Is it time for a commercial break?

Dear Half-Mast,

When we we're in the big Sandbox, we used some commercial GPS receivers and they seem to have several advantages over the PLGR--smaller, lighter, easier to operate, included maps and used AA batteries.

Now that we're back in the States, do we have to go back to the PLGR or can we get those commercial GPS receivers and use them?

SGT I.J.W.

Dear Sergeant I.J.W.,

The PLGR is the only GPS receiver approved for military use, because it is the only one that meets the " ruggedized" standards of the Army, including a signal chip that protects your signal reception. And, if operated correctly, it will do the job better than any commercial receiver.

However, starting next year, the PLGR will be replaced by the Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR). The DAGR will have all the "bells and whistles" that the commercial GPS receivers have.

Also, the DAGR will have signal protection not found in commercial GPS receivers.

Until the DAGR is fielded, the PLGR is still the way to go.

You can use AA batteries in the PLGR. Just get the AA battery holder, NSN 6160-01-385-4358.

The DAGR will use AA size batteries for main power instead of the larger BA-5800!

Stay current on the DAGR by reading Pathfinder, the GPS newsletter. You 'll find it on the web at:

http://army-gps.robins.af.mil.

Half-Mast