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SPICE
Posted 4/2/2007 Updated 4/2/2007
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by Capt. Eli Martinez
AMC/A6
4/2/2007 - SCOTT AFB, Ill. -- What is it? SPICE stands for Small Package Initial Communications Element, which is currently being fielded to units across the globe. It delivers the same NIPRNET, SIPRNET, and secure/non-secure voice communications to bare-base deployed locations. It's much like the current Deployed Independent Communications Element, or DICE, suite, but with only a quarter pallet of equipment rather than four pallets used by DICE. The Internet Protocol or "everything over IP" based system allows for the transmission of secure and non-secure data and voice over a single transport protocol, drastically reducing the amount of equipment required.
Why do we need it?
SPICE was developed to increase command and control communications bandwidth for Contingency Response Groups while maintaining a small footprint for rapid deployment during the initial stages of opening an airbase in the Air Expeditionary Task Force construct. After assuming responsibility for an airfield from seizure forces (Army or Marines), a CRG operates it to receive the 1,200 to 3,000 follow-on forces who will operate the mission. Until the implementation of SPICE, the CRG was limited to 128Kbps or less of bandwidth to communicate with the outside world during this process. This is far too little bandwidth to handle all the C2 communications required when building an airbase.
How does it work?
SPICE uses all commercially available technology to provide data and voice services in an entirely IP-based environment. By combining voice over IP, voice compression, virtual LAN, and layers of encryption, SPICE replaces the current method of multiplexing different voice and data protocols with a single protocol solution. By transmitting the heavily encrypted IP traffic across a light weight 1.8 meter very small aperture terminal, or VSAT, this IP-based communications package can be deployed anywhere in the world with a CRG and provide several megabytes of bandwidth, rather than kilobytes.
What's ahead?
Officials have completed SPICE testing and development through a series of lab and field exercises. It has been validated through Defense Information Systems Agency teleports to ensure global coverage. Technicians are attending training at Scott AFB, Ill., to learn how to configure and operate it. As each team completes training, it will return to their units with its new equipment, ready to exercise and employ. The goal is to have all SPICE packages distributed to units by the end of fiscal year 2007. As officials explore the uses of an "everything over IP" environment, changes in deployable communications will soon follow. An IP-based deployable communications capability could reduce the equipment required to support a fully operational airbase, lessening the burden on overtaxed airlift assets.
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