Tactical NAV

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Tactical NAV
Original author(s)Jonathan J. Springer
Developer(s)TacNav Systems
Initial releaseFebruary 14, 2011; 13 years ago (2011-02-14)
Operating systemiOS, Android
PlatformiPhone
Websitetacticalnav.com

Tactical Nav (stylized as Tactical NAV) is a location-based tracking app designed for use by military personnel.[1] The app is primarily designed to assist in identifying targets, pinpointing enemy fire and mapping waypoints.[2]

U.S. Army Captain Jonathan Springer showcases to one of his soldiers the Tactical NAV app, demonstrating real-time strategic planning on a digital map for an upcoming operation.

The app empowers users to direct mortar and artillery fire, facilitate close combat, and support close air support operations. Tactical NAV also helps users efficiently relay critical information to tactical operations centers for prompt decision-making regarding airstrikes or medical evacuations. The app enhances situational awareness, refines navigation capabilities, and plays a pivotal role in guiding tactical decisions across diverse operational environments.

Overview[edit]

U.S. Army soldiers fire artillery on a known enemy fighting position from FOB Blessing, Afghanistan in 2010. (U.S. Army photo by Captain Jonathan J. Springer)

Tactical NAV allows users to pinpoint enemy fire and identify targets using their mobile phone's camera, the Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) and the GPS.[3] The app is used to direct mortar and artillery fire. It is also used in close combat and close air support operations. Information gathered by the app can be sent to a tactical operations center, where a decision is made to conduct an airstrike or provide medical evacuation to wounded troops. Waypoint and location data can be shared via Facebook, text and email.[4]

The app includes features designed to make its use less conspicuous, such as a red-light user interface, that conceals light from the phone's screen at night, AES-256 encryption to enhance security, and various other features. Moreover, Tactical NAV provides offline map capabilities, allowing users to access maps and navigate without an internet connection.[5] Tactical NAV is widely used by the U.S. military and NATO forces and is designed to enhance situational awareness, improve navigation capabilities, and support tactical decision-making for military personnel and outdoor enthusiasts.

Tactical NAV has been utilized by Ukrainian forces during the conflict with Russian troops in the war in Ukraine. Additionally, the software played a role in aiding a Ukrainian family's escape to Poland in 2022. [6]

History[edit]

U.S. Army Captain Jonathan J. Springer tests his mobile application Tactical NAV while deployed to Afghanistan in 2011.

Tactical NAV was designed by U.S. Army Captain Jonathan J. Springer, a former Battalion Fire Support Officer in the 101st Airborne Division.[7] Springer conceived the idea for the app while on his third tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.[8] After a rocket attack by the Taliban killed two soldiers in his battalion, he was inspired to create an app that would prevent similar losses from occurring in the future.[9]

Springer founded TacNav Systems (formerly AppDaddy Technologies) in 2010 to develop mobile applications for use by military personnel.[10] Springer tested the app in combat situations during his service in eastern Afghanistan. The app was released on the App Store on February 14, 2011.[8] As of 2012, the app had been downloaded 8,000 times by members of the United States Armed Forces, Canadian Armed Forces and Australian Defence Force.[11]

Currently, the app is available on both iOS and Android.[12]


References[edit]

  1. ^ "IPhones Guide Artillery Fire as Pentagon Plans App Store: Tech". Bloomberg.com. 2011-12-15. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  2. ^ "Army Captain Builds iPhone App for Soldiers in Afghanistan". PCMAG. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  3. ^ "In Afghanistan, armed with an iPhone". The World from PRX. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  4. ^ "US soldier makes app for tracking down Taliban fighters". BBC News. 2011-07-04. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  5. ^ "iPhones Help U.S. Troops Target Afghan Attackers". www.cbsnews.com. 24 January 2011. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  6. ^ "Tactical NAV App Saves Family in Ukraine and Helps Ukrainian Soldiers Fight Back Against Russian Forces". EIN News. 3 March 2022. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
  7. ^ Smith, Michael. "Taliban sighted — ready, app, fire". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  8. ^ a b "Top military apps: Ranking 10 of the best in the industry". www.army-technology.com. 18 June 2019. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  9. ^ "Soldier creates smartphone app to track Taliban, IEDs". The Toronto Star. 2011-07-07. ISSN 0319-0781. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  10. ^ "Tactical NAV: Military-Grade Navigation for Handheld Devices - S.W.A.T. Magazine". 20 January 2015. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  11. ^ "Pentagon eyeing app store". Monterey Herald. 2012-01-08. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  12. ^ "Brand New Tactical NAV App for Android Available - Soldier Systems Daily". 13 December 2021. Retrieved 2021-12-22.
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