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I was reading an article in Warhorse magazine about why weapons go missing (FN1). This is not my usual reading material, but it was tucked into the seatback pocket on United Airlines, and I had 4 ½ hours to kill. Also, in the seatback pocket was a cookie wrapper… thanks, United!!!
After some research, I discovered that losing military hardware is hardly a rare occurrence. It’s a little scary to think that the military failed to track $1 billion in equipment to Ukraine (FN2). Despite having regulations and tracking systems like RFID and specialized software, the military’s massive scale, rapid deployments, outdated systems, and complex supply chain create vulnerabilities. At the core of these problems are human errors.
The military has plenty of regulations and systems already in place to track weapons, such as RFID and software programs. So the issue may be the sheer size of the military, the chaos of rapid deployment, the use of legacy systems, and the complexity of the supply chain and procurement process. And, at the end of the day, people are involved.
5G AND PRIVATE NETWORK ASSET TRACKING FOR THINGS THAT GO BOOM 💥
I assume war and the military’s need to respond faster in ever increasing technology driven military operations will continue to increase and evolve. The ability to track and manage resources accurately is critical. 5G private network asset tracking systems can be a game changer for managing sensitive and high-value items particularly equipment that goes boom! 💥 Here’s how implementing such a system can significantly reduce the risk of losses and boost operational readiness.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
Military logistics often involve the movement and storage of vast amounts of munitions across diverse terrains and bases. My simplistic mind thinks of a game of 3D checkers times a trillion. It is inevitable that tracking these assets manually, or through outdated systems, inevitably leads to errors, mismanagement, and even loss. The security, operational delays, and financial consequences are staggering.
How Private Network Asset Tracking Works
A 5G private network is the first line defense against cyber hacks. But private networks work in tandem with RFID, IoT devices, and a host of other acronyms that can create a secure and centralized tracking system.
This integration offers:
- Secure data transmission (you definitely don’t want terrorists tracking your bombs—or your MREs).
- Reduced human error with automated inventory management.
- 24/7 visibility through real-time tagging of critical equipment.
- Geofencing capabilities to send alerts if equipment moves beyond designated areas.
5G
What is important to understand is that any military application will be for lots of data; much more data than an LTE system could handle without a significant slowdown in data transmission. Think of the difference between a bullet train and a snail.
What a 5G private network provides beyond enhanced security is:
- High-Speed Connectivity: Faster data transfer that is necessary for real-time tracking of inventory across geographically large supply chains.
- Low Latency: The low latency of 5G ensures immediate communication between devices. If you wonder what all the fuss about 5G is about, read my article “5G-WHAT THE HECK IS IT?”
- Enhanced IoT Integration: 5G is the communication platform to leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as sensors and RFID tags, for more accurate and automated inventory tracking. Read my article “THE PERFECT TRIFECTA-PRIVATE NETWORK, DIGITAL TWIN, AI” to understand the potential opportunities of a 5G private network.
- Remote Monitoring: 5G enables integration with unmanned vehicles, drones, and automated remote monitoring systems of inventory in hard-to-reach areas.
- Network Slicing: The cool thing about 5G is it allows for more robust network slicing, which allows multiple virtual networks over the same physical infrastructure ensuring that critical logistics operations are not disrupted by other network demands. 4G, on the other hand, is more limited and less flexible.
SUMMARY
5G private network asset tracking systems provide a technological edge, ensuring that military forces can stay operationally ready and inventory accountable with increased efficiency focus without the distraction of logistical uncertainties. And that’s a good thing.
About the author
Gary Sumihiro is the founder of Sumihiro Investments, LLC, a global strategic consulting firm. Learn more at www.sumihiroinvestmentsllc.com. Mr. Sumihiro serves on the Board of Directors of EUCAST Global.
About EUCAST Global
EUCAST Global is launching a private equity raise for accredited investors this year. EUCAST will be participating at the WEST 2025 conference at booth #4522. Please contact us at Sumihiroinvestments@gmail.com for more details.
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