I think it is a mistake to drop IMC. But as a HAM (W1AJO) I am biased. I was of the opinion that everyone on the team should be able to copy 10GPM so at least they could get the freq from the BTB and everyone should be able to cak up a tape (for burst). It isn’t that hard to do.
Yes I know that the digital modes and SAT links are faster and easier but are also more complex and have more points of failure. They also require more power to run.
One of the pressing issues for conventional units is the lack of bandwidth in satcom links. Everybody wants a channel and there are not enough to go around. Divisional HQs & Corp HQs units are re-looking at HF como as an alternative to crowded satcom links. Makes you wonder.
Consider this: What happens when Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan all go up in smoke and we are all trying to make como on very limited satcom links?
If a nuke goes off you now have EMP issues to deal with. IMC will get through but voice and digital won’t. Forget about IP, the net will be down in strategic places and will be unreliable. HF is the last resort.
My main HAM rig is a Yaesu FT-817. 5 watts. It is TINY! I’m in Florida and I have worked the South Pacific, Caribbean, Canada, Europe, and Africa. I also use it to do local 2m FM work. I do have a small 50-watt linear amp but don’t use it much. Antenna? A G5RV dipole and a 20 to 10 meter beam are what I use. A Z100 HF antenna auto tuner makes it sing. A 12 watt version is possible and it could replace the AN/PRC-74/70 HF rigs easily.
The problem with the old HF technolgy wasn't with the mode or freq/bandwith; it was with the equipment that was just too damm heavy. With today's technologhy, a super lightweight HF radio is possible that doen't use a lot of power but will make reliable HF contacts. It seems we have thrown out the baby with the bathwater.
Tried & true burst IMC should be in every ODA’s bag of tricks, even if used only as plan B. Just my 2¢ worth.