AFL communication troops successfully test radio abilities

Photo By Capt. Mark Lazane | Armed Forces of Liberia Cpl. Foday Freeman, acting platoon sergeant, Communications Platoon, Armed Forces of Liberia Logistical Command, conducts a radio check with his base station during a radio communications exercise at Edwin Binyah Kesselly Military Barracks March 6. The main focus of the exercise was on the successful deployment of a di-pole antenna, a device used to construct rapid communication systems in austere environments. AFL electronic communications technicians are tasked to provide long haul communication capabilities in any type of terrain, to include jungle, seaborne and urban environments, for approximately 2,000 members of the AFL and Liberian Coast Guard. The Communications Platoon are trained by members of Operation Onward Liberty, a group of approximately 50 U.S. military personnel who mentor and advise the AFL in order to develop a national military that is responsible, operationally capable, respectful of civilian authority and the rule of law, and is a force for good among the Liberian people.  

MONROVIA, LIBERIA

03.06.2012

Story by 1st Lt. Mark Lazane 

Operation Onward Liberty

MONROVIA, Liberia — Approximately 20 Armed Forces of Liberia soldiers completed a successful radio communications exercise at Edwin Binyah Kesselly Military Barracks March 6.

“Today, we tested and improved our radio communication skills, and we were successful,” said Cpl. Foday Freeman, acting platoon sergeant for Communications Platoon, Armed Forces of Liberia’s Logistical Command. “Every time we can get out here and practice our skills, it helps us know what capabilities we have to communicate. Practice helps us develop. Not long ago, we struggled to communicate with each other across even county lines. Now, we can basically talk to any AFL unit anywhere in the country.”

The main focus of the exercise was on the successful deployment of a di-pole antenna, a device used to construct rapid communication systems in austere environments.

The members of the communications platoon constantly train to provide long haul communication capabilities in any terrain, to include jungle, seaborne and urban environments, for approximately 2,000 members of the AFL and Liberian Coast Guard.

“The Communications Platoon is responsible for providing all the communication capabilities for the entire Liberian military, and that’s a big job,” said Freeman. “The AFL needs communication ability, because without communications you cannot do the other aspects of military operations, like maneuver units around a battle space.”

In addition, the platoon trains radio operators within the AFL’s infantry companies, ensuring that AFL units have the ability to collectively communicate in any situation.

The exercise provided valuable real-world training for the troops and serves as a great teaching tool for the soldiers, said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dean Shumate, a native of Chicago, Ill., a satellite communications non-commissioned officer mentor to the AFL.
Shumate is a member of Operation Onward Liberty, a group of approximately 50 U.S. military personnel who mentor and advise the AFL in order to develop a national military that is responsible, operationally capable, respectful of civilian authority and the rule of law, and is a force for good among the Liberian people.

“This was their first time out in a field environment in a long time,” Shumate said. “The soldiers have a great desire to learn. They are constantly asking us for more information. We are giving them the tools to succeed, not just as individuals, but as an Army unit.”

“Mentoring these soldiers is great, because we aren’t just building up communication capabilities. We are helping them build an army signal corps, especially within the non-commissioned officer community,” Shumate said.”We focus a lot on communication techniques, sure, but we also promote military principles. We could just teach the basic technical skills necessary to do the job, but without the leadership aspect of these operations, it would be in vain. This platoon can’t succeed on skills alone.”

• Date Taken: 03.06.2012
• Date Posted: 03.14.2012 06:27
• Story ID: 85216
• Location: MONROVIA, LR