Despite glitches in a demonstration of satellite audio and video technology, officials with the State National Guard are extremely optiistic about what an upgrade in the system will bring Missouri. What was supposed to be a demonstration of a high-tech audio and video satellite feed for troops in Iraq back to the Missouri National Guard headquarters near Jefferson City wound up giving viewers blurry video and unintelligible audio. The system is designed to give commanders back in the state a better link to troops deployed, as well as helping family members make contact with their loved ones in Iraq. Missouri Guard Commander General King Sidwell says it’s better than nothing. Officials say the signal will be better in the future. And, Carter Ward with the Missouri School Boards Association says the technology will have other applications such as linking Missouri’s schools. And, since the schools are many times the gathering points during a natural disaster, emergency management folks will be able to use the technology to coordinate responses.
