Objective

To integrate and test Beartooth Technologies' mesh networking communications nodes within a military operational scenario, validating the technology for dual-use applications in austere environments. The project focused on enhancing battlefield management and team safety during free-fall insertions, ground patrols, and extraction phases.

Role

As the Project Manager and lead intern for Beartooth Technologies under CEO Michael Monaghan, I spearheaded the integration, testing, and deployment of Beartooth’s mesh networking radios in collaboration with military units. My responsibilities included:

• Designing operational scenarios to test Beartooth’s capabilities in tracking and secure communications.

• Leading field tests, including direct deployment of the nodes during military free-fall exercises.

• Identifying and demonstrating key features like LoRa radio wave utilization for low detectability and secure communication.

• Preparing operational insights and technical documentation to present the proof-of-concept to top tactical operators across military branches and the Department of Homeland Security.

Approach

1. Technology Integration:

   • Deployed Beartooth MK II nodes across Marines’ kits, aircraft, vehicles, and ATAK (Android Tactical Assault Kit) tablets.

   • Created a seamless communications network leveraging LoRa radio waves for long-range, low-detection capabilities.

2. Operational Testing:

   • Conducted free-fall insertion exercises with Beartooth nodes attached to personnel, vehicles, and aircraft.

   • Validated tracking and communication during all phases: pre-drop, free-fall, ground patrol, and extraction.

3. Mesh Network Implementation:

   • Demonstrated the nodes' ability to self-form and self-heal within the mesh network, ensuring uninterrupted communication and live location updates.

   • Tested scalability with up to 100 meshed devices and a line-of-sight range of 30 miles.

4. Stakeholder Collaboration:

   • Worked closely with military units and Transition Equity Partners to showcase operational advantages.

   • Presented findings to commanders and tactical teams, highlighting improved situational awareness and mission success.

Outcome

• Enhanced Command Visibility: Successfully enabled commanders to monitor the location and status of all team members in real-time during complex operations.

• Improved Mission Efficiency: Provided seamless, secure voice and text communications in remote and austere environments, mitigating risks and enhancing team coordination.

• Dual-Use Validation: Established Beartooth’s transition from adventure/outdoor use cases to a proven military-grade application, showcasing its potential across defense and homeland security sectors.

• Strategic Impact: Facilitated introductions between Beartooth and key military and government stakeholders, leading to potential adoption by the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Army, National Guard, and Department of Homeland Security.

Key Metrics and Features

• Technology:

  • LoRa radio wave mesh network with AES 256 encryption for secure communication.

  • 30-mile line-of-sight range with over 100 meshed nodes supported.

  • Compatibility with ATAK tablets and Android/iOS devices.

  • Live location updates and push-to-talk functionality.

• Operational Success:

  • Achieved reliable communication during high-risk military free-fall operations.

  • Enabled efficient extraction operations through vehicle-mounted nodes.

  • Demonstrated adaptability for diverse insertion, patrol, and extraction scenarios.

Key Takeaways

This project exemplified the intersection of technology and tactical application, showcasing my ability to:

• Innovatively adapt commercial technology for military use.

• Lead field tests in high-stakes environments.

• Translate operational needs into actionable technical solutions.

The successful deployment of Beartooth’s technology validated its potential as a critical dual-use communications solution, reinforcing the value of collaboration between private-sector innovation and defense operations.