The aircraft fly a variety of missions. In Afghanistan, they're broadcasting music, news and information in the various languages of the country. These are radio broadcasts only.
The planes are part of the 193rd Special Operations Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. They are based at Harrisburg International Airport, Pa.
Army specialists in the language and customs of the area prepare the broadcasts.
Ham radio operators can listen to the broadcast at 8700 kilohertz, said Air Force 1st Lt. Edward Shank, a spokesman for the squadron. The squadron has participated in operations in Panama, Bosnia, Kosovo and during the Gulf War. Their aircraft have been modified to not only handle radio, but television broadcasts. They can broadcast via tape or live. "If needed, we have the capability to take a speech by the President of the United States and beam it live via satellite to the aircraft, which then would broadcast it," Shank said.
The name "Commando Solo II" also has meaning. Commando refers to the special operations mission, and Solo refers to the fact that the aircraft can go it alone, Shank said.
The US military has also been conducting psychological operations (Psyops) such as leaflet drops and radio programme broadcasts through EC-130E ‘Commando Solo’ aircraft, US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld confirmed. Psyops are typically begun prior to offensive military operations to help ‘prepare’ the battlefield and generate support from local populations.
The planes are part of the 193rd Special Operations Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. They are based at Harrisburg International Airport, Pa.
Army specialists in the language and customs of the area prepare the broadcasts.
Ham radio operators can listen to the broadcast at 8700 kilohertz, said Air Force 1st Lt. Edward Shank, a spokesman for the squadron. The squadron has participated in operations in Panama, Bosnia, Kosovo and during the Gulf War. Their aircraft have been modified to not only handle radio, but television broadcasts. They can broadcast via tape or live. "If needed, we have the capability to take a speech by the President of the United States and beam it live via satellite to the aircraft, which then would broadcast it," Shank said.
The name "Commando Solo II" also has meaning. Commando refers to the special operations mission, and Solo refers to the fact that the aircraft can go it alone, Shank said.
The US military has also been conducting psychological operations (Psyops) such as leaflet drops and radio programme broadcasts through EC-130E ‘Commando Solo’ aircraft, US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld confirmed. Psyops are typically begun prior to offensive military operations to help ‘prepare’ the battlefield and generate support from local populations.
By Fahd
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