Wikipedia

Tactical NAV

Tactical NAV, also known as TACNAV-X, is a location-based tracking app designed for use by military personnel.[1] The app is primarily designed to assist in identifying targets, pinpointing enemy fire and mapping waypoints.[2]

Tactical NAV
Original author(s)Jonathan J. Springer
Developer(s)TacNav Systems
Initial releaseFebruary 14, 2011; 13 years ago (2011-02-14)
Operating systemiOS, Android
PlatformiPhone
Websitetacticalnav.com
U.S. Army Captain Jonathan Springer showcases to one of his soldiers the Tactical NAV app, demonstrating real-time strategic planning on a digital map for an upcoming operation.

The app is used to direct mortar and artillery fire, support close combat, and facilitate close air support operations.

Tactical NAV also helps users efficiently relay critical information to tactical operations centers for prompt decision-making regarding airstrikes or medical evacuations.

The TACNAV-X platform is intended to enhance situational awareness, refine navigation capabilities, and assist in tactical decision-making across various operational environments.

Overview

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Tactical NAV allows users to pinpoint enemy fire and identify targets using their mobile phone's camera, the Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) and the GPS.[3] The app is used to direct mortar and artillery fire. It is also used in close combat and close air support operations.

 
U.S. Army soldiers fire artillery on a known enemy fighting position from FOB Blessing, Afghanistan in 2010. (U.S. Army photo by Captain Jonathan J. Springer)

Information gathered by the app can be sent to a tactical operations center, where a decision is made to conduct an airstrike or provide medical evacuation to wounded troops. Waypoint and location data can be shared via Facebook, text and email.[4]

The app includes features designed to make its use less conspicuous, such as a red-light user interface, that conceals light from the phone's screen at night, AES-256 encryption and biometrics to enhance security, and various other features.

Additionally, Tactical NAV is used by U.S. military and NATO forces and is designed to support situational awareness, navigation, and tactical decision-making for military personnel and outdoor enthusiasts.

Tactical NAV has been utilized by Ukrainian forces during the conflict with Russian troops in the war in Ukraine. Additionally, the software played a role in aiding a Ukrainian family's escape to Poland in 2022. [5]

On August 14, 2024, in a LinkedIn post, Jonathan Springer confirmed that soldiers in the U.S. Army, as well as the Chilean and Taiwanese armed forces, are actively using Tactical NAV in real-world scenarios, including live-fire exercises and deployments.

In addition to its military applications, Tactical NAV has recently been used by civilians and law enforcement in the Philippines to combat drug trafficking, particularly in the regions of Cebu and near Manila. This has been independently confirmed through communications with the Tactical NAV support team and Jonathan Springer, though further details remain undisclosed due to the sensitive nature of ongoing operations.

History

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U.S. Army Captain Jonathan Springer tests his mobile application Tactical NAV while deployed to Afghanistan in 2011.

Tactical NAV was designed by U.S. Army Captain Jonathan J. Springer, a Field Artillery officer serving as a Battalion Fire Support Officer (FSO) in the 101st Airborne Division.[6] Springer conceived the idea for the app during his third tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.[7]

On June 25, 2010, after a rocket attack by the Taliban killed two soldiers in his battalion, he was inspired to create an app that would prevent similar losses in the future, enhance situational awareness, and assist soldiers serving on combat deployments.[8]

In 2010, Springer founded TacNav Systems (formerly AppDaddy Technologies) to develop mobile applications for use by military personnel.[9] He tested the app during combat operations in eastern Afghanistan and verified TACNAV-X's accuracy using DAGRs, AFATDS, Falcon View, CPOF, ATAK, and other approved Department of Defense (DoD) systems.

Tactical NAV has proven to be accurate within 1mm of any approved DoD device or software.

The app was released on the App Store on February 14, 2011.[7] As of 2012, the app had been downloaded 8,000 times by members of the United States Armed Forces, Canadian Armed Forces and Australian Defence Force.[10]

As of 2024, Tactical NAV has garnered widespread popularity, with over 200,000 downloads worldwide. It consistently ranks among the top 10 navigation apps on both the App Store and Google Play, reflecting its enduring appeal and utility to users across various platforms.

Future Developments

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U.S. Army Captain Jonathan Springer showcases the first-generation of the Tactical NAV app while deployed to FOB Blessing, Afghanistan, in December of 2010.

Jonathan Springer, the Founder and CEO of TacNav Systems, has announced plans to transition the app’s branding from Tactical NAV to TACNAV-X, or use both names simultaneously. This rebranding effort is intended to reflect the app's ongoing evolution and to accommodate its expanding user base.

TacNav Systems is also working to expand the app’s accessibility by developing versions for MacOS, Windows OS, and Apple Watch, in addition to the existing iOS and Android platforms.

Tactical NAV is expected to continue serving as a valuable tool for military personnel worldwide, supporting operational efficiency and precision in a range of challenging environments.

References

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  1. ^ "IPhones Guide Artillery Fire as Pentagon Plans App Store: Tech". Bloomberg.com. 2011-12-15. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  2. ^ "Army Captain Builds iPhone App for Soldiers in Afghanistan". PCMAG. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  3. ^ "In Afghanistan, armed with an iPhone". The World from PRX. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  4. ^ "US soldier makes app for tracking down Taliban fighters". BBC News. 2011-07-04. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  5. ^ "Tactical NAV App Saves Family in Ukraine and Helps Ukrainian Soldiers Fight Back Against Russian Forces". EIN News. 3 March 2022. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
  6. ^ Smith, Michael. "Taliban sighted — ready, app, fire". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  7. ^ a b "Top military apps: Ranking 10 of the best in the industry". www.army-technology.com. 18 June 2019. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  8. ^ "Soldier creates smartphone app to track Taliban, IEDs". The Toronto Star. 2011-07-07. ISSN 0319-0781. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  9. ^ "Tactical NAV: Military-Grade Navigation for Handheld Devices - S.W.A.T. Magazine". 20 January 2015. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  10. ^ "Pentagon eyeing app store". Monterey Herald. 2012-01-08. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
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