Battalion that links forces by satellite cited for excellence

Commander of Central Command’s C4i Battalion tells ‘Post’ of technological breakthrough.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Gantz during tour of Golan 370 (photo credit: IDF Spokesman)
Gantz during tour of Golan 370
(photo credit: IDF Spokesman)
The first-ever IDF unit to set up mobile command centers linked by satellite received a citation from IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz on Monday at General Headquarters in Tel Aviv.
The award for top combat support unit went to the Central Command’s C4i Battalion, whose commander, Lt.- Col. Angel Loren, told The Jerusalem Post about his activities.
“We take part in every operational mission in Central Command,” Loren said.
“These are dozens, if not hundreds a year. We’re involved in every drill, and provide a sector-wide C4i (command, control, communications, computers and intelligence) service.”
The battalion was active during Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012, keeping unit commanders linked in to the IDF’s command and control networks.
Two months ago, the battalion took part in a technological breakthrough when it became the first IDF unit to set up mobile command centers linked to satellites for brigade, division and regional command chiefs.
“This allows more flexibility and availability. It enables senior commanders to receive command and control abilities on the ground as if they were in their home base. These are very new capabilities,” Loren said.
“We believe in the human advantage, in looking after the individual.... We have all of this technology, but we’re ready to meet our mission because of our spirit,” Loren said.
Other recipients of awards included the Golani Reconnaissance Battalion, the Paratroopers Brigade, and in the reserves category, the Home Front Command’s Dan District.


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