As the United States (US) Department of Defense (DOD) transforms the US military into a network-centric force, airborne and ground-based communications relays should emerge as an integral piece of equipment for expeditionary units in creating joint tactical networks. Airborne and ground relays will be useful in providing tactical-level forces with wireless broadband communications while on the move which overcomes the current limitations in satellite communications (SATCOM) capabilities. The focus of this research is not to suggest that airborne and ground relays are better than satellites. Rather, it is essential for the US military to understand the important role that airborne and ground relays provide in combat operations and the greater responsibility they will have in conducting future network-centric operations (NCO).