Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Richardson | Soldiers with the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team train on the newly acquired next...... read more read more
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CAMP HOVEY, South Korea – As the soldiers looked to their compasses for an azimuth, what they saw was the Army heading in the right direction. Mats were unrolled and giant “beach balls” were inflated, along with the fascination of those who witnessed it. Witness to the saying “good things come in small packages,” the soldiers watched the contents of a box the size of carry-on luggage transform into a fully operational satellite.
“Iron” soldiers assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, received training on a new satellite system specifically designed for communication in Korea on Camp Hovey April 15-19, 2013.
Twenty Iron soldiers learned the proper breakdown and setup procedures, along with proper configuration and maintenance on the new tactical satellite during the weeklong course.
The improved features of this inflatable next generation satellite are its easy mobility and ability to withstand strong winds and other adverse weather conditions. Equipped with a built-in air pump designed to re-inflate air leaks, the system does not lack durability.
“It actually gives us the ability to push through the heavier rains and stay connected, especially during monsoon season in Korea,” said Maj. Matthew Haynes, officer in charge of communication and networking for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st ABCT.
In addition to its round, beach ball-like appearance, a more noticeable change is the system’s significant decrease in weight compared to the older model. At 180 pounds, the newer version is roughly 90 percent lighter.
However, Haynes expressed there are no signs of regression in terms of technical capabilities and it still supports any of the Army’s communication networks. As a result of the 1,600-pound weight loss between the two generations, the satellite’s improved transportability could be more tactically efficient and become an asset towards mobilization Army-wide.
Although it is primarily manned by signal soldiers, its assembly and operation is simple enough for any soldier to perform with minimal training.
“I feel like it’s very beneficial to my unit to train on this new system because it’s very reliable and easy to set up, which is better for the field,” said Spc. James Clingan, a multichannel transmissions systems operator-maintainer for 1st Battalion, 72nd Armored Regiment, 1st ABCT.
In all, the next generation satellite is primed to serve as an essential tool for the division, which currently owns six models. With recurring training events and monsoon season rapidly approaching, having soldiers trained and capable of operating this tool could help sooner than later.
| Date Taken: | 04.19.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 06.05.2013 04:08 |
| Story ID: | 108084 |
| Location: | DONGDUCHEON, 41, KR |
| Web Views: | 29 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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