The Last Mile covers off-grid operators conducting austere missions ranging from defense to law enforcement and emergency response. In case you’re new to our blog or looking to learn communications best practices for your own operations, we’ve compiled a handy glossary of terms that appear frequently on The Last Mile. 

• • Aspen Grove: Aspen Grove is a mesh networking protocol. It uses a novel zero-control-packet approach to achieve unprecedented network efficiency. It enables long-range, short-burst, low-SWaP mobile mesh networking. Already in use by military and emergency response professionals within the goTenna Pro X, the Aspen Grove has the potential improve low bitrate networking for virtually any device. (Source)
  • ATAK: The Tactical Assault Kit for Android (ATAK) is a free, government-built and U.S. military-operated geospatial mapping application, which allows for precision targeting, surrounding land formation intelligence, situational awareness, navigation, and data sharing. (Source) 
  • C4ISR: C4ISR refers to the defense community’s technological and organizational systems for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. (Source) 
  • CivTAK: The Team Awareness Kit for Android (CivTAK) brings the capabilities of the ATAK application to international military forces, U.S. civilian government agencies, and other professional teams. (Source) 
  • EUD: An End User Device (EUD) is a personal computer, device, or removable media that can store information. In the U.S. Army’s Nett Warrior program, EUDs refer to an operators’ smartphone that is typically chest mounted and ruggedized for use in the field. (Source) 
  • goTenna Pro: goTenna Pro is a tactical-grade VHF/UHF mesh networking radio device that pairs with a native iOS and Android smartphone application for personnel tracking, collaborative mapping and fully-encrypted text messaging in off-grid environments. (Source) 
  • goTenna Pro X: goTenna Pro X is a tactical-grade VHF/UHF mesh networking radio device that pairs with a native iOS and Android smartphone application as well as compatible third-party applications such as ATAK for personnel tracking, collaborative mapping and fully-encrypted text messaging in off-grid environments. (Source)
  • goTenna Pro Embedded Module: The goTenna Pro Embedded Module is built with the same mesh networking protocols and RF technology as goTenna Pro and goTenna Pro X radio devices, but offers a smaller form factor designed for custom hardware development, such as ground-based sensors or semi-permanent relay hubs. (Source)
  • goTenna Pro Deployment Kit: The goTenna Pro Deployment Kit offers seamless device management for goTenna Pro radios in the field. Each Kit comes standard with 20 Pro devices, and can charge, configure, and maintain up to 30 all in one rugged tactical briefcase. An internal Kit hotspot also supports native software application downloads and regular updates for paired iOS or Android smartphone devices. (Source)
  • goTenna Pro X Deployment Kit: The goTenna Pro X Deployment Kit offers seamless device management for goTenna Pro X radios in the field. Each Kit comes standard with 20 Pro X devices, and can charge, configure, and maintain up to 30 all in one rugged tactical briefcase. An internal Kit hotspot also supports native and third-party software application downloads and regular updates for paired iOS or Android smartphone devices. (Source) 
  • JTAC: A Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) is a military service member who directs the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations. (Source) 
  • iTAK: An iOS version of the ATAK application currently under development. (Source)
  • Low probability of detection (LPD): The result of measures used to hide or disguise intentional electromagnetic transmissions. Typically a term used by the military. (Source)
  • Low probability of intercept (LPI): Result of measures used to resist attempts by adversaries to analyze the parameters of a transmission to determine if it is a signal of interest. (Source)
  • MANET: A wireless mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a continuously self-configuring and self-organizing network of mobile devices or nodes that do not require fixed infrastructure, such as a hub or router, to transmit data. One of the earliest applications for MANET networks included tactical military communications. (Source)
  • Mobile Mesh Network: A mobile mesh network is a form of a MANET network in which every node is connected every other node. In a mobile mesh network, individual radio transmitter devices (or nodes) communicate with each other using peer-to-peer wireless links according to set protocols that determine the most efficient and scalable transmission path, typically allowing multiple “hops” between nodes. (Source) 
  • SWaP-C: SWaP-C is an acronym for Size, Weight, Power, and Cost. In technology research and development, it is generally used in reference to optimizing the Size, Weight, Power and Cost of a device, system, or program. (Source)
  • SAR: Search and Rescue (SAR) refers to the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger. SAR includes many sub-fields and disciplines, based on the terrain and mission type. (Source) 
  • UAV: An unnamed aerial vehicle (UAV) refers to aircraft that operates autonomously or remotely without a human pilot on board. A UAV is one component of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), which also includes a ground-based controller and a system of communications between the two. In the military and public safety, UAVs are commonly known as drones. (Source) 
  • WinTAK and WinTAK-CIV: The Windows version of the ATAK and CivTAK mobile applications, respectively, developed for desktop use in command centers. (Source) 

Looking for something else? Feel free to drop us a note and let us know we can improve our glossary.