipment, eliminate redundant acquisitions across military branches, and establish seamless interoperability between tactical and strategic communications systems.^[1]

GMF systems operate in a hub-and-spoke network topology.^[1] In this configuration, a central hub terminal can simultaneously ingest up to four primary data feeds from outlying spoke terminals.^[1]

The system utilizes four primary designated SATCOM terminals categorized by their operational role:

• Hub Terminals (AN/TSC-85B and AN/TSC-100A): Equipped for point-to-point and hub operations.^[1]
• Spoke Terminals (AN/TSC-93B and AN/TSC-94A): Designated remote terminals that connect directly back to a hub.^[1]

• Hub Performance: Standard hub configurations ingest up to 48 multiplexed, encrypted channels from a maximum of four spoke terminals simultaneously.^[1] Utilizing an external multiplexer doubles this capacity to 96 channels.^[1]
• Channel Configuration: Channels operate at 16 kbit/s or 32 kbit/s, translating to an effective true capacity of 48 kbit/s when accounting for protocol overhead.^[1]
• Spoke Performance: Outlying terminals support up to 24 multiplexed channels (16/32 kbit/s).^[1]

GMF terminals communicate via Super High Frequency (SHF) X-band through the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) satellite constellation.^[1][2]

All GMF terminals feature external interfaces for field telephones, a 70 MHz Intermediate Frequency (IF) wideband input, and connection to an AN/TSQ-111 Tech Control Facility.^[1] To support sustained tactical deployments, equipment shelters are sealed for operations in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) environments.^[1]

While legacy TRI-TAC and GMF hardware provided foundational field communications for decades, the bulky circuit-switched equipment has largely become obsolete.^[1]

Over time, these systems were largely phased out in favor of modern, IP-based fly-away quad-band systems equipped with compact routers, switches, and advanced encryption hardware.^[1] Despite their technical obsolescence, select GMF terminals remained active in field operations under severe conditions during military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan.^[1]

• Defense Satellite Communications System
• AN/TTC-39 Circuit Switch
• Tactical Communications Network

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