Combat Service Support Automation Management Office supports comms in theater

Photo By Spc. Alicia Clark | Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Javier, combat service support management office non-commissioned officer in charge, 311th Theater Support Command, performs a maintenance check on a very small aperture terminal which is used for communication in theater.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

03.17.2009

Story by Pfc. Alicia Clark 

20th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - At a remote forward operating base in theater, a Soldier sits down at a workstation, turns on his computer and effortlessly connects to Web-based programs that allow him to file reports, order supplies, manage property books for his unit and even connect to medical experts in real time.

With the help of very small aperture terminals, Troops are provided with a means of communication for camps and FOBs in theater.

Soldiers and civilians at the Combat Service Support Automation Management Office provide a helpdesk for VSAT users in the 311th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

Service members are able to use a secure internet connection, or voice over internet protocol phone service to communicate, as well as track supplies and equipment in theater.

"CSSAMO is the first line of defense in providing logistics [Standard Army Management Information System] support," said Chief Warrant Officer Ramil F. Francisco, CSSAMO branch chief, 311th SC.

According to Francisco, the CSSAMO manages and sustains Army STAMIS and the Logistics Automation Network consisting of the Combat Automations Information Systems Interface wireless connectivity and VSAT.

The helpdesk at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, monitors over 300 VSATs on the theater wide network, coordinates with units in theater to provide training for users and tests software to ensure that it will work in theater.

"If we weren't here, we wouldn't be able to coordinate with units when they request support for their system," said Sgt. Alberto Castaneda, systems analyst, 311th ESC.

CSSAMO provides a vital service to all units in the area responsibility that use VSATs as their way to connect to the world and maintain the supplies and equipment that keep the Army going.

• Date Taken: 03.17.2009
• Date Posted: 03.17.2009 04:54
• Story ID: 31222
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW