Courtesy Photo | Pfc. Devin Blanding, a communications specialist with Special Troops Battalion, 2nd...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Devin Blanding
BAGHDAD—In November 2010, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center sent a team of communications specialists to install and maintain the command post network system at Joint Security Station Muthana.
As a team, the soldiers have established a cross-training program to ensure the team communication specialists truly become masters of their art, whether in automations, line of sight or satellite communications. In this environment, soldiers are not only expected to be experts in their specific field, but also with digital and network -based components that dictate the quality of the communications offered throughout the brigade.
“Leadership is an important piece of ensuring effective and successful communications,” said Cpl. Chin Song, the command post node team leader with Company B, STB, 2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div., USD – C and a Los Angeles native. “I post the team’s list of priorities, duties and responsibilities down to each individual soldier to ensure the communication network is maintained and improved for the brigade. The two main focuses for the team are the upkeep of the classified and unclassified routers.”
Some soldiers had to adapt quickly after arriving to the unit just prior to its deployment in support of Operation New Dawn.
“When I was new to the team, I had to quickly learn the fundamentals of wiring and color coding for making cable ends: orange-white, orange, green-white, blue, blue-white, green, brown-white, brown— they will forever be engraved in my mind,” said Pfc. Darrius Wilder, a communications specialist with the STB’s Company B, and a Dudley, N.C., native.
The command post network team strengthens communications across JSS Muthana’s network by fixing computers, installing or updating antivirus software and networking printers.
In addition, the team maintains the satellite transmissions trailer, a large piece of equipment that forms a network connection. Once the settings are in place for the satellite transmission, the system only needs to be monitored and adjusted from time to time. Each soldier in the command post network team contributes to a piece of the success of the mission and ensures the functionality of the equipment.
“My time at JSS Muthana is different than my last deployment at JSS Justice because before I was with a platoon, and now I am in charge of a team,” Song said. “Even though it is challenging, we keep JSS Muthana talking.”
| Date Taken: | 02.03.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.17.2011 11:06 |
| Story ID: | 65600 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 29 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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