Abstract: Ultra wideband (UWB) is an emerging communications technology that offers high data rates over short distances with a low probability of intercept. UWB is defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in terms of the amount of bandwidth used, not the way it is used, and three different technological approaches have emerged: short-pulse UWB; OFDM-UWB and DS-UWB. OFDM and DS are being developed commercially for use in the home networking market. Short-pulse UWB remains a developmental technology with some potential benefits to the military in addition to the low probability of intercept, such as good resistance to multipath fading and the ability to locate an emitter precisely. With the move towards to a Network-Equipped Capability (NEC) and the associated need to pass increasing amounts of data between battlefield entities, there is a requirement for a short-range data bearer. This paper looks at UWB as a whole and considers a number of potential military applications where UWB may be suitable for this short-range data-handling role. Other roles such as wireless links on and around a soldier, remote sensors, and logistic tracking by the use of transmitting 'tags' are also suggested.