A low-complexity, packet-level iterative detection technique is considered for slow-frequency-hop (SFH) spread-spectrum communications in intersymbolinterference (ISI) channels. Maximum-likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE) equalization with state pinning and bounded-distance errors-and-erasures decoding of ReedSolomon code words are employed within each iteration of equalization and decoding. The design of a bit interleaver is examined for use with the iterative detection technique. The effect of state pinning on the equalizer performance is characterized, and the probability of packet error and the detection complexity of the SFH system are evaluated for a range of static and fading ISI channels. The use of an earlytermination criterion is also considered as a way to achieve a tradeoff between performance and detection complexity with the iterative detection technique.keywords Frequency-hop spread spectrum Á Packet-radio communications Á Reed-Solomon codes Á Iterative decoding Á Intersymbol-interference channels Á Equalization