A communications unit. At least one example includes a platform that has a tower assembly operably coupled thereto such that tower assembly is movable between a horizontally deployed position and a vertically deployed position relative to the platform. The tower assembly includes a plurality of telescoping tower segments that are movably supported relative to each other such that they may be selectively manually deployed between a retracted position and the horizontally deployed position. The unit may further include a locking assembly that is configured to selectively and individually lock each of the plurality of telescoping tower segments in the horizontally deployed position. A deployment assembly operably interfaces with the tower assembly and is configured to selectively move the tower assembly between the horizontally deployed position and the vertically deployed position.