372nd Signal Company: Coming through loud and clear

Photo By Maj. John Petro | Soldiers of the 372nd Signal Company, 197th Field Artillery Brigade, New Hampshire Army National Guard, use teamwork to stabilize an OE254, antenna, in their area of operations on the forward operating base, at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, Mich., July 18. The antennas transmit between the Humvees and the AO. The company has been working hand-in-hand with New York, 187th Signal Company and five other states. During the almost three-week annual training, the states will conduct scenario-based exercises to include live-fire training, logistical operations and counter-ied training, collaboratively known as eXportable Combat Training Capability. (Photo by Capt. John Petro, 114th Public Affairs Detachment, New Hampshire National Guard)  

CONCORD, NH, UNITED STATES

07.21.2014

Story by Pfc. Gabrielle Scibetta 

114th Public Affairs Detachment

CONCORD, N.H. - The soldiers of the 372nd Signal Company, a unit within the 197th Field Artillery Brigade, New Hampshire Army National Guard, left Manchester the beginning of July, heading to Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, Mich., for the eXportable Combat Training Capability. There, they started setting up their equipment for an almost three week long annual training period.

Five states, including New Hampshire, have come together at CGJMTC to participate in XCTC where they are conducting scenario-based exercises including: live-fire training, logistical operations and counter-ied training.

“As you know, most of the 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, 197th Field Artillery Brigade is going on a training support mission next year, and some of our folks will be tasked to go,” said Capt. Elizabeth Hubbard, commander of the 327th Signal Company. “This is an opportunity to start training for the positions they will be in when they go on deployment, which is a huge factor because they wouldn’t have this training time on a normal drill weekend and in an environment like this.”

She continued to say the hands on experience they’re receiving is crucial to mission support for the deployment.

The initial days during AT are spent setting up the equipment in the forward operating base. After that it’s all about maintaining a good connection, which is successful if the team works well together.

“We have a really strong group of lower enlisted,” stated 1st Lt. Andrew Rodriguez, executive officer of the 372nd Signal Company. “We have some pretty high-speed specialists (E-4’s). Most of our junior enlisted are in the Information Technology field, do this on the civilian side and they have a strong background.”

In the civilian world, having new employees in the workplace can be a bit of a headache. At XCTC, Signal Company is experiencing the exact opposite and their commander has taken notice.

“It is amazing how solid our team is,” said Hubbard. “They are all putting in a huge amount of effort and are very motivated to learn.“

She added that being in the field for up to three weeks could take a toll on soldiers and bring spirits down. The soldiers of Signal Company, however, have not let time wear them down yet. They are driven and ready for the upcoming weeks.

XCTC gives the soldiers an opportunity that they would not experience during a drill weekend.

“A lot of our drills are conducted in the armory, making it really hard to get the real-world experience,” said Rodriguez. “It’s always hypothetical. This field experience is great for us. “

Rodriguez added that the practical exercises have given them the ability to correct errors on-the-spot they would not be able to fix back at home station.

Being in the field gives the soldiers the opportunity to master their equipment and the ability to work on other skills.

“I get to play a bit of a different role”, said Spc. Ryan Cook, IT specialist with the 372nd Signal Company. “I’ve been put into a leadership position and I’ve been training other soldiers on specific equipment.”

Cook said he is expected to take on the NCO role later during this training period. As added responsibility, he will have a team and continue to work within his military occupational specialty.

According to Hubbard, this has been nothing but a successful learning experience for the company. Hiccups are anticipated, but Signal Company is ready to tackle them.

“The key thing I would like them to take out of this is the importance of their role to the entire mission,” said Hubbard.

“I want them to take every opportunity they can to learn the equipment, learn the troubleshooting, learn every aspect of their jobs and to be able to carry that through the rest of their careers.”

• Date Taken: 07.21.2014
• Date Posted: 07.21.2014 10:19
• Story ID: 136729
• Location: CONCORD, NH, US
• Hometown: KEENE, NH, US
• Hometown: PORTSMOUTH, NH, US