612th ACOMS advances deployable command-and-control capability in New Mexico

PLAYAS, N.M. — Airmen assigned to the 612th Air Communications Squadron deployed to Playas, New Mexico, Sept. 20–25, 2026, to evaluate the resilience and operational signature of the Air Operations Center—Deployable communications package.

The event built upon previous operational testing conducted at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where Airmen from the 612th Air Operations Center and 612th Air Communications Squadron demonstrated the ability to perform core air operations center functions from a simulated deployed environment.

In Playas, the team assembled and operated the complete AOC-D communications package in a field setting for the first time, allowing technicians to evaluate how the system performed as an integrated capability under contested conditions.

“At Nellis, we demonstrated that the AOC-D team could perform its core mission from a deployed location,” said Capt. Adam Levandowski, flight commander for special missions, 612 ACOMS. “This iteration allowed us to take the next step by examining the system’s resilience and identifying ways to make it more survivable in a contested environment.”

Traditional air operations centers operate from fixed facilities with established communications infrastructure and immediate access to personnel, equipment and technical support. The AOC-D is designed to provide commanders with a more mobile option using commercially transportable equipment capable of operating across military and commercial networks.

The system also allows AOC personnel to maintain situational awareness, coordinate air operations and execute command-and-control functions when operating away from a permanent facility or when established communications pathways are unavailable.

During the Playas assessment, the 612th ACOMS team measured the system’s electromagnetic signature and evaluated its ability to continue supporting command-and-control functions while communications were disrupted. Understanding the package’s electromagnetic signature allows technicians to determine how visible the system may be within the operating environment. That information can then be used to reduce the system’s footprint and make deployed operations more difficult for an adversary to detect or target.

“The goal is not simply to make the system deployable,” said Levandowski. “It must also be resilient. We need to understand what the system looks like in the electromagnetic environment, how it responds when challenged and what our Airmen can do to keep the mission operating.”

The complete AOC-D kit was created and assembled locally and has since become the Headquarters Air Force standard for deployable command-and-control capabilities. The 603rd AOC has adopted the package, and the 613th AOC is expected to field the capability in the future.

Nine 612th ACOMS Airmen representing multiple communications specialties participated in the assessment. Working alongside operators allowed the team to examine the complete system, identify potential vulnerabilities and refine procedures for future employment.

The field environment also gave participating Airmen experience establishing, operating and troubleshooting the complete package without relying on the resources normally available at a fixed installation.

“Challenging our Airmen in a deployed-style environment gives them the opportunity to test their expertise and see what new and creative ways they can come up with to solve issues or complicate operations for our adversaries,” said Tech Sgt. Jason Cates, section chief for deployed systems for the 612 ACOMS.

The ability to deploy a smaller communications footprint provides commanders with greater flexibility while reducing reliance on fixed infrastructure. It also supports distributed operations by allowing command-and-control teams to operate closer to the point of need.

Lessons collected during the assessment will help the 612th ACOMS refine the system, update employment procedures and prepare future teams to establish the capability more efficiently.

“This effort is about ensuring commanders retain access to reliable command and control regardless of where they are operating,” said Levandowski. “Each test gives us a clearer understanding of the system and helps us build a capability that is more mobile, resilient and ready for the operational environment.”

The AOC-D effort strengthens the command's ability to establish command and control from dispersed locations while maintaining the situational awareness required to plan, coordinate and execute air operations.

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