JUNE 3, 2021 – U.S. Special Operations Forces have a new aid in the fight against cyber-attacks.
The Tactical Key Loader (TKL) cryptographic key device, which answers the Army’s call for the Next Generation Load Device-Small (NGLD-S), provides critical command and control of emergency, time sensitive and secure communications during Special Forces missions.
The device is a smaller, faster version of the Simple Key Loader (SKL), which is currently fielded across the Army.
“The TKL utilizes proven technology that has worked in combat for the special forces of other Services,” said Michael Badger, product lead COMSEC, assigned to the Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T). “It provides niche capabilities that are enhancing U.S. Army special operations missions, including a smaller and dimmer screen to reduce detection during nighttime operations.”
PEO C3T completed fielding of the NGLD-S TKL in March to Army Special Operations Forces, under U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), the Army Component for the U.S. Special Operations Command.
“The Army uses National Security Agency Type 1 cryptographic keys to encrypt the data, which ensures unauthorized individuals can’t access the information,” said Jeremy Pilkington, deputy product leader for COMSEC, Project Manager Tactical Radios, assigned to PEO C3T.
“These keys are loaded onto tactical radios, secure phone, network encryptors, and data storage devices, and can store up to 40 tactical and 80 strategic keys.”
The cryptographic keys are vital to protect the contents of classified communications, he said.
As part of a continuous DEVSECOPS improvement process, Special Operations Forces at USASOC headquarters in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, continue to assess the TKL’s capabilities.
“The TKL is made for small-unit teams on patrol,” said Staff Sgt. Travis Weber, COMSEC manager for 5th Special Forces Group, USASOC, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. “Its enhanced battery capability gives us 40-hours of uninterrupted crypto key performance, and it provides the required boost that allows us to boot up and log in in seconds versus the minutes required to perform the same functions on the SKL.”
Simplicity is another key feature of the TKL, because once the device is set up, the user only has to push one button to fill the key slots. The process is further streamlined because Soldiers only take the keys they need on patrol versus taking their entire database. If for some reason communications devices such as radios become compromised, the whole structure isn’t completely compromised. With the TKL the remaining radios can be quickly loaded with a new key, Weber said.
In addition, using the TKL eliminates the need to carry extra cables because its manual port allows Soldiers to clip the device directly to the radio to load the keys, he said.
To meet the Army’s urgent requirement for a Special Operations-designed crypto key device, the PdL COMSEC team procured and fully fielded the NGLD-S TKL worldwide in under sixteen months, despite challenges due to COVID-19 restrictions. The team is now currently in source selection for the big brother to the NGLD-S, the Next Generation Load Device–Medium (NGLD-M), which is a development effort that will award up to two contracts by 4QFY21. The NGLD-M will be capable of storing over 10,000 keys, and is designated to replace the SKL for use in tactical, strategic and enterprise network locations.
“Modern network cryptographic key technologies will be critical to the Army’s effort of protecting tactical network communications from the prying eyes of potential adversaries,” Badger said. “The NGLD family of systems will help to meet this requirement across echelons in the very near future.”
The U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical develops, acquires, fields and supports the Army’s mission command network to ensure force readiness. This critical Army modernization priority delivers tactical communications so commanders and Soldiers can stay connected and informed at all times, even in the most austere and hostile environments. PEO C3T is delivering the network to regions around the globe, enabling high-speed, high-capacity voice, data and video communications to a user base that includes the Army’s joint, coalition and other mission partners.
By Kathryn Bailey, PEO C3T Public Affairs