210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Story by Spc. Amanda Solitario

by Spc. Amanda Solitario
210th MPAD

LSA ANACONDA, Iraq— Communicating on a battlefield has become much easier over the years. With Internet and telephone access, gone are the days of the Pony Express. Still, Soldiers are working hard to make connections faster and more secure for the troops.

In a joint endeavor between various signal units and civilian contractors, Anaconda is undergoing a major communication transformation in an attempt to upgrade outdated systems.

"We are trying to offer better communications, more reliable service, and without interruptions," said Chief Warrant Officer John Proctor, a network technician with the 160th Signal Brigade. "We want to make it more like what people have at home."

When American troops first came to Iraq in 2003, hasty communication systems were set up to accommodate the beginning efforts of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Proctor, from Albany, Ga., said the way things are set up right now is not practical for the logistical missions of today's Soldiers.

"The previous effort was good, but it was wired in a tactical configuration and manner, and intended as a temporary or short-term solution," said Lt. Col. Micheal Walton, the public affairs officer (forward) for the 335th Signal Command (Theater).

The 335th SC (T) headquartered at Camp Afrijan, Kuwait, is working with their subordinate units to fix the problems. They recently sent a "dream team," a group of four Soldiers from the 160th Signal Brigade from Camp Afrijan, Kuwait, to Anaconda to evaluate the operations.

"We are here to assess the situation to make sure everything is ready to come on line," said Chief Warrant Officer Edwin Crews, a network technician with the 335th SC (T).

The major problem the team found was a daisy-chained arrangement for Internet connections. If one building loses connection, the other offices on the network go offline as well, Proctor said.

Some of the other effects servicemembers may experience include slower Internet speeds, complete loss of communications, or failed attempts on the phone.

As the new system slowly makes its way to the surface, all of these problems will disappear.

"The biggest change will come when a person accesses the Internet or places a phone call from their location," Walton said. "Calls will go through faster, with fewer busy signals, and Internet pages will load faster."

General Dynamics is the civilian company contracted by the military to untangle old wires and replace them with new ones. They are working closely with the 324th and the 67th signal battalions here on post to rewire more than 50 buildings.

GD is in the process of installing a fiber optic ring around the base. This ring will connect to Automated Distribution Nodes around the post. Each building will run off one of these ADNs, essentially combating the daisy-chain affect.

"Since the military utilizes many web-based applications and interfaces to do everything from ordering parts and food to paying military members and civilians, the increased amount of signal will mean an increase in productivity," Walton said.

As part of the commercialization, servicemembers may be asked to move from their offices. Walton said communication closets are being put into all buildings to allow quick assess to all essential equipment.

"These rooms ensure that communications remain reliable and to prevent tampering," Walton said. "Much like the engine of a car is isolated from the driver, the telecommunications closet provides that secure enclosure."

Walton said this project is not an easy undertaking. It is an ongoing development and is operating in phases. While there is not a definitive timeline for completion, it is believed that newer, faster, and more effective communications at Anaconda will be in place by the end of the summer.

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