DYNAMIC PAGE -- HIGHEST POSSIBLE CLASSIFICATION IS
TOP SECRET // SI / TK // REL TO USA AUS CAN GBR NZL
(S//SI) Prototype Collection Systems Deployed to Iraq
FROM: MAJ Eric Toler, USA
Ops Officer, Signals Survey & Analysis (S3112)
Run Date: 11/08/2004
The story of how three prototype systems were deployed to the Baghdad area to stay ahead of
changing communications (S//SI)
(S//SI) Since the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq over a year and a half ago, there
has been a continuing proliferation of new communications technologies into the region, as well
as a morphing enemy of insurgents and foreign fighters. To keep pace with this technology
explosion, the Signals Survey and Analysis Division (S3112), in conjunction with the National
Reconnaissance Office (NRO), has deployed and installed three prototype signal discovery
systems (called SIGINT T-VO) in and around Baghdad.
(S//SI) SIGINT T-VO system installed inside the SIGINT site at Camp Falcon in southern
Baghdad
(S//SI) SIGINT collection site at Camp Falcon. (The taller antenna at center is the TV-O RF
antenna; the shorter one just to its left is the T-VO GPS antenna)
(S//SI) SIGINT T-VO is a high-capacity, wideband digital recording system that is remotely
controlled by the GRSOC* Signals Development Center (SDC). Each system continuously
spectrum utilizing four tunable receivers
and a 16 hour buffer, which allows analysts to retrieve archived data, save to semipermanent storage, conduct initial analysis, and exfiltrate data files remotely to the GRSOC.
(TS//SI) The primary purpose of the SIGINT T-VO is to do signal discovery in Baghdad -- to
search for new, unknown, or variant signals within the VHF/UHF spectrum. To date, this mission
has been successful. The GRSOC SDC, utilizing the T-VO, was the first element to collect and
report data on a new CDMA* cellular network used by the Iraqi government; has discovered and
resolved four new TDM* signals; and assisted NSA with the development of their system to
exploit the APCO-25 communications system used by Baghdad Police.
(S//SI)
(Technical Director for S3112) surveys the signal environment at Camp
Slayer in Baghdad. Several sites were surveyed to determine the most effective location for
SIGINT T-VO.
(S//SI) The dome atop 4 Heads Palace in central Baghdad (post-JDAM) with SIGINT T-VO RF
antenna protruding through the top.
(TS//SI) The secondary purpose of the T-VO is to do signal/target development. This mission is
still evolving, but the Signals Survey and Analysis Division remains very optimistic about its
potential, which includes the capability to geolocate signals of interest. GRSOC SDC is
continuing to refine its Concept of Operations (CONOP) to analyze the signals environment
surrounding particular events, such as improvised explosive device (IED) detonations,
mortar/rocket attacks, ambushes, etc. The SDC analysts pull recorded data from the T-VO to
determine what signals were active 10 minutes before and after these events in an attempt to
identify the particular IED detonation signal itself (if applicable) or identify Anti-Iraqi Forces
(AIF) command and control communications. This analysis is shared directly with the
appropriate target offices at the GRSOC, as well as the 1st Cavalry Division's Analysis and
Control Element (ACE) in Baghdad.
(S//SI) The actual deployment of SIGINT T-VO was conducted in two phases, both in
conjunction with other NSA missions, including the Army Cryptologic Operations office and
MINUTEMAN (S33142). Phase One, conducted from 17 June-20 July 04, included the
deployment of one SIGINT T-VO system to Camp Prosperity (aka 4 Heads Palace) adjacent to
the Green Zone in central Baghdad. Phase Two, conducted from 24 August-5 October 04,
included the deployment of two more T-VO systems, one to Camp Falcon in southern Baghdad
and one to Camp Patriot in eastern Baghdad.
(S//SI) Soldiers from D/312th MI Battalion at Four Heads Palace in Baghdad. From left to right:
,
,
and
with MAJ Eric Toler (from S3112)
(S//SI) The Signals Survey and Analysis Division has many people to thank for their support
during the deployments of SIGINT T-VO, to include:
the Army Cryptologic Operations office and the MINUTEMAN office for deployment
support and equipment;
the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) for their partnership and equipment;
the Office of Target Reconnaissance and Survey (OTRS) for equipment and technical
support in Iraq;
the European Technical Center (ETC) for logistical support in Germany;
Multi-National Forces-Iraq (MNF-I) for their support in getting T-VO into theater; and
the 312th Military Intelligence Battalion (1st Cavalry Division), for their phenomenal
dedication and professionalism while putting their own soldiers at risk to support our
mission.
*(U) Notes:
GRSOC = Ft Gordon Regional Security Operations Center
CDMA = Code Division Multiple Access
TDM = Time-Division Multiplex
"(U//FOUO) SIDtoday articles may not be republished or reposted outside NSANet
without the consent of S0121 (DL sid_comms)."
DYNAMIC PAGE -- HIGHEST POSSIBLE CLASSIFICATION IS
TOP SECRET // SI / TK // REL TO USA AUS CAN GBR NZL
DERIVED FROM: NSA/CSSM 1-52, DATED 08 JAN 2007 DECLASSIFY ON: 20320108