From the US Army
Frank Kendall, undersecretary of defense for acquisitions, technology and logistics, and Gary J. Motsek, deputy assistant secretary of defense (Program Support) were in Afghanistan last week, reviewing operational energy security strategies.
The Persistent Threat Detection System, or PTDS, is fielded by Program Executive Office Intelligence Electronic Warfare & Sensors, and personnel manning the systems fall under the 401st."PTDS is a large aerostat tethered to a mooring platform, which is accompanied by a Ground Control Station," Lt. Col. Michael Parodi, product manager for Meteorological and Target Identification Capabilities, was quoted as saying in an article published Jul. 2, 2012. "The system is equipped with both visual and audio surveillance technology and acts as a force multiplier for commanders on the ground."Parodi added that PTDS can be utilized to scan large areas for potential insurgent activity while interacting with various sensors to provide a complete picture of potential threats.