The U.S. Army has chosen two military installations for the testing and experimentation of next generation 5G wireless technology.
The U.S. Army’s National Training Centers at Fort Irwin, California, and Fort Hood, Texas, were selected for the second round of testing for 5G communications. These facilities were chosen due to their ability to provide streamlined access to spectrum bands, mature fiber and wireless infrastructure; their access to key facilities; their support for new or improved infrastructure requirements; and their ability to conduct controlled experiments with dynamic spectrum sharing.
The 5G testing will focus on rapid, mobile and secure battlefield connectivity concepts, specifically on wireless connectivity for forward operating bases and tactical operations centers, and augmented reality support of non-aircraft maintenance and training.
The Army is exploring 5G to increase capacity, the speed of decision making, virtual training and mobility for the entire Army.
5G experiments will continue to take place at Joint Base Lewis McChord, which was the facility chosen as the Army’s first 5G testing ground back in October 2019.
