The blue forces are pinned down. Mortars are exploding all around them.

A blue force attack controller requests help from a nearby MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle armed with Hellfire missiles.

The Air Force responds to the request. The attack controller on the ground is able to locate and confirm the enemy launch site via near real-time video directly from the Predator overhead.

Communicating via the Internet with friendly forces in the United States, the controller on the ground requests that the Predator engage the target. After getting clearance the Predator fires, neutralizing the threat.

Stories like this are played out every day. The troops on the ground are happy to have the Air Force overhead. And the Airmen assigned to the 497th Intelligence Group here are pleased to be able to help.

This team of communication, logistics and intelligence analysts plays an integral part in processing, exploiting and disseminating time-sensitive intelligence directly to the warfighter on the ground half a world away.

“There is an intricate web of networked computers that keeps the intel flowing,” said Staff Sgt. James Smith, a 10th Intelligence Squadron network technician. “This weapon system relies on the network. Without the network, the information does not get to the guy on the ground when he needs it most.

He said the 1st Communications Squadron plays an integral part in the process.

“They provide us with the doorway to the Internet,” the sergeant said. “Once the encrypted data hits the Web it’s routed to the guy on the ground.”

The squadron recently invited the 1st CS Airmen to tour the Distributed Ground System-1 facilities. The goal was to help build a greater understanding of the impact 1st CS has on the day-to-day operations of the 10th IS.

“We wanted to show them how vital their work really is,” said Senior Master Sgt. Glen Heacock, the squadron’s network systems flight superintendent. “Most Airmen assigned to the 1st Communications Squadron may not realize the extent and depth of involvement they have in the day to day operations in the global war on terrorism.

“For most users, the network is simply an administrative tool,” the sergeant said. “For the individuals assigned to the 480th Intelligence Wing, it is truly a weapon system.

“When it goes down, lives are at stake,” he said.

“The thought of what is taking place on our network really hits home,” said 1st Lt. James Lacek, a systems operations officer with the communications unit. “Being in the support group for 16 years, it is easy to forget how our job really impacts others.”

The lieutenant said that “suddenly, what we do is not simply a matter of keeping someone’s e-mail up and running, it’s a ‘life-and-death’ situation.”

He said, “Someone on the other side of the world is depending on our ability to get them the time-critical information for their survival.”