Communicating in Iraq - Challenges and Solutions for an Engineer Battalion

IRAQ

04.03.2009

Courtesy Story

555th Engineer Brigade

To provide the communications necessary to operate over such a large area, the 14th Engineer Battalion employs several phone and computer automation systems, largely supporting the battalion and company tactical operations centers on each base.

Communications always play a vital role in any organization, especially in the military, and the 14th Engineer Battalion is no exception. The 14th Eng. Bn. currently conducts missions in several areas of operation in Iraq and because of that its communications Soldiers, commonly referred to as "commo," have a challenging mission.

The 14th Eng. Bn. deployed in April of 2008 and expects to complete its tour in July of 2009. Over this period the "Rugged" Battalion has conducted missions in seven provinces across four Multi-National Division AOs. Controlling operations distributed across such a wide region presents a number of challenges for the battalion, particularly in the area of communications. However, these challenges are nothing that a dedicated commo Soldier cannot overcome.

Some of these systems include Digital Subscriber Network, Non-Secure Voice Over Internet Protocol, Secure Voice Over Internet Protocol, both satellite and cell phones, Satellite Internet Very Small Aperture Terminal, digital senders, Command Post Of the Future, Secure Internet Protocol Routing and Non-Secure Internet Protocol Routing Networks.

In addition, the battalion has a Radio over Internet Protocol Network, a computer system that allows the TOC to communicate with some of the tactical radio systems out on the roads. This is all in addition to our tactical radio systems supporting both voice and data. Our Soldiers, when leaving the base, depend heavily on those tactical systems employed in their vehicles such as Blue Force Tracker, Single-Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System Advanced System Improvement Program, Tactical Satellite, Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio and High Frequency radio systems.

With all these intricate ways to communicate, it is imperative that the battalion have competent Soldiers who receive proper training on the systems in order to set up and maintain the systems. The commo Soldier is required to maintain, troubleshoot and train the Soldiers who are out on the roads of Iraq about the operation of their equipment and common troubleshooting techniques for all of the systems employed within their convoy. This training of other Soldiers is critical, because there are not enough MOS-trained commo Soldiers to accompany every mission, but every convoy needs to ensure that its myriad of communications systems is operating properly. For the signal Soldier, the training begins at Fort Gordon, Georgia with Advanced Individual Training, a small portion of which is geared toward what the communications Soldier might actually work with because of availability of equipment on which to train.

Upon completion of AIT the Soldier arrives at the unit, now often only a few months prior to deployment. At the unit, there are a few more systems available for training as well as mobile training teams. These teams train the radio maintainers, the communications Soldier and the operators for the systems currently in use in Iraq. The success of the training prior to a deployment is heavily dependent on the non-commissioned officers within the unit and the MTTs when possible.

Some say we have too many systems in our TOCs and vehicles; it seems like every time we learn one system we are beginning to field another. However, there is a real need for redundancy based upon the inherent unreliability of systems that are subject to the vagaries of environmental conditions. Each system has its own capabilities which contribute to the fight, but their unique limitations as well. One major common limitation is the difficulty in obtaining spare parts to repair these systems let alone keep any on hand for when issues do occur. Although we bring spare parts from home station in anticipation for such events, not all parts are available through the supply system. In addition, there have been several systems that have been fielded since arriving to Iraq. One example is the HF radio, the only long range voice communications capable system currently employed by the 14th Engineers in every patrol that leaves the wire and battalion and company TOCs. The HF radio parts, made by Harris, have to be requested through a lengthy process and many of the bases are not able to provide higher level technical support for repairs, ultimately requiring the radio to be evacuated to Kuwait.

In summary, the 14th Eng. Bn. overcomes its communications challenges by employing a number of redundant systems operated and maintained by well-trained Soldiers. Most signal Soldiers excel when presented with such challenges, particularly those that are very resourceful. A signal Soldier provided with purpose, direction and motivation can excel; one that also takes initiative, has drive and a whole lot of heart in their job can be superb, and thus contribute to the overall success of the mission.

• Date Taken: 04.03.2009
• Date Posted: 04.03.2009 08:44
• Story ID: 31957
• Location: IQ