This shows how weak the traffic control system is, even if you accept what the army guy says. Because I worked for very short period of time in air traffic control, I know that the controller is in constant communication with plane, and there are various informations regarding the location which should be also communicated continuously to army units and controllers.
In other words, army should have their own controllers that monitor army planes and continually communicate with the civilian controllers.
Based on his explanation, the commination was jammed and the army unit couldn't talk to anyone and decided by himself which shows the weakness in the whole system that they are so proud of.