Unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) are a critical conceptual capability for Future Combat Systems where they will be used for reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. The objective of this study was to ascertain the effect of the relative loss of signal strength or bandwidth, represented by 2, 4, 8 and 16 frames per second (fps) on a UGV operator’s workload and situational awareness. A secondary objective was to measure the effect of different modes of control (joystick, voice command, joystick and voice and completely autonomous or passive control) on UGV control. The UGV was supplied by ARL/CISD and the tests were conducted on a field at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Participants were 22 soldiers recruited from the 16th Ordnance Battalion at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Each was randomly assigned to one of the four control device between-group conditions and experienced all four levels of the bandwidth within group conditions. Reduced signal strength had a significant impact on operator performance. The average time to navigate the course increased for 2 and 4 fps compared to 8 and 16 fps. Voice command was more difficult than the other modes of control. Visual and cognitive workload scores also were affected by bandwidth with 8 and 16 fps resulting in the best scores. Finally, NASA TLX workload was improved for 4, 8 and 16 fps compared to 2 fps. The modern battlefield poses significant challenges for UGV operations due to loss of signal strength from a variety of sources such as distance, obstacles, multiple UGVs on the same channel or electronic jamming. These results suggest that optimal bandwidth for UGV operation should remain above 8 fps. Also, the passive or completely autonomous condition provided no advantages in terms of target acquisition or workload. These results will provide empirical detail for a computer model of UGV operator performance.