of recharging batteries and/or acting as a continuous power source. It combines anti-glint solar panels and interchangeable connectors and adaptors for increased charging options. Multi-Access Cellular Extension (MACE): The United States Army is adapting commercial wireless technologies to operate with military networks, expanding the range of available devices and applications. It has initiated a project, Multi-Access Cellular Extension (MACE) in the commercial marketplace. MACE is intended to unify commercial technologies with military needs. The developers of MACE contend that it will support cellular communications over smart phones as well as links through cellular base stations to tactical systems. In demonstration pilots, mesh networking is to be used to test seamless operation in WiFi/cellular environments even when a cellular base station is not available. Radio Interoperability Capability-Universal (RIC-U) is an analog-to-digital voice bridge between allies and U.S. troops. After plugging in the RIC-U, Soldiers select the radio they wish to speak on. They then interoperate with the allies' radio voice networks, transmitting and receiving voice messages. Allied partners can use their native radio communications equipment, unique encryption, and frequency-hopping techniques to speak with U.S. military personnel. These communications are encrypted. References External links Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center Military communications of the United States Monmouth County, New Jersey Research and development in the United States Military simulation