The USMC has tested infantry squad level text messaging and image transfer during an exercise in December 2014.
Exercise Talon Reach used a selection of commercial-off-the-shelf equipment to provide command and control capabilities to the commander. The effort leveraged the AN/PRC-117G radio running the ANW2 waveform to provide data connectivity between V-22 aircraft while they were on route to the objective.
The system design links the radio with a chest-mounted Panasonic end user device. The design was integrated by Marines, without the assistance of contractor field support representatives.
Speaking at AFCEA West in San Diego, Maj Franklin Sablan, deputy G-6