Top Notch Brigade brings BTIN training to theater

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Regina Machine | Soldiers and civilians attended the ballistic missile defense system theater interface node (BTIN) familiarization training course held Sept. 8 – 11.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

09.18.2014

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Regina Machine 

108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade

By Chief Warrant Officer 3 Lashon Anderson
Command and Control Systems Technician

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION - The 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade hosted the ballistic missile defense system theater interface node (BTIN) familiarization training course in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR) for all command and control system integration officers and communications specialists Sept. 8-12.

The BTIN system is a multi-TADIL-J asset that is utilized by all PATRIOT Battalions throughout theater to provide redundant communications data link. Students received training on the subcomponents of the BTIN to include the CISCO 2811 router, a KIV-7M, the tactical data analysis and collection system (TDACS), and an uninterruptible power source (UPS). This system is fielded at the battalion level and provides the capability to support simultaneous Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) missions across the AOR.

Col. Edward J. O’Neill, commander, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, shared his training goals and expectations from the class. These goals were developed from discussions about the challenges and lessons learned from deploying C2I integrators into theater without any training. The intent of this training was to optimize home station deployment training resources to prepare operators on assigned missions.

The warfighter request and support from the Missile Defense Agency for training and knowledge on the BTIN/TDACS system presented a prime opportunity to expand the knowledge base for all the command and control systems technicians, air defense battle management system operators, air defense enhanced early warning system operators, and network management technicians across the AOR whom attended the course. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 4th Battalion 5th Air Defense Artillery, 3rd Battalion 43rd Air Defense Artillery, 1st Battalion 7th Air Defense Artillery, 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command, and DOD Civilians were in attendance. The five day training was conducted by the LinQuest Corporation and the Tactical Data Analysis and Connectivity System (TDACS) by Märzen Group LLC. 3-43 ADA provided the facilities that were used for the training.

“We conducted training at the same time utilizing real world operation for the hands-on portion of the training”, stated Chief Warrant Officer 3 Louis Plaza, C2I System Integrator from 3-43 ADA.

The classroom instruction also gave them an in-depth overview of the TDACS system and what it brings to the fight. This initial training provided a way to get an idea on what is needed in developing a training program that will allow the military to strengthen those skills that are not currently provided in the schoolhouse to those soldiers that are deploying into a theater that has the BTIN system.

Many of the students expressed how much they appreciated the class and why they felt it was important to receive this training.

“The trouble-shooting procedures that we went over proved to be invaluable,” stated Staff Sgt. Kristopher Cron, Top Notch Brigade, air defense battle manager. “It will also help facilitate the isolation of certain issues sooner if they arise. Overall, it gave me a better understanding of the BTIN system.”

Following this initial training event, the 108th ADA BDE leadership and MDA Support Team identified initiatives to pave the way ahead for future BTIN training.

• Date Taken: 09.18.2014
• Date Posted: 10.14.2014 07:29
• Story ID: 144990
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)