The network will connect military personnel deployed within the areas of responsibility of United States European Command, Central Command, Pacific Command, African Command, and other locations tasked by SPAWAR Europe.

The work will be accomplished by the company's DRS Technical Services unit in Dulles, Virginia. The unit will complete all network engineering, systems integration, installation, testing, and ensure continuous connectivity. The initial contract award is for $50 million, and with all contract options exercised, the work will be complete by August 2012. DRS will be required to manage, engineer and support the U.S. military's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Network (MWRnet) in Iraq and Afghanistan using next-generation satellite and networking technologies.

MWRnet provides phone service, e-mail, Internet access and video chat capabilities between U.S. service members and their families and friends back home. Service members rely upon this vital network to stay in touch and maintain personal connections, complete educational pursuits, and access other Internet resources. Phone service to the U.S. for deployed military personnel will be an affordable and easily accessible method for military families to communicate and maintain personal connections.

"Satellite communications has not only become a mission essential for military tactical operations in the 21st Century, it has become a vital tool to help the morale of warfighters deployed overseas in combat zones for more than a year," said Dr. Mitchell B. Rambler, president of DRS' Technical Services Business Segment. "DRS takes great pride knowing that we will provide the network that can help families stay connected while loved ones execute dangerous and important missions for our country."

Related Links
VSAT News - Suppliers, Technology And Applications