– Karl Mejia, CEO, Rite in the Rain
While digital technologies play a significant role in modern military operations, the continued importance of reliable analog solutions cannot be overstated. In situations where electronic systems arecompromised or inoperable, our Warfighters require dependable tools to ensure mission continuity. Rite in the Rain’s and Battle Board collaborations offer critical analog solutions designed to withstand challenging operational environments.
A Warfighter faces a range of threats that can disrupt or negate the effectiveness of digital systems:
• Electronic Warfare:
Adversary capabilities to disrupt electronic systems.
• Environmental Extremes:
Operational environments involving severe weather conditions.
• Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities:
Potential for compromise of sensitive information through cyberattacks.
• Power Dependency:
Limitations of electronic systems in remote or power-constrained operations.
In such circumstances, analog tools provide essential redundancy. Rite in the Rain and Battle Board products have been tested and trusted in the harshest field environments and scenarios:
• Consistent Documentation:
Reliable notetaking and record-keeping in all weather conditions.
• Flexible Tactical Planning:
Adaptable tools for planning and coordination in the field.
• Direct Situational Awareness:
Immediate and tangible means of conveying and interpreting operational information.
• Operational Durability:
Products designed for resilience in harsh environments.
Command Sergeant Major (Ret) Dennis Tripp, now with GovTools in Herndon, VA, states, “While digital systems offer significant advantages, the military recognizes the necessity of robust analog alternatives. Rite in the Rain products in conjunction with Battle Board, ensure operational capability when electronic systems are compromised.”
The real strength lies in synergy, not separation. Electronics offer unparalleled speed and data processing, but at times they are vulnerable. Analog tools provide a reliable, redundant layer, ensuring critical information and plans remain accessible when digital systems fail. This tandem approach allows for real-time digital updates alongside the immutable record of analog, offering a robust and adaptable solution for any mission. It’s about having the best of both worlds, ensuring that even when the grid goes down, the mission doesn’t.
USMC – Cherry Point, NC
Image courtesy of the DoD.
Use of this image does not denote DoD endorsement.
Battle Board Founder, Daniel Kapavik, Former USMC Infantryman, highlights the need for analog processes:
“Effective operations require constant navigational vigilance and critical thinking. Navigators must always question what they believe to be true, digital or analog. Skilled navigators combat overconfidence by continuously verifying their location using environmental cues. This ‘doubting certainty’ prevents errors and ensures early detection when off course.
While electronic navigation is valuable, it’s not infallible. Leaders must ensure digital tools are backed by analog methods due to potential system failures, power loss, or enemy interference. For instance, mortarmen verify digital firing data with analog sources—a universal requirement for skilled units. The ability to sense when something is wrong, whether from data error, malfunction, or enemy action, is crucial. This intuition, built through training, helps leaders decide when to trust a map over a screen.
These principles are vital in all scenarios. Awareness of potential enemy influence, like GPS distortion, is key. Leaders must think critically, analyze situations, and question information. True situational awareness comes from tangible actions—map study, handwritten notes, face-to-face communication, and physical reconnaissance—not just screens and radios. Battle Boards remain essential for managing chaos and conveying information. This commitment to foundational skills and critical analysis in planning and execution increases success.”
John Finney, SgtMaj USMC (Ret) (0321,8999), also with Gov Tools:
“Analog is not a new idea for our service members, but when the satellites are down, you’ll be glad you have something to write on that isn’t a smudged MRE wrapper. It’s never a bad backup plan to count on products that do not require a reboot.”
The teams at Rite in the Rain and Battle Board remain committed to providing the military with high-quality analog solutions to support mission-critical operations.
Featured NSN Products:
FiST4M-KIT – Fire Support Team Kit
NSN: 7530-01-713-8638
OPS3XLT – Operations Board
NSN: 7510-01-713-8639
BB991T-KIT – Arm Band
NSN: 7530-01-713-3831
BB980T-KIT – Land Navigation Kit
NSN: 7530-01-693-7613
Enquiries can be made to: [email protected].
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