A review of the Armed Forces Network

The American Forces Network, otherwise known simply as the AFN, is the trademark term employed by the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) for its entertainment and command internal information networks which is distributed on a worldwide basis. Here follows a brief review of this vital service which is aimed specifically at the Armed Forces.

Origins and overview

The origins of the American Armed Forces Network stretch all the way back to 26.05.1942. This is when the special Armed Forces Radio Service or ARS was initially established by the War Department. Some 12 years later, in 1954, a special pilot station was inaugurated at Limestone AFB in Maine, which effectively signaled the beginnings of the AFN TV service. AFRTS In the same year, the television service was officially recognised and subsequently incorporated into the Armed Forces Radio Service and thus, the service was consequently renamed the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service or AFRTS. On 01.01.1998, the entire cast of the Armed Forces broadcasting services officially came together on a worldwide scale to form what is now known as the AFN.

Broadcasts

AFRTS first began using special satellite equipment back in 1969 with the aim of providing live news and sporting events to all the members of the Armed Forces. A year later, colour television broadcasts were introduced into the programme schedules. Expansion
At the present time, the service employs some ten satellites which, combined with special digital compression technology, allow the service to provide multiple television and radio programmes to military members who are placed in 177 countries and U.S. territories, as well as reaching all those stationed on board U.S. Navy ships. AFN Europe The American Forces Network Europe (AFN Europe) helps to cultivate Armed Forces members be they Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen or even Civilian professionals. In addition, all Commanders are given support by the service in preserving enthusiasm and morale throughout the military by ensuring their messages reach the widest possible audience. Final word Further information including the AFN timeline as well as all the up-to-date news broadcasts, AFN TV schedules and AFN radio schedules can be found online.