text: Overview of Signal Support
  1-28. Space-based capabilities enable signal units to establish communications networks, navigate, and
  synchronize network systems. To most effectively employ space-based capabilities, signal Soldiers must
  understand the capabilities and how to coordinate access. Spectrum managers and signal planners at brigade
  and higher echelons assist units in planning, integrating, and coordinating access to satellite communications
  capabilities. Refer to FM 3-14 more information on Army space operations.
  1-29. The proliferation of advanced technology provides more widespread access to space-enabled
  capabilities. Most potential adversaries have access to space-enabled technologies or the ability to degrade
  U.S. space capabilities. Commanders and signal leaders cannot assume they will retain unrestrained access
  to space-based capabilities. Units must prepare and train to conduct operations with degraded or disrupted
  capabilities.
  1-30. Signal planners must understand the limitations of satellite communications systems. Communications
  links using multiple satellites and earth terminals introduce latency problems that interfere with Internet
  protocol routing. Signal operators and planners must understand satellite latency and its effects on the
  network. Applications that do not tolerate satellite latency, such as voice and video services, suffer
  degradation. Planners must design network plans to minimize latency.
  CONGESTED ENVIRONMENT
  1-31. Today, all joint force operations depend on assured electromagnetic spectrum access throughout the
  operational environment (JP 6-0). All forces and supporting agencies depend on the electromagnetic
  spectrum for communications, information collection, and EW capabilities in support of operations in the air,
  land, maritime, space, and cyberspace domains. Signal systems rely on the electromagnetic spectrum for
  network transport. For this reason, gaining and maintaining access to the electromagnetic spectrum is critical
  for signal support to joint and Army operations.
  1-32. Within the electromagnetic spectrum, joint forces contend with civil agencies, commercial entities,
  allied forces, and adversaries for use of a common electromagnetic spectrum resource (ATP 6-02.70).
  Competition for the finite available bandwidth results in a congested electromagnetic spectrum, especially
  when operating in developed nations.
  1-33. The proliferation of transmitting devices throughout an operational environment intensifies
  competition for bandwidth in the electromagnetic spectrum, complicates unified action partner
  interoperability, and increases the complexity of friendly networks. The vast number and variety of radio
  frequency transmitting devices in military and civilian use compounds the competition for electromagnetic
  spectrum access among the Army, the joint force, and the civilian population. At the same time, widespread
  use of commercial communications devices allows adversaries to mask their communications transmissions
  among the many other transmitters.
  1-34. Signal staffs plan communications and network capabilities to support all anticipated requirements in
  their operational area. However, in a congested electromagnetic operational environment, there might not be
  adequate satellite bandwidth and spectrum availability to support all missions. Signal leaders must be able to
  clearly articulate the limitations and expected level of degradation, so commanders can make appropriate risk
  decisions and align the available capabilities with their priorities.
  CONTESTED ENVIRONMENT
  1-35. Enemies and adversaries may deliberately attempt to deny friendly use of the electromagnetic
  spectrum, space, cyberspace, and/or terrestrial systems. Due to heavy joint reliance on advanced
  communications systems, such an attack may be a central element of any enemy or adversary antiaccess and
  area denial strategy, requiring a higher degree of protection for friendly command and control systems and
  planning for operations in a denied or degraded environment (JP 6-0).
  1-36. Threat cyberspace and EW capabilities jeopardize U.S. freedom of action in cyberspace and the
  electromagnetic spectrum. Because communications are a key command and control enabler, U.S. military
  communications and information networks present high-value targets. Peer threats and other adversaries
  understand the extent of U.S. forces’ reliance on communications and automated information systems.