Communication and Information Systems (CIS) Battalion

The CIS battalion (Communication & Information Systems battalion) is a dedicated binational element, stationed in Eibergen and Garderen (the Netherlands). It consists of German and Dutch soldiers working together down to the team level. The battalion is responsible for the CIS systems of the Corps and its subordinated units. Therefore, it is divided into a battalion staff, a staff company and two CIS companies. The battalion provides various services to the Corps.    

Deployed Corps personnel are interconnected with their key counterparts through the TITAAN (Theatre Independent Tactical Army and Air Force Network), a state-of-the-art communication system. The heart of this system is a Local Area Network (LAN) based on commercial off the shelf products (COTS). On computer workstations in the deployed LAN, TITAAN makes the same applications available that are used at the Corps peacetime locations in Germany and the Netherlands. By using COTS, the CIS Bn and the Corps can always adapt CIS assets to new circumstances anytime, anywhere.

HEROS is the Command & Control Information System (C2IS) that supports the Corps and its subordinate units with near real-time information about the mission area. Both textual as imagery information can be displayed with this system. By using the flexible TITAAN infrastructure, HEROS will provide the Corps and its subordinated units with a so-called common operational picture by a few mouse-clicks.

The TITAAN-HEROS network also provides a telephone service using the Internet Protocol (VOIP) and Video Tele Conference (VTC). Fibre Optic Cables are used for transmissions from the Corps Main Command Post (CP). The CIS Bn may also use its assets for fixed ISDN lines, radio, radio relay or satellite links for longer distances or connections to remote Corps units in the mission area.

The CIS companies are built up by Rapid CIS Elements (RACEs) that have all equipment at their disposal to provide command posts with CIS. In addition, a cable group and a generator group provide self-sustained power supplies. A RACE consists of 15-20 vehicles and 35-40 soldiers.

Three RACEs for the Corps Main CP and six so-called 'Sub RACEs' for subordinate units are available in parallel. The additional CIS RACE, consisting of cable and generator groups, ensures adequate capacity for cabling and provides enough power for the CIS equipment. Two Command Posts, the Rear Support Command (RSC), four major subordinate units and up to 20 smaller elements can be supported with own means.