8th Communications Battalion plays vital role in Operation Iraqi Freedom

Photo By Cpl. Jo Jones | Cpl. Kathy Miller, a transportable radio component 170 and Marine Corps integrated maintenance management systems operator with 8th Communications Battalion, checks the signal of a TRC-170 aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, June 30, 2009. TRC-170 is one of many communications systems Marines with 8th Comm. Bn. operate and monitor to ensure Multi National Force - West service members can communicate with anyone at any time.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

09.12.2009

Story by Cpl. Jo Jones 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — Having the technology and capabilities to communicate over radios, phones and internet would not be possible without the help of Marines from 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward), who work around the clock to ensure service members can communicate with anyone at any time.

"Our purpose is to provide, install and maintain a communication network for the [Multi National Force - West] area of responsibility," said 1st Lt. Ray Longoria, executive officer of 8th Comm. Bn. "All of our systems are spread out within MNF-W so we can access internet providers and the [Defense Switch Network] phone services."

Maintaining the transmission systems that make communication possible is no small feat. Even a simple piece of information, such as an email, travels through multiple networks before reaching its final destination.

Gunnery Sgt. Pernell Evans, a systems control watch chief with 8th Comm. Bn., said the Marines' primary responsibility is to monitor satellite transmission systems to ensure there are no signal breaks.

Communications Marines located on large forward operating bases set up wireless antennas to allow satellite information to be sent to outlying areas. They also operate and maintain systems that allow MNF-W leaders to hold meetings using video conferencing technology.

Sgt. Christy Miller, the platoon sergeant for Transmission Platoon, said it is important that Marines monitor these systems at all times to ensure events like sandstorms and power failures don't disrupt the operational tempo.

"If something goes down, then we get it up and running," said Miller, who is serving her second deployment to Iraq with 8th Comm. Bn. "We don't go without communications."

Miller said teamwork within the battalion plays a vital role in maintaining these systems. She explained that Marines are divided into five platoons, each playing their part to accomplish the mission.

Members of jump platoon travel out to other forward operating bases and fix satellite terminals. Data platoon members ensure both secured and unsecured email networks operate properly. Wire platoon members are responsible for phone operations, and Marines in the transmission platoon operate and monitor single and multiple channel radios.

While members of jump, wire, data and transmission platoons are made up of Marines in the communications field, Marines from a variety of jobs and military occupational specialties, such as motor transport Marines, maintenance technicians and generator mechanics, make up the final platoon. The service platoon assists in systems maintenance, convoy operations and other battalion needs.

Miller said deployments provide a good opportunity for the Marines to cross-train in other areas within the communications field, which allows them to learn about a wide array of communications systems and technologies.

"Eighth Communications Battalion is an exceptional battalion," said Miller. "I've had many opportunities to grow and mature as a [noncommissioned officer]."

With Marines like Evans and Miller of 8th Communications Battalion working diligently night and day, fellow service members can rest assured that they have constant communication wherever they are.

• Date Taken: 09.12.2009
• Date Posted: 09.12.2009 03:37
• Story ID: 38631
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ