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Airbox’s MOSIAC Bound to Make an Impact

Airbox MOSIAC Overview

During the month of October 2017 I attended a two-day course at Panthera Training Center.  As the habit of “15 minutes early is late” is impossible to break, arriving early presented an opportunity that could not be said no to.  The class instructor Andy Tubb was projecting MOSIAC from an Ipad onto the large classroom screen, a live active shooter exercise running in London. Units in attendance were clearly marked as they arrived at the stadium on the A-Z London street mapping. Then pop, there is suddenly a detailed stadium map stitch perfectly into the street map. Taking in the situation, it was quickly apparent that the police have established rendezvous point with its own icon for the medical response.

Andy explained that even if a unit does not know the location the system will allow them

Provided by Airbox. Birds eye view of training building before floor overlays are added.

 

the ability to navigate to it simply by navigating a using a pop-up menu. Andy continued to explain that each agency with MOSAIC has the ability to invite other operating groups into a mission, which adds the flow of the key information between two or more agencies and at the end of the operation they return to their own mission group. As the exercise progressed, one could not help but become aware of medical icons appearing on the screen.  Seeking clarification, I asked, “What are they?” Andy explained that the officers on the ground are marking casualties, which are GPS referenced.  Once the stadium search is complete, the medical team can locate them quickly and remove the icon once located.

MOSIAC in Action 

Just as the concept and capabilities of the system were being digested, a live video appeared on the screen.  Coming from an officer inside the stadium, Command aware of a fire hazard. Then like a rabbit out of a hat the fire service were invited into the mission and sent to the mission specifics. Then the geofence included water hydrants which could be over layered onto the stadium.

 

We had to cut short from the demonstration to start our course, but I was given a Youtube link to Airbox’s channel to give me further information. When we stopped for lunch, MOSIAC would not leave my mind.  Andy sent me the link referenced earlier so I can view a short video made by Airbox.  Taking note, more questions arose.  Not letting this opportunity escape, I took a moment to snag a quick interview with Andy as we began to depart.

MOSICAC Interview With a Retired British Marine-Recce Unit

Michael- “When you gave me an overview of the Airbox MOSAIC System you came across as very passionately on the system, why?”

 

Andy- “Operations are determined on the strength of the plan, assets available and the

Provided by Airbox. Illustration of interegration of program

 ability of the troops to understand the master plan and execute it, having a clear understanding of the operational picture is key. MOSAIC is a tactical tool that allows all the mission staff to stay informed and involved as the operation takes it course.  The situation is monitored whether as expected or adapted on the off on a total different tangent. It gives the ability for ground intelligence to be intergraded into the operation quickly by units on the plot and that allows the command to adapt the plan or commit further or redirect assets to meet the development.”

 

Michael-  “How does MOSAIC keep you informed?”

 

Andy- “To coin a phrase from Richard King Airbox’s CEO, “Plan, Draw and Refine”. The plan is at hand and on the devices. With all the features, even an old dinosaur like me can follow.  Map spotting and geofencing allows users to illustrate items that are too complicated to explain over the radio. Users can move points of interest, as operation unfolds. GPS reference photographs and documents into a shared file or give a live video feed.”

 “I can conduct scenario-based training with MOSAIC and allow for a more fluid script.”

Interview With Andy “Old Dinosaur” Tubb Ctd.

Michael- “Old dinosaur?”

 Andy- “Yes, that’s me. I cut my teeth in an analog age, blimey I was taught field sketching on my sniper’s course and digital still referred to arcade games like ‘space Invaders’. I will say that the system is driven by operators and not the developers.  The interface is very straight forward.  With one day of training, operators are up and running. For me, the simplicity is amazing, a two way street of information. In return, MOSIAC keeps staff safer and the ability to secure the target or the objective quicker as the information is available. I only wish MOSAIC had been around in my service days in reconnaissance and counter terrorism operations in London.”

Michael- “What do you get out of MOSAIC as a trainer?”

 

Andy-  “I feel that MOSAIC is training driven. I can conduct scenario-based training with MOSAIC and allow for a more fluid script. This gives students a more realistic situation, allowing them to adapt to unanticipated incidents, falling forward and learning more relevant skills quickly. The power to debrief accurately, creating great learning points makes MOSAIC a must-have tool, alongside the others you would never consider not carrying.”

More to MOSIAC

Immediately following the interview Andy Tubb, there was one last question that remained unanswered.  “Are there any departments locally that can speak to Airbox MOSAIC’s capabilities from the rural perspective?” Surprisingly, there is a local law enforcement agency using it.  A text, call, and email later, an interview with Deputy Chief Dave Warren from Hardy County, WV Sheriff’s Department happened. His department actively uses MOSAIC and would be able to give a first-hand perspective from a command point of view.

Real Numbers to MOSIAC

Before calling Deputy Sheriff Warren, there was a dire need to understand more about Aibox’s MOSAIC.  MOSAIC is an acronym for Mission Optimised Situational Awareness Information & Collaboration.  The program, designed for use in the field, uses wireless connections.  Since the officer body cameras do require a Bluetooth enabled device, which is a small expense, Command is clearly in control of the situation when officers are unable to verbally communicate.  The application is syncable to smartphones and other technology that is on body as well. As a result technological edge promises a large reduction in response times- up to 38%. It also boasts 19% more resource management, and a strategic confidence level exceeding 21%, helping to minimize risks and stay within policy.    

Strengths of MOSIAC

MOSAIC’s real strengths come from the user inputs.  Many forms of maps- topographical, satellite, and street maps are available as overlays.  Furthermore, the team can cut to a single cam that may have eyes on the suspect and track their location in reference to support units and other resources. The key feature of inputting building schematics and editing for a multi-level geofence, allows law enforcement to “trap” the suspect in a set location for safe and coordinated apprehension.  Most of all, the program can also support multiple agencies coordinating on the same mission lending itself to provide “…a true Common Operating Picture.”  

 

Provided by Airbox. Overlay map of a geofence

While reading up on Airbox’s program, the need for security of the program and wireless signals became very apparent.  MOSIAC has that covered. The software and data use an end-to-end AES-256 encryption making sure only the right people get the information.  MOSIAC uses up-to-date NCSC Security Gudelines and, for the United States end users, FIPS 140 with consistent security updates. The design team focused on micro-analytic details ensuring data security.  

Expenses- The Short Version

Having a knack for understanding some politics and budgetary concerns many departments share, along with the expense of the technology around Airbox’s program, successful implementing MOSIAC in a tight-budget county was intriguing.  Was the program and its design so seamless, user-friendly, and effective that it was worth the investment? An interview with Deputy Chief Warren, Deputy Chief of Hardy County WV, is inevitable.

Airbox MOSIAC Application to Law Enforcement in the Hardy County, WV

Michael- “What key features were you looking for when deciding what software to integrate into the Hardy County system?”

 Chief Warren- “We are unique and very rural setting, yet we have the challenges of all departments including managing resources.  Hardy County needed a system with intel, assets, and tracking built in and seamlessly integrated. We prepare for large-scale events and need a way to effectively communicate to the team from the command element.  Airbox MOSAIC proved itself as the big answer; my dream come true. We are showcasing it and no matter where went, in brainstorming or real-time situation, there was an answer.”

 “Hardy County needed a system with intel, assets, and tracking built in and seamlessly intregrated.”

Chief Warren continued, “Airbox seemed to be 15 steps ahead.  Team coordination, specialized mapping, and effective interacting remain major features integrated into the program from day one.   Candidly, the real-time capabilities of MOSIAC are stunning. Command can receive photos, and live video, with the push of a button and forward the information to the whole team. We are able to set up a road block, geofences, respond to floods, power outages, and gas leaks safely and secure a parameter without endangering lives.  Consequently, I can own the incident.”

Provided by Airbox. Application of structure Chief Deputy Warren disscussed.

More with Chief Deputy Warren  

Michael-  “What benefit has Hardy County seen since MOSAICs implementation?”

Deputy Chief Warren-  “With MOSIAC’s Layers and floor plans feature, I can see the layout of the room. This promotes absolute situational awareness.  I had a deputy on scene, burglary this morning. They were able to approach quietly, and I could see deputy within a foot. I can live feed from his body cam, giving me instant information we can react to in the command center.  Having these capabilities also means we need to continue to upgrade our equipment. Furthermore, if I choose to provide command from a location near the scene, I don’t need to ask dispatch 10 times for address. That clears up radio traffic.

 “With MOSIAC,   I can also track responding and resources and reserve units.  There is no wasted time in getting back up to the location of the officer.  Furthermore, I can direct backup into the safest location.”  

Michael-  “Are the West Virginia DNR and WV State Police on board?”

 Deputy Chief Warren – “I’m not familiar to who is looking at it.  We have additional counties near us that are participating in Airbox MOSAIC.    The more that gets out there the easier it will be to communicate. This program is crucial to any situation, not just mass casualty and natural disaster planning.  

 

Chief Warren and Incident Command Structure

Michael-  “What is your opinion of the incident command structure of MOSIAC?”

 

Deputy Chief Warren – “The incident command structure is amazing.   If I didn’t want to talk, during an incident, I wouldn’t even need to.  It’s a seamless communication system. This system is beyond where I can possibly think.  Because all I need do is power on,  it’s always ready to go. This includes features for aviation management, which is its strongest pint.  Our need is drones for live ariel footage, and we need to buy the equipment to get to where MOSAIC is.”

 

Michael-  Deputy Chief, is there anything else you would like to add?”

 

Deputy Chief Warren- “This system can be useful for highway and Public works.  Because of working with MOSIAC in a variety of situations, I need to reiterate the program is ahead of our brainstorming.  When looking at its initial purchase, every question we had, Airbox had an answer for. In terms of search and rescue, we haven’t had an incident to use Airbox MOSAIC yet.  There’s nothing we can’t use this for.”

MOSIAC Conclusion

Having seen MOSIAC in action, coupled with the interviews, the overall consensus from the leaders is to save lives.  MOSIAC has capabilities that are extremely useful for traditional law enforcement agencies and the platform extends itself into special operations uses.  Rarely does a tool come along that is so seamless in integration yet efficient to use and piggy backs off of every day skills people already use in communication.  MOSIAC and its sister program,  ACANS (Aviation Control and Aircraft Navigation System), is in active service with Britain’s Royal Navy, Air Force, and Army. In the United States, aside from Hardy County Sheriff’s office, LA Sheriff’s Department and Boeing implement ACANS and/or MOSIAC.  Most noteworthy, there is a long list of non-disclosable clients for Airbox’s programs including Counter Narcotics and Counter-Terrorism operations.

 

 

Bibliography

Maher, David, interview by Michael Cummings. Hardy County PIO (10 09, 2017).

 

MOSIAC Airbox Systems. 2017. https://airboxsystems.com/mosaic/ (accessed October 12, 2017).

 

Tubb, Andy, interview by Michael Cummings. Law Enforcement Training Coordinator, Panthera Worldwide (10 08, 2017).

 

Warren, David, interview by Michael Cummings. Deputy Chief Hardy County Sheriff’s Department (10 09, 2017).

 

Michael Cummings

Michael Cummings

Michael Cummings is a drivers education and World History 1 teacher at IDEA Public Charter School of Washington DC. He is also a second amendment advocate pushing for the training and competencies regarding firearms in all opportunities.

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