BOONVILLE, Calif. - Like a credit card or personal digital assistant, there are some things the California National Guard doesn't leave home without.
In its huge wallet, the Guard carries its emergency brainchild: an Incident Commander's Command, Control and Communications Unit (IC4U) or simply, a communication do-it-all device on wheels.
Five IC4Us were recently deployed for Operation Lightning Strike. Each provides communication capability where and when there is none. They are satellite-based machines that provide different types of contact quickly.
"This is really self-sustaining. In 15 minutes or less, we can give the incident commander communication with anyone," said Staff Sgt. John Rapp, IC4U noncommissioned officer in charge of Task Force Axe's operation center. "We'll set up commo for the (Tactical Operations Center), and they'll have commo for whatever they need even if there's no infrastructure."
The IC4Us have quickly become an integral part of the Guard's mission. They broke ground in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. The system was so impressive, Texas authorities requested them to support Hurricane Rita shortly after Katrina.
Through satellite connectivity, there's clear communication between Soldiers in the field and those at base camp. Even communication with the Guard's Sacramento headquarters is clear and precise.
"We go beyond that, too," said Sgt. Tobin Broaddus, a communications specialist with Task Force Axe. "The way this is set up, we can have radio contact with civilian fire and police on their frequencies. We can give weather updates to the commander as well."
Rapp, Broaddus and Spc. Shaun Ochsner are in charge of IC4U-Echo. They set Task Force Axe's operations center with internet capability so data can be transmitted regularly.
Nearby, Soldiers occupy a 10-by-10-foot tent and watch "Dish Network" television on a widescreen TV. Others share laptops to check electronic mail and the latest news.
"We provide all this with the IC4U," Rapp added. "These keep the Soldier informed with his family and friends, keeps him occupied when not on missions and help with morale."
All IC4Us are mounted onto a tactical vehicle or civilian pickup. Basically, it's a 6-by-6-by-6-foot metal box with electronic devices, including audio, video or DVD players mounted inside. It also includes a telephone and fax machine.
"There are all these different types of radio systems we can cross band to keep constant contact with emergency units," Broaddus explained.
The small outer structure enables the IC4U to be mobilized quickly. It can be unbolted from a vehicle and lifted onto a cargo plane for easy transportation. It can be air-lifted by helicopter and dropped in a remote area, yet still operate within minutes.
"It is designed to be that, to be able to get transported easily and run self-sufficiently anywhere," said Rapp. "As long as we have a clear satellite shot, the IC4U can be placed anywhere."